Flexiglow Illuminated Keyboard

Extra features by titaniam · 2004-05-02 07:37 · Score: 5, Funny

Comes with a bottle of spf 45 sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses as well.

Re:Extra features by emplynx · 2004-05-02 07:38 · Score: 2, Funny

Yeah, I bet that would be hard to use in the dark because it's so bright.

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-Tim
Re:Extra features by gooru · 2004-05-02 07:41 · Score: 0, Offtopic

How is the first post redundant???
Re:Extra features by x0n · 2004-05-02 07:53 · Score: 4, Funny

At least I can get an all-over "CRT tan" now; this will get to those hard to reach spots under the chin.

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PGP KeyId: 0x08D63965
Re:Extra features by UltimaL337Star · 2004-05-02 13:52 · Score: 1, Funny

In fact it'll eventually get through your pores and tan your brain
Re:Extra features by Iblis · 2004-05-02 19:10 · Score: 1

And in case you want to make people believe that you're not a sad person and that you too travel abroad, just go to France or Belgium. They have Azerty keyboards there - for that different CRT pattern you've always been dreaming of.

--
"Free" as in "free 'undred quid".

How often do you look at you keyboard? by DAldredge · 2004-05-02 07:39 · Score: 5, Insightful

How often do you look at your keyboard? I rarely look down at my keyboard when I am typing. I mean, it isn't that hard to learn to type.

Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by NotAnotherReboot · 2004-05-02 07:42 · Score: 4, Interesting

I concur...on top of that, do you really want your keyboard distracting you if you don't ever look at it? On top of that, even if you did need to look down from time to time, the only time you wouldn't be able to see it is at night (and even then, your monitor would probably illuminate it enough).

You shouldn't be using a computer in the dark anyways, the contrast between the sceen and the wall is far too high. It hurts your vision.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by P-Nuts · 2004-05-02 07:47 · Score: 5, Interesting

You shouldn't be using a computer in the dark anyways, the contrast between the sceen and the wall is far too high. It hurts your vision.

You're clearly not a true geek.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by bob_jordan · 2004-05-02 07:48 · Score: 5, Funny

Its not about usability, its about getting an all round tan. My three monitor setup works well but I've been looking a little pale under the chin. This is just what I've been looking for.

Bob.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Meneudo · 2004-05-02 07:51 · Score: 2, Insightful

True, you don't need to look down at your keyboard when you are typing. But there are times when you just need to press a couple of buttons and it isn't worth it to sit down and/or orient yourself.

Sometimes, during the night, when I am typing, its kind of nice to be able to hit Command-Open without having to figure out where you are on the keyboard. Apply this to multimedia keys and Fkeys as well.

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Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 07:57 · Score: 0

I often have to look for the !@#$^&*()_+1234567890`~ and F keys.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Bozdune · 2004-05-02 08:03 · Score: 4, Insightful

On my desktop? Never. On my laptop? A lot, everything is ctrl-meta-mumbled due to lack of space. But this product doesn't help me, because the whole point of the laptop is not to have to carry around a keyboard (or anything else, for that matter, with the possible exception of a mouse).

But if somebody shipped a LAPTOP with an illuminated keyboard -- now you're talking. As long as battery life doesn't go to hell, that is. I know, the light could be turned on with a keystroke... shit, never mind.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Quobobo · 2004-05-02 08:10 · Score: 1

The more expensive Powerbooks do this automatically, it's really cool... I'm not sure about x86 laptops, but I'd assume some of the pricier ones have similar features.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by toasted_calamari · 2004-05-02 08:11 · Score: 4, Informative

Apple ships their 15" and 17" laptops with illuminated keyboards. I've used them, and they work really well. Only the print on the keys light up, rather than the entire key like the flexiglow. It doesn't appear to kill the batteries to badly, and the light and screen intensity are controlled automatically by light sensors.

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Let's make a difference
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Quobobo · 2004-05-02 08:13 · Score: 1

Not often, but it's useful at times. Ever tried to sit down and orient yourself at a keyboard in the dark? I find that I need to see the keyboard first to get my hands in the right place. Not sure why, but I need to get a visual idea of where my hands are first, and then I'm fine.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Fear+the+Clam · 2004-05-02 08:15 · Score: 1

I type 60 WPM while looking at the keys and using four fingers, and my hands are constantly changing position.

I could learn to touch type, but I'd rather avoid the RSI.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by silverfuck · 2004-05-02 08:19 · Score: 2, Informative

If you read the article (okay, okay, I know this is slashdot), then you would find that there is a switch for turning off the illumination when you want to get a (rare) couple of hours kip at night.

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You know you've been IMing too long when you almost say 'lol' out loud to a non-geeky friend...
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by JabberWokky · 2004-05-02 08:20 · Score: 1

How often do you look at your keyboard? I rarely look down at my keyboard when I am typing. I mean, it isn't that hard to learn to type.
When I have my hands on a keyboard, it's not that bad. Also, if I'm only using one model of keyboard, it's not bad. When I'm switching back and forth from a laptop keyboard and a desktop, I need light. I installed a 25 watt purple lightbulb in a desklamp for that purpose. Seems to be the right shade and level of light for perfect "I can see everything, (quickly) read printouts and otherwise be aware of the desk, but focus on the screen and what I'm working on".
I use a Logitech Elite cordless desktop. It's a damn stupid name, but I've been using Logitech cordless mouses and keyboards for about five years now, and I love them (I have a small pile of the old off-white ones in the file cabinet I store components in). I wouldn't mind a model with keys that have some sort of orienting light. Two leds in the f and j keys (matching the bumps) to find homekeys would be find. You have to find your homekeys to find $HOME.
Now if I could find a keyboard model with a trackball on the right, mouse buttons on the left. cordless, with key illumination, I would snap it up - there's a perfect remote for a homebrew PVR and media computer.
--
Evan

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"$30 for the One True Ring. $10 each additional ring!" -- JRR "Bob" Tolkien
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by linzeal · 2004-05-02 08:32 · Score: 3, Informative

I use a USB light when I am computing in dimly lit bars or on trains at night with my laptop. I actually use it oddly enough when working on my server as well because it makes reading the steel imprinted letters on PCI cards easy as it sticks in one place as opposed to a flashlight where I have to hold it in my teeth like a metal dildo or nestle it between my shoulder and neck uncomfortably. Nevr thought you would use those USB ports on your server, think again.

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An Education is the Font of All Liberty
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Tandoori+Haggis · 2004-05-02 08:32 · Score: 1

Nir cery iftem. I meN AW SHOOT!

Ahem. Ok I admit havibg to look at the keyboard FREQUENTLY!!!

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My hyperlinks aren't worth the paper they're printed on.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by geniusj · 2004-05-02 08:32 · Score: 1

For those who will probably ask. The lighting can also be turned off and on, and its luminescence adjusted, from (ironically) the keyboard.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by localhost00 · 2004-05-02 08:35 · Score: 2, Funny

I have to look at my keyboard every 5 to 10 seconds bevause I make sutoif tyuopes idf I fom;r.

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Calling atheism and agnosticism a religion is like calling bald a hair color.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 08:41 · Score: 0

It hurts your vision.
Old wives tale.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Martin+Kallisti · 2004-05-02 08:55 · Score: 4, Informative

IBM's X31 laptops, and probably most others in the same series, come with a little light installed at the top of the screen, which can be switched on to illuminate the keyboard if in darkness. It is not nearly as pretty as Apple's Powerbook solution, but it works well enough.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:10 · Score: 0

vision fatigue is very real.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:15 · Score: 2, Funny

Wouldn't it be cool if a few well known keys just had some kind of mark on them you could just feel for. That way you wouldn't have to see the keyboard to know which keys your fingers were over.

Quick, Microsoft patent this!
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:30 · Score: 0

I use a retinal laser display device, you insensitive clod!
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Silas+is+back · 2004-05-02 11:16 · Score: 0

actually, the idea of only the prints on the Keys glowing is much better than this IMHO unusable glowing thing. Built-in light sensors automatically adjust the keyboard illumination (and the screen's brightness) based on the available ambient light.

see a (not too good) picture of apples keyboard here

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this sig is useless
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by moosesocks · 2004-05-02 11:56 · Score: 1

Yes. IBM's done this on several of their laptops for some time now. Not having owned or used one for an extended period of time, I can't comment on how useful it is, but I always thought that it seemed utterly useless, as the light's going to be blocked by your hands unless you're the worst hunt-and-peck typist in the world (most at least let their hands hover above the keyboard). This is especially true, as the IBM laptops use the pointint-stick device for the mouse (many now ship with trackpads as well).

