It seems to me that everything in the world of technology is becoming super-sized. Intel has leaked information about their new six-core processor. Hitachi recently started marketing their Terabyte hard drive. (For those of you who don’t speak Greek or Geek, that translates into 1,000 GB or five trillion-zillion songs). Even input devices like mice have become mega-sized, either enhanced with features or encrusted with jewels. Recently, I found a new device that has joined the upgrade parade—the Optimus Maximus keyboard.
The Optimus Maximus offers users the ultimate customizable keyboard experience. The awesome nature of this keyboard comes from the keys themselves. Far from being the old, plastic buttons of the past, each of the Optimus keys is a miniature Organic LED screen. The 113 keys are fully programmable and can show any image you desire. Additionally, they can even work together and show moving graphics. Let me repeat that—your keyboard can show moving graphics.
Imagine you’re typing a term paper for history class. You’re halfway through the tale of Leonidas and the 300 when suddenly you want to type a line in the original Greek. Changing the language of your keyboard used to be really difficult, but with the Optimus keyboard, you can change the language you see on the keys with the push of a button.
The applications to the gaming community are just as profound. If you’re playing a first-person shooter like Counterstrike or Quake, the keys can be set to game-specific, full-color images. That way, you can instantly choose the right weapon to eradicate your enemy.
I first read about the Optimus keyboard last year. At the time, I thought it was just a techie’s dream. I asked myself:
“Who could possibly build such a thing?”
followed by
“How much would something this intense cost?”
and finally
“Is this just another Photoshop image?”
All my skepticism was turned to shock when I actually saw the thing on sale. As it turns out, it was even demonstrated at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. And even with a price tag of $1,600, people are buying it! At ThinkGeek.com, a retail site for technological gadgets, they have sold out of their stock. Looks like I have some time to sell my car so I can afford this thing. It is official, I am putting my name on the waiting list. Anyone want to join me?
Photo credit: www.artlebedev.com
holy crap, that’s a snazzy keyboard! but seriously, though… who’d be able to afford it, ’scept if ur like president of borders or something? and just for a keyboard, too…i dunno, i think it’s cool but unnessecary…
[1] Posted by: XxangelzeroxX | May 16th, 2008 at 1:44 pmIm SO going to buy this thing! perfect for a geek like me.
[2] Posted by: CannibalClay26 | May 17th, 2008 at 7:45 pmBadass
[3] Posted by: schweggy51 | May 23rd, 2008 at 8:31 ami think thats soo amazing…i want one!!!!!!!!!!!
[4] Posted by: stphgrey31 | May 27th, 2008 at 2:48 pmtHAT iS bY fAR tHE MOST iNTRESTiNG ThiNG iVE sEEN SiNCE THE iPOd t0UCH liTERAllY =]
[5] Posted by: hERfl0WiSRAd | June 2nd, 2008 at 12:47 amthats so snazzy! i need it for my ap jap class!!!!
[6] Posted by: Squirreln05 | June 2nd, 2008 at 11:35 pmD: Wantwantwant.
[7] Posted by: KorynnTM | August 19th, 2008 at 8:53 pmOMG!! I would LOVE to have a keyboard like that, but at that price its not worth it, even if it does have all those cool features. I would rather save the money for something I actually NEED, not just WANT (even if I do want it really badly =P)
[8] Posted by: micky412 | August 29th, 2008 at 4:31 pm