Fujitsu concept keyboards redefine ergonomics

Fujitsu showed off some concept PCs with interesting keyboards at the WPC Expo in Tokyo, without providing a whole lot of info about what they actually do. Rather than let that stop us, we've decided to check them out and extrapolate functionality based on visual cues (also known as making it up). We figure that the first PC pictured above has an OLED-based virtual keyboard that can be reconfigured as needed; sort of a flat-panel Optimus.

The second obviously folds over, though it doesn�t look very ergonomic, with the display sitting on the left side. As for this third model, we figure it�s an info appliance for execs who are too busy and important to do anything but scroll through docs and hit enter to approve them. Why deal with a full-sized keyboard when you can just buzz your assistant to handle your typing?

[PhilJ @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Cool keyboard.
End of line.

[Aiki Woce @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

So taking an idea from Star Trek, branding it as a concept is what's considered innovation these days?

Also the latter two seemed kinda clunky and obtuse.

[[-o-] @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

The latter two look to me like the same keyboard - one folded and the other unfolded. As such, it makes a whole lot more sense. Still a bit clunky, though.

[MikeW @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

The second and third are the same thing, surely? Photo #3 is showing photo #2 in it's closed configuration; if you look at the little slot thing at the bottom right of the keyboard it's in the same place if you fold the keyboard over in the next shot.

[Pal @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

The blue one looks like a Gameboy SP with two new buttons.

[Chris McDowell @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

They look like something from Tron or Yea... Star Trek.

[Dok @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Apparently PhilJ, your reference was to subtle. But I agree, it's definetly the keyboard from Tron. Only took 25 years.

[Paul J. @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

To me the fundamental problem with these "virtual keyboards" is that tactile feedback has become an important part of typing. To someone who touch-types, tapping away on the desk surface or a flat sheet is just awkward, since it never feels like you hit any keys.

[Chris The K @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Forget it, mister high-and-mighty Master Control! You're not going to make me talk!

[ByeLaw @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

#1 I Was thinking that!! Straight from TRON!!

[Evan Evans @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Paul J.,

yeha but that can be solved by adding a pleasant micro clicking to accompany any action. I'm not talking about an annoying clicking, but more of a soft, micro-short ticking. That would provide the necessary feedback.

I suppose electric shock could also do it!

Evan Evans

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Okay, try practice typing in to your desk. See how long you can keep that up before your fingers start bleeding ;) Now you know why the modern keyboard still uses springs.

[AJ @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

First one is definitely cool... definitely a noiseless keyboard :)

I do agree with Paul J when he says that it definitely won't feel the same.

[OM @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I know I'm going to set off the Geek alert but wasn't that LED keyboard in TRON?

OM

[chris @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

>I know I'm going to set off the Geek alert but wasn't that LED keyboard in TRON?

You beat me to it. Yes, a complete rip off.

[homer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

2 mouse buttons, yes!

[ragnar @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Evan, you're partly right, adding something like piezo feedback can slightly help,
but the lack of a pushable mechanical element will make typing significantly harder and more straining to the hands and fingers.
I wouldn't ever want to have such a keyboard. The concept looks visually
nice, but it's totally unusable.

[Zorg @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

You're saying this like it's a bad thing! I always wanted the keyboard from Tron. That way, I can pile stuff on it, spill stuff on it, even draw stuff on it with a magic marker. But when I need it to type in that winning number, Bam! I brush everything aside (to the floor) and it's waiting for me! Yes!

[Damien Benoit @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I think you are wrong about the third keyboard(pc). Its actually just the second one folded over.

[Helo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I like the "Tron" keyboard although I can't imagine typing anything longer than a url on it. Would be great as part of a command station in my volcanic island lair. Actually all I really want is a light cycle I can zip in and out of traffic in and then de-rez when I get to the office. No hunting for a parking spot!

[Jason @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

What's missing in these concepts is some kind of tactile feedback. Add to the OLED display the ability to dynamicly protrude keys and other controls {like those many-pin toys http://www.urbanjunkie.co.uk/product.php/277/0/ } and I think we could be onto something.

[SideSwipe @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Paul J and ragnar have hit it on the nose.

Have you ever tried tapping your fingers on your desk all day? The spring-loaded keyboard we all use reduces fatigue on the fingertips by absorbing the touch. It's more than just "touch typing", you need that cushion.

[ug @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I know the Atari 400 membrane keyboard was tough to use but it required a little pressure for the switches to react. Touch sensitive panels are a different thing.

I think we are trained to exert x amount of pressure on keyboards. With something that reacts immediately on touch you should be able to train yourself to use almost no force and just ever so lightly grace the keyboard.

[Moose @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Fujitsu redefines ergonimics:

Ergonomics (n.): Not ergonomics.

Seriosly, it it doesn't have buttons you can feel, it's worthless. I learned that from those LCD-touchscreen remotes a few years back. Unworkable.

[Psiven @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

While a flat surface would be ideal for gesture based inpit, and some innovation in that area would be appreciated, to propose a keyboard with it inane.

I'm disapointed in Fujitsu's engineers. Either they're keeping the juicey bits for themselves or they should just go back to miniturization and what they're good at.

Just wait until Logitech releases the Optimus keyboard in the next 2 years. It's the only ingenious innovation in keyboard input this generation by far.

[The Jeremy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Looks like an Atari Hotz MIDI Translator Keyboard if you ask me.

[merciless @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Yes, you all are fools. Just finished mastering iron palm technique.

This would be great for my dimmak training. Mmm finger tips of death.

My kung fu is greater than yours. bahahahhahah!


-ne3d

[PhilJ @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

#21,

I agree. I too always wanted a Tron keyboard, but doubt I'd enjoy typing on it for long. Still, to hear those finger taps on the glass like in the movie even for a minute... maaaaaaan. :)

[Jason Anderson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

Where the hell is my Optimus anyway?

[taehoon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

I think that it would be just easier to just condition yourself to type more lightly. It's just like anything else, once you practice on something for a while, you start adapting to it. Spring-loaded keys have been ingrained into us, but before that it was typewriters that used to require quite a bit more tactile force. We got used to electronic word processors and computer keyboards, so I think it's time for a paradigm shift folks. Challenge yourselves and don't just assume that you can't do something just because it's new and you're not used to it.

[ksb @ Dec 19th 2005 1:37AM]

would be cool if the first keyboard with the blue ligth had a soft surface to push on, my fingers would be numb to write away on a hard surface :)

hehe I think the keyboard would have to same problem as a ipod black nano... smeared in with fat fingers :p