It looks cool, but I don't like that the e-ink displays are deep in the key caps rather than at the top. Perhaps it's a technological limitation.
It's actually much better this way, to prevent its mechanical damage, scratching etc.
Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
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Re: Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
#12And here I am looking down at my keyboard, which looks like this: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81amtBk%2BvqL._SL1500_... And wondering what an E-Ink Keyboard is good for in the real world (this is a genuine question).
The keyboard is still one of (the?) most efficient mechanisms for interacting with a computer. Many applications that aren't text-entry centric can increase user productivity by using keyboard shortcuts for functionality (think of a video editing application: fast-forward, back up 2 sec, mark a segment, etc...). However these function suffer greatly from discoverability issues. If you could put the functions directly on the keyboard, you'd be able to find these shortcuts much faster, and be able to be more productive. Once you've learned the shortcuts, the e-ink becomes less useful, but during that initial discovery (and memorization) phase, it would be extremely helpful.
Re: Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
#13Not exactly a novel idea, the optimus maximus keyboard has been a concept design in 2005 and saw a limited production run in 2007. And it supported colors to boot. I think its main problem was that it was too expensive.
I remember seeing it on Thinkgeek.com - $1500.
Re: Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
#14Earlier quoted context omitted.
What integrated experience when you can't even connect your iPhone to your Mac without an adapter?
There are better arguments for Apple's connectivity issues. I haven't had to directly attach my phone to my Mac in years. Sure, there are use-cases, but really, how many people plug their phones into their computers on a regular basis?
I do a lot more than you'd think, usually it's because I use the laptop as an extra battery to give my phone a quick boost while I'm traveling.
It also uses a lot of battery to use your phone as a wifi hotspot, using USB to share the internet connection is a lot more economical (you're actually charging the phone while it's happening.)
Re: Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
#15An interesting idea, but I just don't look at my keyboards. Even so, I can't help feeling this is a much better approach than replacing F-keys with the Mac Touchbar. The touchbar could have been a great idea if above the pre-existing keys.
However, if it was a Model M chassis, sculpted full travel loud mechanical keys, E-Ink, and a modern selection of media keys and volume I'd probably buy one. Regardless of how silly the cost.
Then I'd still not look at it until doing something in Photoshop or some other program I use only rarely!
Edit: It also strikes me as odd not to E-Ink the Command and Option keys so you can use it on Windows too.
Re: Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
#16And here I am looking down at my keyboard, which looks like this: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81amtBk%2BvqL._SL1500_... And wondering what an E-Ink Keyboard is good for in the real world (this is a genuine question).
vand← {(⍳⍵)∘.*(0,⍳(¯1+⍵))}
Re: Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
#17The point of shortcuts are to learn them.. buying a $200 keyboard just to look less at the keyboard is pointless.
If I were a buyer I'd wish it wasn't bluetooth only, though.
Re: Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
#18Not exactly a novel idea, the optimus maximus keyboard has been a concept design in 2005 and saw a limited production run in 2007. And it supported colors to boot. I think its main problem was that it was too expensive.
I remember seeing it on Thinkgeek.com - $1500.
Lots of little tiny OLED screens - expensive!
Re: Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
#19In some countries like Spain law requires keyboarda must be localized (except if you're buying as a company).
In this case technology makes law pointless
Re: Sonder E-Ink Keyboard
#20Can't help but feel like people are only thinking about programming with this. For someone who speaks multiple languages, being able to switch between configurations as easily as you can on a phone seems like it would be super useful.