Is anyone using a keyboard cover/skin?

[GeneL]

I just had the Apple Store replace the keyboard for my MacPro under warranty. The keys were sticking, so I was happy when the Genius Bar guy went and got me a new one to replace it.

Now that I have a brand new keyboard I'm wondering if I should get some kind of cover, so I don't have the same problem again.

Also, I'm thinking that a keyboard cover might be a good idea for my "new" G4 PowerBook, especially since I've learned that laptops tend to be used around "food and drink."

From what I've read online, the stories vary as to which kind to use and whether they are any good at all. I've read reviews that said one was good but the edges curled up. Another was described as keeping to much heat in the laptop by covering the keyboard and another was dished because you coudn't see the keys through the material.

I've never paid any attention to keyboard covers before so I'd appreciate hearing about your experiences on this.

Thanks for your thoughts,

GeneL

[M>B>]

They had them on the teachers work station at school, I didn't like the tactile feel and just removed it while working with the keyboard. Since you are used to a laptop keyboard you should test drive a Apple AL keyboard, much less of a problem than with the chicklet keyboards.

Having said that at my home workstation I hold mine upside down over a sink and blow it out with compressed air from an air compressor, not canned air. I am always amazed at what comes out. I do that every 6 months or so. And, I don't eat at my desktop workstation!

On a side note, I would always use a sanitary wipe on any public keyboard that I would use. I have seen many keyboard combinations involving hands, runny noses, keyboard, if you get my drift! We had them for free at school and hardly one out of ten would use them.

[GeneL]

[quote M>B>]
Since you are used to a laptop keyboard you should test drive a Apple AL keyboard, much less of a problem than with the chicklet keyboards.
Actually, I just got the PowerBook from a friend and it's my first experience with a laptop. I do really like typing on the PB keyboard, since I'm not a touch typist. It seems much easier to use. Because of that I asked if I could pay the difference for a new AL style keyboard when they switched out my older one, but unfortunately it was no go.

[M>B>]

"I'm not a touch typist."

I got a computer for my dad a few years ago and he never typed at all. I also gave him a Mavis Beacon tutorial and within 2 months he was touch typing.

Do yourself a favor and learn touch typing, it is not that hard.

Mavis...

http://www.broderbund.com/jump.jsp?itemID=4713&itemType=CATEGORY&ysmchn=GGL&ysmcpn=Typing&ysmcrn=sr2br29go633gx182pi10ai50&ysmtrm=sr2br29go633gx182pi10ai50+Mavis+Beacon&ysmtac=PPC&ovtac=PPC&SR=sr2br29go633gx182pi10ai50

or others?

[RAMd®d]

I use one on my PB 12, iskin, I think. Clear silicone.

Since the key travel is short, there's almost no indication that it's even on the 'Book.

I like it.

[GeneL]

Thanks RAMd®d. One review of the iSkin said that it was hard to read the keys. Is that true for you?

[RAMd®d]

Not a bit, Gene.

While not crystal clear, the cover is more transparent than translucent. Keys are easily readable, even the small "half-size" keys.

And with use, it gets even clearer. I've never had a problem reading the keys, even in dim light.

I've had the cover for three years now and it's in great shape.

Heat hasn't been a problem that I can tell. Keeping the PB on a flat surface (I use the iLap by Rain Design) probably does far more to keep the PB's fan off than removing the keyboard cover.

The cover stays on, all the time.

[GeneL]

Thanks, RAMd®d.