Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Microsoft Adaptive Keyboard prototype debuts at center of UIST Student Innovation Contest]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/microsoft-adaptive-keyboard-prototype-debuts-at-center-of-uist-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/microsoft-adaptive-keyboard-prototype-debuts-at-center-of-uist-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/microsoft-adaptive-keyboard-prototype-debuts-at-center-of-uist-s/#comments
No, it's not the mystery device that Microsoft has been teasing as of late, but we have a feeling that plenty of folks will be wishing that the company's so-called "Adaptive Keyboard" was it. Unfortunately, it's just a prototype, and Microsoft apparently has no plans to turn it into an actual product. It will, however, be landing in the hands of a few lucky students participating in this year's UIST Student Innovation Contest, who will be given free reign to do whatever they like with the keyboard and possibly be rewarded with a $2,000 or $500 prize for their hard work. As for the keyboard itself, it's basically Microsoft's take on something like the Optimus Maximus, and consists of a large touchscreen display on top that "extends" to the keys below -- opening up a whole range of possibilities for different configurations and other shenanigans (no further technical details just yet, unfortunately). Head on past the break for a pair of demo videos and, if you're a student, hit up the source link below for the complete contest details -- act fast though, the deadline for applications is August 17th.

Continue reading Microsoft Adaptive Keyboard prototype debuts at center of UIST Student Innovation Contest

Microsoft Adaptive Keyboard prototype debuts at center of UIST Student Innovation Contest originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptive keyboardAdaptiveKeyboardkeyboardkeyboardsmicrosoftmicrosoft applied sciences groupmicrosoft researchMicrosoftAppliedSciencesGroupMicrosoftResearchoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusPeripheralperipheralsuistuist 2010uist 2010 student innovation contestuist student innovation contestUist2010Uist2010StudentInnovationContestUistStudentInnovationContestThu, 12 Aug 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Popularis keyboard finally pictured, still on track for sub-$1000 release]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/optimus-popularis-keyboard-finally-pictured-still-on-track-for/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/optimus-popularis-keyboard-finally-pictured-still-on-track-for/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/29/optimus-popularis-keyboard-finally-pictured-still-on-track-for/#comments Art Lebedev doesn't have a fantastic track record when it comes to timing, but we'll be damned if those boutique devices don't look hot when they hit the scene -- just check out this first render of the Optimus Popularis keyboard, which the studio informs us will still (despite years in the making) cost less than $1000 when it eventually arrives. We're loving the new chiclet keys with typewriter spacing, even as we mourn the loss of a dedicated numpad in favor of industrial design -- though Art Leb says a press of the FN key will remedy that issue. When every button has a screen built into it, you can put that ten-key wherever you want, right?

Optimus Popularis keyboard finally pictured, still on track for sub-$1000 release originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevdesignkeyboardkeyboardsMaximusoptimusoptimus maximusoptimus maximus keyboardoptimus popularisOptimusMaximusOptimusMaximusKeyboardOptimusPopularisPeripheralperipheralspopularisTue, 29 Jun 2010 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Art Lebedev stacks Optimus Popularis keys up against Maximus: smaller, higher res]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/art-lebedev-stacks-optimus-popularis-keys-up-against-maximus-sm/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/art-lebedev-stacks-optimus-popularis-keys-up-against-maximus-sm/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/art-lebedev-stacks-optimus-popularis-keys-up-against-maximus-sm/#comments
Art Lebedev gave us an update on its slimmer, long-promised Optiumus Popularis keyboard last month, but the design shop hasn't ever provided many concrete details about it apart from the fact that it won't be OLED-based this time around. We now at least know a bit more about those all-important keys, however, which are said to be both smaller and higher-res than the OLED keys on the Optiumus Maximus -- 15 mm square and 64 x 64, to be specific -- and have a much smaller "inactive" area (as illustrated by the gray border above). Still not much more than that, unfortunately, but this is Art Lebedev, so you can count on a trickle of information to continue right up until the keyboard rolls out at the end of this year / early next year -- assuming it isn't delayed, that is.