The pointing stick is, in my opinion, the superior pointing device. I had it on my 486 IBM laptop, and never really shook off the habit. I still perfer my logitech trackball to any other mouse. As an added bonus, the thing's indestructible. It's7 or 8 years old, and has been dropped, drenched, and more. Once a year, I take it apart to clean the gunk off of the optical sensors (yes -- trackballs were optical LONG before mice ever were).

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-- If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done? - Uli's moose
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Lumpy · 2004-05-02 12:35 · Score: 2, Insightful

I've tried the kinds of lighted keyboards and they completely suck compared to the Apple and IBM versions in the laptops which only light the type like you are talking about..

Why cant they make a REAL keyboard with quality keys and lit key cap markings??

these "rubber" keyboards suck to type on. they dont feel right and get really grubby looking quickly.

for a really expensive keyboard they are crap.... although I use a Macintosh USB keyboard with all my systems, as the Intel keyboards are utter crap compared to it.

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Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 13:03 · Score: 0

I've just got myself a 15" PB, and this is one feature which I unexpectedly didn't like. If you've got the Powerbook on a low angle to your eyes (e.g. on your lap as you're slouching) the keys are at such an angle that they become very hard to read. I'm sure this is as a result of the letters not being printed black, but essentially transparent so that the light can shine through.

It sounds like a great idea, but in practice I've found it to be a bit weak.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by los+furtive · 2004-05-02 13:39 · Score: 3, Funny

... as opposed to a flashlight where I have to hold it in my teeth like a metal dildo...

Where I come from a) flashlights don't vibrate b) dildos don't go in the mouth.
Sorry, couldn't resist replying to a post like that ;-)

--
I'm a writer, a poet, a genius, I know it. I don't buy software, I grow it.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by darkitecture · 2004-05-02 14:05 · Score: 1

I pretty much learned how to touch type when I found the amazing world of IRC and stayed up late at night in the dark talking about the most inane topics with friends until the wee hours of the morning. Not being able to see the keys certainly helped.

Being a teenager and having the irresistable desire to be smarter than those that could type faster than me and type faster than those who were smarter than me also helped.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by superyooser · 2004-05-02 15:00 · Score: 1

People who use different keyboards at home, work, library, college lab, etc. have a hard time adapting to different key layouts. When I was in college, the computer science labs had Solaris type keyboards. Some engineering labs had the old, 20-lb IBM keyboards. Other labs had Gateway keyboards. Some labs had various keyboards in the same lab. Library terminals had these awful, tiny keyboards with a terribly annoying key layout. My own keyboard was a DEC (I had the last of the DEC PCs.) My Mom's computer at home had a Dell keyboard.
All keyboards (even within QUERTY ones designed for Windows) don't have all keys in the same place, like Ctrl, backspace, Delete, |, Home, End, PageUp, PageDown etc. Shift, Enter, and backspace keys vary in length. Stupid, optional keys like Power, Wake, and Sleep get in the way. Windows keys are littered about in varying lengths depending on the keyboard. And you can't touch type the Function keys when it's too dark to see that back row at all.
I get a new (cheap) keyboard every couple years, and I can never find completely consistent key layouts. I know how to touch type, but it doesn't help much when I'm only using the mouse, and I just have to press F6 or Ctrl+Shift+0. Illuminated keys would help me a lot.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by superyooser · 2004-05-02 15:07 · Score: 2, Interesting

If you have an optical mouse, you can lift it up and use it as a flashlight to see something. Of course, it's not nearly as nifty as that USB light.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by linzeal · 2004-05-02 15:16 · Score: 1

In response to your sig, as long as you do not look only at porn star porn and also go for the girl next door type stuff you have a decent chance of not being dissapointed that you can't air brush stretchmarks away in real life.

--
An Education is the Font of All Liberty
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 17:57 · Score: 0

no kiddin.. i've been looking to buy a blank keyboard.. ie nothing on the keys.. i think it will really help my typing speed.. anyone seen one?
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 18:15 · Score: 0

The J and F keys on my keyboard have a raised mark on them, I assume this is standard on most keyboards, I recall them being there on my keyboard at work too (I just noticed them now though)
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by martingunnarsson · 2004-05-02 18:19 · Score: 1

Yes, I've been looking for such a keyboard since I first saw the backlit PowerBook keyboards...

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Martin
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by mst76 · 2004-05-02 23:01 · Score: 1

> IBM's X31 laptops, and probably most others in the same series, come with a little light installed at the top of the screen,

It was was already in the X20 and T20. I suspect that it's in every ThinkPad since their X, T, R and A generation (i.e., after the numbered ThinkPads like the 570, 600, 770 etc.). It's activated with Fn-PageUp.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by bhtooefr · 2004-05-03 03:50 · Score: 1

Some T20/21/22 IBM laptops do this, too, AFAIK. I don't know about current models, though, and the ones I listed are P3-based.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by phallstrom · 2004-05-03 09:20 · Score: 1

my t41 one has it... i like it better than apple's (which i'll admit is cool) cause it's bright enough to illuminate any papers near by too if I want.
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by mitheral · 2004-05-03 10:14 · Score: 1

They got to make a back lit model M. Otherwise I'm sticking with my 80's keyboard
Re:How often do you look at you keyboard? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-03 14:13 · Score: 0

So what? That's one of the dumbest dictionaries I've ever encountered.

Mirror , just in case by pigscanfly.ca · 2004-05-02 07:39 · Score: 0, Informative

Just in case the server crashes and burns (like they usually do),I have put up a mirror.
The mirror of http://www.rbmods.com/Articles/Flexiglow/Illumikey board/1.php is at http://mirrorit.demonmoo.com/r_4/www.rbmods.com/Ar ticles/Flexiglow/Illumikeyboard/1.php

Re:Mirror , just in case by blincoln · 2004-05-02 12:05 · Score: 4, Insightful

While you may be legitimately trying to provide some help here, I am starting to get the impression that your account was made for karma whoring and/or trying to advertise your business, given that you've done this with every single front page story today as far as I can tell.

Mirroring people's content without their permission is probably not something they would take kindly to. I know that I would rather have the site I run go down than be sitting on a webserver I have no control over.

This is also a site which depends on advertising revenue. It may be a ghetto mod site whose writers have a poor grasp of spelling and grammar, but it is still unethical to deprive them of their ad fees by leeching away their viewers to your mirror.

Finally, the site is holding up just fine. I don't see any reason for a mirror to be necessary at all.

--
"...always new atoms but always doing the same dance, remembering what the dance was yesterday." -Richard Feynman
Re:Mirror , just in case by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 14:39 · Score: 0

boohoo...

from http://mirrorit.demonmoo.com/ :
If your site is mirrored here and you dont want it to be mirrored here follow these steps:
1)e-mail dmcopernicus@yahoo.ca
2)put up a robots.txt (find instructions on google)
3)If it is urgent phone Holden @ pigs can fly (since I'm lazzy and hes not so much)
Re:Mirror , just in case by Tinfoil · 2004-05-03 00:08 · Score: 1

While I agree that mirroring a page may reduce advertising revenue, and that it may just be an act of karma horing, there will be no revenue at all if the site is hopelessly broken.

Pig may actually be doing the site owners a favour by taking some of the load off. If ever my site were to get on /. again, I certainly wouldn't say no.

As long as the page is intact and he doesn't put any of his advertising on it.

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tinfoilmedia

nice! by Sophrosyne · 2004-05-02 07:40 · Score: 3, Insightful

Anything with the word Flexi in it must be good!
I wonder how much the guy had to pay Slashdot for the blatant ad?

Re:nice! by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 08:12 · Score: 1, Insightful

Good question. I have another one. How exactly is buying a keyboard considered a "modd"?
Re:nice! by ashot · 2004-05-02 10:42 · Score: 1

yes, flaimbait indeed.. lets defend valiantly the commercialization of /.

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-ashot

What are you relaly lighting up? by pierced2x · 2004-05-02 07:41 · Score: 5, Funny

Just what I need, something to light up all my chip crumbs and small bits of Hot Pocket on the keyboard...

Re:What are you relaly lighting up? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 07:57 · Score: 0

Or the spooge. Blacklights and sperm just don't mix.
Re:What are you relaly lighting up? by nametaken · 2004-05-02 10:05 · Score: 1

You may have been kidding, but I have the eluminX glowing keyboard... and you do see if crap falls in between the keys. In interesting experiment in keyboard gunk, whether I meant it to be, or not.
Re:What are you relaly lighting up? by shird · 2004-05-03 02:21 · Score: 1

I figured thats what 'Hot Pocket' is. If not, what the hell is it?

