ChicletKeyboard
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Acer unveils two new Aspire Ethos laptops for multimedia enthusiasts, street fighters
It's been more than a year since Acer first launched its Aspire Ethos line of laptops -- a family that got a bit bigger today, with the announcement of the 8951G and 5951G. These rambunctious little extroverts are powered by the latest generation of Intel's Core i processors, offering Turbo Boost speeds of up to 3.4GHz. Big bro 8951G boasts a 18.4-inch display that transmits images in Full HD, 1920 x 1080 resolution and 220-nit brightness, while spunky little 5951G struts around with a 15.6-inch HD 1366 x 768 screen of its own. They also support NVIDIA GeForce GT500 and DirectX 11 graphics and sport Dolby-approved surround sound, aluminum-magnesium alloy shells, glossy matte finishes and back-lit chiclet keyboards. Acer plans to unleash the pair sometime in mid-June, though they won't come for cheap, with prices starting at £1,000 (about $1,643). Aspiring owners can find more information in the full PR, after the break.
Apple patent application shows keyboard that doesn't require contact, blows air
We've been generally satisfied with the chiclet-style keyboards that have become omnipresent in laptops and Apple's latest generation of desktop keyboards, but Cupertino feels that these thinner, lower-profile input devices limit tactile feedback. A patent application from Apple, filed in 2009 but only now revealed, aims to improve the user experience by "expelling air from the input device proximate the key when user selection is imminent." That's right -- your keyboard could blow on your fingertips as you blow our minds in the comments. Another solution in the patent would function like a vacuum to pull keys away when a proximity sensor detects that you're about to type, providing simulated feedback. If this concept takes off in the future, your next MacBook Air could really live up to its name.
Niyari brings back Atari 400 nostalgia with USB keyboard, brown never looked so good
We never got around to reviewing the Atari 400 back in 1979, but it was probably for the best -- according to Technabob, the game console's membrane keyboard was more of a finger torturing tool. But if you dig this iconic design regardless, then you may consider Niyari's similar-looking chiclet keyboard from Japan. Sure, $148.55 is pretty steep for an otherwise ordinary USB peripheral, but some old schoolers may gladly pay for this much improved typing experience, albeit 32 years too late. Head past the break to compare this device with an actual Atari 400.
Ask Engadget: Best chiclet keyboard for desktop use?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Stephen, who digs this new chiclet keyboard craze, but wants one for his desktop. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I am interested in building a brand new rig, and I've come to admire chiclet keyboards like those seen on various laptops and the Mac keyboard -- but I'm not a fan of the Apple tax. Is there a nice chiclet-style keyboard out there you would recommend for desktop users? I'd really like a full numeric keypad on it if possible." We know many of you use gaming keyboards and the like, but for those who've managed to locate a decent chiclet keyboard for desktop use, why not share your source? We're sure there are plenty to go around.
