Why Aren't Keyboards Built To Last?  

It seems that manufacturers these days are more bothered about what is IN the laptops, etc than the outward appearance of them, which is a shame. One would have to pay a lot of money for a really good computer but then again who knows how long the keyboard will last? I type such a lot though, lol.

U guys are forgetting the actual concept of computer...
It's not the keyboard or the Mouse which is being used mostly....
It's the Processor, Motherboard , RAM and so and so are being used more than the hardware u specified..
The processor is responsible when u start and turn off the computer, it has to work throughout and so the Physical Memory of ur computer (RAM) and even the monitor...
So just drop out the idea that keyboard and mouse are the most working parts of a computer..

But, a keyboard or mouse would break a lot faster then a proccssor, monitor, or any other part of the computer. There is a differance between constantly running, and getting a lot of use. While a processor runs, its not touched by the human hand. Especially when the computer is running. However the keyboard and mouse control the actions that tell that processor what to do. Without either one, the monitor and processor are useless. The keyboard and or mouse are the inputdevices that tell the computer what to do. They are constantly being beaten pushed and messed with when we type and click.

As for monitors, for the majority yes, its constantly on. But, if you're blind and own a desk top you don't have to turn the monitor on if you don't want to. So again not true.

Keys ware down because we type or use them to perform keyboard commands and simple key strokes. There is the constant repittion as the keys hit those sensors. I have a mouse yes, but my keyboard is used ten times more then the mouse.

Thanks for your input guys, it's much appreciated.

Yes, I have used a very strange ergonomically-designed Microsoft keyboard in a workplace once. It took me a while to get used to it but I actually liked its unusual design...shame the guy running the company sacked me but there you go, that's life!

I can't remember the year I replaced the Sony keyboard...and I couldn't buy another Sony as they are very difficult to get hold of. It was a very good keyboard, actually and probably lasted about 6 or 7 years. This Advent one, however, is looking rough after about 3 so I guess you get what you pay for.

It would not put me off buying Sony in the future, however, as it remains my favourite brand..mainly through ease of use of its products.

You should see my Sony TFT monitor, still going strong after nearly 10 years and it remains still as bright and eye-friendly as ever. Firefox add-ons help to lessen eye-strain as I can change the colour of the background on MyLot (apart from the box I type in) plus any site I go on. It has become an invaluable tool in maintaining the performance of my computer and I was pleased to discover Firefox fairly recently.

Totally agree, Sony has to be one of the best brans in the World, I have always used their PCs and TVs....the last PC I bought of theirs lasted almost 10 years, which was great!

You have answered the question! It means "wearing the lettering off" hehe lol. My cat will sit right in front of my monitor at times, which can be a bit of a pain.

Still love her though!

Yes, I may do some research online (Amazon UK is a good site) to see which keyboards are the most reliable as they do vary don't they? I do LIKE they keyboard I have now, I just find it frustrating that the lettering on the keys didn't really take too long to wear off (on a few keys, not all) so I shall see if anyone else goes on about that in any of the reviews.

Wow, yes, I remember IBM keyboards, they are brilliant aren't they? It comes as now surprise that your sister made the inspired decision to retain the old IBM keyboard, good for her!

Yes, I am aware of the Compaq name, and very good they are too. We tend to see the same old keyboards in all of the shops now, it's a bit depressing really. It's like the keyboard is something that "doesn't matter" but we all know that without decent keyboards our typing becomes a laborious task instead of an enjoyable one. I'm so glad your Compaq is still going strong. Unfortunately, you may not be able to replace it with anything as good...unless you can afford the most expensive ones...and even then that's no guarantee, not anymore. I hope you have another 12 years of use out of it my friend.

What brand is it my friend? Wow, 10 years, that's most impressive! Let's hope it lasts another 10!

I am not sure bout the brand. but im really happy with this keyboard, all the keys are still working fine even though i smash and hit the keys really hard but it still works..all of them. My advise to you just get a simple keyboard with a good quality it does not have to be expensive

You make an interesting point about not spending too much on keyboards. The one I have was about £19 as it was reduced in the shop...the other week we were in the same shop and it was £35 (obviously back up to its original price) and there's no way I'd pay that for a keyboard. Maybe a Microsoft one as I know what they are like but even then I'd probably wait for it to be reduced lol.

Its really not worth spending a lot. It's just all that much more money you are out of when it turns to junk and what I've learned from other items that I buy is that the amount of money you spend doesn't always insure quality. Sometimes it just means you are out more money.

An IBM keyboard would be very difficult to get hold of here although they probably exist if I look hard enough (like on the internet) so I will bear what you say in mind my friend. Welcome to MyLot!