I use an Apple A1242 keyboard on a couple of my newer iMacs
(hard-wired). I like them because they're about as compact as possible
and seem to be pretty reliable.
I also use an old PowerMac G4 MDD pretty often which I've always used
Apple M2452 keyboards with. Those keyboards don't have the best
reliability and they're dust/hair/grit collectors and I'm always having
to order (used, of course) replacements for them on eBay.
My question is would an Apple A1242 keyboard work on the G3? I would at least have to order a USB cord extension so it would reach all the way
to the G4 tower (on the floor). But if I did that would it work okay?
Never thought about doing this before but I'm sick of those old M2452 keyboards going bad.
On 2025-08-19 22:53:17 +0000, super70s said:
I use an Apple A1242 keyboard on a couple of my newer iMacs
(hard-wired). I like them because they're about as compact as possible
and seem to be pretty reliable.
I also use an old PowerMac G4 MDD pretty often which I've always used
Apple M2452 keyboards with. Those keyboards don't have the best
reliability and they're dust/hair/grit collectors and I'm always having
to order (used, of course) replacements for them on eBay.
If it is only dirt under the keys, then you can pop the keys off fairly easily (the longer ones such as the spacebar, shift, etc. can be a bit
of a pain to get back on, so perhaps leave those on).
If the dirt has gotten inside the casing itself, then it is more
difficult to do because of the plastic clip that easily breaks. <https://siber-sonic.com/mac/keyboards/M2452.html>.
My question is would an Apple A1242 keyboard work on the G3? I would at
least have to order a USB cord extension so it would reach all the way
to the G4 tower (on the floor). But if I did that would it work okay?
Never thought about doing this before but I'm sick of those old M2452
keyboards going bad.
The Apple A1242 wired keyboard specs say it works with MacOS X 10.5.6
or newer. It may or may not work with older versions of the OS. The
simplest option would be to just try it on the PowerMac. Plug the
keyboard into the back and use it on the floor if necessary, to see if
it will work.
Another option is any old cheap Windows keyboard which should work,
although you usually have to remap the Command and Option keys since
Windows has them the wrong way around.
On 2025-08-20 05:32:36 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-19 22:53:17 +0000, super70s said:
I use an Apple A1242 keyboard on a couple of my newer iMacs
(hard-wired). I like them because they're about as compact as possible
and seem to be pretty reliable.
I also use an old PowerMac G4 MDD pretty often which I've always used
Apple M2452 keyboards with. Those keyboards don't have the best
reliability and they're dust/hair/grit collectors and I'm always having >>> to order (used, of course) replacements for them on eBay.
If it is only dirt under the keys, then you can pop the keys off fairly
easily (the longer ones such as the spacebar, shift, etc. can be a bit
of a pain to get back on, so perhaps leave those on).
If the dirt has gotten inside the casing itself, then it is more
difficult to do because of the plastic clip that easily breaks.
<https://siber-sonic.com/mac/keyboards/M2452.html>.
The latest time this happened some of the keys just quit working, the
"e" for instance. I know how to pop the keys and clean under them but
it didn't make any difference.
I ordered a replacement (which the guy said was untested so it was relatively cheap -- those things usually go for around $30 postage
paid) and all the keys worked OK except the spacebar was stubborn about coming back up, even after I cleaned the hell out of it in every place.
So I used the old beanie and put a small piece of sponge under it so it would, lol.
I have two systems that use the M2452 so I'll just use this one as a
backup. I try to have two working ones on hand in case the main one
suddenly goes bad.
My question is would an Apple A1242 keyboard work on the G3? I would at >>> least have to order a USB cord extension so it would reach all the way
to the G4 tower (on the floor). But if I did that would it work okay?
Never thought about doing this before but I'm sick of those old M2452
keyboards going bad.
The Apple A1242 wired keyboard specs say it works with MacOS X 10.5.6
or newer. It may or may not work with older versions of the OS. The
simplest option would be to just try it on the PowerMac. Plug the
keyboard into the back and use it on the floor if necessary, to see if
it will work.
