Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!genrad!decvax!harpo!seismo!hao!hplabs!sri-unix!RICK@mit-mc From: RICK%mit-mc@sri-unix.UUCP Newsgroups: net.micro Subject: Why are micro keyboards braindamaged? Message-ID: <2045@sri-arpa.UUCP> Date: Sat, 11-Jun-83 14:17:00 EDT Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.2045 Posted: Sat Jun 11 14:17:00 1983 Date-Received: Mon, 13-Jun-83 12:17:38 EDT Lines: 25 From: Richard P. Wilkes Radio Shack recently introduced its Model IV computer. According to one of the persons responsible for the DOS, Radio Shack decided not to include a full ASCII keyboard because it would have been "too confusing" for the end users. Actually, I think that answer was given by one of the people responsible for the design because he couldn't think of any legit reason. I have had the "pleasure" of teaching several secretary type how to use Unix. Most had no trouble. However, the one that had a Model III without the full ASCII keyboard had more problems. Seems she could never remember that was |. I doubt that the cost was a consideration here since they had the keyboard, keyboard plate, and keycaps redesigned. They even added a control key (replacing the combination to get ^x). They at least recognize that there ARE control codes, but forgot about little things like ESCAPE (shift-uparrow?) {}'s (try C when you have to use a three key combination for the braces!), ~^|\... That is one of the reasons I decided to forget the Model IV and get a MAX80. -r