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Different Types of Keyboards

Laptop KeyboardA computer keyboard is an essential part of our working life. It is what we touch the most when we are using the computer. Because of this, we need to get the best-looking keyboard with added features and the most comfortable too. There are variety of computer keyboards in the market. So, let us narrow it down to the best ones that will suit your work and your budget.

  • Ergonomic keyboard is designed using ergonomic deliberation so as to lessen muscle strain and other similar problems. The keyboard is constructed in a V shape so that the right and the left hands can type in an angle that is fit for the human form.
  • Mechanical keyboards are very durable, reactive, and accurate. It uses physical, actual switches under the keys so the user will know if a key has been pushed. When you press a key, the switch will be pressed down. When this happens, the keyboard will send a signal to your computer to indicate that you pressed a certain key.
  • Gaming keyboards are like normal keyboards although they have extra features like additional LCD screen, palm rest, illuminated keys, multimedia keys, and so on. It has illuminated light to enable a user to play games at night when it is dark. The multimedia keys are good for adjusting the music tracks and the volumes plus the key is for doing other things while playing the game.
  • A wireless keyboard is used to communicate with tablets, computers, laptops using the radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth technology, infrared (IR). This is accompanied by a wireless mouse.
  • Multimedia keyboards are designed to access often-used functions and programs with just one-touch. It contains keys used to enter music, internet and other programs like calculator, email etc. It has 5 buttons that controls the volumes, play/pause, previous buttons, and next. The volume are marked with speaker icons. It is also good for controlling the music programs. Songs can be played, go forward, backward, paused etc. using the right buttons. A mute key is present. Multimedia keyboards has various connection formats – PS/2, USB and wireless. It is also pre-programmed and ready to use.
  • A fixed-split keyboard type is a single board. It has keys that are separated into two or even three groups. This allows the user to type in different angles which cannot be done with the usual keyboard. An adjustable split keyboard is split into many independent pieces. The angles can be changed.
  • Portable keyboards have several types. There is the foldable, roll up and many more. Foldable keyboards are not as handy as the roll-up keyboards that has a soft feel, but it does feel like a real normal keyboard. Both keyboards are easy to bring as it is light to carry.
  • Other types of portable computer keyboards are the numeric keyboards and the mini keyboards.

Now that you have read the different types of computer keyboards, it is now time to determine which of these types is good for you. You can read this buying guide to help you more on which keyboard to purchase.

How to Choose the Right Keyboard

computer keyboardWhen you open your computer, your fingers will stay in the keyboard until you are done. Whatever is your purpose, there is an appropriate keyboard for it. You can read the different types of computer keyboards in this link.  If you own a desktop, you may be using the usual keyboard that goes with your computer. With the long hours in front of the computer, get a keyboard that has a bit of extra features. Your keyboard can do a lot for you so it is best to invest on the right keyboard. Make your computer experience better by following the guide below:

  • First, take a look at the back of your computer. You will find either a round or a rectangular port. The round is a PS2 port and the rectangular one is a USB port. The kind of port will tell you of the type of connection your keyboard needs. If you spend most of your time typing, then you need an ergonomic keyboard. If you deal with numbers, a numeric pad can allow you to work in comfort.
  • A gaming keyboard is good for those serious players. This type of keyboard is usually backlit, and illuminated. It is a perfect choice for gamers who loves playing all night because they can still see the keys even in dim areas. There are keyboards that are soft and sensitive, but there are others that needs more pressure to type on. The mechanism that is responsible for the level of noise, sensitivity, and comfort is called “switch.”
  • The USB ports and the PS/2 ports connection is almost obsolete. The wireless ones which connects to the system via Bluetooth is the more recent type. The only challenge is how to set it up. Know that a lot of keyboards needs software installed to use the function keys. Check first if the keyboard is compatible with your system.
  • The design of your keyboard will make your computing experience more relaxing. Based on various needs, keyboards can be group together. Standard keyboards are common but it comes with multimedia keys aside from its standard set of 104 keys.
  • Wire or wireless? Both has its pros and cons. The wireless has no cord that will clutter your working area. However, it might get into the way of your other wireless devices. In gaming, the wired keyboard is much preferred. The wireless can lag which can hinder the gameplay so it would not recommended if you are a serious gamer. Also, the wireless keyboards are powered by batteries that adds to your cost, or you have to charge them from time to time.
  • With the fast-paced lifestyle these days, you need to speed up your work. There are multimedia keyboards that has extra function keys that can be used for controlling music player, volume, launching apps, etc. Some has a mini joystick or a touch pad in place of a mouse.
  • The price depends on the features that are added to the keyboards. Choose the best within your budget. The more features, the more expensive. Whether you decide on a wireless, ergonomic, gaming, multimedia, portable, always check the keystrokes. Test how the keys feel when you use it.

