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    Standalone Keyboard That Mimics Thinkpad

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by orbster556, Apr 4, 2009.

  1. orbster556

    orbster556 Newbie

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    Hello All,
    I currently use an X200 and one of the reasons that that I enjoy Thinkpads are the keyboard, which I think are brillant. There are, however, those circumstances where I need either the additional screen real estate or the additional processing power of my desktop.

    Thus, I was hoping that Lenovo might sell a standalone keyboard that mimics the feel and characteristics of the keyboard contained on the laptop? I checked the website and there looks to be some potential products, but I was hoping to get some feedback from people who have actually used a particular keyboard.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    orbster556, Apr 4, 2009
    #1
  2. wobble987

    wobble987 Notebook Virtuoso

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    yeah, they have thinkpad keyboard available, even one with built in touchpad.
     
    wobble987, Apr 4, 2009
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  3. yehrulz

    yehrulz Notebook Consultant

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    linky please?
     
    yehrulz, Apr 4, 2009
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  4. drwho9437

    drwho9437 Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    Search for "ThinkPad UltraNav USB Keyboard" and you will get them. They are about 70-100 dollars. Now they offer two one just like a laptop, and one with a num pad. I got a mechanical keyboard "ABS M1" from newegg. It is extremely loud... I didn't get this kind because I don't really see the point of having ultra nav on a desktop, my mouse is more accurate than touch points or pads for say photo editing...
     
    drwho9437, Apr 4, 2009
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  5. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    The ThinkPad Ultrav USB keyboard, is a good option if you want a TrackPoint/Touchpad and a very slim keyboard.

    However, if your goal is a TrackPoint and a keyboard with a very good action, then the IBM Space Saver II is probably a better choice.

    I have both the USB and PS/2 version of this keyboard. The PS/2 has slightly better travel (it's also heavier), but it doesn't play nice with PS/2 to USB converters. Therefore, if you intend on using it with your ThinkPad, the newer USB version is probably a better choice.

    Here is a review of the PS/2 version.

    Both of these are discontinued, but they pop up on Ebay and ClickyKeyboards every so often.

    Picture of the USB version (used w/ my desktop). I like it because it allows me to use the keyboard retracted in a tray, and includes a very good TrackPoint that I can use for most mouse activity (I maintain a mouse for gaming and heavy use).

    [​IMG]
     
    jonlumpkin, Apr 4, 2009
    #5
  6. drwho9437

    drwho9437 Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    I guess I should say the ABS M1 is fine and I got use to it but it might still wake the dead. It certainly lets you know if you pushed a key...
     
    drwho9437, Apr 4, 2009
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  7. eaadams

    eaadams Notebook Consultant

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    eaadams, Apr 4, 2009
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  8. electron73

    electron73 Newbie

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    electron73, Apr 4, 2009
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  9. pepclub

    pepclub Notebook Consultant

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    I recently got one of these keyboard, the numpadded version. It's nearly impossible to get the spacesaver keyboard for me locally. I like it very much. However, if you're planning to get one, do take note:

    -As this keyboard was designed years ago, some functions are "missing":
    • Some Fn combo keys will not work: Lock computer, Thinklight, Multimedia buttons (Fn+arrow keys)
    • Lack of Windows key (might be a plus or minus)

    -Build quality is, admittedly, is not very good. I had to do a exchange. Your experience may vary.

    -The feel of the keyboard is not the same as my T61 but it's still pretty good to me.

    -Yes! The touchpad can be disabled. :)

    Full size Ultra-nav:
    [​IMG]
     
    pepclub, Apr 5, 2009
    #9