Damn, I'm running 10.4.9 on those two machines (even though I split the drive and do have 10.5.6 on them too but I never use that OS because it can't run Classic apps). But I will try the A1242 on them, it could
work like you say. If it does all I'll need is the USB extension cord.
Another option is any old cheap Windows keyboard which should work,
although you usually have to remap the Command and Option keys since
Windows has them the wrong way around.
Usually I'm Apple to the core, lol. But the Windows keyboards could
probably be bought for a song, that's a good idea.
On 2025-08-20 06:48:42 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-08-20 05:32:36 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-19 22:53:17 +0000, super70s said:
I use an Apple A1242 keyboard on a couple of my newer iMacs
(hard-wired). I like them because they're about as compact as possible >>>> and seem to be pretty reliable.
I also use an old PowerMac G4 MDD pretty often which I've always used >>>> Apple M2452 keyboards with. Those keyboards don't have the best
reliability and they're dust/hair/grit collectors and I'm always having >>>> to order (used, of course) replacements for them on eBay.
If it is only dirt under the keys, then you can pop the keys off fairly >>> easily (the longer ones such as the spacebar, shift, etc. can be a bit
of a pain to get back on, so perhaps leave those on).
If the dirt has gotten inside the casing itself, then it is more
difficult to do because of the plastic clip that easily breaks.
<https://siber-sonic.com/mac/keyboards/M2452.html>.
The latest time this happened some of the keys just quit working, the
"e" for instance. I know how to pop the keys and clean under them but
it didn't make any difference.
I ordered a replacement (which the guy said was untested so it was
relatively cheap -- those things usually go for around $30 postage
paid) and all the keys worked OK except the spacebar was stubborn about
coming back up, even after I cleaned the hell out of it in every place.
So I used the old beanie and put a small piece of sponge under it so it
would, lol.
I have two systems that use the M2452 so I'll just use this one as a
backup. I try to have two working ones on hand in case the main one
suddenly goes bad.
My question is would an Apple A1242 keyboard work on the G3? I would at >>>> least have to order a USB cord extension so it would reach all the way >>>> to the G4 tower (on the floor). But if I did that would it work okay? >>>> Never thought about doing this before but I'm sick of those old M2452 >>>> keyboards going bad.
The Apple A1242 wired keyboard specs say it works with MacOS X 10.5.6
or newer. It may or may not work with older versions of the OS. The
simplest option would be to just try it on the PowerMac. Plug the
keyboard into the back and use it on the floor if necessary, to see if
it will work.
Damn, I'm running 10.4.9 on those two machines (even though I split the
drive and do have 10.5.6 on them too but I never use that OS because it
can't run Classic apps). But I will try the A1242 on them, it could
work like you say. If it does all I'll need is the USB extension cord.
A USB hub with a long cable might be a better idea, since it would
allow you to plug in the keyboard, mouse, and provide easy access for
USB thumb drives.
Another option is any old cheap Windows keyboard which should work,
although you usually have to remap the Command and Option keys since
Windows has them the wrong way around.
Usually I'm Apple to the core, lol. But the Windows keyboards could
probably be bought for a song, that's a good idea.
I've been using an wired Logitech K120 Windows keyboard and mouse with
this 2014 Mac Mini since I got it in 2018. Both are plugged into a USB
hub because there simply aren't enough USB ports on the computer for everything. No problems and it cost me under US$20 for the set brand
new. It's obviously not as aesthetically nice as all Apple, but nobody
but me really ever sees or uses it anyway. (The screen is a Samsung TV
too.)
On 2025-08-20 07:30:12 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-20 06:48:42 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-08-20 05:32:36 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-19 22:53:17 +0000, super70s said:
I use an Apple A1242 keyboard on a couple of my newer iMacs
(hard-wired). I like them because they're about as compact as possible >>>>> and seem to be pretty reliable.
I also use an old PowerMac G4 MDD pretty often which I've always used >>>>> Apple M2452 keyboards with. Those keyboards don't have the best
reliability and they're dust/hair/grit collectors and I'm always having >>>>> to order (used, of course) replacements for them on eBay.