Mistakes to Avoid in Buying a Laptop (Part 2)

businessman, coder, computerBuying a laptop is not an easy task. There are numerous factors to consider. Previously, I have indicated the importance of trying the laptop before buying, and checking the compatibility. (You can review part one here.) Here are more tips that will definitely help you in choosing the right laptop:

  • Not researching. Always try to research and make sure you are buying what you want. All these companies have official websites. Browse through their products and look at the technical specifications. Do not let the sales person sweet talk you in buying a laptop you will not be needing. You choose want you want and do not solely rely on the sales staff’s opinion. They are there to sell the products and not to give an expert opinion. Use the internet and read reviews of the laptops of you are considering to buy. These reviews will surely help you narrow down your choices.
  • Extending Warranties. It is only ideal to extend warranties if you travel a lot. In case your laptop gets stolen or damaged, you are still covered by the warranty you bought. If you are not traveling most of the time, there is no need to purchase additional warranty. It will just cost you money. To be honest, problems will likely occur when your laptop is five years old or so. The warranty is long gone by then. Just save the money for your next target laptop.
  • Buying the newest and most expensive ones. Just because a device is new does not mean it is better. People will always rave for the latest laptop out there. Do not get too excited and assume that it is going to be the “best” for you. Furthermore, the best laptop does not need to be expensive. These expensive laptops have something you do not need. For example, you do not have to get the latest version of Windows, or MacOS. These built-in operation systems might not be for you. Plus, some applications will not be compatible with them. You can go for a lower one instead of paying more for a feature that you will not be using. Plus, if you are not planning to play online games, additional RAM is not imperative. 2GB of RAM is enough when your purpose is just to do school assignments, office work, and other basic tasks.
  • Thinking that every portable computer is a laptop. A tablet equipped with a detachable keyboard is not a laptop. This hybrid of both a tablet and a laptop is getting popular these days. Yes, it looks like one because of it has a screen and keyboard, but it is not. You might think you can still type so no need to bother if it is a tablet or a laptop, right?  These convertible devices will be restricted in terms of multitasking, web browsing, and complex applications capabilities. You will be left with a device that is next to nothing if your goal is to do different tasks simultaneously. If you want faster browsing and you need to use heavy applications at work, go get an actual laptop. If you still think you need a tablet, buy one. Invest on a laptop and tablet separately. These devices are not interchangeable.

Mistakes to Avoid in Buying a Laptop (Part 1)

researching on a laptopWhat should you look for in buying a laptop? Do not get too excited when buying for a laptop. Do not let your eyes deceive you. Avoid making these mistakes. Know what you need in a laptop, and find one that suits your needs. Here are tips that will surely help you in finding the right laptop:

  • Neglecting the ports and compatibility. Now, laptops are getting thinner and ports are slowly getting removed from laptops. You cannot just ignore these ports especially if you are going to use your laptop for various tasks. If you are doing a lot of presentations, printing, and editing, you should consider the ports for flash disks, Ethernet cable, video output (i.e. LCD projectors) , keyboards, printers, and other external devices. You will be having a hard time finding cables to convert your existing port to fit whatever device you want to plug in. Not all files can be sent online, some are transferred using a flash disk. Most importantly, not all places have WiFi, so make sure your laptop has an Ethernet port. You may need more USB ports for your mobile broadband stick.
  • Not trying the laptop before buying. Every laptop is different. A hands-on experience is needed. The keyboard, screen, and touch pad vary. You have to try these parts yourself, assess if it suits your needs, and they are comfortable for you to use. What is the purpose of a high-end laptop if you find it bulky and unfriendly to use? Like buying a car, you need to do a test drive. If you cannot avoid buying from an online store, make sure that the store has a substantial return policy. If not, you better go out and try all your options.
  • Looking at design instead of the specifications. The front end of a laptop is what you call the user interface and this is everything you see. However, what is inside your laptop is a totally different story. Do not get enticed by good looks. Yes, a light and thin laptop would be convenient to bring anywhere with you. It is important to consider the function first and then, the design next. You would want a laptop that performs. Are you going to need a lot of storage space for your projects? Are you planning to use this laptop in five years or so? Consider the hard drive space. If you want a laptop that will allow you to play games, go for a laptop with a higher Random Access Memory (RAM). Remember that the more programs you will use, the more RAM is needed. Additionally, a laptop with less than 1GB graphics will not allow you to play massively multiplayer online role-playing games.
  • Ignoring the size. When you are constantly traveling, always consider the laptop size. Smaller laptops are a perfect choice for mobile users, but know that these laptops will most probably have smaller keyboards and touch pads. Typing in small keyboard would be very inconvenient. A standard laptop measuring from 13 – 14 inches would be a great choice. If you are looking for a desktop replacement and you barely bring it with you, try the larger laptops that are bigger than 15 inches.
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