Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!purdue!decwrl!sun!pitstop!sundc!seismo!uunet!tektronix!reed!omen!caf
From: caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Northgate C/T keyboards
Message-ID: <738@omen.UUCP>
Date: 14 Mar 89 12:08:05 GMT
References: <1989Mar9.200917.2634@gpu.utcs.toronto.edu> <21409@agate.BERKELEY.EDU> <62324@rebel.UUCP>
Reply-To: caf@omen.UUCP (Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX)
Distribution: na
Organization: Omen Technology Inc, Portland Oregon
Lines: 29

I've had a Northgate 102 keyboard for some months now.
The first order fell thru the cracks, but it was shipped
reasonably fast after the second call.

To me, nothing feels as "right" as the feel of a good
Selectric typewriter as I remember it.  Next is a good
IBM keyboard, and the Northgate 102 is close behind.
It's better than most.  Your mileage will vary.  I had
to get used to the "n" key on less(1) and rn(1), but
otherwise no problems.

Compared to the "classic AT" keyboard, the lack of a separate
SysRq key makes life a bit more interesting with VP/ix.  On
the other hand,  function keys across the top on the new IBM keyboards
is the pits, not to mention the Ctrl key.  I do wish the tilde/squiggle
key were someplace logical instead of next to the spacebar.  And I'm
not too happy with backslash/pipe bering just to the right of the
right shift key.

My preference would be for the IBM PC layout with an extra 8 function
keys somewhere (so one can do vt220).  Foo on the serparate numeric
keypad and cursor cluster.  Use the space for a real pointing device,
an isotonic joystick or perhaps a fake trackball or simulated mouse.

Chuck Forsberg WA7KGX          ...!tektronix!reed!omen!caf 
Author of YMODEM, ZMODEM, Professional-YAM, ZCOMM, and DSZ
  Omen Technology Inc    "The High Reliability Software"
17505-V NW Sauvie IS RD   Portland OR 97231   503-621-3406
TeleGodzilla:621-3746 FAX:621-3735 CIS:70007,2304 Genie:CAF