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Excalibur
29-08-2011, 10:03 PM
When using a midi controller of whatever flavour to control a laptop, the keyboard on the laptop is often a long way away. Toby has spoken of the strain it has put on his back.

Having spoken to many seasoned users, they manage without using the keyboard much at all, but I can't envisage managing like that myself.


The question: Is it possible to plug a USB keyboard into the laptop, which would in effect replace the laptop keyboard, and which would be within easy reach?

Thoughts please.

BeerFunk
29-08-2011, 10:08 PM
Not a numpty question at all, you don't know until you've tried it!

Anyway, the answer is yes, a USB keyboard will work alongside (not instead of) the standard laptop keyboard. Same applies to the mouse.

Actually, I should say that is the case with mine (desktop also), running Windows XP - I cannot guarantee every hardware/software combination!

Alchemy
29-08-2011, 10:09 PM
Yes Peter, get one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290589106962#ht_1855wt_986

Some one else on this forum recommended them so I bought one. Plug it in and it just works (once you can figure out how to turn on the backlight)

katman
29-08-2011, 10:10 PM
I use one like this...

http://www.ebuyer.com/132131-xenta-black-illuminated-mini-usb-multimedia-keyboard-uk-layout-sk-020el

Nice blue glow from the keys in the dark :)

Twinspin
29-08-2011, 11:55 PM
Yes Peter, get one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290589106962#ht_1855wt_986

Some one else on this forum recommended them so I bought one. Plug it in and it just works (once you can figure out how to turn on the backlight)

I have that very keyboard. To turn on the backlight for anyone that doesnt know. Its the scroll lock button.

katman
30-08-2011, 12:00 AM
To turn on the backlight for anyone that doesnt know. Its the scroll lock button.

Awwwww.... you spoiled the fun :( We all had to figure out how to do it :D

Excalibur
30-08-2011, 12:11 AM
Thank you one and all for your advice and links. Much appreciated.

yourdj
30-08-2011, 12:12 AM
Or get one of these:

DJ Paulie
30-08-2011, 02:30 AM
I used one of these when my 00DJ had trouble with sticky keys due to coke being spilled on it ! I got it from a UK seller though.

http://tinyurl.com/3sat3h9

supersound
30-08-2011, 08:48 AM
My son uses the mouse to search,the on screen keyboard,I prefer the traditional way,I have a lappy stand and it helps and I also have a macbook with bluetooth so I use a bluetooth mouse and if so desires a keyboard of the same ilk.

Paul

soundtracker
30-08-2011, 09:36 AM
Yes Peter, get one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290589106962#ht_1855wt_986

Some one else on this forum recommended them so I bought one. Plug it in and it just works (once you can figure out how to turn on the backlight)

Just a note of caution Pete, I tried one of these but the Cortex didn't like it, kept crashing, but worked perfectly once it was removed!

Larry B Entertainment
30-08-2011, 02:30 PM
Or get one of these:

The laptop stand ?

yourdj
30-08-2011, 04:31 PM
The laptop stand ?

No a piano - that way you can sit down and your keys are right infront of you :p

You would have to move all the crap off it first mind you.

-

Alchemy
30-08-2011, 05:46 PM
No a piano - that way you can sit down and your keys are right infront of you :p

You would have to move all the crap off it first mind you.

-

:Laugh: :Laugh:

How did you get crap past the swearing monitor? :zip:

DJ Frankie
30-08-2011, 06:29 PM
What DJ software do you use Toby?

Excalibur
30-08-2011, 06:34 PM
Just a note of caution Pete, I tried one of these but the Cortex didn't like it, kept crashing, but worked perfectly once it was removed!

Thanks for that. I know that the Cortex in particular likes some and not others.