There is no difference between a green and a purple USB to PS/2 adapter other than the color. Having the mouse image on it makes it easier for many users to know what is on the other end of the cord.
Gou - I was pretty miffed when I got my 9100 and found no PS/2 ports. The ordinary passive PS/2-USB adaptors don't work. You'll need an active one. This is the one I got:
http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/guc100km.html
It works fairly well, with the exception of some key-repeat problems that make gaming difficult. The 9100's motherboard has the pins for the PS/2 ports, marked as such. I called Dell and asked to buy the ports to attach to them and was laughed at and ask why I'd want to use old technology on my hot new Dell. If I ever find the correct part to add the ports, I'll post it here. Until then, keep calling Dell support and maybe you'll get a human.
I’ll throw my two cents worth in on this, too. I’m the network administrator for a small aerospace company that will be looking to upgrade a number of machines early next year thanks to Sarbanes-Oxley (another can of worms!)
When I received a Dimension 9100 without the o/s and driver discs, I was a bit miffed. But now that I see we also don’t get P/S2 ports, I’m starting to wonder if maybe one shouldn’t assume that little extras like cases and power switches are the next thing that will be cut from the package. I guess it’s a “buyer beware” situation, where you shouldn’t assume ANYTHING will be included unless it’s specifically stated. (“Oh, you mean you wanted INSULATION on those power supply wires…?”)
Ok, I’m being a bit sarcastic, but I hope I’m making my point. The ability to use this as “my” main machine on a workbench/desk that hosts other machines via KVM switch has been greatly handicapped. I hope the bean counters at Dell will be influenced to not shave so closely the cost of machines in this manner in the future. If they continue to do this, I can foresee how the next 50 machines we buy may be white box kits instead of Dells….
In the meantime, I’ve managed to eliminate the s-s-studdering keyboard issue by passing my P/S2 stuff by using this product: http://www.cbwarehouse.com/sarasota-bradenton-manatee-florida-computer-parts/computer-part-display.asp?itemnum=USB-PS2USB and a Belkin USB KVM switch. But that’s a lot of extra expense and hassle for a customer to have to set up (offsetting any “savings” in the Dell) just to make up for a machine that was made without support for a commonly-used I/O port.
Indeed, in addition to the missing OS disks, PS/2 ports, there is also no white digital montior port, there is no printer port that I can use with non-USB printers. The USB keyboard that came with the computer was the most un-ergonomical keyboard I have seen. (The border around the keyboard was about 2 mm (millemeter) thick).
I was amazed to see the features and peripherals that came with a VAIO ...
BigBrother
2 Intern
•
4.8K Posts
0
August 25th, 2005 18:00
gou
1 Rookie
•
2 Posts
0
August 25th, 2005 20:00
Chickencow
3 Posts
0
September 6th, 2005 03:00
http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/guc100km.html
It works fairly well, with the exception of some key-repeat problems that make gaming difficult. The 9100's motherboard has the pins for the PS/2 ports, marked as such. I called Dell and asked to buy the ports to attach to them and was laughed at and ask why I'd want to use old technology on my hot new Dell. If I ever find the correct part to add the ports, I'll post it here. Until then, keep calling Dell support and maybe you'll get a human.
joelbav
1 Message
0
September 22nd, 2005 17:00
When I received a Dimension 9100 without the o/s and driver discs, I was a bit miffed. But now that I see we also don’t get P/S2 ports, I’m starting to wonder if maybe one shouldn’t assume that little extras like cases and power switches are the next thing that will be cut from the package. I guess it’s a “buyer beware” situation, where you shouldn’t assume ANYTHING will be included unless it’s specifically stated. (“Oh, you mean you wanted INSULATION on those power supply wires…?”)
Ok, I’m being a bit sarcastic, but I hope I’m making my point. The ability to use this as “my” main machine on a workbench/desk that hosts other machines via KVM switch has been greatly handicapped. I hope the bean counters at Dell will be influenced to not shave so closely the cost of machines in this manner in the future. If they continue to do this, I can foresee how the next 50 machines we buy may be white box kits instead of Dells….
In the meantime, I’ve managed to eliminate the s-s-studdering keyboard issue by passing my P/S2 stuff by using this product: http://www.cbwarehouse.com/sarasota-bradenton-manatee-florida-computer-parts/computer-part-display.asp?itemnum=USB-PS2USB and a Belkin USB KVM switch. But that’s a lot of extra expense and hassle for a customer to have to set up (offsetting any “savings” in the Dell) just to make up for a machine that was made without support for a commonly-used I/O port.
LBJOHN
5 Posts
0
January 10th, 2006 22:00