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I.O.U One Sig.

Thank you Flexiglow for making this review possibl by DAldredge · 2004-05-02 07:41 · Score: 5, Interesting

"Thank you Flexiglow for making this review possible" is at the bottom of the first page, is there any wonder they gave the unit a 5 out of 5?

Dunno about you guys... by jacobhoupt · 2004-05-02 07:43 · Score: 3, Insightful

but I have issues with articles which are sponsored by the item being reviewed. Oh, and if you need an illuminated keyboard, you should probably really start thinking about small flourescent investments.

--
-- the only good thing the French ever did was two chicks at one time

Re:Dunno about you guys... by SuperBanana · 2004-05-02 08:48 · Score: 2, Interesting

but I have issues with articles which are sponsored by the item being reviewed
You just described 99.5% of the "hardware review" sites. If it's not freebies, it's "we'd like it back but we won't ever call to find out why you never returned it". If not that, it's "if you don't say something nice about product X, you won't get to review anything from us again".
My favorite are the sites which claim they "return everything they review". Says who? Like they wouldn't lie about it. Like the manufacturers wouldn't lie about it. Maybe they're just getting paid cash instead. Every single site also sells advertisements for everything they review; why, look at these guys...there's an ad for the keyboard from one of the billion useless-PC-mods stores right there on the same page.
Magazines aren't any different. I once spoke to a gent who makes automotive software, and a certain car magazine said they'd put him in the "editor's gadgets pick", if he bought 10,000 reprints (and they turned out to be hideously expensive per-page) AND he had to take out a 6 issue advertisement contract. They got him coming, staying, and going.

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Please help metamoderate.
Re:Dunno about you guys... by jacobhoupt · 2004-05-02 09:18 · Score: 1

Good points, all. Maybe that's why I only read sites which are at least vaguely impartial and not blatantly obvious in their sponsorship bias.

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-- the only good thing the French ever did was two chicks at one time

I like these... by Cyno01 · 2004-05-02 07:43 · Score: 4, Interesting

I've been drooling over EL keyboards ever since i saw the EluminX, and will probably get a knockoff for my next system, but when is somone going to make a full keyboard. By full i mean a seperate block for the arrow keys, the 3x2 block of insert/home/delete etc. and a little seperation betweek the main section and the F keys. It sucks for gaming having the arrow keys in with everything else.

--
"Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."

Re:I like these... by smallfries · 2004-05-02 07:53 · Score: 2, Interesting

These do look nice, but the killer feature on a keyboard for me would be a built in trackball somewhere near the middle of the main key area. The reason that I avoid using the mouse a lot is that the latency of getting my hands from over the main keys to the mouse and back is so high, having a trackball under a thumb would be ideal.

I saw one (can't remember the name or link) once that had an oversized space-bar with a trackball in it but it was ps/2 and only had windows drivers. Ahh to dream of such a beast that would work under linux....

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Slashdot: where don knuth is an idiot because he cant grasp the awesome power of php
Re:I like these... by wfberg · 2004-05-02 08:07 · Score: 2, Informative

These do look nice, but the killer feature on a keyboard for me would be a built in trackball somewhere near the middle of the main key area. The reason that I avoid using the mouse a lot is that the latency of getting my hands from over the main keys to the mouse and back is so high, having a trackball under a thumb would be ideal.

Not exactly in the arrow-key area, but it does have "IBM model-M" clickety-click buckling springs.. Available in PS/2 and serial.

Unicomp on the Ball.

Or perhaps you enjoy a keyboard with a clit?

This one has a trackball below the space bar. Or you could get a keyboard without numeric pad and place a trackball where the numeric pad would be. Perhaps buy a separate numeric keypad to go next to the trackball (or on your left, if you're lefthanded).

Or a keyboard with a touchpad?

Or steal a 1U keyboard/trackball drawer from your work's datacenter?

--
SCO employee? Check out the bounty
Re:I like these... by Laebshade · 2004-05-02 08:38 · Score: 1

By full i mean a seperate block for the arrow keys, the 3x2 block of insert/home/delete etc. and a little seperation betweek the main section and the F keys
Too vague. It seems to me that nearly all keyboards ercept the very old Macintosh keyboards are like this, even this emachines-branded keyboard I'm typing on now.

But now that I look at the keyboard link you provide and think about the subject of this news topic, I realize you're really talking about illuminated keyboards. So my whole argument is moot.

But still, why would anyone want an illuminated keyboard? For most use and with little experience light isn't needed. I can understand it for some of the hardly-used keys such as Print Screen and Pause.
Re:I like these... by Kelerain · 2004-05-02 08:38 · Score: 1

I've been drooling over EL keyboards ever since i saw the EluminX

You know, thats probably not very good for them.

(Humor Disclaimer : This post was intended to be funny. If you don't think so, take your mod points elsewhere.)
Re:I like these... by AlgebraicSpore · 2004-05-02 09:35 · Score: 1

I purchased one of these keyboards a few months ago and allthough I have come quite accustomed to using it I still have problems hitting the delete key (which is next to Ctrl) and I the arrow key position is annoying. In time you get used to it but when I am on a different box and then go back it takes a few minutes before I start typing right. The most annoying is in a shell when I accidently hit home when trying to hit back and then type stuff in the wrong location of some big command.
Re:I like these... by Cyno01 · 2004-05-02 11:00 · Score: 1

Clicking around i managed to find something, check out what i posted here.

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"Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."
Re:I like these... by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 20:06 · Score: 0

I too have long drooled over an EL keyboard, but when are we ever going to get one with a proper keyboard layout? Full-size, proper cursor key position, and above all a pound symbol and the " on Shift-2! How hard can it be?

And in related complaints, why can't I use a pound symbol on slashdot!?! The normal &# 163; code doesn't work...

Glowing keyboard by The_Mystic_For_Real · 2004-05-02 07:43 · Score: 2, Insightful

I would imagine that most computer users who read /. can type and not look at the keyboard at the same time. This would make random keyboard lights somewhat unwanted. There also seems to be a possibility of it reflecting from the monitor and just being annoying.

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_____

Thank you.

Mod a PC you shall by l0ungeb0y · 2004-05-02 07:44 · Score: 1

But a bunch of bright lights a pretty PC does not make.

This is not new. by eagle8635 · 2004-05-02 07:45 · Score: 5, Informative

I think this product is new, but the concept of a lighted keyboard is not new, they have been selling one on Think Geek for years.

Re:This is not new. by thgreatoz · 2004-05-02 10:56 · Score: 1

No one is claiming, or even implying that it was...hell, the first line of the article reads "You probably have seen a few of these keyboards (illuminated) before..." -1 Redundant.

--
When their numbers dwindled from 50 to 8, the dwarves began to suspect Hungry.

Money to burn by ThisIsFred · 2004-05-02 07:45 · Score: 1

I would consider this just because of the "neato" factor. The problem I have is that it's a laptop-sized keyboard. I'm typing on an IBM 52G9658. Anything more compact than this, and it's really not usable.

--
Fred

"A fool and his freedom are soon parted"
-RMS

Re:Money to burn by eagle8635 · 2004-05-02 07:47 · Score: 1

I think I saw a bigger one at CompUSA once. I'm not sure though.

Re:Thank you Flexiglow for making this review poss by modder · 2004-05-02 07:45 · Score: 5, Funny

The "1" "2" "3" and "4" keys were not illuminated at the time this was written, due to a "malfunction".

My keyboard is so much cooler by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 07:46 · Score: 3, Funny

My keyboard glows in a weird spotty pattern under an ultraviolet light.

I showed my friend, and for some reason he refuses to type on it now. Actually, he refuses to touch anything in my room. Or shake my hand.

Re:My keyboard is so much cooler by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 08:16 · Score: 0

Interesting. That could be caused by any number of revolting bodily fluids.

I know one way to check for mice in your house is to use a UV light, because their urine stains will light up.

Cool...

Programmable glowing keyboards... by Aphrika · 2004-05-02 07:49 · Score: 3, Interesting

Slightly off topic, but I remember hearing about the Apple TiBook 17" having a keyboard which glowed different colours for various alerts.

Has anyone ever come across any programmables keyboards or USB devices which change colour? Something like the Mathmos Aduki would be cool if you could use it as a pervasive computing device. Do they exist, did I dream about them, or am I going to have to build my own?

