Bad keyboard

Oh yeah ....

At least one thing still standard on Dell's is the keyboard interface. Any keyboard you have lying around from any computer you had growing up should still get the job done. If this is your first computer, ask a friend or neighbor. Most people have at least one keyboard lying around collecting dust somewhere.

I would be happy to go back to my old kb but there's no place to plug it in.  Nothing but usb ports.

I was quite amused by the design of the new Dell no-frills keyboards that shipped with my XPS systems. Minimalist to the extreme! Full size keys but no frame at all around them - I kind of like it as a spare since it takes up that much less room.

I guess Dell feels most people either choose the multi-media enhanced keyboards or already have them from a previous purchase ... I bet most of the basic keyboards they ship now are never used by anyone. The XPS is marketed as a gaming machine ... no self respecting gamer or power user would have a basic keyboard. I thought I had a cool keyboard until I discovered that some folks have keyboards that light up so you can use them in the dark!

Really? Sorry, didn't know that. I guess the smaller form factor and all... [EDIT] Actually, no, I guess it isn't that small (was thinking 200). Don't know why there'd be no PS2 ports...

Message Edited by CTskydiver on 10-30-2005 04:33 PM

Jim when you ordered your computer you had the option to add the ps2 ports for an extra cost of $10.  You should have exercised that option.  PS2 is much more stable than USB.  Many Dell USB keyboards are not able to boot into safe mode or into setup and Dell knows it.  Been there.  Done that.  I tossed all my Dell USB keyboards in favor of ps2 keyboards.

I see that I messed up.  I guess it's off to Fry's to look for a better keyboard.  Or are you saying that it is the usb port that is the problem so a new usb kb will be the same way even if it is built better?

Yeah, you need drivers to work USB, so you might not be able to work any USB keyboard in SafeMode, or in the BIOS. Maybe try buying the adapter from Dell (or elsewhere)? Then you can use your old keyboard and save some coin.