Do you duplicate your laptop input devices?

TheMystic · Mar 3, 2022

This post is specifically about using an external device when the built-in device is in a proper working state.

I prefer using the laptop's own keyboard and trackpad all the time. If often find many people using external (wireless) keyboard and mouse.

Don't see the point of adding unnecessary clutter to the desk.

What do you prefer and why?

CornishRattler · Mar 3, 2022

I use an external mouse because it doesn't take the finish off the trackpad

strollin · Mar 3, 2022

I use an external mouse whenever possible since I absolutely hate using a trackpad.

The-Hive · Mar 3, 2022

I use the laptop's keyboard and external mouse and turned the track pad off. I use my laptop as a desktop

Pirilampo2 · Mar 3, 2022

I use an external mouse because it is much easier with the mouse than with the trackpad.

Bree · Mar 3, 2022

Do you use external keyboard and mouse?

Does this answer your question? :lmao:

CornishRattler · Mar 3, 2022

Bree said:
Do you use external keyboard and mouse?

Does this answer your question?

View attachment 23343

Now that is in need of a coat of lacquer

Edwin · Mar 3, 2022

If I take the laptop out, I'll use the internals, but, when at home, the laptop gets a mouse, cuz my Trackpad skills suck!

K7MEM · Mar 3, 2022

It depends on what computer I'm using. I never use the trackpad on any computer.

On an old HP laptop (W10), I use an external keyboard, wireless mouse, and external Wi-Fi adapter. The internal keyboard and the Wi-Fi went bad, but I didn't want to throw away the computer. Still works fine.

On my newer HP laptop (W11), I use the built in keyboard and a wireless mouse.

On my old Compaq Presario desktop (XP), I use a wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, and addon Wi-Fi board. And, of course, a external display. It's big, bulky, and noisy. So that allows me to stash it out of the way.

I have an old Sub Note laptop (Windows 3.1) that has a small trackball mounted on the front-right side of the keyboard. The switches associated with it are imbedded in the side, just below the trackball. I found it to be much better than a trackpad. Oddly enough, I have a external trackpad and floppy for that computer.

But I have a problem with all laptop keyboards. I usually have to replace the keyboard because my fingers wipe the lettering away. After a while I just have blank keys. Not the whole keyboard, just the most used ones. I don't really need the lettering, but it just looks odd. Especially when you have a lighted keyboard. After a while you just have keycaps with lighted holes.

glasskuter · Mar 3, 2022

Me and a touchpad/trackpad have NEVER jee-hawed. Guess I'm not co-ordinated enough to use it and it's too damn slow. That's the specific reason I carry a mouse in both my cars in case I ever get asked to work on a laptop when I'm away from home. The only laptop I have is an old mini device I carry with me for emergencies and even it has it's own mini-mouse. This household is mouse-poor.

Edwin · Mar 3, 2022

A bit off topic, sorry, but, are there Laptops where a unified receiver, SD/MicroSD card, etc. is flush mounted, as in, not protruding out of the side of the case???
Just irks me that those things stick out!
My old Windows hybrid laptop had a spring loaded micro SD card slot where the card was flush with the case when inserted.

Fabler2 · Mar 3, 2022

Bluetooth mouse (to save using a port) and laptop keyboard.

TheMystic · Mar 3, 2022

Bree said:
Do you use external keyboard and mouse?

Does this answer your question?

View attachment 23343

Answers only the mouse part.

K7MEM said:
The internal keyboard and the Wi-Fi went bad, but I didn't want to throw away the computer. Still works fine.

That's a different scenario, one that requires external support. I'm referring to using external input devices even when the built-in input methods are working fine.

K7MEM said:
But I have a problem with all laptop keyboards. I usually have to replace the keyboard because my fingers wipe the lettering away. After a while I just have blank keys. Not the whole keyboard, just the most used ones. I don't really need the lettering, but it just looks odd. Especially when you have a lighted keyboard. After a while you ju

I think the problem is with your fingers and not the keyboards themselves. :ROFLMAO:

Edwin · Mar 3, 2022

Edwin said:
... cuz my Trackpad skills suck!

Actually, I've probably accumulated over 30 years of muscle memory with a mouse, less than 2 years on a trackpad!

TheMystic · Mar 3, 2022

Although I have used a mouse when using a Desktop until few years back, I never found the need for one on a laptop. So not sure what I'm missing here. The trackpad works just fine, very responsive and there are no complaints. Why use an external mouse?

TheMystic · Mar 3, 2022

Edwin said:
A bit off topic, sorry, but, are there Laptops where a unified receiver, SD/MicroSD card, etc. is flush mounted, as in, not protruding out of the side of the case???
Just irks me that those things stick out!
My old Windows hybrid laptop had a spring loaded micro SD card slot where the card was flush with the case when inserted.

What is a unified receiver?

Ed Tittel · Mar 3, 2022

I always keep a spare "one of everything" (mouse, keyboard, monitor, network switches, wi-fi dongles, RJ-45 and other (video mostly) cables). That way I have troubleshooting swap-outs when and as I need them. Windows being Windows I use them at least once a month, more often when building new systems or troubleshooting problems.
HTH,
=Ed=

glasskuter · Mar 3, 2022

While we're on this topic, I have been surprised recently to come across fairly recent systems that still required the use of an old ps2 mouse and keyboard for windows setup. Both were business grade systems. Is that normal in this day and time?

Ed Tittel · Mar 3, 2022

My brand-new B550 Extreme4 mobo still has a PS-2 port on it. It's at the top of the second column of ports from left as shown in this backplate photo. FWIW, I still have an old MS Ergonomic keyboard with PS-2 connection. I have been in a situation, on several occasions, when it was the only keyboard that would work during an initial Windows installation (but gosh, not for YEARS now...).
=Ed=