The OmniKey/PLUS - Replacement Keyboard Copyright 1989 David Batterson Northgate Computer Systems produces the best state-of-the-art replacement keyboards in the industry, bar none. The company has successfully carved out a market niche that wasn't being met by other companies. The OmniKey/102 was reviewed earlier in "PC REVIEWS," and continues to be a big seller for Northgate. Now Northgate has introduced a "smart" keyboard called the OmniKey/PLUS, with features surpassing any other keyboard from here to Tallahassee! The older OmniKey/102 had a switch underneath for setting to XT or AT machines. That simple switch has been replaced with DIP switches, allowing the keyboard to be used not only with PC, XT, AT, PS/2 systems and compatibles, but also with the Tandy 1000, Amstrad and ATT PCs. For Novell LAN users, you set DIP switch #6, according to whether you are in standalone configuration, or in non-protected mode. Another new feature is the warm boot switch located in back of the keyboard. This saves having to type to reboot, if your PC doesn't have a reset button (many don't). The most noticeable change is the reconfiguration of the cursor control keypad. Gone is the usual "inverted T" layout. Instead, the arrows, , , and keys are arranged in a logical box array. The , and keys have been moved from the top row. Their old space is now occupied by , and . What the heck are those for?, you're probably wondering. These are Northgate originals. is a comma/period-lock toggle key. By pressing it, the "<" and ">" keys are disabled, so a comma or period is always sent. Most of us don't use the "less than" or "greater than" keys much. I like this feature. is a speed control key. What it does is vary the repeat rate and delay rate of keystrokes. The default settings are 10 characters per second repeat, and 1/2 sec. delay. You vary these by pressing , followed by one of the through keys. You'll have to experiment awhile to see what feels right to you. The key is reserved for a future function. But wait folks, there's more! An <*> key has been added between the right and keys. You can also swap the locations of the <\> and <*> keys. A keycap puller is provided to do the job. You move DIP switch #4 to the down position. Likewise, you can switch the and left keys. Two replacement keycaps are provided. The OmniKey/PLUS has an operating life of "20 million operations minimum" (but I think my fingers will wear out long before the keyboard does!). The only key they left off was a "monkey"--go to the zoo for that. With all the new improvements, Northgate might well have called it the OmnipotentKey/PLUS instead. The OmniKey/PLUS is currently priced at $119, and carries a three-year unconditional repair/replacement warrant. For more information, contact Northgate Computer Systems Inc., 12800 Highway 55, Plymouth, MN 55441; 612- 553-0111, 800-548-1993 (orders only). # David Batterson refuses to use a mushy keyboard. He says the only thing mushy he likes is hot cereal.