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Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2

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krick:

I thought you guys might find this interesting...

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/legacyIO.mspx





RandyT:


--- Quote from: krick on June 15, 2004, 09:59:56 am ---I thought you guys might find this interesting...

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/legacyIO.mspx

--- End quote ---

Interesting reading.  Thanks for the link.

There are a few important things to note though.

That document was last updated 3 years ago and little of it's recommendations have been implemented on the majority of PC's (other than removal of ISA slots, although you can still find them on rare occasion).

MS has a vested interest in simplifying the hardware architecture.  They would love it if every external device was USB, as it would make their job MUCH easier :).  Fortunately, MoBo manufacturers also have to listen to what consumers want, so MS can't really dictate the roadmap.

On the subject of mice and keyboards they seem to throw their hands up and say "the USB stuff costs more, so we won't talk about that" :).

patrickl:

Name calling doesn't add credence to your arguments.  Perhaps a different approach will have a better effect.

You are misinformed about USB devices.  They do not all work with PS/2 via a simple adapter.  USB and PS/2 are very different internally and therefore require that a device be specifically programmed to support both.  Without this internal code support, they are either one or the other.

You are also incorrect about the PS/2 port being used solely for KB and Mouse.  There are a number of devices that use the PS/2 port, to include: Automation and Machine control, Joysticks, GPS, Data Aquisition, Trackballs, etc...  But as far as the computer is concerned, all of those devices appear to it as either a keyboard or a mouse.  Furthermore, the PS/2 port used to be the only source of easily available power and was therefore often the port of choice for portable peripherals, if for nothing more than as a 5v DC power source.

Just because you haven't been exposed to something, that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.

RandyT

sirwoogie:

I say we divert this thread to the topic of... "IPAC vs. Keywiz, which is better?" Let the games begin.

My favorite thread at the beginning of the year.  ;D

Tiger-Heli:


--- Quote from: RandyT on June 15, 2004, 12:49:27 pm ---patrickl:
You are misinformed about USB devices.  They do not all work with PS/2 via a simple adapter.  USB and PS/2 are very different internally and therefore require that a device be specifically programmed to support both.  Without this internal code support, they are either one or the other.

--- End quote ---
Yes and no - I basically started this with my comments about the QVS adapter I bought.  It is more complicated than the DIN to AT adapter, which basically changes some pin assignments to make the device work.  But my keyboard was not programmed to support USB and works fine with this.  It is actually a DIN keyboard, running through an AT adapter to the USB adapter to the USB port.  But a keyboard used as a keyboard has limited demands on it.  How it would work with a high-performance encoder is another issue.

--- Quote ---You are also incorrect about the PS/2 port being used solely for KB and Mouse.
Just because you haven't been exposed to something, that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.

--- End quote ---
I was also basically the one that said the PS/2 port was almost solely for the keyboard and mouse, but I wasn't sure about that.  Now I know.

Tiger-Heli:


--- Quote from: sirwoogie on June 15, 2004, 12:52:53 pm ---I say we divert this thread to the topic of... "IPAC vs. Keywiz, which is better?" Let the games begin.

My favorite thread at the beginning of the year.  ;D

--- End quote ---
Been there, Done that, Not crazy about repeating it . . .

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