If it is only dirt under the keys, then you can pop the keys off fairly >>>> easily (the longer ones such as the spacebar, shift, etc. can be a bit >>>> of a pain to get back on, so perhaps leave those on).
If the dirt has gotten inside the casing itself, then it is more
difficult to do because of the plastic clip that easily breaks.
<https://siber-sonic.com/mac/keyboards/M2452.html>.
The latest time this happened some of the keys just quit working, the
"e" for instance. I know how to pop the keys and clean under them but
it didn't make any difference.
I ordered a replacement (which the guy said was untested so it was
relatively cheap -- those things usually go for around $30 postage
paid) and all the keys worked OK except the spacebar was stubborn about >>> coming back up, even after I cleaned the hell out of it in every place. >>> So I used the old beanie and put a small piece of sponge under it so it >>> would, lol.
I have two systems that use the M2452 so I'll just use this one as a
backup. I try to have two working ones on hand in case the main one
suddenly goes bad.
My question is would an Apple A1242 keyboard work on the G3? I would at >>>>> least have to order a USB cord extension so it would reach all the way >>>>> to the G4 tower (on the floor). But if I did that would it work okay? >>>>> Never thought about doing this before but I'm sick of those old M2452 >>>>> keyboards going bad.
The Apple A1242 wired keyboard specs say it works with MacOS X 10.5.6 >>>> or newer. It may or may not work with older versions of the OS. The
simplest option would be to just try it on the PowerMac. Plug the
keyboard into the back and use it on the floor if necessary, to see if >>>> it will work.
Damn, I'm running 10.4.9 on those two machines (even though I split the >>> drive and do have 10.5.6 on them too but I never use that OS because it >>> can't run Classic apps). But I will try the A1242 on them, it could
work like you say. If it does all I'll need is the USB extension cord.
A USB hub with a long cable might be a better idea, since it would
allow you to plug in the keyboard, mouse, and provide easy access for
USB thumb drives.
I already have an old Belkin hub on the primary G4 for peripherals like
the printer, scanner and extra CD-ROM, I guess I could just plug the keyboard directly into that. Although I never could get an external
floppy drive to work with it, it fussed it wasn't getting enough power
-- even when I gave the hub it's own power supply. I even plugged the
floppy drive directly into the G4 and it still argued about not enough power.
Another option is any old cheap Windows keyboard which should work,
although you usually have to remap the Command and Option keys since
Windows has them the wrong way around.
Usually I'm Apple to the core, lol. But the Windows keyboards could
probably be bought for a song, that's a good idea.
I've been using an wired Logitech K120 Windows keyboard and mouse with
this 2014 Mac Mini since I got it in 2018. Both are plugged into a USB
hub because there simply aren't enough USB ports on the computer for
everything. No problems and it cost me under US$20 for the set brand
new. It's obviously not as aesthetically nice as all Apple, but nobody
but me really ever sees or uses it anyway. (The screen is a Samsung TV
too.)
"Logitech K120 Windows keyboard," thanks I'll look for that on eBay. I
was hoping for some direction in the Windows wilderness. I'm at the
point on this older system where I don't care about aesthetics and
branding, but since I have limited desk space I wouldn't want the
keyboard to have a bigger footprint than the M2452 (about 15" x 5
1/2"). The A1242 keyboards are only 11" x 4 1/2".
On 2025-08-20 11:23:59 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-08-20 07:30:12 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-20 06:48:42 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-08-20 05:32:36 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-19 22:53:17 +0000, super70s said:
I use an Apple A1242 keyboard on a couple of my newer iMacs
(hard-wired). I like them because they're about as compact as possible >>>>>> and seem to be pretty reliable.
I also use an old PowerMac G4 MDD pretty often which I've always used >>>>>> Apple M2452 keyboards with. Those keyboards don't have the best
reliability and they're dust/hair/grit collectors and I'm always having >>>>>> to order (used, of course) replacements for them on eBay.
If it is only dirt under the keys, then you can pop the keys off fairly >>>>> easily (the longer ones such as the spacebar, shift, etc. can be a bit >>>>> of a pain to get back on, so perhaps leave those on).
If the dirt has gotten inside the casing itself, then it is more
difficult to do because of the plastic clip that easily breaks.
