Legacy Computing, Anyone ? A blast from the past...

[Judge]

And from looking after many different people's computers over the years I will never ever use a wireless keyboard. If your computer starts behaving erratically and doing silly things by itself then you need to get rid of the wireless keyboard.

For many years all I used was my trusty (and crusty) IBM 101 keyboard. It never stopped working, but simply became too decrepit to use. It would probably withstand a nuclear blast. Wasted lots of money on Logitech wireless keyboards where the lettering was the first thing that went in about a year.

I've used Arteck's USB wireless mini keyboards for a few years and never had a problem. You just have to consider when to recharge them. And to keep them relatively close to your computer. Under $20 USD....a bargain!

The wired-USB keyboard I use on my legacy computer is much older, around 15 years. Though I have no idea who the manufacturer was....some generic brand from China. Never a problem with it, though it's best when using such keyboards to make sure your BIOS is configured to immediately recognize any USB devices as you boot your system up.

I've never bothered to actually try my wireless keyboards and mouse on my legacy system, but I suppose I should just to see if they would work. Most importantly however they all work with Linux.

 

[cooljethro]

The only keyboards that have ever worn away the lettering on different keys from regular usage have been Logitech keyboards, for me.

Microsoft keyboards, even cheap ones, seem a lot more resilient.

 

[Judge]

The only keyboards that have ever worn away the lettering on different keys from regular usage have been Logitech keyboards, for me.

Microsoft keyboards, even cheap ones, seem a lot more resilient.

I think I had as many as four of these Logitech K400 wireless boards in four years. I like the feel, but the damn lettering made it clearly disposable, designed to create repeat customers.

I see it works with Windows XP. Would I buy one? Doubtful. Besides, I'd want a beige one they don't offer with that model anyways. A primary reason I still use that wired USB one.

Something very close to this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wir...cphy=93365&hvtargid=pla-4584138875674638&th=1

Just remembered that I also once had an HP 101-style wireless keyboard. The letters on the keys wore out much the same as with the Logitech ones.

I'm still stoked with my two Arteck mini keyboards, which continue to run like real champs. Paid no more than $15 each a few years ago. Though I probably wouldn't take any chances with so many no-name brand wireless keyboards available through Amazon. Those you're throwing the dice over.

 

[Judge]

Interesting and welcome observation to discover that the Arteck wireless mini keyboard I use on my latest computer that I built also works just fine on my legacy Windows XP system. Also I discovered in my closet that I never threw away my last Logitech K400 wireless keyboard which also works with Windows XP.

I guess I spoke too soon about my no-name brand wired USB keyboard. It apparently died last night. I'll be replacing it for sure with a wireless one. Probably another Arteck. While they don't specifically mention Windows XP on a lot of their models, I have no reason to believe buying one in the near future wouldn't work. For now I'll use my old and decrepit Logitech...worn lettering and all.

There must be more folks out there running these ancient operating systems than I thought.

 

[Jumpinbare]

Hopefully they're not connecting XP and older to the Internet without some serious blocking upstream.

 

[Judge]

Hopefully they're not connecting XP and older to the Internet without some serious blocking upstream.

That's not possible with my legacy computer by design. There's no way from both a hardware and a software perspective to access the Internet or my personal network. I've removed everything you need with Windows XP to access the Internet when support for it from Microsoft ended.

In essence it's completely self-contained as a standalone device for good reason. Not to mention the advantages of being able to turn off so many taxing services that impact gaming performance.