Plugging devices: keyboard, mouse, monitor

Compared with regular keyboards, laptop keyboard life is limited. In addition, especially with heavy-duty usage, the keyboard and pointing device pad is bound to fail. At such times an external keyboard, and an external mouse seem imperative. Even without such an emergency, you can always plug in an external full size keyboard for ease of use, an external mouse if you are uncomfortable with the touch pad or you are into graphics designing. In some cases, you may have to plug in an external monitor also, if the laptop notebook monitor gets cracked, broken, or is not functioning properly. Keyboards and mice are available in PS/2, cordless, and wireless optical bluetooth varieties. Monitors are not wireless and do not support USB technology due to the high data transfer rates.

Plugging a keyboard and mouse to a notebook

Via PS/2 port. Some notebook computers have a PS/2 port to allow for external PS/2 keyboard or a mouse. A PS/2 splitter may be envisaged to attach both a keyboard and a mouse to a single PS/2 port; however, a USB to PS/2 adapter is easier and recommended.
• Via USB port. USB enabled keyboard or mouse can be attached directly to the USB port. If you have a PS/2 keyboard or mouse, then you need a USB to PS/2 adapter. The USB to PS/2 has a standard USB input connector at one end, with two PS/2 ports (green for mouse, and purple for keyboard) at the other end. No special software is needed for the adapter if you are using Windows 98 and above.

Plugging a monitor to a notebook

Many a times an extra monitor is also needed to attach to a notebook computer. A USB supported monitor is not available due to high data transfer rates of a monitor. Almost all notebooks have a VGA port to connect to an external monitor. The VGA port can also be connected to a projector for your presentations.

Plugging with a port replicator

You can also buy a port replicator, which is a notebook computer accessory. The port replicator has an ethernet port, a VGA port, a parallel port, and two or three PS/2 ports at one end, while the other end has a standard USB input connector. The USB connector can be connected to your laptop and the monitor, printer, full size keyboard, mouse, can be attached to the other end of the port replicator. When your work finishes, you can simply unplug the USB connector from your laptop, keeping the other end connections to the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer, as it is. This enables you to use all the desktop features with your laptop.

Specification for Laptop Keyboard

PS/2 Keyboard

Full featured 104-keys keyboard
QWERTY standard keyboard layout
PS/2 port connectivity
External form factor
Compatible with Windows 2000/ 98/ Me/ XP or Mac Operating system

USB Smartcard Keyboard

An innovative full-sized keyboard that uses Smartcard technology to prevent unauthorised access to your desktop PC and business networks.
Increases security and reduces the costs associated with managing networks
Secures the environment for online transactions using digital signatures and certificates
Standard and easy USB set up and use

Wireless Bluetooth Optical USB Keyboard

Programmable One-touch Buttons
Internet Buttons
Multimedia Control Panel
2 x AA Batteries (Keyboard)
External form factor
QWERTY (Standard) Keyboard Layout
Compatible with Windows 2000/ 98/ Me/ XP or Mac Operating system
Keyboard Width 18 in., Depth 6.5 in., Height 3 in., Weight 3 lb.
Warranty 5 Years

Specification for Laptop Mouse

PS/2 Laptop Mouse

Laptop Mouse (PS/2)
Incorporates stand-by mode for low current consumption
Ergonomic design
High resolution (400 cpi)
PS/2 interface
Refined body design
Sleep mode feature
Color: various colors available

Cordless Laptop Mouse

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USB connection for Windows® 98, 2000, Me, XP, and Macintosh® PC
2.4GHz wireless micro-receiver. 5X stronger wireless connection. Better range and less interference. 2.4GHz micro-
eceiver snaps into mouse for easy transport.
Software CD with driver
Two AA batteries
Three-year warranty
Bluetooth wireless optical laptop mouse

Wireless Bluetooth enabled Optical USB Mouse

Range - 10 meters
Wireless Technology- Radio Frequency (RF)
1 Button + Scroll Wheel
Right and Left Handed (Mouse)
Enhanced Grip
Carrying Case
Built-in Laser Pointer
Power Saving Switch
2 x AAA Batteries (Mouse)
Compatible with Apple MacOS X, Microsoft Win 2000/ 98/ Me/ XP
Mouse Weight .16 lb., Depth 3.75 in., Width 2.25 in., Height 1.13 in.
Warranty 3 Years

Specification for External Monitor

? Monitors can be attached with any laptop via the VGA port. Monitors can be

? Traditional CRT models, or
? LCD models, or
? TFT models.