<https://siber-sonic.com/mac/keyboards/M2452.html>.
The latest time this happened some of the keys just quit working, the >>>> "e" for instance. I know how to pop the keys and clean under them but >>>> it didn't make any difference.
I ordered a replacement (which the guy said was untested so it was
relatively cheap -- those things usually go for around $30 postage
paid) and all the keys worked OK except the spacebar was stubborn about >>>> coming back up, even after I cleaned the hell out of it in every place. >>>> So I used the old beanie and put a small piece of sponge under it so it >>>> would, lol.
I have two systems that use the M2452 so I'll just use this one as a
backup. I try to have two working ones on hand in case the main one
suddenly goes bad.
My question is would an Apple A1242 keyboard work on the G3? I would at >>>>>> least have to order a USB cord extension so it would reach all the way >>>>>> to the G4 tower (on the floor). But if I did that would it work okay? >>>>>> Never thought about doing this before but I'm sick of those old M2452 >>>>>> keyboards going bad.
The Apple A1242 wired keyboard specs say it works with MacOS X 10.5.6 >>>>> or newer. It may or may not work with older versions of the OS. The >>>>> simplest option would be to just try it on the PowerMac. Plug the
keyboard into the back and use it on the floor if necessary, to see if >>>>> it will work.
Damn, I'm running 10.4.9 on those two machines (even though I split the >>>> drive and do have 10.5.6 on them too but I never use that OS because it >>>> can't run Classic apps). But I will try the A1242 on them, it could
work like you say. If it does all I'll need is the USB extension cord.
A USB hub with a long cable might be a better idea, since it would
allow you to plug in the keyboard, mouse, and provide easy access for
USB thumb drives.
I already have an old Belkin hub on the primary G4 for peripherals like
the printer, scanner and extra CD-ROM, I guess I could just plug the
keyboard directly into that. Although I never could get an external
floppy drive to work with it, it fussed it wasn't getting enough power
-- even when I gave the hub it's own power supply. I even plugged the
floppy drive directly into the G4 and it still argued about not enough
power.
You could try a double-USB plug so it gets power from two USB ports.
That's what my external DVD-burner uses. My external USB floppy drive
only needs one plug.
Neither likes working through the my USB hub, despite it being a
supposedly powered hub. The external USB-powered hard drives don't work through the hub either, but the external wall-powered hard drive does.
Another option is any old cheap Windows keyboard which should work, >>>>> although you usually have to remap the Command and Option keys since >>>>> Windows has them the wrong way around.
Usually I'm Apple to the core, lol. But the Windows keyboards could
probably be bought for a song, that's a good idea.
I've been using an wired Logitech K120 Windows keyboard and mouse with
this 2014 Mac Mini since I got it in 2018. Both are plugged into a USB
hub because there simply aren't enough USB ports on the computer for
everything. No problems and it cost me under US$20 for the set brand
new. It's obviously not as aesthetically nice as all Apple, but nobody
but me really ever sees or uses it anyway. (The screen is a Samsung TV
too.)
"Logitech K120 Windows keyboard," thanks I'll look for that on eBay. I
was hoping for some direction in the Windows wilderness. I'm at the
point on this older system where I don't care about aesthetics and
branding, but since I have limited desk space I wouldn't want the
keyboard to have a bigger footprint than the M2452 (about 15" x 5
1/2"). The A1242 keyboards are only 11" x 4 1/2".
The K120 is a fairly big keybaord with separate numberpad, curcos keys,
and page up / down cluster, all full-travel keys. The mouse is fairly
light with two-buttons and a scrollwheel. Apart from remapping the
Command and Option keys, everything worked with the Mac Mini's original version of MacOS and with High Sierra (10.13) it runs now, without any
extra software installed.
On 2025-08-20 21:02:15 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-20 11:23:59 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-08-20 07:30:12 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-20 06:48:42 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-08-20 05:32:36 +0000, Your Name said:A USB hub with a long cable might be a better idea, since it would
On 2025-08-19 22:53:17 +0000, super70s said:
I use an Apple A1242 keyboard on a couple of my newer iMacs
(hard-wired). I like them because they're about as compact as possible >>>>>>> and seem to be pretty reliable.