Art Lebedev stacks Optimus Popularis keys up against Maximus: smaller, higher res originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevmaximusoptimusoptimus maximusoptimus popularisOptimusMaximusOptimusPopularispopularityThu, 24 Jun 2010 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's 5th birthday giveaway, part 1: win an Optimus Maximus keyboard!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/14/engadgets-5th-birthday-giveaway-part-1-win-an-optimus-maximus/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/14/engadgets-5th-birthday-giveaway-part-1-win-an-optimus-maximus/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/14/engadgets-5th-birthday-giveaway-part-1-win-an-optimus-maximus/#comments
When you hit the ripe old age of 5, you start to look back upon the years with a certain wistful nostalgia. We'd be lying if we said we didn't get just a little bit misty-eyed thinking about the Optimus Maximus. Like so many of the gadgets we've seen, we followed this little guy from its early design stages, right up into a full hands-on with the quasi-mythical piece of gear. So, it's not without a small amount of sadness that we release this keyboard back into the wild, where it belongs, where a new user will be confused and frustrated with how hard it is to type on.

All you've got to do is let us know what your favorite post from the last five years has been in the comments below.

Note: We've bolded the above statement, since it seems like you guys aren't following the rules.

The rules:
  • Leave a comment below. We want to hear what your favorite Engadget post has been from the last five years -- and feel free to be descriptive!
  • You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
  • If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
  • Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
  • Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) Optimus Maximus keyboard. Approximate retail value is incalculable (or, something like $1692.31).
  • If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
  • Entries can be submitted until Friday, April 17th, at 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
  • Full rules can be found here.

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Engadget's 5th birthday giveaway, part 1: win an Optimus Maximus keyboard! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th birthday5thBirthdayart lebedevart lebedev studiosArtLebedevArtLebedevStudioscontestgiveawayoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusTue, 14 Apr 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Art Lebedev opens minimus Optimus Store in New York]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/11/art-lebedev-opens-minimus-optimus-store-in-new-york/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/11/art-lebedev-opens-minimus-optimus-store-in-new-york/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/11/art-lebedev-opens-minimus-optimus-store-in-new-york/#comments
There it is, Art Lebedev's new Optimus Store in New York, NY. It's not so much a store as it is a kiosk sitting inside of RCS Computer Experience at 575 Madison Ave. Guess they're just waiting for demand of the $1,500 $1,877 keyboard market to pick-up before busting out the trowel and mortar.

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Art Lebedev opens minimus Optimus Store in New York originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 02:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevbrick and mortarBrickAndMortaroptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusstoreMon, 11 Aug 2008 02:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus survives coffee spill test... or does it?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/optimus-maximus-survives-coffee-spill-test-or-does-it/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/optimus-maximus-survives-coffee-spill-test-or-does-it/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/optimus-maximus-survives-coffee-spill-test-or-does-it/#comments
Maybe it's the ambiguity and possible masking of truth that just adds to the allure here, but whether it really lived or not, you now know what an Optimus Maximus looks like after an impromptu greeting with lukewarm java. Sir tema clearly states that the keyboard "survived" its first recorded coffee spill "thanks to the construction of the upper tray," but judging by the looks of this thing... um, we're not so sure. Oh, and he also mentions that spilling liquids on the 'board is not only "stupid," but it obviously voids any applicable warranties. Thanks for the memo.

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Optimus Maximus survives coffee spill test... or does it? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentart lebedevart lebedev studioArtLebedevArtLebedevStudiocoffeedamagekeyboardOptimus MaximusOptimusMaximusspillwarrantyFri, 01 Aug 2008 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Pultius: because Maximus just isn't enough]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/21/optimus-pultius-because-maximus-just-isnt-enough/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/21/optimus-pultius-because-maximus-just-isnt-enough/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/21/optimus-pultius-because-maximus-just-isnt-enough/#comments
Sensing your deep down desire for more OLED keys, Art Lebedev is busting out the new Optimus Pultius, which adds 15 keys to the mayhem. Sure you could use it all by its lonesome, sans Maximus, but that's just not as fun. The keys are just like the ones on the Maximus, and there's even an extra USB port in the back. And you know what that's for... daisy chaining these suckers. No word on price or release date just yet, other than the vague 2008 / early 2009 timeframe.

Filed under: ,

Optimus Pultius: because Maximus just isn't enough originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevbreaking newsBreakingNewsoptimus maximusoptimus pultiusOptimusMaximusOptimusPultiuspultiusMon, 21 Jul 2008 22:41:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change the Optimus Maximus?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/how-would-you-change-the-optimus-maximus/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/how-would-you-change-the-optimus-maximus/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/11/how-would-you-change-the-optimus-maximus/#comments
After hacking away on Art Lebedev's utterly gorgeous Optimus Maximus for a few days, we came away both awed and disappointed. For as beautiful and functional as this beast is, we still felt that actually typing on it -- you know, its primary purpose -- left a lot to be desired. Still, it's hard to deny the ingenuity in the OLED-stuffed 'board, but with such a lofty price tag and even loftier expectations, we can't imagine all of the lucky early adopters being a hundred percent satisfied. For those that laid out for this exquisite piece of kit, how on Earth could revision two be better? Want a few more keys to play around with? Could it stand to lose some of that clicky tactility? Or will it really only be worth the coin once it bags your lunch, irons your shirt and chauffeurs you to work? Do tell.

