Unicomp Customizer 104 vs. SpaceSaver?

[phototristan]

I'm trying to decide between the Unicomp Customizer 104 and the Space Saver model. Do you know if there is any difference other than the size? I'm leaning towards the Customizer 104 since it's probably heavier and more sturdy but am wondering what others think.  Space forward to back is not an issue on my desk.

Actually, I already have a Customizer 104 (and Model M put away) but this would be for my other computer.

[lal]

Personally I prefer the Customizer, purely because it's more classical and the "Real M".  AFAIK size is the only significant difference.  I owned an Endurapro previously and I didn't notice any difference in the typing experience between the two.

[phototristan]

I was curious so just weighed my Customizer 104- 3 lbs. 11 OZ. Not a lot heavier than the SpaceSaver but I guess it's something.

I don't know of any differences except size.  I have a SpaceSaver but then all my keyboards are smaller.

Mine weighs 3lbs, 6 oz.  I can't imagine the Customizer weighs much more.

Pick whatever looks good to you.

[bigpook]

I have both of them. Aside from the weight/size difference the key feel is the same. I like the spacesaver if only because it is smaller.

[phototristan]

There does seems to be a trend towards smaller keyboards these days. Why is that?

[phototristan]

Speaking of that, I've never understood the appeal of a wireless keyboard. The keyboard remains in the same stationary place the majority (if not all) the time, why need it be wireless?

You shrink as you age.

BTW - I just thought of a reason to get the Customizer.  If Wireless USB ever turns out to work (so far it hasn't) I'm gonna stick a wireless module into a Unicomp someday and will need the extra room.

Don't hold your breath waiting for Unicomp to do a wireless version.

[IBI]

There does seems to be a trend towards smaller keyboards these days. Why is that?

The smaller layouts are because the 'normal' one simply doesn't make sense for some people's uses. Smaller surrounds? I think it's due to the current popularity of minimalistic design with no decoration, even a large headboard like the one on the AT102 is a form of decoration.

Speaking of that, I've never understood the appeal of a wireless keyboard. The keyboard remains in the same stationary place the majority (if not all) the time, why need it be wireless?

Wireless is easier to understand, why tie something down when it doesn't have to be? You may not move it much, but if you do want to use your desk for something else then it's a lot easier to pick up and move a wireless keyboard then it is a wired one. If it wasn't for the power, reliability and security issues of wireless technology all keyboards would be wireless.

[ch_123]

On the some of the older IBM boards, the size was dictated by all the various components that had to be shoved in. On keyboards like the Dell AT though, there's a lot of wasted space, so I think they just wanted to make their keyboards look more impressive than they really were

As for why they are smaller, why not? Compactness is a good thing, right?

[wellington1869]

Don't hold your breath waiting for Unicomp to do a wireless version.

aw shucks

[wellington1869]

I'm trying to decide between the Unicomp Customizer 104 and the Space Saver model. Do you know if there is any difference other than the size? I'm leaning towards the Customizer 104 since it's probably heavier and more sturdy but am wondering what others think.  Space forward to back is not an issue on my desk.

Actually, I already have a Customizer 104 (and Model M put away) but this would be for my other computer.

the spacesaver will put the mouse about an inch closer to your hand.  from all reports the two boards sound and feel the same tho.

[Rajagra]

Wireless is easier to understand, why tie something down when it doesn't have to be?

Wired keyboards:

• Don't need batteries or rechargers;
• Don't introduce delays into keystrokes;
• Don't go in to sleep mode and do nothing for several seconds after mashing buttons to force them to wake up;
• Don't interfere/compete with Wi-Fi connections.

=========================

Smaller keyboards are becoming popular because the standard layout was designed before mice were widely available, and most users were professionals likely to work with numbers in some way. The number pad today is a small convenience, but a major liability as it occupies the space where the mouse is easiest to use.

Who's up for a class-action lawsuit against keyboard manufacturers to force them to move/remove the RSI-causing numpad? :boxing:

[itlnstln]

Other than specific applications (portable keyboards like the I-Rocks RF-6520 I just reviewed, HTPC, etc.), I don't really see a point in wireless keyboards, either.  They do look cleaner and can reduce desk clutter, but other than that, I don't really see any advantages.

[IBI]

Other than specific applications (portable keyboards like the I-Rocks RF-6520 I just reviewed, HTPC, etc.), I don't really see a point in wireless keyboards, either.  They do look cleaner and can reduce desk clutter, but other than that, I don't really see any advantages.

