Hardware wish list

Until the real thing comes along could you settle for a 4 port USB hub. Mine has a 2 meter cable and it sits right next to my keyboard. I have leg problems and cannot get down to reach the back of my computer.

I am using a 4 port hub next to the keyboard but with a very short fuse (1¨)

I have now stuck it onto the desk with double sided tape with the ports facing me.

Same principle as elnav - as I have a lot of (otherwise surplus) USB-to-USB cables that came with equipment. So I use them for this purpose. Tthey are easy to reach, although most of the time they dangle over the side of the desk.

BTW, I can download several USB sticks in much the same time that I can download one, so your approach can also save time when starting.

Hendrik, buddy, good to see you.

I just did some quick online shopping. A company called 'Cherry' makes a keyboard with 2 open USB's. If you plug either a small 4 port USB 'hub' into one of those ports you end up with 5 open USB's. I've also seen some small 8 port USB hubs. The one thing I haven't seen is a keyboard with 4 open USB ports.

I don't know how bad your back is, if it's like mine then my heart bleeds for you.

Another approach would be: "If you can't find it, build it", but I also don't know how handy you are with a soldering iron, and with a bad back back, I'm not sure that it matters, as I find it difficult to bend over my workbench.

A third approach, to my way of thinking, is Nuance Dragon Naturally Speaking. Once it's been properly trained, it is probably the best program for voice to text input. That includes voice commands for opening and closing programs, surfing the web via voice, etc. That would free you from the keyboard for 85 to 90% of the time. That is already an improvement regarding your back. After that, put your hubs where you need them - you only have to plug them into the back of your system once. The downside here is that you need a really good microphone. The mic that comes with the software can be considered a "starting microphone" only. You'll want a good, high end, noise canceling microphone.

Good luck, buddy. I hope your back gets better. I'll be keeping an eye out for your 4 port USB keyboard.

/Ari (Orpheuse)

Hi Orpheuse

The back is sort of bad , 4 of the Lower ones are fused together and S1 is fixed as well. But it already an improvement on what it was before the opp.

Your idea of building it is great, I have at least 4 USB front sockets and some back sockets in 2 old computer boxes (I am a hoarder by nature) which I can build into something.

I am using PC and 2 laptops on the keyboard mouse combination and will build a 3 way USB switch into the box as well.

Or maybe a USB PATCHBAY

It's really a cool site anyway

Hi bwire

I did not know about these.

I have a DSL wireless + 4 port 10/100 router + a B type USB socket.

Could I invert from B to A and couple it directly to a printer?

At the moment I am using a 486 running 98 for interfacing + driving the printer as a shared device but I cannot get network connection . (my network card may be faulty)

Hendrik,

what make / model of printer?

Hi bwire

It is a Canon MF3110 laser Printer. (scanner , copier).

Then I also have a HP 1000 (I think) Inkjet, .

Hey Hendrik

I use a Canon MP530 all-in-one and had similar issue, then got patch from Canon site and viola`

Recommend you consult:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Search/en-us/?query=98+network+printer+set+up

for the complete set up guide much of which you already completed though the answer may be yet in one of the many parts Start at part #2.

The printer works fine but the 98 cannot access the 10/100 network. I will have someone take me to the shop and buy a card today.

At the moment I am using a USBstick to transfer the files to the 98 computer.