Filed under:

How would you change the Optimus Maximus? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevfeatureshow would you changeHowWouldYouChangehwyckeyboardlebedevoledoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusFri, 11 Apr 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus keyboard for laptops? Yes, please.]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/optimus-maximus-keyboard-for-laptops-yes-please/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/optimus-maximus-keyboard-for-laptops-yes-please/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/optimus-maximus-keyboard-for-laptops-yes-please/#comments
Truth be told, the bona fide Optimus Maximus keyboard is still quite a few bills higher than most folks are willing to pay, which makes the likelihood of a similar layout hitting laptops anytime soon that much slimmer. Still, we're sure the technology will become cheaper to produce over time, and we certainly dig any future that has products resembling the concept pictured above. No, we've heard nothing official regarding such a keyboard on a lappie just yet, but now that the idea is all out in the open, we're not going to be satisfied until it happens.

[Thanks, Maksim]

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Optimus Maximus keyboard for laptops? Yes, please. originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptdesignkeyboardoledOptimus MaximusOptimusMaximusMon, 03 Mar 2008 18:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Optimus Maximus install, setup, Configurator, and use!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/video-optimus-maximus-install-setup-configurator-and-use/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/video-optimus-maximus-install-setup-configurator-and-use/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/video-optimus-maximus-install-setup-configurator-and-use/#comments
Ah, finally, video of the production Optimus Maximus keyboard in real world use with our machine running the Configurator software. We won't spoil all the fun, hit up the video after the break to see it in action.

[MP4] - Download, h.264 65MB

Update: Ok, YouTube was totally sucky for the first couple hours, but the embedded video is now online after the break. Of course, you can also download it from the link right above. Sorry for the delay!

Continue reading Video: Optimus Maximus install, setup, Configurator, and use!

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Video: Optimus Maximus install, setup, Configurator, and use! originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevengadget videoEngadgetVideofeaturesoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusFri, 22 Feb 2008 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus: at long last, we bring one home to test]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/optimus-maximus-at-long-last-we-bring-one-home-to-test/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/optimus-maximus-at-long-last-we-bring-one-home-to-test/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/22/optimus-maximus-at-long-last-we-bring-one-home-to-test/#comments
It's the damnedest thing: years after seeing the renders we're actually finally writing this post on our very own Optimus Maximus. We've had ours for a few weeks for testing, but we weren't able to do a whole lot with it until we got some later firmware updates. Here's the preliminary report:
  • The OLED displays look really good, and are bright and colorful, just like we'd hoped.
  • Key changes were instant (or almost) in Windows mode, but had a slight delay in Mac mode, where some key bindings were also little out of whack. These are known issues, though, and are being worked on.
  • The keyboard itself is friggin massive, and very sturdy-feeling. The thing is a tank.
  • Replacing keys is pretty easy, but larger keys are more difficult to pull off. You're really only intended to replace the standard-sized keys, so far as we can tell.
  • Typing on it, well, sucks. We kind of hate to say it, but this thing more than likely won't replace what ever keyboard you're writing your novel on -- it's better off used as an absurdly configurable swiss army knife for tasks like gaming, Photoshop, or just about any other productivity app that doesn't require a lot of typing.
  • Okay, why does typing on the Optimus suck, you ask? Well, although the keyboard uses mechanical switches and a lot of high quality components (evident when we pulled off some keys), and there is some clicky tactility to keypresses, as a whole it just requires way too much force to depress keys. And the larger the key, the more force is required, so enter is easier than space, but harder than tab. Let's put it this way, we sit around and type all day long and this thing wore us out in about 30 seconds to a minute. Carpal sufferers, beware.
  • The Configurator is everything we hoped it'd be and more. The ability to paint directly onto the keyboard maps with the image editor of your choice is most excellent. Mapping keyboards to applications and conditions is ridiculously easy. Not everything was working properly though, since we were testing early beta software.
We'll have some video in a bit. We so can't wait for people to start getting their keyboards so we can benefit from their wacky layouts.