You've never had to work on a cluttered desk then, it's a lot easier to lift a wireless keyboard away when you want to use your desk for something else (e.g. writing) and put it back afterwards then it is with a wired one.

[itlnstln]

You've never had to work on a cluttered desk then

Nope: http://geekhack.org/showpost.php?p=68555&postcount=247

[phototristan]

I can understand going for a keyboard without a number keypad at all as that would get the mouse a lot closer in, but 1 inch is hardly a big difference to go with the SpaceSaver (since the Unicomp SpaceSaver has a num pad) for that reason alone IMO.

the spacesaver will put the mouse about an inch closer to your hand.  from all reports the two boards sound and feel the same tho.

[wellington1869]

I can understand going for a keyboard without a number keypad at all as that would get the mouse a lot closer in, but 1 inch is hardly a big difference to go with the SpaceSaver (since the Unicomp SpaceSaver has a num pad) for that reason alone IMO.

i agree its not much, tho its an inch off all sides. depending on how crowded your desktop is, i guess some people like that. Its also about half the weight (about 3 pounds i think, versus 5.5 or so).  

On my pullout keyboard drawer, the endurapro does fit better than the classic M. Also in terms of height when I push the drawer back in.

but i agree the difference isnt much. I'd rather unicomp had made a tenkeyless rather than the spacesaver. I thnk the only reason they have a spacesaver model is because of the endurapro's built in trackpoint. So they made the endurapro, and then figured why not remove the trackpoint and sell it as 'the spacesaver' as well.

so its not a 'true' space saver. A true spacesaver would have been a tenkeyless.

[wellington1869]

It's 1 1/2" narrower than the Model M on your desk.  I don't think anyones arguing one way or the other.  Your choice.

Wish Unicomp would post specs.

Welly, can you start a petition please?

This should go on our list of things we'd like to ask/request of the unicomp rep.

Here's a thread for that:
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=96864#post96864

[phototristan]

This is one of the reasons I dig my old Ikea Jerker desk

Wired keyboard, now you see it:



Now you don't!:



Instant room in 2 seconds, a carport for your keyboard (:

You've never had to work on a cluttered desk then, it's a lot easier to lift a wireless keyboard away when you want to use your desk for something else (e.g. writing) and put it back afterwards then it is with a wired one.

[wellington1869]

jerker desk -- unfortunately named, but height adjustable and with add-on wings? i need one of those.

btw tristan, really nice pics on your website.

[phototristan]

If Unicomp would produce a tenkeyless version with Windows keys, I'd buy it for sure.

i agree its not much, tho its an inch off all sides. depending on how crowded your desktop is, i guess some people like that. Its also about half the weight (about 3 pounds i think, versus 5.5 or so).  

On my pullout keyboard drawer, the endurapro does fit better than the classic M. Also in terms of height when I push the drawer back in.

but i agree the difference isnt much. I'd rather unicomp had made a tenkeyless rather than the spacesaver. I thnk the only reason they have a spacesaver model is because of the endurapro's built in trackpoint. So they made the endurapro, and then figured why not remove the trackpoint and sell it as 'the spacesaver' as well.

so its not a 'true' space saver. A true spacesaver would have been a tenkeyless.

[phototristan]

Thanks. Yes, although I don't have the wings. The desk has served be well over the years for sure.

BTW, if anyone reading knows the which hex screws I can buy to replace the ones in the desk, let me know. Some of mine are getting stripped.

jerker desk -- unfortunately named, but height adjustable and with add-on wings? i need one of those.

btw tristan, really nice pics on your website.

[wellington1869]

Thanks. Yes, although I don't have the wings. The desk has served be well over the years for sure.

BTW, if anyone reading knows the which hex screws I can buy to replace the ones in the desk, let me know. Some of mine are getting stripped.

i imagine you could take one down to the hardware store and have them match it in the store. My local hardware store has done stuff like that for me in the past.

[phototristan]

i imagine you could take one down to the hardware store and have them match it in the store. My local hardware store has done stuff like that for me in the past.

True. I'll have to do that one of these days.

[wellington1869]

maybe they have a separate model for workers.  Its a niche desk.

[wellington1869]

I still like the Ikea Lessebo sofa and Ikea Fartfull workbench as solid examples of Swedish marketing.

lol! oh those swedish...

[phototristan]

I still like the Ikea Lessebo sofa and Ikea Fartfull workbench as solid examples of Swedish marketing.

Pics?