The Conservative Cave

The Help Desk => Computer Related Discussions & Questions => Topic started by: franksolich on December 11, 2011, 10:16:26 AM

Title: keyboard failure
Post by: franksolich on December 11, 2011, 10:16:26 AM
I got a message when starting up this computer; "keyboard failure".

It wouldn't even take the F1 or F2 key.

I unplugged the thing, banged it around, and then replugged it.

I got it working okay, but it looks as if I'm going to be going somewhere soon to borrow another keyboard until I can get to the big city to buy another one.

I dunno about anybody else, but I've always been hard on keyboards.  Part of it is, I suppose, that I usually do circa 110 wpm, which is somewhat faster than most people.

This is why I always buy the $1.98 used keyboards at the thrift store; since they're going to wear out quickly anyway, no point in paying full price for any new one.  Usually I keep two or three spares here, but alas I must've run out.  And the weather's pretty bad, damn it.
Title: Re: keyboard failure
Post by: TVDOC on December 11, 2011, 10:27:44 AM
Geez.....110 wpm......

I've never worn out a keyboard.......I've spilled coffee, soft drinks, etc. in them, causing their demise, but never worn one out.

doc
Title: Re: keyboard failure
Post by: franksolich on December 11, 2011, 10:30:36 AM
Geez.....110 wpm......

I've never worn out a keyboard.......I've spilled coffee, soft drinks, etc. in them, causing their demise, but never worn one out.

doc

I used to be hard on IBM Selectric II typewriters, too.

That's why I always bought them at State of Nebraska surplus property auctions; I'd get five or six of them at a time, for circa $2-10 apiece, and a man from an office service center in Lincoln would come to my house--as if I were a business--to get them into shape and to service all the others; it was usually about $25 per machine.

Some things, one's so hard on, no point in buying new.  Just used, and use them until they're all pounded out.
Title: Re: keyboard failure
Post by: Chris_ on December 11, 2011, 12:04:42 PM
Keyboards are cheap.  I have a pile of them in my office you can have for free.
Title: Re: keyboard failure
Post by: Thor on December 11, 2011, 12:22:52 PM
Quit buying used keyboards. A new one will last longer. ;)
Title: Re: keyboard failure
Post by: Minky on December 11, 2011, 06:20:27 PM
I'm pretty hard on keyboards too, but a couple of years ago I bought one of those wireless Microsoft keyboards that are huge and have a shortcut key for everything. My first one lasted until this summer and I'm on my second one now. It's awesome!

I type about 92wpm. Fast, but not as fast as you.

The best part about this keyboard is that I lock it in my bedroom when I leave for work so my son doesn't sit here and get crumbs in it while I'm away. Yes, he has done that. He's a creep. He plans to move out soon.
Title: Re: keyboard failure
Post by: franksolich on December 11, 2011, 06:25:51 PM
Quit buying used keyboards. A new one will last longer. ;)

I went out and bought a new one once, for $13.95.

It lasted all of eight months.

At $1.98 a shot from the thrift store, "average" life circa six months, it's a better investment of money.
Title: Re: keyboard failure
Post by: CactusCarlos on December 12, 2011, 10:39:18 AM
Coach, I found the last keyboard you'll ever have to buy:

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNvZduvwfMA[/youtube]
Title: Re: keyboard failure
Post by: LC EFA on December 12, 2011, 11:03:49 PM
It is possible that transitions in climate around the computer can cause a failed connection on older (PS2 ) style keyboards.

Unplugging and reconnecting usually solves this problem.