Gallery: Optimus Maximus: at long last, we bring one home

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Optimus Maximus: at long last, we bring one home to test originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevfeaturesoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusFri, 22 Feb 2008 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus shipments begin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/optimus-maximus-shipments-begin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/optimus-maximus-shipments-begin/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/optimus-maximus-shipments-begin/#comments
The day you've been waiting so very, very, very long for has finally arrived: Optimus Maximus keyboards have begun shipping out to their new homes. In addition to the pricey, OLED-studded 'boards, the Optimus Configurator software utility is also available, allowing you to customize your new purchase to your heart's content. In other news, Art Lebedev says that he's planning a new project which will make you salivate uncontrollably for five years straight, and end with you taking out a second mortgage on your home to purchase it. Huzzah!

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Optimus Maximus shipments begin originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevkeyboardoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusshippingThu, 21 Feb 2008 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus sold on eBay at terrifically inflated cost]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/optimus-maximus-sold-on-ebay-at-terrifically-inflated-cost/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/optimus-maximus-sold-on-ebay-at-terrifically-inflated-cost/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/11/optimus-maximus-sold-on-ebay-at-terrifically-inflated-cost/#comments
You may remember seeing an eBay auction for a NIB Optimus Maximus keyboard a few weeks ago on Engadget. As you can imagine, the news generated a lot of excitement -- particularly from the folks at eBay, who decided it would be a sweet item to feature on their homepage. Thus the auction was ended quickly and relisted in accordance with special rules and regulations, and now some poor, poor soul (or wealthy, as it were) is the proud owner of an auctioned Optimus Maximus. Hey, it only cost $2,750... or just a little bit less than double the list price ($1564.72). Oh you crazy eBayers.

[Via TG Daily]

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Optimus Maximus sold on eBay at terrifically inflated cost originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionebaykeyboardoptimus maximusOptimusMaximussalesellingsoldMon, 11 Feb 2008 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[How much would you pay to be the first Optimus Maximus owner?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/29/how-much-would-you-pay-to-be-the-first-optimus-maximus-owner/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/29/how-much-would-you-pay-to-be-the-first-optimus-maximus-owner/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/29/how-much-would-you-pay-to-be-the-first-optimus-maximus-owner/#comments
We wouldn't have expected the first opportunity for consumers to pick up an Optimus Maximus to be in the wild frontiers of eBay, but hey, we'll take what we can get. Currently at $300 with 14 bids, but seeing how fast our pathetic bid was shot down, it looks like there's going to be quite a frenzy when the auction winds down on February 4th.

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How much would you pay to be the first Optimus Maximus owner? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevebaymaximusoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusTue, 29 Jan 2008 14:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Mixed meme of the day: Beatles coming to Optimus Maximus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/mixed-meme-of-the-day-beatles-coming-to-optimus-maximus/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/mixed-meme-of-the-day-beatles-coming-to-optimus-maximus/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/16/mixed-meme-of-the-day-beatles-coming-to-optimus-maximus/#comments

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Mixed meme of the day: Beatles coming to Optimus Maximus originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevitunes lyrics plug-inItunesLyricsPlug-inkeyboardsoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusthe beatlesTheBeatlesWed, 16 Jan 2008 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Art Lebedev's CES 2008 booth tour]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/art-lebedevs-ces-2008-booth-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/art-lebedevs-ces-2008-booth-tour/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/art-lebedevs-ces-2008-booth-tour/#comments
Let's get this straight: Lebedev by no means only does the Optimus Maximus, and his studio is one of the most prolific design firms in Russia. But Art and his crew were at CES for one reason, and one reason alone -- not that we have a problem with that. Don't forget to check out our Optimus Maximus video.

Gallery: Art Lebedev's CES 2008 booth tour

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Art Lebedev's CES 2008 booth tour originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevbooth tourBoothTourCESces 2008Ces2008featuresoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusWed, 09 Jan 2008 09:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Optimus Maximus caught on tape at CES]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/video-optimus-maximus-caught-on-tape-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/video-optimus-maximus-caught-on-tape-at-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/video-optimus-maximus-caught-on-tape-at-ces/#comments
Mahalo Daily's Veronica Belmont was able to catch up with Art Lebedev at CES 2008 and spend nearly six minutes checking out the oh-so-captivating Optimus Maximus keyboard. If you've managed to resist heading past the break and clicking play as hastily as humanly possible up 'til now, what on Earth are you waiting for?