I also use an old PowerMac G4 MDD pretty often which I've always used >>>>>>> Apple M2452 keyboards with. Those keyboards don't have the best >>>>>>> reliability and they're dust/hair/grit collectors and I'm always having
to order (used, of course) replacements for them on eBay.
If it is only dirt under the keys, then you can pop the keys off fairly >>>>>> easily (the longer ones such as the spacebar, shift, etc. can be a bit >>>>>> of a pain to get back on, so perhaps leave those on).
If the dirt has gotten inside the casing itself, then it is more
difficult to do because of the plastic clip that easily breaks.
<https://siber-sonic.com/mac/keyboards/M2452.html>.
The latest time this happened some of the keys just quit working, the >>>>> "e" for instance. I know how to pop the keys and clean under them but >>>>> it didn't make any difference.
I ordered a replacement (which the guy said was untested so it was
relatively cheap -- those things usually go for around $30 postage
paid) and all the keys worked OK except the spacebar was stubborn about >>>>> coming back up, even after I cleaned the hell out of it in every place. >>>>> So I used the old beanie and put a small piece of sponge under it so it >>>>> would, lol.
I have two systems that use the M2452 so I'll just use this one as a >>>>> backup. I try to have two working ones on hand in case the main one >>>>> suddenly goes bad.
My question is would an Apple A1242 keyboard work on the G3? I would at
least have to order a USB cord extension so it would reach all the way >>>>>>> to the G4 tower (on the floor). But if I did that would it work okay? >>>>>>> Never thought about doing this before but I'm sick of those old M2452 >>>>>>> keyboards going bad.
The Apple A1242 wired keyboard specs say it works with MacOS X 10.5.6 >>>>>> or newer. It may or may not work with older versions of the OS. The >>>>>> simplest option would be to just try it on the PowerMac. Plug the >>>>>> keyboard into the back and use it on the floor if necessary, to see if >>>>>> it will work.
Damn, I'm running 10.4.9 on those two machines (even though I split the >>>>> drive and do have 10.5.6 on them too but I never use that OS because it >>>>> can't run Classic apps). But I will try the A1242 on them, it could >>>>> work like you say. If it does all I'll need is the USB extension cord. >>>>
allow you to plug in the keyboard, mouse, and provide easy access for >>>> USB thumb drives.
I already have an old Belkin hub on the primary G4 for peripherals like >>> the printer, scanner and extra CD-ROM, I guess I could just plug the
keyboard directly into that. Although I never could get an external
floppy drive to work with it, it fussed it wasn't getting enough power
-- even when I gave the hub it's own power supply. I even plugged the
floppy drive directly into the G4 and it still argued about not enough
power.
You could try a double-USB plug so it gets power from two USB ports.
That's what my external DVD-burner uses. My external USB floppy drive
only needs one plug.
Neither likes working through the my USB hub, despite it being a
supposedly powered hub. The external USB-powered hard drives don't work
through the hub either, but the external wall-powered hard drive does.
Update: I plugged a A1242 keyboard into the older system's hub, got a
"not enough power" dialog and it froze the machine. I was discouraged
but then I plugged it directly into the G4 and it seemed to work fine!
So I ordered another A1242 to use with this older system. I can ditch
those dinosaur M2452 keyboards once and for all.
BTW where did you get those details about the A1242 keyboard, EveryMac.com?
I often go there for info on different models (normally my own) but I
didn't think to use it for Apple peripherals. I didn't think they'd
have any info on keyboards further than what keyboard originally
shipped with a particular model.
Another option is any old cheap Windows keyboard which should work, >>>>>> although you usually have to remap the Command and Option keys since >>>>>> Windows has them the wrong way around.
Usually I'm Apple to the core, lol. But the Windows keyboards could >>>>> probably be bought for a song, that's a good idea.
