I ordered a gray-colored Ziotek adapter from this company, and what I got was a black, unbranded Chinese knock-off. The price I paid (under another auction) was $17.95, not the $19.95 being charged at the present time. I complained to Amazon, and my money was refunded. However, I decided to open it and try it, and it worked. Ultimately, I negotiated a price of $10 for it, and I paid that amount. It should be noted that an unbranded Chinese knock-off with no warranty is not worth the same money that a name-brand product is. The internal circuitry may not be the same as the Ziotek adapter, and it may not last as long.
As others have said, this adapter (both the Ziotek and the knock-off) is very wide and will take up three USB slots. However, that problem can be solved by buying a short USB extension cord. (I haven't tried it with an extension cord, but I see no reason why it shouldn't work.) I also found that the knock-off adapter is not a tight fit in the USB port, and it will easily come out if the wire is pulled.
Many people don't know that those fabulous original IBM keyboards are still being made (actually, the ones being made were the ones made by Lexmark, but they are almost as good). IBM spun off their personal-computer division under the brand-name Lexmark; and when Lexmark decided to discontinue the keyboards, a group of their employees bought the keyboard division (along with the manufacturing equipment), and they continue to make the keyboards under the brand-name Unicomp. The Unicomp keyboards are made with and without the extra Windows keys that were eventually added (and the other keys that were added). You can also get a reduced-footprint keyboard, and a keyboard with a trackball. The technology they use is the same as with the IBM keyboards (i.e., buckling-spring keys). Also, all these keyboards come with USB plugs instead of PS/2 plugs, so they work with modern computers.
One more thing: If you have an IBM keyboard that is missing key caps, you can get the key caps from Unicomp.
I have both an original model-M keyboard and a new Unicomp keyboard. The older keyboard, after years of use, has a slightly softer feel, while the new keyboard is much more clicky -- but they are both wonderfully comfortable to type on. A better keyboard was never made.
| Brand | SANOXY |
|---|---|
| Item model number | SANOXY_USB-PS2 |
| Item Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 3 x 0.1 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4 x 3 x 0.1 inches |
| Color | PS2 to USB |
| Voltage | 110 |
| Manufacturer | SANOXY |
| ASIN | B000BSJFJS |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | July 2, 2007 |
