USB or not USB. That is my question.

[Graham1]

Hi

Once my cabinet is built, I would like to be able to control via a wireless keyboard and mouse. My question is, If I were to choose the IPAC2 USB, would I be able to start/shut down my pc via the press of a button (on CP) or key press (keybaord).

Btw, my BIOS supports this feature. Because it is USB, I'm thinking not but I'm not sure. What do you guys think, USB or PS2?

[Lilwolf]

There are many ways to shutdown a computer with a keystroke through a frontend.  I woudln't make my decision based on that.

USB I don't believe is as fast as PS2.... But IPac seems to have gotten around it.  I've never seen anyone with both next to each other and test.   I do believe that there are some issues with USB and large amounts of button presses... but I have nothing to back up my reasons... So I problably just pulled it out of my.......

btw, hacking a USB keyboard sucks.... But IPacs don't ahve this problem. 


KeyWiz's new usb joystick encoder doesn't ahve any problems with usb either..

but all in all... is there a reason to go usb?  ps2 is tried and true.

[Thenasty]

always rely on OLD/USED/PROVEN technology. If it works, why use another 

Anyone wants a 10MB MFM HD ? 

[stevodevo]

I have the IPAC2 USB and have had no complaints or problems...I have a 2 player setup with 6 buttons and have not experienced any difficulties with the board not reading simultaneous keypresses.

As far as USB vs. PS2 for start up I can't answer that.  I do know that I have my PC setup to power on from a keypress but I can't hit a button on my control panel to fire it up - that doesn't seem to work.  Perhaps this is a USB issue - if someone can tell me that I'd like to know!

Steve

[Gunstar Hero]

I use USB myself with no problems.

BTW, nice thread name. 

[NoOne=NBA=]

Why choose?

Just order the extra cable, and call it good.
That will let you experiment to find out what works best for you.

[Graham1]

I would prefer USB as I am planning to use different CP's and would like to swap them while the system is running. Keypresses shouldn't be a problem as I will only be playing the old types of games (no fighters that require 6 buttons). I'm also going to use Mame32 as the frontend so I don't think there is an option to shutdown.

[NoOne=NBA=]

The extra cable is only $3.00.
Get them both, and experiment.

You don't want to get one, or the other, and then have to order the cable separately later.
The shipping will be an ADDITIONAL $12.00, if you order it separately.

[Graham1]

I didn't realize the USB version had PS2 ports on the IPAC2 (I thought it was IPAC2:USB to PC:USB)

Thanks

[Graham1]

I use USB myself with no problems.

BTW, nice thread name.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I didn't realize the USB version had PS2 ports on the IPAC2 (I thought it was IPAC2:USB to PC:USB)

Thanks

I haven't actually SEEN mine in years, but IIRC, the I-pac itself has PS/2 ports on it, and uses a PS/2 - USB cable to do USB mode.

[cholin]

Just use PS2.  It saves you $3   Even if you can't power up with the panel, just wire a little hack to a computer's power switch, slice the wires and connect them to a microswitch.  Hell if you do it right, you can set it so someone touches a "hotspot" and your power goes on! 

[Graham1]

Even if you can't power up with the panel, just wire a little hack to a computer's power switch, slice the wires and connect them to a microswitch.

No way, I spent alot of money on my Shuttle (I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing ). I've decided to to use the USB version now and then use a PS2 transmitter for the keyboard and mouse (for startup and shutdown). Thanks guys for all your comments.