I've been using an wired Logitech K120 Windows keyboard and mouse with >>>> this 2014 Mac Mini since I got it in 2018. Both are plugged into a USB >>>> hub because there simply aren't enough USB ports on the computer for
everything. No problems and it cost me under US$20 for the set brand
new. It's obviously not as aesthetically nice as all Apple, but nobody >>>> but me really ever sees or uses it anyway. (The screen is a Samsung TV >>>> too.)
"Logitech K120 Windows keyboard," thanks I'll look for that on eBay. I
was hoping for some direction in the Windows wilderness. I'm at the
point on this older system where I don't care about aesthetics and
branding, but since I have limited desk space I wouldn't want the
keyboard to have a bigger footprint than the M2452 (about 15" x 5
1/2"). The A1242 keyboards are only 11" x 4 1/2".
The K120 is a fairly big keybaord with separate numberpad, curcos keys,
and page up / down cluster, all full-travel keys. The mouse is fairly
light with two-buttons and a scrollwheel. Apart from remapping the
Command and Option keys, everything worked with the Mac Mini's original
version of MacOS and with High Sierra (10.13) it runs now, without any
extra software installed.
I have gripes about Apple mice also, I use the old Apple Mouse M5769 on
all my machines, even the newer iMacs. One time a Mighty Mouse A1152
(or possibly a Magic Mouse variation) shipped with one of the used
computers I bought, it seemed to cause problems with the system so I replaced it with a M5769. I never needed that scrollwheel function
anyway (or was just too used to living without it).
On 2025-08-20 21:27:42 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-08-20 21:02:15 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-20 11:23:59 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-08-20 07:30:12 +0000, Your Name said:
On 2025-08-20 06:48:42 +0000, super70s said:
On 2025-08-20 05:32:36 +0000, Your Name said:A USB hub with a long cable might be a better idea, since it would
On 2025-08-19 22:53:17 +0000, super70s said:
I use an Apple A1242 keyboard on a couple of my newer iMacs
(hard-wired). I like them because they're about as compact as >>>>>>> possible
and seem to be pretty reliable.
I also use an old PowerMac G4 MDD pretty often which I've always used
Apple M2452 keyboards with. Those keyboards don't have the best >>>>>>> reliability and they're dust/hair/grit collectors and I'm always >>>>>>> having
to order (used, of course) replacements for them on eBay.
If it is only dirt under the keys, then you can pop the keys off >>>>>> fairly
easily (the longer ones such as the spacebar, shift, etc. can be a bit
of a pain to get back on, so perhaps leave those on).
If the dirt has gotten inside the casing itself, then it is more >>>>>> difficult to do because of the plastic clip that easily breaks.
<https://siber-sonic.com/mac/keyboards/M2452.html>.
The latest time this happened some of the keys just quit working, the >>>>> "e" for instance. I know how to pop the keys and clean under them but >>>>> it didn't make any difference.
I ordered a replacement (which the guy said was untested so it was >>>>> relatively cheap -- those things usually go for around $30 postage >>>>> paid) and all the keys worked OK except the spacebar was stubborn about
coming back up, even after I cleaned the hell out of it in every place.
So I used the old beanie and put a small piece of sponge under it so it
would, lol.
I have two systems that use the M2452 so I'll just use this one as a >>>>> backup. I try to have two working ones on hand in case the main one >>>>> suddenly goes bad.
My question is would an Apple A1242 keyboard work on the G3? I would >>>>>>> at
least have to order a USB cord extension so it would reach all the >>>>>>> way
to the G4 tower (on the floor). But if I did that would it work okay?
Never thought about doing this before but I'm sick of those old M2452
keyboards going bad.
The Apple A1242 wired keyboard specs say it works with MacOS X 10.5.6 >>>>>> or newer. It may or may not work with older versions of the OS. The >>>>>> simplest option would be to just try it on the PowerMac. Plug the >>>>>> keyboard into the back and use it on the floor if necessary, to see if
it will work.
Damn, I'm running 10.4.9 on those two machines (even though I split the
drive and do have 10.5.6 on them too but I never use that OS because it
can't run Classic apps). But I will try the A1242 on them, it could >>>>> work like you say. If it does all I'll need is the USB extension cord. >>>>
allow you to plug in the keyboard, mouse, and provide easy access for >>>> USB thumb drives.