Re:Programmable glowing keyboards... by elberserko · 2004-05-02 07:57 · Score: 1

The 15 and 17 inch PowerBooks have illuminated keyboards, but they do not change colors or react to alerts. It's probably possible to program something to change the illumination for alerts but I don't see how the color could be changed without physically modifying the lighting system; which I think is just an LED or two connected to a channel of fiber optics.
Re:Programmable glowing keyboards... by Mr.+Darl+McBride · 2004-05-02 08:05 · Score: 1

So far as I remember, Apple did indeed patent devices that change color through one of several methods, however I don't think they've released any hardware based on the patent yet.
Most patents reflect something a company is thinking of doing. Few turn into actual product, so this may never come along. It's a cute idea, however.

BFD by NetNinja · 2004-05-02 07:49 · Score: 0, Troll

BFD!

Useless think I would like by DAldredge · 2004-05-02 07:50 · Score: 1

A totally useless think that I think would be cool is a keyboard where they keys only glowed as they where pushed, not all the time. It would be useless & distracting, but it would look cool.

Re:Useless think I would like by modder · 2004-05-02 07:58 · Score: 1

Yes, like the keyboards in the GI Joe cartoons from the 80s with the large anonymous unmarked square keys. Thoe lit up when pressed sometimes. (How *did* they know what to press? Some top-secret typing class perhaps?)
Re:Useless think I would like by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:49 · Score: 0

I've got a capslock key that does this just fine. I never use it though and wish I could remove it from the keyboard of my laptop...

Seriously? by wastaz · 2004-05-02 07:50 · Score: 3, Insightful

The guy submitting this was "BigMan". The author of the review is "BigMan". The keyboard type looks exactly the same as the one that you can buy on thinkgeek (www.thinkgeek.com). "Plz click the images". Iono, I want my reviews to at least use real english. Otherwise the review was quite well written, seriously though...if you take the time to write a decent review why destroy it by going "plz click image" and coming off like a script kiddie?

Pron! by MysticalMatt517 · 2004-05-02 07:50 · Score: 2, Funny

Great, now everyone can surf for their porn in the dark!

Re:Pron! by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-03 07:22 · Score: 0

Just buy some curtains then you don't have to.

Why? by 0xC0FFEE · 2004-05-02 07:51 · Score: 2, Insightful

Why go to the trouble and expense of producing an illuminated keyboard (really a specialised item) and not offer other useful features like, oh I don't know, USB connectivity (imagine firewire!), smooth light control (on/off only??), ambiant light auto-detection...

keyboard review by SlashReality · 2004-05-02 07:51 · Score: 5, Insightful

As far as reviews go I'd have to say I found that to be fairly good. It described the size, use, what comes in the package etc. However what was lacking is what the actual Slashdot Article heading describes as "how bright it is". They say "It is really bright!" So...is it distracting? Can you see the keys if you forget where % or ^ is?

"It has 18 multimedia keys squeezed into this tiny keyboard to make your surfing even easier." So are they hard to push? Is it easy to find the correct button and only push that one button? Another gripe I have is that they did not reference the size to something universal such as a quarter or pencil in their picture showing it's size. However I liked their description of how it felt to type on the keys, and that it was quiet instead of making that clicky noise. I think I'm going to invest in one of these sometime soon, but I can't say it will be soley based on this review.

--
"/"Reality

Re:keyboard review by gregmac · 2004-05-02 10:36 · Score: 1

"It has 18 multimedia keys squeezed into this tiny keyboard to make your surfing even easier." So are they hard to push? Is it easy to find the correct button and only push that one button?

They also didn't mention anything about not having standard cursor keys, insert/delete etc, or the function keys in a seperate row. Is that confusing? I usually find it is.

My laptop has all it's keys squeezed together, and the home/end/insert/delete/pgup/pgdown keys moved all around. It took me a while to get used to it, and now I'm pretty decent on it, but I'm still nowhere near as fast typing and editing on it as on a normal keyboard.

--
Speak before you think

Advertising space for sale, err... for free. by saunabad · 2004-05-02 07:52 · Score: 3, Insightful

Excuse me, but what the fuck is the point with this story? Considering there are many illuminated keyboards around, how is this anything else but a free advertisement for this product?

the only way I see this being really useful... by SpookyFish · 2004-05-02 07:52 · Score: 1

How many of these things will they really sell? As is, probably not many -- but IMHO they could sell a fair number by better targeting the niche of darkened-room usage: living room / HTPC, presentations & demos (ala GyroPoint), etc.

For those purposes, it should be wireless, and the light should turn on & off automatically with a touch sensor.

Re:the only way I see this being really useful... by gerardrj · 2004-05-02 09:42 · Score: 1

I almost purchased on in Fry's the other day until I plugged one in to a USB port in the store and noticed two things:

1. The thing is BRIGHT; it doesn't just emit a soft glow, it shines.
2. There is no dimmer/brightness control, it's all or nothing.

There needs to be some key sequence that allows one to choose at least 4 levels of intensity: off, low, medium, high

--
Article X: The powers not delegated... by the Constitution...are reserved...to the people
Re:the only way I see this being really useful... by 1lus10n · 2004-05-02 14:43 · Score: 1

I'll do you one better than that:
Make the Letters glow, just the letters not the whole damn key.

--
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe." --Albert Einstein

Tips for newbie "reviewers" by SuperBanana · 2004-05-02 07:53 · Score: 5, Insightful

Ok, obviously this is your first (does the Dr. Evil quotes thing) "review", so here's a tip or two.

change first-person pronouns to third person pronouns in the marketing drivel you received from the manufacturer which you have cut+pasted into your "review".
Spell-check your article so you don't do moronic things like mis-spell "bright". Don't forget proper punctuation. Both will help you appear to be more than just the 2 16-year-olds you are.
you don't need to "thank" the manufacturer. They're plenty happy that you wrote a glowing(if badly spelled) review and will let you keep the keyboard.
Invent something, anything, to complain about, no matter how trivial, to give the paper-thin illusion of impartialness.

I would suspect that the only reason this got posted was because ThinkGeek sells the same keyboard, or one very close to it- I know because they heavily advertise it here on slashdot. It is pathetic that this was considered front-page news.

Aside from that- god, these knock-offs suck compared to Apple's. I have a powerbook 17", and the backlit keyboard only glows around through letters/numbers/symbols(a teeny bit leaks from between the keys). From what I recall it's either one or two LEDs with fiber optics to distribute the light evenly. Works perfectly, and it even sets its own brightness level...none of these knock-offs even have a brightness adjustment.

--
Please help metamoderate.

Re:Tips for newbie "reviewers" by Osty · 2004-05-02 08:00 · Score: 2, Informative

One more tip: If you're going to submit your own review to Slashdot, try to write a separate blurb than simply the first paragraph of your review. This is doubly important if you're submitting someone else's review and not your own. Also, if it's your own review, it's a good idea to state that in your submission.
Re:Tips for newbie "reviewers" by The+Taco+Prophet · 2004-05-02 08:50 · Score: 2, Insightful

My eyes! The goggles, they do nothing!
Seeing little abbreviations like 'plz' makes baby Jesus cry when I see them used in instant messages... but in a review?
Something like a review strikes me as being at least somewhat formal. You expect people to read it and form opinions based on your experience with the product. Is it so much to ask that you invest a little time to write carefully, spell out entire words, and run a spell-check?
Re:Tips for newbie "reviewers" by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:39 · Score: 0, Flamebait

As long as we're being pedantic, here are a few more tips:

It's generally accepted in writing that one does not hyphenate the word "misspell"

"Spell-check your article..." would be better written as "Check the spelling of your article...".

"...glowing(if badly spelled) review..." "badly" is a poor word to use here, you probably should use "poorly".

I suggest that when you write to take issue with, or poke fun at, someone's writing that you take an extra few moments and critique your own before posting the message.
Re:Tips for newbie "reviewers" by ratsnapple+tea · 2004-05-02 09:54 · Score: 1

Oh please. It's one thing to dash off a comment on Slashdot. It's completely different when you're writing a review that you (presumably) want people to take seriously.

Speaking for myself, I can't be bothered to read inane babblings like these that scatter the word "plz" around like sprinkles on a donut. I've got better things to do with my time, like posting to Slashdot.

Proper spelling and grammar--that's my high-pass filter.
Re:Tips for newbie "reviewers" by UserGoogol · 2004-05-02 11:00 · Score: 1

"Spell-check your article..." would be better written as "Check the spelling of your article...".

No it wouldn't. "Spellcheck" implies using an automated spelling checker, whereas "check the spelling" does not. That additional implication was probably intended. Sort of a "for the love of God, just run it through a spellchecker" message.

