How to Use a PS2 Mouse or Keyboard with Your USB Compatible Laptop

PS2 ports were the "old school" connection ports that early model IBM computers came equipped with so that you could connect a mouse or keyboard to the PC. The port connection looks like a circle with holes inside to accept the corresponding pins of a PS2 mouse or keyboard. Many modern laptops don't come equipped with PS2 connections anymore, so if you have a PS2 mouse or keyboard you've got to be a little innovative.

The easiest solution is to buy a PS2 to USB adapter or converter. This is an inexpensive yet very simple and easy to use connector that allows you to connect your PS2 mouse or keyboard to the USB port on your laptop.

Connecting the Device

Connecting the PS2 mouse or keyboard to the laptop is easy when you have the PS2 to USB converter. Just insert the USB connection into your laptop and then insert the PS2 mouse or keyboard cord into converter. Turn on your laptop (it can be on before you insert the USB cable also) and wait for it to recognize the new hardware.

Once the laptop recognizes the PS2 to USB converter you can use the PS2 mouse or keyboard immediately. The keyboard will light up and you'll see your cursor moving on screen within seconds of connecting it to the laptop.

Benefits of Using the PS2 to USB Adapter

While many computer mouse and keyboard devices are now equipped with USB cords, it's useful to keep one of these PS2 to USB adapters on hand if you have a bunch of older PS2 mouse and keyboard devices laying around the house. It's cheaper than buying a new USB mouse and keyboard too-you can find a PS2 to USB adapter for as little as $5 compared to spending $20 or more on both a new mouse and keyboard. The PS2 to USB converter is also very small and compact-you can just throw it in your laptop bag and take it everywhere.

One last note--it's always best to use a mouse instead of the mousepad on your laptop. Using that mousepad all the time can cause pain in your fingers and possibly lead to repetitive strain injuries. Laptop keyboards aren't so bad, but still a full ergonomic keyboard is preferable. Invest in a PS2 to USB adapter to use with your old PS2 mouse and/or keyboard instead.

Resources
About Repetitive Strain Injury: http://www.eecs.umich.edu/~cscott/rsi.html