Continue reading Video: Optimus Maximus caught on tape at CES

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Video: Optimus Maximus caught on tape at CES originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces 2008Ces2008engadget videoEngadgetVideokeyboardoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusTue, 08 Jan 2008 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus delayed until February, unless you skimp on firmware]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/26/optimus-maximus-delayed-until-february-unless-you-skimp-on-firm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/26/optimus-maximus-delayed-until-february-unless-you-skimp-on-firm/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/26/optimus-maximus-delayed-until-february-unless-you-skimp-on-firm/#comments
We've been waiting this long, what's a couple more months? Art Lebedev has announced that the Optimus Maximus keyboard isn't quite ready for prime time yet, and will be delayed until late February. Lucky for you reckless early adopters out there, if you pre-ordered the Maximus you can get Art Lebedev to ship you the keyboard now, it'll just be lacking its final firmware, and therefore you've got a bit of a hack job to look forward to when Lebedev releases the full firmware -- which will be software-updatable. Not exactly exciting news, but we'd much prefer Lebedev get this out the door than sit around a few more years waiting on perfection.

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Optimus Maximus delayed until February, unless you skimp on firmware originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevkeyboardoledoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusWed, 26 Dec 2007 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus in minimus sub-$1000 configurations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/28/optimus-maximus-in-minimus-sub-1000-configurations/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/28/optimus-maximus-in-minimus-sub-1000-configurations/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/28/optimus-maximus-in-minimus-sub-1000-configurations/#comments
The $1,564, 113-key Optimus Maximus is priced way, way beyond most people's budget for a keyboard. But man, you still ache for those programmable OLED keys. Now's your chance. Starting February 20th, 2008, Art Lebedev comes true to his word with new 1, 10, and 47 programmable OLED key configurations for $462, $599, $999, respectively. How (almost) practical.

[Thanks, James]

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Optimus Maximus in minimus sub-$1000 configurations originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevkeyboardoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusWed, 28 Nov 2007 01:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Optimus Maximus box design revealed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/22/final-optimus-maximus-box-design-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/22/final-optimus-maximus-box-design-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/22/final-optimus-maximus-box-design-revealed/#comments
Well, it looks like Art Lebedev's slow drip of information about its Optimus Maximus keyboard even extends to the product's packaging, as it now turns out that last box we saw wasn't the final version -- the one above is, supposedly. Not that it likely make a bit of difference to the select few actually able to get their hands on one, that is.

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Final Optimus Maximus box design revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusThu, 22 Nov 2007 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus shows his design chops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/16/optimus-maximus-shows-his-design-chops/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/16/optimus-maximus-shows-his-design-chops/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/16/optimus-maximus-shows-his-design-chops/#comments
Notice anything peculiar about that QWERTY? No, it's not a ClipArt frenzy. Rather, each key has been replaced with a specific Photoshop function. That's the magic of the Optimus Maximus. Oh sure, any designer worth his salt has already mastered the Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + N, but a single key press (instead of three) sure sounds nice. Worth $1,536? Doubtful, but what if Artimus threw in a children's layout too? Russian, Japanese? We know, it's a hard sell.

Gallery: Optimus Maximus shows his design chops


[Thanks, Shannin]

Continue reading Optimus Maximus shows his design chops

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Optimus Maximus shows his design chops originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keyboardoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusphotoshopFri, 16 Nov 2007 07:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus changes layouts on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/12/optimus-maximus-changes-layouts-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/12/optimus-maximus-changes-layouts-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/12/optimus-maximus-changes-layouts-on-video/#commentsDon't feel bad, we're getting just as tired of hearing all about the Optimus Maximus. Granted, all that will hopefully change once we actually get one in our hands, but we digress. The latest posting on the Optimus Maximus site shows the oh-so-admired keyboard (in black and white, mind you) changing layouts before our very eyes. Unfortunately, the clip is only bound to make you more frustrated with the wait, but c'mon, it's not like you're gonna hold off or anything. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading Optimus Maximus changes layouts on video

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Optimus Maximus changes layouts on video originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keyboardOptimusOptimus MaximusOptimusMaximusvideoMon, 12 Nov 2007 17:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Sub-$500 Optimus keyboards in the works, and other newsimus maximus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/sub-500-optimus-keyboards-in-the-works-and-other-newsimus-maxi/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/sub-500-optimus-keyboards-in-the-works-and-other-newsimus-maxi/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/sub-500-optimus-keyboards-in-the-works-and-other-newsimus-maxi/#comments
Those following every twist and turn of the Optimus Maximus keyboard have plenty to sink their teeth into on the always dependable optimus_project LiveJournal today, including the tantalizing detail of a soon-to-be-announced sub-$500 model. More details on that (and a sub-$1,000 model) will apparently be coming next week, when each will also supposedly be available for pre-order. The blog also dropped word that the first lot of Optimus Maximus keyboards has been sold out, and will start shipping in December or January, with the second lot set to arrive in February. Those first few keyboards will apparently be "somewhat functionally limited," however, with firmware updates planned "every month or so in the beginning" to bring them up to speed. Lastly, comes word that Art Lebedev will be introducing a "couple of new Optimus concepts" this year, with another model set to be released sometime next year, no doubt starting this whole long, drawn out process all over again.

