Powerbook 1xx series keyboards

#1 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 - 02:49 68kMLA

I've owned a few older Powerbooks. I currently only own a Wallstreet II, (Maxed out sweetness, 300mhz, 512mb ram, 14" screen etc). I've had a 1400, a 190cs, a 3400, but I've never owned, or even held in my hands, a 100 series 'book. I've been thinking of getting one of these old workhorses for use as a portable writing machine, but I've never felt the keyboards. How would any of you compare the feel and long-term comfort of using one of these models in comparison to the ones I've had before? I'd really love a (mostly) floppy based portable, greyscale, to use for writing again, but I'm a keyboard snob and I don't want to spend the time/money on acquiring one of these if the keyboard is inferior to what I already have.

#2 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 - 04:36 68kMLA

Neither my PB160 or any of the others you've mentioned can touch the 1400's KBD, IMHO. :approve:

1XX series = almost as bad as a Duo's spongeboard.

The only exception would be Sony's PowerBook 100, that feels just a bit more crisp than the 160's KBD.

#3 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 - 04:48 68kMLA

That's...disappointing to hear. I've always loved the look of the 1xx series, and the trackball is something I know I can get used to. Oh well, I guess I should try to find one locally so that I can try one on before committing. I really love the wallstreet I have, but I feel even that is mushy compared to how the 1400 felt. The 190 was somewhere between I think.

#4 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 - 05:56 68kMLA

I understand your feelings. I currently use my Pismos and Powerbook 1400s because of the keyboards. I also have a couple of Powerbook 5300s, and I would rate those as inferior to either the Pismo/Lombard keyboard or the 1400. The 1xx keyboard is very, very sturdy. If you have a very aggressive keystroke and don't mind a substantial amount of springiness/feedback, the 1xx keyboard might be your cup of tea. I have two older 150s and I don't use them anymore because of the keyboard action...

I could type on them if I had to, but I did not find it the most pleasant experience for writing copy of any length...the 1400 keyboard is significantly easier and more pleasant to type on.

#5 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 - 12:22 68kMLA

Indeed, the 1400's kb is the best there is. While I love the trackball on my 160, the keyboard is disappointing... better than the Dell Inspiron's, roughtly on par with the iBook clamshell's, can't hold a candle to the 1400's imho.