--
"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity." -- Hanlon's Razor
Re:Tips for newbie "reviewers" by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 15:02 · Score: 0

Yes it would; because if you "spell-check", you just assure that the words are literally checked for spelling, hence this the sentence:
Wad be gong too day hollow?
Would pass a computer "spell check", yet is completely unintelligible compared to the intent of:
Was he going to say hello?

Sure, you can use the auto check feature of your editor, but you have to personally check the spelling of your writing, otherwise ewe could make a mistake and hook stupid. See what I mean? In the case of writing a pice for publication, you should have someone else check it also.

No, I definitely think "Check the spelling..." is the correct thing to say.
Re:Tips for newbie "reviewers" by MoneyT · 2004-05-02 19:34 · Score: 1

Wouldn't it just be easier to say "Edit the damn thing"

--
T Money
World Domination with a plastic spoon since 1984
Re:Tips for newbie "reviewers" by mike3411 · 2004-05-02 20:23 · Score: 1

impartiality

--
Mod me down, and I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine!
Re:Tips for newbie "reviewers" by UserGoogol · 2004-05-03 08:22 · Score: 1

That's the point. Spellcheck is highly imperfect, and thusly telling the author to use it implies that the article itself was even worse.

--
"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity." -- Hanlon's Razor

Apple does a much better job of this. by MisterLawyer · 2004-05-02 07:54 · Score: 3, Interesting

Their 15 and 17 inch Powerbooks have fiber optic backlit keyboards.

From the Apple website:
Futuristic Backlit Keyboard:
The 17-inch PowerBook features a fiber optic backlit keyboard that's right out of the future. Built-in light sensors automatically adjust the keyboard illumination and your screen's brightness based on the available ambient light.

Nice by phalse+phace · 2004-05-02 07:54 · Score: 1, Troll

way to put up an ad for you site on Slashdot.

Oh well. Prepare to be /.ed

News? by wan-fu · 2004-05-02 07:57 · Score: 4, Insightful

News for Nerds. Stuff that matters. This article was a product review of a pointless device. Slow news day, editors?

Re:News? by surgeonsmate · 2004-05-02 08:38 · Score: 1

News for Nerds. Stuff that matters. This article was a product review of a pointless device.

The key word is Nerds.
--
Pete, MCP MSNERD
Re:News? by cerberusss · 2004-05-02 18:22 · Score: 1

Why is this scored insightful? I'm getting sick and tired of these messages. Four out of five articles don't interest me. Do you see me complaining in those four? It's a matter of taste, Mr. Whiner.

--
8 of 13 people found this answer helpful. Did you?
Re:News? by wan-fu · 2004-05-02 19:08 · Score: 1

While I agree that often people whine and I whine sometimes too. I can't agree that my comment was "whining" in the way you describe it. I, too, see articles that don't interest me. What bugs me is that /. is about news and special features that "nerds" might find interesting. A link to a review (not to mention an influenced review at that) about a keyboard that's been out for some time isn't news. There's no news in terms of technology or product. It's only "news" in the sense that there's a new review for it out there. So you see, it's not a matter of taste; it's a matter of that article being unworthy of any /. topic.
Re:News? by cerberusss · 2004-05-02 20:56 · Score: 1

So you see, it's not a matter of taste; it's a matter of that article being unworthy of any /. topic.
Read the other comments. Now dare repeating it's not a matter of taste.

--
8 of 13 people found this answer helpful. Did you?

only one color by SuperBanana · 2004-05-02 08:01 · Score: 4, Informative

I remember hearing about the Apple TiBook 17" having a keyboard which glowed different colours for various alerts.

I'm typing on one right now, and the only color it does is white. It's one(or two, I can't remember) LEDs connected to the keyboard via fiber optics. The LEDs are on the right side, either under or next to the keyboard.

Brightness is controlled by software that polls two ambient light sensors under the speaker grilles; it doesn't even come on unless it gets fairly dark. You "train" the display and keyboard backlights over time; it learns what ambient light level equals what adjustment. The backlight actually can make the letters/numbers the same "brightness" as light reflected off the keyboard, making them essentially disappear, which is a little odd.

The keyboard backlighting is great for planes, dark meeting rooms, etc...but beyond that it's a novelty. The automatic screen backlight adjustment is actually much more useful. If you get tired of it you can even set it back to manual...

--
Please help metamoderate.

...making very nice modd products. by DrLZRDMN · 2004-05-02 08:02 · Score: 2, Funny

I modddedd my keyboardd to have to dd's.
-DDRLZRDDMN

Re:...making very nice modd products. by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:29 · Score: 0

At the expense of "w"... how rude.

Zippy (Geoffrey & George & Bungle too ;) by T-Kir · 2004-05-02 08:03 · Score: 1

I got one of those Zippy illuminated keyboards while in the States. It is a laptop sized config rather than a full keyboard, but with the lack of space on my desk it is great.

The only minor gripe I have about the keyboard is the level of illumination, or lack of it... while it looks great in the dark, in a lit room it is a duller washed out illumination (compared to other LED lights on my system). I wonder how it would compare with the light levels coming from an EluminX or others, I don't know how they compare.

Mind my brother ended up getting one for his DJ rig, and he is very pleased with it, especially due to the lack of light in the DJ booth at work, he doesn't have to rely on the USB light/torch as much.

Just my 0.02 GBP (since it is a US keyboard and I'm living in the UK, so no British Pound symbol!)

--
Are you local? There's nothing for you here!

that model is also featured on 24 by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 08:05 · Score: 1, Informative

in the latest third season of 24 , you can see that keyboard in action, at the offices of CTU.

Re:that model is also featured on 24 by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 11:53 · Score: 0

They also run KDE

God damn I love that show

Compgeeks has these cheap by Jack+William+Bell · 2004-05-02 08:06 · Score: 2, Informative

Compgeeks has these for 22.95. I bought this one several months ago and am quite happy with it.

The only thing is; they don't have the Flexikey logo. Other than that they are exactly the same, right down to the graphics on the special function buttons across the top.

--
- -
Are you an SF Fan? Are you a Tru-Fan?

Re:Compgeeks has these cheap by Sporkinum · 2004-05-02 13:21 · Score: 1

Agreed. Exactly the same. We bought a few of these to give away as prizes at our LAN gaming group.

Also got one for my wife's computer since she likes to surf in the dark.

--
"He's lost in a 'floyd hole"

it would be cool.. by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 08:06 · Score: 1, Interesting

to inverse it so only have the symbols are glowing and not the whole key.

or make every button programmable, so it could be used as an audio spectrum visualisation or something.

Re:it would be cool.. by TeknoHog · 2004-05-02 08:32 · Score: 4, Interesting

make every button programmable, so it could be used as an audio spectrum visualisation or something.
I agree this would be awesome. Also, a program to teach touch typing might use this to illuminate a key you need to find, thus you'd more easily find and learn the positions of keys.
In fact many many programs would benefit if they could illuminate the keys used at any moment. I'm sure this is already done in touchscreen systems. Then again, a programmably illuminated keyboard is a kind of touchscreen in itself. If it were available, I'm sure someone could hack it into a display console of some kind. For example, you could pipe text into it by illuminating letters in succession.
However, as a touch typist and a Discordian I don't want anything of the Illuminati kind on my desk ;-)

--
Escher was the first MC and Giger invented the HR department.
Re:it would be cool.. by isorox · 2004-05-02 10:18 · Score: 1

For example, you could pipe text into it by illuminating letters in succession.

Yeah, at 500cpm that'll be easy to follow!

Dvorak? by aaron_ds · 2004-05-02 08:08 · Score: 1

5 out of 5?! But there isn't a dvorak version availible!

Re:Dvorak? by surgeonsmate · 2004-05-02 08:27 · Score: 1

But there isn't a dvorak version availible!

I dn't think yr spelng proublem can b fxed buy a new keybord.

Why blue? by Sarojin · 2004-05-02 08:12 · Score: 3, Interesting

Studies have shown that blue is the colour the human eyes are the least able to focus on. I assume the reason that this keyboard is illuminated is so that you can see the letters (not for touch typists), so choosing pretty much any other colour would have been better. As well, different colours of EL-wire cost no more than blue :/

--
HOW'S MY POSTING? CALL 1-800-POSTING

Re:Why blue? by talieos · 2004-05-02 09:50 · Score: 1

red would be much better for working at night with no lights.
or UV blacklight, so I can see my grinning teeth in the monitor as i frag!

Tux Keys? by polyp2000 · 2004-05-02 08:12 · Score: 1

I'd really like to buy a keyboard that doesnt have flippin' "windows" keys on. I've stumbled accross one with "Tux" keys but it was quite expensive. This would be nice, but i've gotten used to having a wireless keyboard now, this would be an additional requirement too. Illuminated keys arent really a neccesity but would be nice.

