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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Possible to use PS2 keyboard on MacMini?

jverschu - Aug 21, 2007 - 8:37 pm

Hello MacOSX support member,

Windows user about to switch, via a MacMini, into the OSX world. I have a generic USB mouse and a couple of PS2, mini DIN plugged keyboards. Any problems getting a conversion plug to use a generic PS2 keyboard on the Mac in general but more specifically on a MacMini. Plan is to wait till Leopard comes out.
Thanks,
Jan

DeltaMac - Aug 22, 2007 - 7:55 pm

I've never tried that - but I have heard that a USB-PS/2 adapter should work. But, why not just find a cheap USB keyboard? You can find new ones for around $20, even less
http://www.directron.com/kbusbk.html

Of course, if you already have a USB-PS/2 adapter, you could just try it. There's no likelihood of hurting anything, and If it works, then you're good! Or, it just doesn't work...
- - just my 2 cents - the new Apple aluminum keyboard is really nice, very thin, and a good match for the mini, I think. - -
"Plan is to wait will Leopard comes out." - what are you expecting from Leopard? (just curious)

jverschu - Aug 23, 2007 - 8:47 pm

Hey there DeltaMac,
As in Delta Force? :-)
Thanks for your response. Reason for wanting to Mickey Mouse a keyboard on there is that I already have some here and it is to save expenses... I am a windows user with a girlfriend who has a G4 Powerbook with Tiger. I am in business, she is a medical professional. SHE has to go to windows machines as software in her profession is not available on the Mac. Well there is one program but is sucks... SO.... I see for myself, now that I will need to upgrade, the advantages to go to the Mac platform. But starting CHEAP, as it can always happen that I will miss my windows box. ie: keyboard shortcuts seems to be a reason for some windows switchers to go BACK to windows. And I am already seeing strong shortcomings in that department. Install quicksilver I heard. On the world´s most advanced operating system??? So I just want the MacMini for starters, plus having some keyboards here I hope to make the Mini a bit portable by leaving keyboards here and there with a monitor and mouse. And power supply... Another question for you: ANY monitor, like old one CRT will work on the Mini or are the first monitor problems I heard about on the first G4 mini´s still there?
And why I wait for Leopard is just that I can. Why buy Tiger 2 months before Leopard comes out? When I can wait...
Thanks again,
Jan

DeltaMac - Aug 23, 2007 - 10:04 pm

IMHO, the differences between the Mac OS and Windows are just that - differences. Using the Mac OS is not the same as using Windows, and it shouldn't be. Your workflow is your own, and that workflow on a Mac will be different, and not always better, or to your liking. (Anyway, I'm a realist and not a fanatic) If you are open to the changes in the interface, you should be open to finding another method to your madness . Your workflow on a Mac does not need to be the same as on Windows, and I think that Leopard will provide other chances to change your workflow, perhaps for the better. That remains to be seen.
I can't really tell if your CRT will work, but it should. I haven't heard anything of the VGA brightness issue since the initial G4 mini, and, of course, the Intel mini has very different video compared to that old G4.

Never been asked that question - DeltaMac is about the Mac, but first there's change (or delta) - so DeltaMac is all about changing to the Mac !
That's the Mac fanboy answer, but really, Delta is my nickname - I used to provide my initials responding to radio dispatcher calls, where you use the radio alpha codes - alpha, beta, etc. My initials are DD, so I would answer with DeltaDelta. My buds started calling me deltadelta, or just delta. So, it stuck. and here I am - on a Mac ...
Boring, eh?
- Dale