Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!snorkelwacker!husc6!rutgers!aramis.rutgers.edu!topaz.rutgers.edu!deen From: deen@topaz.rutgers.edu (Cinnamon Raisin) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc Subject: Re: Northgate keyboards Message-ID: Date: 7 Apr 90 14:15:49 GMT References: <29183@amdcad.AMD.COM> <2766@gandalf.UUCP> Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J. Lines: 85 I also recently bought a Northgate keyboard ( ya know they must be making a fortune because of the Net News and all of the talk about their keyboards) I have a Tandy 1000sx ( refrain from laughter please) and the keyboard (102+) worked out of the box, which I took as a good sign. After using it a while though, the darn thing wouldn't work after rebooting or on a cold start. The only cure I found was to unplug the keyboard cable from the computer and plug it back in while it was on (probably not a good idea, but it worked) After a while this became annoying, so I called up Northgate and after waiting 15 min. on hold they offered to call me back the same day. Two days later I get the call, and the Tech suggests that the EPROM might be *)!(4, so they sent me a new one no charge. They also gave me the option of exchanging the keyboard for a brand new one, credit card deposit required until you mail the old one back. The new EPROM works,so far (knock, knock) and it added some new features such as: - Better control on the key repeat speed - Ability to switch the \ key with the * key located between CTRL and ALT. The second feature doesn't work for me and the new firmware seems to to have messed up the scroll lock key as it doesn't work. Overall though I like the keyboard. Here are some of the reasons for those of you thinking about a replacement keyboard. - It's heavy, this sucker is a real keyboard and it has the weight to prove it, not like the lightweight plastic junk most OEM's like to sell you. - The keys are tough, if you are a heavy handed typist, this keyboard will survive you. - The "tactile feedback" is very IBM'ish, if you like that sort of thing. There is a serious 'click' when a key is pressed which may make for a noisy keyboard, but then you also when a key wasn't pressed. - The layout is pretty well thought out. It's a big keyboard, plenty of room for a big hand. On the other hand: - It has some problems if your computer isn't an AT, like my 1000 Keys don't allways work as they are supposed to. - The function keys ont the left are great, but more and more computers feature the function keys on top. A combination of both sets on one keyboard would be great. - The location of the left ALT key leaves a lot to be desired. The ability to switch it with the CAPSLOCK key would be a welcome addition.. - The ability to reassign the cursor control keypad would be nice also, I've gotten used to the inverted T over the years and the other keys (PGUP,PGDWN,HOME,END) are too far apart. - The ~ key should be someplace higher on the keyboard. I guess I could go on complaining, but I notice most of my complaints are pretty much personal preference. Northgate puts out an excellent keyboard and I am glad that I bought one, but it is not perfect. Perhaps a good idea, would be to get together a list of suggestions to send off to Northgate so that they have some more voice from customers or prospective customers? -Z Raisin * PS: I am not affiliated with Northgate in anyway, except as a happy customer. If anyone can offer a cure for the key problem, let me know. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- rutgers!gritty!zraisin | Super Amazin Cinnamon Raisin | deen@topaz.rutgers.edu ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- < < < < M A Y T H E P R E Z E N T T E N Z B E W I T H Y O U > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------------------------