This kind of thing might be really handy for someone who works on computer controlled stage lighting, but I cant think of many other uses.

nick ...

--
Electronic Music Made Using Linux http://soundcloud.com/polyp

Re:Tux Keys? by surgeonsmate · 2004-05-02 08:24 · Score: 1

I'd really like to buy a keyboard that doesnt have flippin' "windows" keys on.

Apple sells them.
--
Pete, ever helpful
Re:Tux Keys? by eggstasy · 2004-05-02 09:02 · Score: 1

You can buy a used keyboard for $5 or less, or you can get one of those IBM Model M replicas for a shitload of money. Your call :)
Either of those options are easily googlable, but if you truly cant find anything I would be happy to google them for you later.
Re:Tux Keys? by gerardrj · 2004-05-02 09:21 · Score: 1

In wired, and wireless versions.

Some are even illuminated and come attached to a really nice LCD.

--
Article X: The powers not delegated... by the Constitution...are reserved...to the people

no thanks by frovingslosh · 2004-05-02 08:13 · Score: 2, Insightful

Well, with this keyboard you certainly need it illuminated, they moved all the keys around! No wonder they think you need it lit up to find stuff! Just look at the picture, the normal center cluster of keys has vanished and extra keys have been crammed into the right side of the main keyboard.

I do need to see my keyboard on occasion to find some of the less ferquently used keys. Maybe someday I'll get around to installing a light or two under the desk above the keyboard drawer. Or I'll buy a well done lighted keyboard. But it will have to have the keys in a somewhat standard layout, not be this painfully awkward layout where the enter key isn't even the rightmost key in the third row up.

--
I'm an American. I love this country and the freedoms that we used to have.

Re:no thanks by surgeonsmate · 2004-05-02 08:34 · Score: 1

I do need to see my keyboard on occasion to find some of the less ferquently used keys.

Heh. Like r and e you mean?
Re:no thanks by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 08:44 · Score: 0

Yeah, good call, I've used this or the same with a different name and returned it. The laptop size and layout is useless for a desktop, especially with the extremely sensitive keys which just beg to be fumbled. Not a good buy, period.
Re:no thanks by MtViewGuy · 2004-05-02 16:09 · Score: 1

I really don't need an illuminated keyboard. What I DO want is a keyboard that is comfortable to type in for long periods of time, like the Microsoft Natural Elite keyboard I'm using how. :-)

Glowing Natural Keyboard by demmegod · 2004-05-02 08:14 · Score: 1

One of these would be kinda cool, but I only use ergonomic keyboards. Has any one ever seen a glowing ergonimic keyboard?

yeah, cute, whatever by jjeffries · 2004-05-02 08:14 · Score: 2, Informative

You could get one of these to sit on your desk and, err, light up, or you might prefer a keyboard that you can actually type on...

in that case, I suggest you acquire a man's keyboard, the IBM model M. Springs hold your fingers up so you don't get carpal-tunnel in 10 minutes like with a mushboard, and you can use it as a very effective weapon, should it come down to it. But I suspect that I am preaching to the choir.

Re:yeah, cute, whatever by ikoL · 2004-05-02 08:54 · Score: 1

That's from when computer's were made to last

I grew up on an old IBM 286, thing fell down the stairs twice! (thanks bro) Still runs fine. Makes me think of how Real Programers Don't Eat Quiche
Re:yeah, cute, whatever by ajlitt · 2004-05-02 10:46 · Score: 1

Besides the fact that the Model M can be used to bludgeon evildoers, it can be fairly easily disassembled for cruft removal and even features channels around the spring holes and bottom edge to funnel spilt (or spit) coffee away from the precious contacts.
Re:yeah, cute, whatever by jcuervo · 2004-05-02 14:45 · Score: 1

I've got two of those. If you really want to have fun, take the keycaps off.

--
Assume I was drunk when I posted this.

Eluminx Keyboard by jmke · 2004-05-02 08:16 · Score: 3, Insightful

I had an Eluminux keyboard for test one year ago. I you have your keyboard sitting in front of your screen you won't really find any advantages, and it makes it annoying when watching movies in the dark.

But when you have it in a setup where otherwise you are unable to see the keys, these keyboards are magic, LANparties spring to mind, although these keyboards are more compact (like a laptop keyboard) and if you use the arrow keys for gaming, you are out of luck.

Re:Eluminx Keyboard by adzoox · 2004-05-02 08:45 · Score: 1

...and it makes it annoying when watching movies in the dark."

This would be why the keyboard lumination shuts off after 15 minutes of inactivity - something that would happen if you were really watching a movie.

--
Yell & scream & rant & rave... it's no use... you need a shaaaave ~ Bugs Bunny
Re:Eluminx Keyboard by jmke · 2004-05-02 08:56 · Score: 1

the Eluminx's I had didn't shut down, ever, even when hooked up and with the system shut off, it got enough power from the standby current to keep being eluminated, meaning it was on always :-/

the only way to make it go off was:
a) pull the keyboard out
b) pull powercable from PC
c) brake the lights in the keyboard

neither of these solutions are "recommended" for "ease of use" imho
Re:Eluminx Keyboard by Cyno01 · 2004-05-02 09:24 · Score: 1

Uh, isn't there a button that turns the lights on and off? All of my friends $30 Eluminx knockoffs have one.

--
"Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."
Re:Eluminx Keyboard by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:25 · Score: 0

Then you either had a faulty one or something was wrong with your PS2/USB connection
Re:Eluminx Keyboard by jmke · 2004-05-02 09:29 · Score: 1

You'd think a $100 keyboard should have this button? I do too. but unfortunately there is none to be found :-(
Re:Eluminx Keyboard by Cyno01 · 2004-05-02 11:08 · Score: 1

Hmm, pretty big oversight there... Guess that explains the trouble i had when i was playing with one at CompUSA, spent like five minutes looking for the light switch to see what it looked like with the EL off...

--
"Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."
Re:Eluminx Keyboard by superyooser · 2004-05-02 15:34 · Score: 1

From the pictures, it looks like it's still hard to see what the keys are. The way it is now, the keyboard as a whole is lit up, but the keys are dark splotches with the characters written in black. What's written on the keys is the most important thing to see!
Companies wanting to make lit keyboards should have the bright light shining through where the characters would normally be printed. The keys themselves should be barely translucent, if at all. There should be a soft glow from underneath to show the separation of the keys. That's my opinion, anyway, as a potential buyer.
I think these keyboards have been made only for the l337 cool factor, not serious usability.

Joke by challahc · 2004-05-02 08:21 · Score: 1

Is this article a joke?

The keyboard came in a very nice box that has the picture of the keyboard on the front and specifications on the back. The box is about the size of the keyboard so it's very compact.

They can't be serious.

--
01100010 01101001 01110100 01100101 00100000 01101101 01100101

Re:Joke by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:31 · Score: 0

Probably a person used to rooting around in dumpsters for equipment. He isn't used to having companies give him stuff for good reviews.

His spelling and grammar supports my theory btw.

Natural by BrookHarty · 2004-05-02 08:21 · Score: 1

Conclusion:

I forgot to mention before that you can even get a white version of this keyboard. So now all I'm waiting for is the natural version.

I agree, using natural keyboards for years, I hate switching back to formfactor. Too bad Microsoft ruined the layout of the new naturals, and logitech and everyone else cant make a simple natural layout anymore.

Keyblocked by kEnder242 · 2004-05-02 08:26 · Score: 2, Insightful

How well does it stress test with multiple keys pressed?

I've found that every keyboard I've owned, (besides this CHERRY(tm) and an old giveaway) always keyblock me when I use the keypad. Since I heavily use the keypad in my gaming config I'd like to know if I can jump and fire (9 & 0) at the same time.

Does USB fix this?

Anyone remember starcon2 melee? It had a nice utility that reports the keys pressed so you can find the ones with conflicting scancodes.

--
my associative arrays can kick your hash - TCL

not for me by Knights+who+say+'INT · 2004-05-02 08:27 · Score: 1

What I really want is a (preferably transparent) label-less keyboard. I'm a touch-typist switching very often between ABNT-2, US-standard QWERTY and Dvorak, and key labels are just a nuisance.

(I'm kind of a showoff typist, I must confess, and labelless keys would just make my act more dramatic with the chicks :P)

Re:not for me by kasek · 2004-05-02 08:32 · Score: 1

just sand the labels off of the keyboard. problem solved.
Re:not for me by geniusj · 2004-05-02 08:43 · Score: 1

The way I was picturing what he was saying in my head was:

A label-less keyboard with transparent keys. A light behind the key would project the correct value for that key onto it, essentially giving it a label.

