[Mac User #001]

My iBook's screen recently cracked, and my temporary fix is to just hook it to an external monitor. I have a huge CRT monitor taking up my desk space, so there is no room to set the iBook down. I've got a keyboard tray though, so I attached my USB mouse to my iBook and stuck that down there. I don't have a USB keyboard, and my iBook won't fit on the tray, so instead of buying a new keyboard, I was just going to use an adapter. They're only about $4; cheaper than any keyboard.

Two questions.

Does OS X support these?
Are they fast enough? Would I notice any delay in typing?

[peeb]

Those are really three questions, the answers are yes, yes, and no.

[Mac User #001]

True, but the last two are the same question, just worded differently.

Thanks for the speedy response; I shall pick one up as soon as possible.

[Mac User #001]

Ah, here's my real third question.

Will a key on whatever keyboard I use become the Apple (Command) key?

[mduell]

Depends.

There are two types of PS/2-USB adapters: Simple pin adapters (A) to resolve the physical connection issue and actual converters (B) with some electronics to do the conversion.
There are two types of PS/2 devices: those that were invented after USB was released and have the electronics to cope with USB but are physically PS/2 (C) and all others (D).

So if you have a 'C' device, you can use an 'A' adapter. If you have a 'D' device, you need a 'B' adapter. A 'C' device will also work with a 'B' adapter, but it's a waste of money.

Either Alt or Ctrl will map to the Apple key, the other will map to Option.

[Mac User #001]

Any idea on how I could figure out if I have 'C' or 'D'?

[Mac User #001]

Nevermind, I'll just go with a 'B' to be safe.

Thanks though.

[mduell]

I forgot to mention earlier that it's totally OS independent; either way the conversion is all done in hardware.

Originally Posted by Mac User #001 

Any idea on how I could figure out if I have 'C' or 'D'?

If they PS/2 device came with an 'A' adapter, it's probably 'C'; otherwise it's probably 'D'.

Originally Posted by Mac User #001 

Nevermind, I'll just go with a 'B' to be safe.

'A' adapters are about a quarter (literally), and 'B' converters are about $4-6. Anything with a 4 or 5 rating and more than a couple votes on this page is a 'B' converter.

[Mac User #001]

Alright, thanks. I know what I need then.