What is a good keyboard for beginners and a good instruction manual or book? How can I learn? I will not go to lessons though, I need to learn on my own time. What can I do?
I'm glad you asked! I'm a self-taught pianist myself and I like it when others show an interest in learning to play the piano. There's nothing wrong with taking piano lessons from a teacher, but I'm a fan of learning the piano on your own mainly because of the money it saves you. In addition, you don't have a piano teacher nagging at you and you get to practice the piano at your own speed. A one hour piano lesson usually costs around 40 dollars! There are self teaching piano courses out there for the same price, which will teach you about one years worth of the lessons you'd get from a teacher. So, it's kind of a no-brainer, unless you enjoy shelling out more of your hard earned money. Anyway, here's two piano courses I'm familiar with. I've actually seen rocket piano after a friend of mine bought it and said it was great. The other I have no experience with, but it seems to get good reviews. These are the cheapest that I know of, but without sacrificing quality.
Good luck and send me a message if you need help with anything else piano related.
http://www.thepianospace.com/change.php?c/rpiano
http://www.thepianospace.com/change.php?c/piano4all