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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Writefielder on Wed, 13 October 2010, 18:27:14

Title: Found a handy case for keyboards
Post by: Writefielder on Wed, 13 October 2010, 18:27:14

First of all, let me say "Hi." As a bona fide keyboard freak..., er, connoisseur, it is comforting to find a web site where other fanatics hang out. For my first post, I thought I'd share one solution I found for one of my own personal obsessions.

I sometimes travel with laptops, but I don't like to use them, as is, for extended periods. For one, laptop keyboards are not nearly as sensually satisfying as, say, an IBM Model M. Hey, I told you I was a freak. For another, I prefer to elevate the laptop somewhat, propping it up on a Gideon bible or phone book, push it away from me, and open the LCD such that the laptop becomes, essentially, a monitor. Then, I can attach a real keyboard and mouse.

For some time, I tried a Logitech keyboard made for just this purpose. It accomplished the second objective (pushing away and elevating), but the keyboard was even worse than my laptop's. Worse, the keyboard wasn't standard, with often used keys (Home, End, Del, etc.) in altogether new places.

So, I wanted to bring along a good old Model M, never mind that I would be tripling the amount of baggage that I have to carry. If I am faced with hours of typing, it is well worth it to me to tote a solid keyboard.

So, I went hunting. I found exactly what I wanted from the Gator Cases company. They make cases for musical keyboards and other instruments, both hard-shell and soft. Their Model GK-2110 (http://www.gatorcases.com/Default.aspx?Section=Products&Page=Details&CategoryID=4498&CatalogID=9037#) turned out to be ideal. It's made for small music keyboards, mixers, or whatever. This same case is available at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Gator-GK-2110-Keyboard-Multi-Effects-Board/dp/B0002GL7ZO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1287009490&sr=8-1) for about 34 USD.

I have taken a few photos to show the case in action. The case has a zipper pouch, into which I put a large plastic "pencil box" case, available in school-supply sections of stores for 3 bucks or so. About two inches high, the case is large enough to hold a small mouse, ps/2-to-USB adapters, power adapters, and so on. It's probably not necessary, but I carry fitted Model M styrofoam packaging, as well, for extra protection.

If I'm successful at posting some photos, they will show a Lexmark/IBM 52G9658 keyboard (I leave my more precious keyboards at home). The photos don't show up under Preview Post, so I'm not sure I'm doing it right.  

Anyway, I apologize if this is old news to keyboard fanatics, but I just wanted to share the joy.

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/48883321@N04/5079755294/)

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/48883321@N04/5079162519/)

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/48883321@N04/5079162693/)

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/48883321@N04/5079162351/)

Title: Found a handy case for keyboards
Post by: Writefielder on Wed, 13 October 2010, 18:31:12

I guess my insertion of photos did not take. I clicked the Insert Image icon, pasted the flickr URL, and clicked OK. Anybody know what I did wrong?

Title: Found a handy case for keyboards
Post by: elservo on Wed, 13 October 2010, 18:34:17

Flickr has been making it a bit of a chore to get the URL to share the image via hotlinking.  If you go to the "see all sizes" option on the page and right click it then, you can get the image URL.  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48883321@N04/5079162351/sizes/z/in/photostream/

There's one of your images that I was able to navigate to the page where you can copy the URL of the picture.

Title: Found a handy case for keyboards
Post by: Writefielder on Wed, 13 October 2010, 18:44:23

Thanks, and elservo. Here's attempt two:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5079755294_b992791cf1.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/5079162519_791aa00afa.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/5079162693_c73ae0fca4.jpg)

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/5079162351_c46e43cc93.jpg)

Title: Found a handy case for keyboards
Post by: Writefielder on Wed, 13 October 2010, 18:45:40

That is, thanks ripster and elservo.

Title: Found a handy case for keyboards
Post by: elservo on Wed, 13 October 2010, 19:47:20

You would hear a distinct "you go, girl!" if I happened to be in that security line with you.

Title: Found a handy case for keyboards
Post by: Writefielder on Wed, 13 October 2010, 20:41:25

Quote from: elservo;233550

You would hear a distinct "you go, girl!" if I happened to be in that security line with you.

If intended as support for my keyboard self-indulgence, we are simpatico.
If intended as challenge to my masculinity, I might try to duck the ensuing laughter. :smile:

Title: Found a handy case for keyboards
Post by: Phaedrus2129 on Thu, 14 October 2010, 00:15:45

I might consider this myself, except my Thinkpad's keyboard is fairly decent so I rarely feel a need to lug a keyboard along as well unless I'll be writing an essay or two.