I don't think this was what he was actually saying, but I do think that a keyboard like that would be cool, albeit expensive ;).

-JD-

Transparent label-less keyboard. by surgeonsmate · 2004-05-02 08:31 · Score: 1

I'm kind of a showoff typist, I must confess, and labelless keys would just make my act more dramatic with the chicks.

Just quietly, but there are buttons you can press that will help you out even more with "the chicks". Unless you can touch-type with your tongue, of course.

Re:DID I PAY FOR THIS? by DrunkenTerror · 2004-05-02 08:33 · Score: 1

I agree with this post.

control key in the wrong place by djbrums · 2004-05-02 08:35 · Score: 1

when will they learn to put the control key in the right place?

Looks a lot like .. by wojci · 2004-05-02 08:36 · Score: 0

the Luminous Keyboard II which I am quite happy with. I like my keyboard without any multimedia keys(play/stop/e-mail etc.) which I never use anyway.

--
/wojci

Re:multimedia keys by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 08:39 · Score: 0

Multimedia keys suck. I don't want a special key on my keyboard for Shopping. Fuck that. If I want to buy something I'll search for it on the web.
The Shopping key probably uses special software that keeps track of your shopping preferences and alerts you to special important deals that are available! It's called "spyware".

EluminX pending law suit by adzoox · 2004-05-02 08:40 · Score: 2, Informative

After trying to geta Mac version of the eluminX keyboard (the 1st company to market illuminated keyboards) - I found out that they were granted a patent on the illuminated keyboard - using luminous material.

If you notice, they haven't released a USB version - I have been made aware that they will be seeking an injunction against ALL knockoffs before they release the new version.

--
Yell & scream & rant & rave... it's no use... you need a shaaaave ~ Bugs Bunny

But is it washable? by karlandtanya · 2004-05-02 08:43 · Score: 1

When it's time to clean off the computer desk, everything gets wiped down with homemade "windex" (4vinegar+2ammonia+1isopropanol+drop of soap).

Keyboard goes to the sink.

I have not bought an illuminated kbd because the ones I've seen are nonwashable.

If I can wash this one down without damage, I'll buy one!

--
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, it doesn't go away." - Philip K. Dick

Re:But is it washable? by lazypenguingirl · 2004-05-02 08:59 · Score: 2, Informative

I have an eluminX which I absolutely adore. My guy friends hate my keyboard because it seems smaller than normal ones, but for my small hands it's perfect. It's a very lightweight keyboard which is very comfortable for me to perch on my knees with my feet kicked up on my desk. (yah, great keyboarding habits, i know). Bright lights really hurt my eyes, so although I don't work at the computer in the dark, my light conditions are generally dim. Dim lighting is good for gaming too (reduces glare off the screen for me), and my hand-position when gaming isn't normal typing position, so being able to periodically glance at the keyboard really helps. About the cleaning.... I am bad about eating at the computer. I've gotten much much crud in my keyboard. For the most part, I just pull out my can of compressed air and that takes care off most of the crumbs. As far as visible spills (dripped ice cream), I can see them and spot clean with a q-tip, and in general I can still just give it a good wipe-down. There was one time I had a crumb under a key that got wedged, and prying the key off and reseating it wasn't a really big deal at all. I've never put a keyboard in the sink, if that's what you're getting at, but these keyboards work just fine with my normal cleaning protocols. :/
Re:But is it washable? by karlandtanya · 2004-05-02 11:15 · Score: 1

Yeah, my wife used to do the qtip thing.
Now, we prefer dousing it with water in the sink.
Quick, easy, and thorough-
She doesn't mess around!

--
"Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, it doesn't go away." - Philip K. Dick

I'm sold by Zorak+Man · 2004-05-02 08:46 · Score: 0, Flamebait

I looked at the review, and I have been thinking about a new keyboard for a while.. I'm goring right out and getting one.

--

404 .sig not found

New twist on a old cliche by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 08:52 · Score: 0

Imagine a Beowulf Cluster of these things!

Or controlling a cluster with one...

these again? by Man+in+Spandex · 2004-05-02 08:59 · Score: 1, Insightful

I donno about you guys but the glow is nothing more than another way to show off friends at lan parties or turn your room into some sick shrine. Sure it looks good but who even looks at the keyboard anymore? People playing solitaire all day long and wondering what those ads in their inbox are?

I put myself a barrier. To buy anything useful which will always affect me or my computer's performance. A computer, I look at it as if it was a car. Here's my example.

You got those civic cars "ricers". people who modify a lot the exterior (body, mags, muffler playing the trumpet). Sure it might look "nice" but does it affect the way you drive if you don't even touch at the engine? Basically you're adding weight on the car and attracting more cops.

Same thing with a computer. You take a 3ghz cpu running all settings at stock. u decide to change intel hsf by a thermalright HS with a Vantec Tornado. HAVE YOU GONE MAD?! Waste of money, cpu doesn't need it and you're screwing up your ear's hearing capabilities.

In this case, we got a keyboard that GLOWS for "x" reason. Same thing with case neons. They glow, they take power, in the end, does it affect the way you play your games?

Indeed, what counts for me is performance but different people like different stuff and I respect that although I have to say that a computer case is not a mini discotech with hamsters getting jiggy with it.

my .02 (not worth much but it's somethin!)

Does it come in by BaconLT · 2004-05-02 09:05 · Score: 1

Dvorak?

--
Who mediates your information?

Where are the RED ones, dammit?! by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:10 · Score: 1, Interesting

Illuminex have been promising those for years and we still don't have them. Flexiglow doesn't have them either. In fact their's look like Auravision's ElumineX keyboards (refer ThinkGeek) ! I'd buy a bunch of these for my observatory; most observatories would find them useful (so long as you can adjust the brightness), and it would probably be a nice little niche market for whomever ships them first. So come on illuminated keyboard manufacturers -- we want red!

How about F-keys with software-controlled LEGENDS? by dpbsmith · 2004-05-02 09:10 · Score: 1

When I first saw the headline, I thought maybe this was the keyboard I've been waiting for since, oh, 1970 or so.

Namely, a keyboard in which the legends on the function keys are replaced by LED readouts--or fiber-optic bundles to a single LED readout--or something--so that instead of memorizing what F1, F2, F3 do, they would display legends that state their functions--software-controlled legends that would change according to the application you were running.

GUIs were supposed to get rid of all that, but they didn't...

In the days when HP terminal didn't have detachable keyboards, they had a system in which the display had an extra line that was dedicated to displaying soft "labels" that at least lined up with the keys. Not very good, but a little better than nothing.

Of course, given that software makers can't even be troubled to implement the functions carved in stone--well, molded into the plastic--on keys such as Print Scrn (which AFAIK has been on the keyboard for twenty years but hasnever printed the screen)--I'm sure that 99% of all programs would simply display "F1", "F2", "F3", anyway...

Usability, usability... why should it be so hard to have a keyboard with keys that says= what they do and do what they say? Because no software engineer is wimpy enough to admit to any difficulty in memorizing 256 key combinations per application (16 fkeys with 4 binary modifier keys), that why...

--

"How to Do Nothing," kids activities, back in print!

Re:Thank you Flexiglow for making this review poss by gl4ss · 2004-05-02 09:14 · Score: 1

you missed the "Plz" and "Birght el light" madness on it.

I'd rather read reviews from sites with enough money to buy the damn things themselfs rather than fanboys who got a new toy.

.

--
world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.

they spall gewd by qsqueeq · 2004-05-02 09:23 · Score: 1

anyone actually read the article? they must not actually read it after they type it up.

Pros:

+ Birght el light
+ Nice to type on
+ Small
+ El light can be turned on/off

Cons:

- Not available in natural version

Remember to turn the El light of if you dont use the keyboard to ensure maximum lifetime for the el panel

what's a "birght" light and why turn the light "of"

--
www.qsopht.com ~q

Fully Washable Keyboard ! by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:30 · Score: 0

A fully washable keyboard would be fantastic, a real time-saver in a busy household with irrepressible teenagers tearing around the place.

That way Mum's could just pop it in with the sheets and anything with tissues stuck to it . . .

Re:How about F-keys with software-controlled LEGEN by BrK · 2004-05-02 09:35 · Score: 2, Informative

You must not've been around much in the DOS days. Print Screen did actually used to do exactly that. Now it is just used (in Windows at least) to grab an image of the screen to the clipboard.

