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From: brian@ssc-vax.UUCP (Brian Fenske)
Newsgroups: net.micro.mac
Subject: Re: Keyboard Layout
Message-ID: <884@ssc-vax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 23-Sep-86 12:32:08 EDT
Article-I.D.: ssc-vax.884
Posted: Tue Sep 23 12:32:08 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 26-Sep-86 01:13:04 EDT
References: <260@iscuva.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Boeing Aerospace Co., Seattle, WA
Lines: 73

> Arrrrrggghhhhhh!  
> 
> *** Warning, keyboard layout flame ahead...
> 
> I think I must be a member of the (or a) 'silent majority' when I state
> that I much prefer the layout of the original Mac keyboard to that
> abomination placed on the Mac+.  I think the first keyboard is wonderful,
> GOOD JOB, GUYS!  
> 
     I wouldn't go that far.  See below.
> 
> The new placements of the Command and Option keys are awful.  The dinky
> right shift key is particularly annoying.  I am a fairly quick and
> sloppy typist, and I don't like having to pussyfoot around my shift
> keys to keep from hitting other junk.  I preferred the
> left-hand/right-hand symmetry of the Option keys on the original
> keyboard.  It made for less hand-cramping when using them.  
> 
> I would have preferred the Caps-lock and Command keys to be exchanged.
> (I have since gotten used to curling my left thumb for Command rather
> than the more familiar pinkie-push).  Caps-lock is not actuated nearly
> as much as Command, so why put it in the more valuable position?
> 
       ..........
> 
> I don't care where the \ and ` keys are on a keyboard.  They could be on the
> bottom and still be close enough.  They should NOT displace vitally important
> keys such as Backspace, Return, and Shift.  All of these should be big, close
> to the home position, and have free space nearby for finger mash room.
> 
> I think that the Mac+ keyboard was designed by renegade left-handed (you can
> bet the pad isn't in the way of THEIR mouse!) piano designers from DEC....
> (DEC's keyboard anthem:  WI-DER, MORE-KEYS, WI-DER, MORE-KEYS, ...)
> ((Actually I think the VT-220 keyboard was designed for executives, who
>   equate key count with corporate status.  The Mac+ keyboard designers
>   are aware of this and didn't want businessmen to pooh-pooh the Mac+
>   because it doesn't have enough keys.))
> 
> Remember, high-speed typists care where keys go.  The rest don't.  Keyboards
> are almost always designed by some guy who can't type, and who feels that
> a perfectly rectangular cutout in the case and the color of the legends are
> THE most important things.  Need I say more?
> 
> ***** Applying CO  here.
>                  2
> 
> Sorry, folks, that has been building up for some time.  Am I really alone
> out here?
> 
> -- 
> 
> +----------------+
> ! II      CCCCCC !  Jim Cathey
> ! II  SSSSCC     !  ISC Systems Corp.
> ! II      CC     !  Spokane, WA
> ! IISSSS  CC     !  UUCP: ihnp4!tektronix!reed!iscuva!jimc
> ! II      CCCCCC !  (509)927-5757
> +----------------+
> 			"With excitement like this, who is needing enemas?"

No, Jim, you aren't alone.  Since I bought my first Mac two years
ago, I have always felt that overall it was the best personal
computer on the market, except for the keyboard.  I'll probably draw
some fire for saying so but to me the #@% PC has the best FEEL of
any keyboard I've used, terminals included.  It's LAYOUT and number
of keys is lousy but the touch is just right.  The Mac's is too
high, too clunky and (agreeing with Jim) the keys are in the wrong
place.  I hope Apple gets a lot of feedback and does something right
with the keyboard on their upcoming products.


Brian Fenske                           Boeing Aerospace Company
UUCP: uw-beaver!ssc-vax!brian          Seattle, Washington