External keyboard - do you use one?

I do for Sibelius (music writing software) which uses a numpad a lot for inputting various notes, also for some games like San Andreas and for using the laptop while i'm in bed ( I stick it on a cahir next to the bed rather than fluff it up with douvet bits!).

 

I do programming on it but since I am a still a student carrying an extra keyboard would be a true pain.

 

I have one for my desk, reduces the wear and tear on the scissor style keys from gaming. But for typing, I would prefer the laptop, I find that I can type much quicker and accurately.

 

I use an external keyboard full-time - I have basically a desktop setup with my laptop - external keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor. Here's mine:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823155003
Love it.

 

I have an external keyboard/mouse setup on my desk. Use a simple Logitech $30 keyboard and G7.

 

Yup...I got the Logitect diNovo keyboard though.

 

I use the logitech MX3000 desktop, nicest mouse I have ever used, and I love the feel and extra features of the keyboard. It is also nice because the desk I have is rather high, which is awkward for reaching up to a laptop, but the keyboard mounted in a drawer is great.

 

Nope I have a big bad@$$ laptop with a full size keyboard

 

I used a external keyboard for gaming, especially those that need the "number" coz I'm fast at those

 

I wouldn't buy one without a numpad. 17" is the perfect size =D

Malia

 

Do you need to have the notebook open and the onboard screen lit-up also?

 

Using a mx3000 series as well as my desktop setup, speakers, speakers, mice as well as a large LCD

I'm looking too upgrade soon as well, the new DiNovo looks pretty awesome...

 

I just unplug my dell usb keyboard. I use it for photoshop cause I need the number pad.

 

I use just my laptop keyboard. It feels better than my desktop one (granted, my desktop has a crappy Fujitsu keyboard)

...though I'm a bit worried that I might wear certain keys out on my laptop while gaming. =/

 

Yes, I do. I have a Toshiba that has a terrible keyboard when it comes to gaming.

 

nope. but I might try to find a bluetooth numpad for when I need that.

 

No. You can set the laptop to do nothing when the screen is closed. I used to have a similar setup.

 

Its much more exciting with multiple of everything, keyboards, mice, and screens. It just makes life fun.

 

If I were using a dock I would have a keyboard attached to the dock. Otherwise, I own an IBM which has a fantastic keyboard.

 

The V6j is not so bad, I love it, but the external Logitech I have is in a much better physical location at my desk, and it has a great response. I have learned to like both.

 

I use a MERC keyboard at home for gaming but my dv9000 has a fullsize keyboard as well for when I use the notebook away from home. I've gotten too used to the gamepad on the left side of my MERC when playing FPS games

 

I want one but don't have the cash to get the one I really want so I'm stuck with my built in one for now.

 

i dont' have one but i'm sure i'll buy one as soon as i have the money (and time to play)
i dont' feel comfortable while playing on my laptop, as i'm a little bit "violent" when it comes to gaming (i play starcraft a lot, with an APM - actions per minute - of about 180)

 

I found the Logitech G11 on sale for 50% off, went out to buy one. I must say I'm quite impressed, the macro's are useful for gaming and for other use(Photoshop, quick switch for controls and shortcuts).

 

That sounds like a really good deal!

 

Haven't used a regular keyboard in years. My new HP has a full size keyboard with excellent keytravel. I really love the feel. Feels a lot like the old Northgate keyboard I have. Good positive yet smooth key motion.

After my old Northgate keyboard I really like Logitech keyboards. I am somewhat amazed when people complain about their keyboard and it turns out to be some $20 Walmart special.

The big office supply stores here in the US are the BEST place to find a good keyboard then go home and order it online... Same for mice...

I found this weird keyboard the other day while searching for bluetooth headphones...now that is a funky keyboard!

 

hmmm, i use the g15 keyboard whenever i use my laptop at home, because the lighting is just so nice to not use it, although as i'm typing this i'm using the laptop keyboard

 

I don't use an external keyboard, but if I were to use one then it would have to be the G15. Thats the ultimate keyboard if you ask me. I'm usually moving around alot when I use my laptop though, I don't really even keep it at my desk. I'm lying in bed as I type this.

 

I do prefer external keyboards over laptop ones. They are cheaper to replace than laptop keyboards and they are more comfortable to type/game =)

 

I second the gaming comment, I loaded FEAR again and its just not as fun on the internal keyboard. My external logitech is great, though for just typing the V6j keyboard is right up there tied for best keyboard I have used. The MX3000 is nice and its tied for first.

 

I have a bluetooth keyboard and mouse so that I can lay back on the couch and without balancing the notebook on my knees. Also so I can hook up the s-video to my tv... only a couple days till delivery!

 

Thats what the 19" monitor and TV tuner are for, TV on the laptop, no knee balancing. Its all in all a good solution.

 

Ooh, my thread has returned from the grave!

Still using my logitech laptop-style keyboard while I'm in bed. Even did that with the portege, havin a notebook on your knee for ages can get pretty tiring.

 

Games: external keyboard and mouse of some kind. a must.
Applications: external keyboard and mouse are more comfortable.

I rarely hook a keyboard/mouse up to my laptop directly these days... I use Synergy to control my laptop from my desktop.

I still use the built in ones where space is a concern.