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Blueswede · Jan 12, 2005, 01:02 PM

...my father, who at the moment is a little short of money is thinking of buying a new computer. To me it seems natural that he should buy a mac, so I will propose him to buy a mini mac.

My question is, can he use his old PC screen, PC keyboard and PC mouse on the mini mac?

Are there any problems doing that?

Thank you very much,

Blueswede

misc · 01:16 PM

Macmall is offering free KB/mice on the MMs.

[Edit: Sorry, I misread your question at first. Look below or order from Macmall to receive a free KB and mouse.]

SouthPaW1227 · Jan 12, 2005, 01:15 PM

Welcome to the forums

Now, your father can use his current display if it has a VGA or DVI out (99% of PC displays have either, or both).

His mouse/KB will ONLY work if they are both USB devices, which is not likely. He may have a USB mouse, but I doubt he's got a USB keyboard unless it's a newer computer. If his KB/mouse have "round" plugs on the ends, they no they won't work. If they have "rectangle" ends, then yes.

As posted, get it from MacMall for a free KB/Mouse (sadly, free AFTER REBATE).

Blueswede · Jan 12, 2005, 01:39 PM

Great.

But what is a after mail-in rebate? do they transfer me the money back after i've sent them vouchers or so?

Blueswede

monkeybrain · Jan 12, 2005, 01:40 PM

You can get adaptors for the old keyboard and mouse too (if he really likes the feel of them he may not want to part with them). it's best to have a new keyboard though, since it has the special Apple keys on it - command key etc.

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Jan 12, 2005, 01:43 PM

Do PC USB keyboard have USB ports on them?

SouthPaW1227 · Jan 12, 2005, 02:22 PM

Mail-in rebates work like this:

You pay full price for the item. Once it arrives, send in the receipt + UPC code of the item(s) to the address given to you. In 4-12 weeks, they'll mail you a check for that price of the KB/Mouse you already paid for. It's like delayed savings, but savings nonetheless.

And some PC USB keyboards have USB ports; all standard Dell KBs do not, which isn't cool for Dell switchers. You're more likely to find a PC USB KB without USB ports than with, at least from the ones I've seen.

discotronic · Jan 12, 2005, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by Blueswede:
...my father, who at the moment is a little short of money is thinking of buying a new computer. To me it seems natural that he should buy a mac, so I will propose him to buy a mini mac.

My question is, can he use his old PC screen, PC keyboard and PC mouse on the mini mac?

Are there any problems doing that?

Thank you very much,

Blueswede

If you father's keyboard and mouse are PS/2 all you need is one of these:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...3581&CatId=469

His monitor will work just fine with the included VGA adapter.

discotronic · Jan 12, 2005, 02:29 PM

Originally posted by Disgruntled Head of C-3PO:
Do PC USB keyboard have USB ports on them?

I don't think I have ever seen a PC keyboard with the ports on them. That's not to say they don't exist.

jbass · Jan 12, 2005, 06:08 PM

I have seen them (keyboards with USB ports). I had one once. I think it was made by viewsonic?

turtle777 · Jan 12, 2005, 06:16 PM

Originally posted by Blueswede:
Great.
But what is a after mail-in rebate? do they transfer me the money back after i've sent them vouchers or so?
Blueswede

Judging from your question, you are not from the US.

In this case, I'm not sure if you are eligible for the mail-in-rebate (MIR). Make sure to read all the small print.

-t

WizOSX · Jan 12, 2005, 06:29 PM

Originally posted by jbass
I have seen them (keyboards with USB ports). I had one once. I think it was made by viewsonic?.

Microsoft sells (sold) one.

brianb · Jan 12, 2005, 06:37 PM

I am typing on a Keyboard from Belkin that is a USB keyboard.

MaxPower2k3 · Jan 12, 2005, 07:12 PM

the default Dell keyboard has two built-in USB ports on the back. Consequently (to having a USB keyboard/mouse), they phased out PS/2 ports (so Apple isn't the only computer company going PS/2-free).

hldan · Jan 19, 2005, 04:10 PM

Originally posted by MaxPower2k3:
the default Dell keyboard has two built-in USB ports on the back. Consequently (to having a USB keyboard/mouse), they phased out PS/2 ports (so Apple isn't the only computer company going PS/2-free).

I don't think that Apple intended for the Mac mini switchers to be PC users with hardware that it several years old. For people that have a relatively new PC say 1-2 years old that is laden with viruses wants to jump ship then their PC most likely will have a USB keyboard and or mouse especially if their stuff is aftermarket.

Wiskedjak · Jan 19, 2005, 04:12 PM

Originally posted by MaxPower2k3:
the default Dell keyboard has two built-in USB ports on the back. Consequently (to having a USB keyboard/mouse), they phased out PS/2 ports (so Apple isn't the only computer company going PS/2-free).

When wasn't Apple PS/2 free?

Luca Rescigno · Jan 19, 2005, 05:01 PM

Never, although a few Mac clones did have PS/2 ports. I think some of them had both PS/2 and ADB ports.

starman · Jan 21, 2005, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by Disgruntled Head of C-3PO:
Do PC USB keyboard have USB ports on them?

Yes. The Microsoft Natural Internet Keyboard I bought a year or two ago has 2 USB 1.1 ports on the back. I've NEVER seen one before or since.

Mike

Agent69 · Jan 21, 2005, 12:25 PM

Not that this will help the original poster but if I were to buy a Mac Mini, this is the keyboard I would get with it:

http://matias.ca/osxkeyboard/

osxisfun · Jan 21, 2005, 12:34 PM

damn! why have i been throwing all my old usb keyboards away all these years?

I could have opened a black market for mini owners and have been rich! rich i tells yah!