Fritz: All Fritz/All Fritz.zip/All Fritz/FILES/INFOTEXT/REVIEWS.LZH/KEYBOARD.TXT

Text File | 1988-10-19 | 4KB | 67 lines

               Northgate Keeps Fingers From Getting Key-Bored!
                      Copyright 1988 by David Batterson


    When purchasing an AT-clone machine, it doesn't seem to make any
difference whether the price is $1999 or $4999.  The makers usually supply an
inferior keyboard, now universally described as mushy.  Hardware manufacturers
or resellers traditionally skimp on this piece of the pie, and use the
cheapest keyboard possible to lower selling cost and maximize profits.
    The new computer buyer may not even realize that the keyboard is sub-par,
and just thinks that's the way it's supposed to be.  If one hasn't used a
high quality enhanced 101-key style keyboard previously--like the one supplied
with Big Blue's AT--the advantage won't be manifest.
    Some computer users don't do much word processing or heavy data input, so
a standard keyboard might be acceptable.  However, for anyone who spends a lot
of time banging the keys, a quality keyboard is a necessity, not a luxury.
    Since AT-style enhanced keyboard layouts are standardized these days, that
is not the issue.  A quality keyboard must have excellent tactile response,
like you find on the IBM Selectric and other typewriters; most clone keyboards
are like tickling the ivories on a toy piano.
    Northgate Computer Systems calls theirs the "C/T" (click-tactile) 101
Keyboard (it also offers a board with 84 keys).  It is compatible with
"virtually all" AT and XT clones which use the the 5-pin DIN plug.
    Its electronics automatically sense the type of ROM BIOS of the computer
in use.  Any incompatibility would be due to software which is not
written or upgraded for 101-key usage.  Also, the early IBM AT (which came
with the 84-key style) contains a ROM BIOS which cannot recognize the
101-style.
    The "C/T" 101 cannot be plugged in a computer that is running.  When I
plugged in Northgate's board, and then booted up, I received a "301 Error"
on-screen, which indicates a keyboard error.
    That's because I didn't read the manual first, which tells the buyer to
set the AT/XT switch located underneath the keyboard.  My error, not
Northgate's.
    I like the raised dots on the `F' and `J' keys; some makers put a slight
lip on them instead.  There's also a raised dot on the numeric keypad's `5'
key.  The labels on the keys are dark black, and not washed out gray like some
I've seen.  The manual cautions against typing after using hand lotions or
creams, as they can be corrosive to the lettering; there's no mention if axle
grease is OK.
    The feel of this keyboard is truly outstanding, and the best I have
encountered outside the genuine IBM AT keyboard.  My fingers loved it.  The
case is all metal too, not made of recycled Melmac.  Lightweight plastic
keyboards tend to slide around on the desk too much.
    Usual clone keyboards use a rubber-like membrane beneath the keys.
Northgate uses more expensive Alps Keyswitches instead.  The difference is
amazing.  In typing tests, Northgate claims speeds increased up to 28 percent,
with a significant reduction in errors.  I believe it, as my typing definitely
improved too.  Operating life of the key switches is said to be over 20
million repetitions.
    There was one minor problem, however, with a slight case wobble.  This was
the same whether the legs were extended or not.  I checked this on another
surface (thinking it might be my desktop) but it happened again.  I had to
solve this by inserting a folded piece of paper under one corner.
    Northgate does offer a three-year warranty against defects in workmanship
and materials, and will repair or replace the keyboard for free.
    I don't ever want to use a membrane-keyboard again, after using the "C/T"
101; smart clone resellers should include this keyboard in the package deal,
even if the price has to be raised a little.  At this time, Northgate sells
its keyboards (made by Focus Electronic Co., Ltd., Taiwan) via mail/phone
order, for $99 ($79 for the 84-key model).
    For more information, contact Northgate Computer Systems, 13895 Industrial
Park Blvd., Suite 110, Plymouth, MN 55441; [phone]; [phone] for
phone orders.
                                       #
David W. Batterson reviews PCs and peripherals for a number of publications.