IBM keyboard - why is it superior?

Hi all, I've been lurking in these forums for a while, gaining knowledge sifting through tons of posts. I'm in the market for a notebook soon and IBM's T series are certainly under consideration - albeit with a few reservations.

I just read abaxter's latest review on the T43, which mentions IBM's reputation for having a good keyboard, but made no mention of what it is that makes it superior to other brands. My questions is why? Why is it considered superior? Is the the key travel, is the the spacing between keys? Is the the recessed fit wrt to the palm rest? Is it the upward tilt of the entire unit?

Thanks for reading so far, I look forward to your answers.

 

It's mostly the responsiveness and sturdyness. I don't know if the latter is really a word, but it feels good to use. There's no flex, like you'll find on cheaper models.

 

I'll list a few, part of it is certainly a je ne sais quoi quality that's just hard to put into words:

1) Key travel is perfect, it goes down just the right amount so you know that the button is "in"
2) Feedback from key is perfect, if you're not looking at the screen you'll easily know whether you did or did not hit the key based on the "bounce back" feel from the key.
3) Keys are not loose ever and they won't pop off on you
4) Keyboard does not "flex" or "bow" anywhere, you can push in a key and the neighboring key will never depress as you'll see on some keyboards
5) You can't get your fingernails under the keys like you can on certain keyboards, such as Dell's, which leads to the sense you could pop one of those keys right off if your fingernail gets mistakenly caught
6) Spillproof tray is underneath every keyboard
7) Tray underneath keyboard also provides for firmer feel
8) the built in trackpoint navigation makes moving the cursor seamless and easy...no need to take your hand off the keyboard to move it to the mouse or touchpad to move the cursor...seriously, that's a waste of time and when you're obsessed with typing and navigation efficiency every second counts

I could go on, but as I said, you just have to use one to see what I mean.

 

How about the fact that it actually has all those useful buttons that some notebooks are lacking these days.

 

My first notebook was the IBM T42.. after I sold it and began exploring other notebooks, including Fujitsu, Gateway and Asus models.. I have yet to find one that is equal to the keyboard on the T series. Even when I make an effort to find flex in the keyboard, there is none! or at least very few.. it is incredibly sturdy like a normal keyboard. the bounce from the keys are perfect and they make less "key noise" than a regular keyboard.

In comparison, I find Fujitsu keyboards tend to have some kind of flex.. Toshiba even more flex, the Gateway I used had less flex but just didn't feel as responsive.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

I've noted the points made, and compared it with my experience and list of complaints I have with my current lappy (NC6000), and I can't say the issues have popped up. Or maybe I'm just not fussy on this issue. I will definitely try to check out the T series keyboards at a retailer to cop a feel for myself.

I'm beginning to realise that the perfect notebook doesn't exist - even if I am prepared to pay for it! If only the T43 had greater number of USB ports, supported firewire, a brighter display and didn't look like it was styled in the 80s it would be perfect for me.

 

Did it take much time to get used to the trackpoint?

I've been a pad person for almost 10 years - before that I had trackballs (Compaq, Apple duo). I am really lusting after the IBM keyboard, but I'm concerned that I wont like the trackpoint, or won't be able to get used to it...

 

Only if you get the X series or a used model will you lack a touchpad. I'm a touchpad person myself. Never have gotten used to the stick, but I am not a big typer. I rigged up my stick so I can use it to scroll. I just pull down on it and it scrolls the document or webpage.

 

Well, I used desktops for more than 10 years before getting this. I'll have to admit it took me awhile to get used to the trackpoint, but I find it more comfortable than the slightly cramped touchpad.

 

Personally, I've never used an IBM keyboard. But, here's my experience with keyboard's through my various laptops.
I had an Inspiron 5000 once - I didn't like the keyboard on that at all - flexed a lot, and it was a bit loose. I used a Dell Latitude C610 for a bit after that, only temporary. I loved that keyboard, Latitudes have great keyboards. Soft and responsive.

Then I got an HP zv5k - that was a bit better than the C610, but it was a bit firmer. No flex, I enjoyed it. d

Now, I have an Acer TM4402WLMi - it has a natural 5 degree curve keyboard with Acer FineTouch. This is the best keyboard I have ever used. The natural curve makes it more ergonomic, and the keys don't "bounce" back at you. Good amount of key travel too, they go down enough to let you know they're down. There's a little flex, but it is not noticable unless you are looking at the keyboard when you are typing. The space bar is very nice too, it doesn't "slant" like some do when pressed down on one side. And there's not enough space between the keys to get your fingernails under. I never get the feeling that I can "pull" up the keys, or that they are going to come off. Keyboard also makes a good solid sound when you press them down, it's pretty quiet.

I am definitely going to try out an IBM keyboard next time I see one.

 

The IBM keyboard is nice. But I wish they would include the Windows key.

 

Yeah right now the only way to get the functionality of a Windows key is by assigning it to another, such as the right Alt key, which is what I do.

 

i have never used windows key... usually it annoys me, esp. when i play a full screen game

 

Time for a dissenting opinion, I think. I'm typing this on a T42 with the Thai keyboard (supposedly the best), and find it quite frustrating. Although the keyboard certainly feels high quality (smooth travel with a comfortable amount of resistance), it is very unresponsive. I nearly have to bang on the keys to ensure that each keystroke registers; quick taps never work.

For those whose previous laptop was an old typewriter, this would be an awesome keyboard. However, to someonelike me, who prefers keyboards that require only a light touch, this keyboard will just be an annoyance.

YMMV, I suppose. I'm going to hope that this isn't normal operation for these keyboards and call tech support before I go insane from the missed keystrokes.

 

IBM keyboards are simply the BEST! Very easy to type on and you have less chance of hitting other keys than other notebooks "crowded" keyboards. If you want usability get an IBM. If you wanna show off get something else. VAIO maybe.











T42, 1.7GHz, 512MB, 40GB, Finger Print