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Sub-$500 Optimus keyboards in the works, and other newsimus maximus originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevoledoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusMon, 05 Nov 2007 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus minutiae: Key Remover shown]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/23/optimus-maximus-minutiae-key-remover-shown/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/23/optimus-maximus-minutiae-key-remover-shown/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/23/optimus-maximus-minutiae-key-remover-shown/#comments
Yeah, you aren't the only one wishing the latest tidbit from the Optimus Maximus camp was a press-stopping blurb claiming that these things were actually shipping en masse, but for those who don't mind constant teasing and the most trifling of details, feel free to eat your heart out. Pictured above is the "final" version of the Optimus Key Remover, which sports a glowing orange motif and even features the words "Optimus" and "Key Remover" engraved on each side. 'Course, one (read: us) may wonder why such an insignificant piece of the package (at least we hope this thing is included up front) is even showcased, but when you're paying over $1,500 for a keyboard, every little bit counts, no?

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Optimus Maximus minutiae: Key Remover shown originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>key removerkeyboardKeyRemoveroptimus maximusOptimusMaximusTue, 23 Oct 2007 23:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus box design: will the madness end?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/optimus-maximus-box-design-will-the-madness-end/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/optimus-maximus-box-design-will-the-madness-end/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/09/optimus-maximus-box-design-will-the-madness-end/#comments
You've already caught a glimpse of what the innards of the Optimus Maximus box should look like, so if you're intrigued, you can now take a peek at the outside. Additionally, the folks laid out a number of previous concepts, but it sounds like they're going with the white shown above to match the keyboard's color. We know, it's just more teasing, but click on through if you're able to endure it.

Continue reading Optimus Maximus box design: will the madness end?

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Optimus Maximus box design: will the madness end? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>keyboardoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusTue, 09 Oct 2007 12:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus to ship in white?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/05/optimus-maximus-to-ship-in-white/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/05/optimus-maximus-to-ship-in-white/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/05/optimus-maximus-to-ship-in-white/#comments At this point we're pretty firmly on the seeing-is-believing bandwagon with the Optimus Maximus, but this picture on user optimus_project's LiveJournal pretty clearly shows the Ultimate Keyboard with a white frame as opposed to the silver one we've previously seen. Oh, also it's titled "Optimus Maximus to be shipped in white," so there's that. We're kinda getting the render vibe from the image, but as always, we'll leave that up to you to hash out in the comments.

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Optimus Maximus to ship in white? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Art LebedevArt Lebedev StudioArtLebedevArtLebedevStudiooptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusrumorFri, 05 Oct 2007 07:41:00 EST<![CDATA[First Optimus Maximus hits Moscow]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/14/first-optimus-maximus-hits-moscow/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/14/first-optimus-maximus-hits-moscow/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/14/first-optimus-maximus-hits-moscow/#comments
It's been a long time coming, but the first Optimus Maximus OLED keyboard has finally shown itself in Moscow and, as you can see in the picture above, it's already being put to good use. Of course, the lucky few that got in on the first batch of orders will still have to wait a while longer to get a taste of all that excess first hand, with the keyboards apparently still on track for a release by the end of the year. We somehow suspect there will be plenty more pics to whet the appetites of the rest of us in the meantime though, and if you just can't wait for that inevitability, you can hit up the read link below for a slightly larger version of this one.

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First Optimus Maximus hits Moscow originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevkeyboardoledoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusFri, 14 Sep 2007 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxing the Optimus Maximus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/02/boxing-the-optimus-maximus/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/02/boxing-the-optimus-maximus/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/02/boxing-the-optimus-maximus/#comments
As opposed to unboxing, that is. Yeah, that's right: in their seemingly endless mission to document every bit of minutiae related to the Optimus Maximus OLED Keyboard, the Optimus Project guys have taken pictures of the box that will contain the keyboard. Some key points of the box:
  • Made of brown cardboard, with a glossy white exterior.
  • Features foam padding.
  • Has two layers of foam.
  • Includes cut outs to keep the power supply, cable, and keyboard seated.
  • Comes with handy white handle.
  • Yes, we're over analyzing this to make a point.
C'mon Optimus Project, get this out the door already.

