[plumeria]

I have been using an external keyboard with my Powerbook G4 (running 10.4.3) for a few years, and now it is acting really weird. At times, when I press letters on the keyboard, no type will appear and I'll get drop down menus instead. It has happened with most applications I use. Does this mean I should replace the keyboard, or might the problem be something else? If I do need to get a new keyboard, which model would you recommend. Thanks!

[clairejr]

Have you tried cleaning between the keys? I sometimes have a problem with my Logitech keyboard when hair and dust accumulate between the keys. I use a thin, clean dry paintbrush to clean the keyboard.

If that doesn't work, try disconnecting the keyboard and connect it to a different USB port. Sometimes that helps.

Even though I use a Logitech keyboard, I'd recommend a Microsoft one because of the software that is used to control it. Logitech's keyboards are good but their software doesn't let you set keyboard commands for some of OS 10.4's built-in extras like Dashboard and Expose unless you precede the commands by pressing the fn key, but then you disable the Logitech shortcut keys. Microsoft's software does let you set Apple functions and your own shortcuts, so it seems to be more comprehensive than Logitech's.

Hope that helps.

Claire
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