I already have an old Belkin hub on the primary G4 for peripherals like >>> the printer, scanner and extra CD-ROM, I guess I could just plug the
keyboard directly into that. Although I never could get an external
floppy drive to work with it, it fussed it wasn't getting enough power >>> -- even when I gave the hub it's own power supply. I even plugged the >>> floppy drive directly into the G4 and it still argued about not enough >>> power.
You could try a double-USB plug so it gets power from two USB ports.
That's what my external DVD-burner uses. My external USB floppy drive
only needs one plug.
Neither likes working through the my USB hub, despite it being a
supposedly powered hub. The external USB-powered hard drives don't work >> through the hub either, but the external wall-powered hard drive does.
Update: I plugged a A1242 keyboard into the older system's hub, got a
"not enough power" dialog and it froze the machine. I was discouraged
but then I plugged it directly into the G4 and it seemed to work fine!
So I ordered another A1242 to use with this older system. I can ditch those dinosaur M2452 keyboards once and for all.
Good it works. There's no real reason is shouldn't ... a keyboard is a keyboard is a keyboard. :-)
With some hubs, you can get more power by rearranging the USB plugs.
The power is often supplied in order, so the USB socket closest to the
power socket will get the most power first in the line.
BTW where did you get those details about the A1242 keyboard, EveryMac.com?
Just a quick Google search and the results page showed a few places
saying that was the version of MacOS required.
I also doubled-checked with the MacTracker app, which is an excellent resource for Apple hardware and sofrtware information and regularly
updated.
<https://mactracker.ca>
I often go there for info on different models (normally my own) but I didn't think to use it for Apple peripherals. I didn't think they'd
have any info on keyboards further than what keyboard originally
shipped with a particular model.
Another option is any old cheap Windows keyboard which should work, >>>>>> although you usually have to remap the Command and Option keys since >>>>>> Windows has them the wrong way around.
Usually I'm Apple to the core, lol. But the Windows keyboards could >>>>> probably be bought for a song, that's a good idea.
I've been using an wired Logitech K120 Windows keyboard and mouse with >>>> this 2014 Mac Mini since I got it in 2018. Both are plugged into a USB >>>> hub because there simply aren't enough USB ports on the computer for >>>> everything. No problems and it cost me under US$20 for the set brand >>>> new. It's obviously not as aesthetically nice as all Apple, but nobody >>>> but me really ever sees or uses it anyway. (The screen is a Samsung TV >>>> too.)
"Logitech K120 Windows keyboard," thanks I'll look for that on eBay. I >>> was hoping for some direction in the Windows wilderness. I'm at the
point on this older system where I don't care about aesthetics and
branding, but since I have limited desk space I wouldn't want the
keyboard to have a bigger footprint than the M2452 (about 15" x 5
1/2"). The A1242 keyboards are only 11" x 4 1/2".
The K120 is a fairly big keybaord with separate numberpad, curcos keys, >> and page up / down cluster, all full-travel keys. The mouse is fairly
light with two-buttons and a scrollwheel. Apart from remapping the
Command and Option keys, everything worked with the Mac Mini's original >> version of MacOS and with High Sierra (10.13) it runs now, without any
extra software installed.
I have gripes about Apple mice also, I use the old Apple Mouse M5769 on all my machines, even the newer iMacs. One time a Mighty Mouse A1152
(or possibly a Magic Mouse variation) shipped with one of the used computers I bought, it seemed to cause problems with the system so I replaced it with a M5769. I never needed that scrollwheel function
anyway (or was just too used to living without it).
I've never had any real problems with Apple's mice, although not a
great fan of the flat mouse which often pinched my fingers when
pressing the button.
The 'squeeze' feature was a pain in the backside, but easily turned off
in the system preferences.
A lot of people complained about the original iMac "pebble mouse", but
I never had any problems with it (most of the complaints were about not knowing which way was "up" without looking at it because it was round,
but it was easy to feel the wire coming out the top and the button!).
Many also complained about the scrollball mouse because the ball got
dirty and would stick, but it was easy enough to clean. Maybe those
people should wash their hand more often. ;-)
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