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Boxing the Optimus Maximus originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Sep 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CardboardKeyboardOptimus MaximusOptimus ProjectOptimusMaximusOptimusProjectSun, 02 Sep 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus gets a numeric keypad test]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/10/optimus-maximus-gets-a-numeric-keypad-test/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/10/optimus-maximus-gets-a-numeric-keypad-test/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/10/optimus-maximus-gets-a-numeric-keypad-test/#comments
Hot on the heels of the recent single-key Optimus Maximus OLED key test comes the highly anticipated multiple-key test, a demo of the numeric keypad. Yes, it's a whole bank of the custom-built buttons, flashing in a veritable parade of holiday-season-worthy light. Sure, that exposed PCB and those little plastic keys don't look like they're worth $1536, but we're sure once it's all said and done you'll still feel like it's money well spent. Check the video after the break to witness the dancing lights for yourself.

Continue reading Optimus Maximus gets a numeric keypad test

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Optimus Maximus gets a numeric keypad test originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevdemokeyboardoledoptimus maximusOptimusMaximustestFri, 10 Aug 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus OLEDs finally tested]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/03/optimus-maximus-oleds-finally-tested/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/03/optimus-maximus-oleds-finally-tested/http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/03/optimus-maximus-oleds-finally-tested/#comments
Funny, after a first-wave sellout of their Optimus Maximus keyboards, we kinda figured that a "first test" of those OLED keys would have occurred before now. Au contraire my pirate-patched friends. A video of just one of those 113 keys (the spacebar, apparently) has been published showing RGB in all the glory you could expect from a 10.1 x 10.1-mm, 48 x 48 pixel display. Let's just hope they can somehow dampen the Johnny Cash-era freight train effect before these units ship. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Fantastico]

Continue reading Optimus Maximus OLEDs finally tested

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Optimus Maximus OLEDs finally tested originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 04:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevkeyboardoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusFri, 03 Aug 2007 04:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus: 113 keys, ready to pre-order]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/20/optimus-maximus-103-keys-ready-to-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/20/optimus-maximus-103-keys-ready-to-pre-order/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/20/optimus-maximus-103-keys-ready-to-pre-order/#comments
Ready to move around some funds in your accounts? Take out that loan from your mom? Tell your wife you just don't know why the account's a grand light? The Optimus Maximus is up for pre-order for $1564.37. Oh, and it's officially back to 113 keys (that's $13.84 per key, in case you didn't feel like busting out your HP financial calc). Remember, only 200 are being made during the first round, so if you want to be among the early batch to get theirs this December, now may be your only chance -- unless they're already sold out, that is.

Gallery: Optimus Maximus: 103 keys, ready to pre-order

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Optimus Maximus: 113 keys, ready to pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2007 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevbreaking newsBreakingNewskeyboardoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusSun, 20 May 2007 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus pre-order starts May 20th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/16/optimus-maximus-pre-order-starts-may-20th/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/16/optimus-maximus-pre-order-starts-may-20th/http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/16/optimus-maximus-pre-order-starts-may-20th/#comments
Taking another small step from its sump of vapor, the Optimus Maximus keyboard is now ready for pre-pre-order. Beginning May 20th at 1500 Moscow time (0700 New York), Art. Lebedev will publish the keyboard's detailed specs and start accepting "limited pre-orders" for their $1,536 OLED keyboard. Regardless of that hefty price, we wouldn't be surprised to see all 400 keyboards available in December sell-out faster than a corporate rock star.

[Thanks, Andrew H.]

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Optimus Maximus pre-order starts May 20th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2007 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevbreaking newsBreakingNewsoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusWed, 16 May 2007 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus gets price and date]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/optimus-maximus-gets-price-and-date/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/optimus-maximus-gets-price-and-date/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/27/optimus-maximus-gets-price-and-date/#comments
After some OLED display supply issues and a few setbacks, it looks like Lebedev and company have finally settled on a launch date and price for the king of keyboard, the Optimus Maximus. Hold your breath, it'll be due late November (the 30th, to be specific) for $1536 US ("Shakespeare's birthday"). Bad news, we know, but the worst news is still to come: only 200 keyboards per month for November and December, and 400 keyboards are scheduled to be made next January. (On second thought, at over $1500 apiece, maybe that's not so few keyboards.) Ok, exhale, it's going to be alright.

