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 turned out to be ideal. It's made for small music keyboards, mixers, or whatever. This same case is available at
Amazon 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.
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