[comp.sys.att] Datadesk Keyboard

heiby@mcdchg.UUCP (05/01/87)

I've seen some ads for a PC keyboard replacement from a company called
"datadesk International".  Most recently, in 5/87 Byte, on page 189.

Has anyone tried one of these on a PC 6300?  It's advertised to work on
AT&T machines, but I'd like to hear a success story or two before I
plunk down $150 by mail to replace the trash keyboard layout I've got.
(Even with a "30-day money back guarantee and 2 year full warranty".)
-- 
Ron Heiby, heiby@mcdchg.UUCP	Moderator: comp.newprod & comp.unix
Motorola Microcomputer Division (MCD), Schaumburg, IL
"I am not elsewhere."

wtm@neoucom.UUCP (Bill Mayhew) (05/05/87)

Yes, the Datadesk keyboard does work just fine with the 6300.  One
of the guys here has been using one for the last 8 months or so and
hasn't complained.

The DD keybaord comes with a DIN connector on the end of its coiled
cord.  They also include a short little jumper to convert from DIN
to the DB-9 necessary for the AT&T.  Note that what comes out to
the DIN connector is *NOT* compatible with IBM DIN sockets.  Why
they didn't place the DB-9 on the end of the coiled cable is a good
question.  There is no connector for the AT&T mosue on the datadesk
unit.

They throw in a copy of Sidekick or Superkey, I forget which, as a
sweetner.  I wish they`d knock 30 bucks off the price instead.
$150 is a bit much.

All in all, the DD keyboard seems OK, but it is relatively light
duty construction.  It seems like it ought to be selling for $99
instead.  If you have the bucks, hate the original 6300 keyboard,
and don't care about the AT&T mouse, go for it.

  --Bill