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Optimus Maximus gets price and date originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 00:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevbreaking newsBreakingNewsoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximuspricereleaseFri, 27 Apr 2007 00:34:00 EST<![CDATA[The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for the Most Anticipated Gadget of 2007]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/16/the-2006-engadget-awards-vote-for-the-most-anticipated-gadget-o/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/16/the-2006-engadget-awards-vote-for-the-most-anticipated-gadget-o/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/16/the-2006-engadget-awards-vote-for-the-most-anticipated-gadget-o/#comments We're down to the last three, everybody -- the biggies. And sure, it may be 2007 now, but it's still entirely possible for you to cast your ballot for the Most Anticipated Gadget of 2007! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Wednesday, April 18th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Apple iPhone, Apple iPod (6g), Nokia N95, Optimus Maxiumus keyboard, PSP 2, SED HDTVs, and Vista / CableCARD PCs.

View Poll

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The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for the Most Anticipated Gadget of 2007 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006 engadget awards2006EngadgetAwardsapplecablecardengadget awardsEngadgetAwardsiphoneipodn95nokiaoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximuspsppsp 2Psp2sedvistaMon, 16 Apr 2007 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[First Optimus Maximus prototype key revealed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/first-optimus-maximus-prototype-key-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/first-optimus-maximus-prototype-key-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/30/first-optimus-maximus-prototype-key-revealed/#comments
There it is, the first prototype key for Lebedev's Optimus Maximus keyboard. Unlike a typical dome-switch style keyboard -- the mushy but quiet type which collapses a rubber dome to close the circuit -- a key press on Lebedev's $10 key moves a transparent cap around the OLED display to throw a mechanical cherry-switch. This has the benefit of protecting those tiny OLED displays while potentially kicking back a healthy dose of tactile feedback. Reports are that "key-press is nice" although the first prototypes have yet to arrive in Moscow. Certainly, haptic considerations are incredibly important. But we're wondering about the level of optical distortion caused by the gap between the cap and OLED. After all, these keys will be used as informational widgets so they need to be visible from a variety of angles. When you're paying $1,490 for an OLED keyboard, the "look" is just as important as the "feel."

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First Optimus Maximus prototype key revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArtLebedevkeyboardlebedevmaximusoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusprototypeFri, 30 Mar 2007 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus official press shots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/optimus-maximus-official-press-shots/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/optimus-maximus-official-press-shots/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/15/optimus-maximus-official-press-shots/#comments
For $1,490, we should -- at the very least -- expect some free press shots of the Optimus Maximus this morning, right? Good, 'cause that's all we're going to get from the design cats at Art. Lebedev Studio. No prototype, no working OLED keys, just press shots. Still, kinda dreamy eh? Cue the Chinese knockoffs... now.

Gallery: Optimus Maximus official press shots

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Optimus Maximus official press shots originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art lebedevArt. Lebedev StudioArt.LebedevStudioArtLebedevbreaking newsBreakingNewslebedevoptimusoptimus maximusOptimusMaximusThu, 15 Mar 2007 08:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Optimus Maximus: the god of keyboards unveiled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/14/optimus-maximus-the-god-of-keyboards-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/14/optimus-maximus-the-god-of-keyboards-unveiled/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/14/optimus-maximus-the-god-of-keyboards-unveiled/#comments We have some good news and some bad news Optimus fanboys, which do you want first? The bad news? Ok, here goes: the Optimus isn't being shown at CeBIT after all. Yeah, we know, we just caught a huge whiff of rather depressing vapor, but what can you do? If it's not ready to show it's not ready to show. Oh, and if that's not a boot to the gut then how 'bout this: it's not $1,200 anymore... it's now $1,490. Ouch! Pre-orders start in April with delivery in November/December 2007. Still, there was a bit of good news that came from our meeting with Artemy Lebedev and Dimitry Tosy here at CeBIT in Hannover. First, the Optimus 103 gets a name change. While we were hoping for the Optimus Prime (there's more than meets the eye), it looks like they've settled on Optimus Maximus (the god of gods). Also, all the keys will in fact be OLED with an expected life span of only 5 years, depending upon use of course. Each 32 x 32 resolution OLED will remain stationary. Instead, the key-press mechanics are executed by a plastic cap which slides around the display like a sleeve to keep the wear and tear on the OLEDs to a minimum. Break a key? No problem, replacements will be offered for $10 a pop. Sorry, no freebies in the box like your Xmas tree lights -- we tried. And if you think that $1,490 is a bit too pricey for a 5-year keyboard, take heart: "two or three" additional keyboards are in the works with fewer programmable keys and a sub $1,000 price tag.

Gallery: Optimus Maximus: the god of keyboards unveiled

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Optimus Maximus: the god of keyboards unveiled originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscebitoptimusoptimus 103optimus maximusOptimus103OptimusMaximusWed, 14 Mar 2007 14:02:00 EST