As far as keys with custom text, Preh makes an LCD button switch that has a (IIRC) 64x64 pixel tiny LCD on it. I have looooong wanted to get ahold of some of these keys to build a custom keypad, but never seem to actually find a distributor that returns calls. Online ordering would be great, but I have never found them anywhere.

--
-This sig intentionally left blank

I am in total agreement by mgoodman · 2004-05-02 09:35 · Score: 1

I understand it takes a bit more cost and effort to light extra key sections, but I'm willing to pay extra $$ for a few extra LEDs, you cheap keyboard manufacturing bastards!

--
01100111 01100101 01110100 00100000 01101111 01110101 01110100 00100000 01101101 01101111 01110010 01100101 00101110

Re:I am in total agreement by Cyno01 · 2004-05-02 11:06 · Score: 1

Check out what i posted here.

--
"Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."

Burn Out by Joecuba · 2004-05-02 09:41 · Score: 1

1. Put 1337 LED's in something 2. Post on Slashdot 3. PROFIT! 4. Buy riced out Toyota 5. Goto 1

anything goes. by TechnoFreek · 2004-05-02 09:50 · Score: 1

it's a keyboard with a light. I thought /. was above gawking at everyday technology. The Star Destroyer Auction, the Heavy Metal Server, and now this? What the hell?

Don't need it. by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 09:56 · Score: 0

I once thought a illuminated keyboard would be cool.

But since then I learned how to type and now I don't even need the keys labled.

It's not like it's hard to do...

mmm... dirt by Foresto · 2004-05-02 10:14 · Score: 1

Finally! I've been wanting a clearly illuminated view of all that dust and hair that collects between the keys for ages!

Not a great review by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 10:51 · Score: 1, Insightful

From the article: "The keyboard came in a very nice box that has the picture of the keyboard on the front".

What the heck? There's no mention of key pitch in mm, stroke time, expected service life, cable lengths, or any relevant information. Instead, we read about a very nice box that the keyboard comes in.

This is not a product review. Or at least it's not a very competent product review.

Das blinkenkeyboard by Molina+the+Bofh · 2004-05-02 11:02 · Score: 1

ACHTUNG! ALLES LOOKENSPEEPERS!

Das keyboard ist nicht fuer gefingerpoken und
mittengrabben. Ist easy schnappen der springenwerk,
blowenfusen und poppencorken mit spitzensparken. Ist nicht
fuer gewerken bei das dumpkopfen. Das rubbernecken
sichtseeren keepen das cotten-pickenen hans in das pockets
muss;
relaxen und watchen das blinkenkeyboard.

--

-
Roses are #FF0000, Violets are #0000FF, find / -name '*base*' |xargs chown -R us && mv zig greatjustice

Glowing KB? How about a virtual keyboard... by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 11:21 · Score: 0

Saw this a while back on TechTV...Virtual keyboard by made iBIZ. Mainly designed for PDA's, but you can connect it to your desktop/laptop PC too if you must.

http://www.ibizcorp.com

Touch typing? by jsimon12 · 2004-05-02 11:37 · Score: 1

What happened to touch typing? Or is proper keyboarding not taught anymore?

Are these glow-in-dark keyboards clicking types? by antdude · 2004-05-02 11:48 · Score: 0, Redundant

I like keyboard that clicking as I type unlike laptop's keyboards. Do they click when pressing keys?

--
Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).

All we need now ... by elronxenu · 2004-05-02 11:52 · Score: 2, Funny

... is a Model M that lights up :-)

Useless pictures. by moosesocks · 2004-05-02 12:02 · Score: 1

Do not use the review pictues as a judge as to how bright the keys are.

Unless the author provided some sort of refrence-point or a reading from a light-meter, the photographs are complete rubbish. All you can infer from them is that the keyboard lights up blue (unless his white-balance is off. for the author's sake, I'll assume it's not).

If I leave the shutter of my camera open long enough, I can make
--My alarm clock look like a glowing bar of some radioactive substance
--The bottom of my mouse look like HAL
--My monitor look like it's about to explode
--The moon as bright as the sun
--And the list goes on. How do you think the hubble manages to get good photographs of stars so dim and so far away. I believe it's a fairly normal practice for the hubble to leave its shutter open for hours on end.

--
-- If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done? - Uli's moose

Re:Useless pictures. by aqua · 2004-05-02 18:32 · Score: 1

Useless pictures anyway, because the reviewer has apparently not learned the reason why one uses a tripod and remote shutter or timer for long-shots in the dark like this one. And in fact a crummy review; the reviewer spends more copy on his prepatory discussion than on factual recitation or summary, gives no details such as are often used in reviewing keyboards (break force, perceived resistance curve, decent travel, space between keycap edges, etc.) And I'm not sure where he got the idea, but "Natural" is a particular mark of ergo-contoured keyboard, not a description.

Yeesh.

Learn to type! by kuzb · 2004-05-02 12:28 · Score: 1

You don't need an illuminated keyboard if you just learn to type. Personally, it would take more that a mere light to sway me from my Logitech Cordless MX Duo. What ever happened to the days when modding something meant making it look good AND adding some kind of useful functionality?

--
BeauHD. Worst editor since kdawson.

Really? I want *less* keyboard! by Beltway+Prophet · 2004-05-02 13:06 · Score: 1

I've been watching the EluminX and its knockoffs, too, but I've been wondering when someone's going to offer a *smaller* one.

I prefer keyboards without numpads, to shorten the travel distance to the mouse (I'm a righty). I agree about the arrow keys, though.

lesen Sie die Seite manpage by Jules · 2004-05-02 13:11 · Score: 1

Not to nerd the hell out here or anything but your find is all wrong. You should at the very least use the -X switch to make it safe to use with xargs (consult the man page as to why that is) and perhaps even use the full power of the find command. While we're at it you don't need to recursively chown anything as you'll be touching every file that matches *base* -- the -R switch just makes it inefficient.

And should we also assume us is a group?

This might be a tad better:

Roses are #FF0000, Violets are #0000FF, find /. -iname "*base*" -exec chown :us {} \;

Re:lesen Sie die Seite manpage by Molina+the+Bofh · 2004-05-02 16:27 · Score: 1

Well, I don't know what flavor of unix you use, but we're talking about different programs.

The find I am using is GNU find version 4.1.20 that comes with Debian Linux.

It does not have a -X switch.

And 'us' is an user.

And the command you gave works the same way, except that it is less clear and compatible.

So don't come again to say that my find is wrong, ok ?

--

-
Roses are #FF0000, Violets are #0000FF, find / -name '*base*' |xargs chown -R us && mv zig greatjustice

Here ya go... by Cyno01 · 2004-05-02 13:34 · Score: 1

Zippy makes shorty keyboards. Check under under any of those for the mini versions of each style.

--
"Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."

Re:Here ya go... by Beltway+Prophet · 2004-05-02 14:23 · Score: 1

If only I weren't so picky. *grin*

I *do* want a full-sized keyboard, just one without a numpad.
Re:Here ya go... by Cyno01 · 2004-05-02 14:27 · Score: 1

In that case i recommend a hacksaw.

--
"Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus Rex."

The lights are cool but...... by Assassin_for_Atari · 2004-05-02 14:49 · Score: 1

its a bear to type on. I bought this keyboard at a show for 30 bucks. It doesn't have the name on the keyboard but its housing is EXACT. At night the light actually does come in handy but the fact its so squatty and the keys aren't raised very high, its equal maybe even a bit worse, than typing on a laptop keyboard. If anything, its now on my server to give it that "awwwwww" look. thats my 2 cents

What would be a nice feature by JeffHeatonDotCom · 2004-05-02 16:23 · Score: 1

In the review the suggest turning off the keyboard light when away to maximize life. Which makes sense. But like I will actually do that. Its the KEYBOARD it should know when your away, say maybe a feature to turn off after no key pressed for five minutes or so.

Jeff

Good keyboards by MegaSpam · 2004-05-02 16:56 · Score: 1

Sorry, I wouldn't trade my unicomp buckling spring keyboard for anything. It's just like the old IBM keyboards.

http://www.pckeyboard.com

--
Kill two birds with one stone by killing a bird with a stone and then picking up the stone and killing another bird.

Re:How about F-keys with software-controlled LEGEN by ColaMan · 2004-05-02 17:02 · Score: 1

http://www.nkksmartswitch.com/
Sell something similar - I have long thought of getting some for a one-button does all thing where you cycle through a menu with keypresses and hold for 2 seconds to select.

--

You are in a twisty maze of processor lines, all alike.
There is a lot of hype here.

Re:Zippy (Geoffrey & George & Bungle too ; by Jim+the+Bad · 2004-05-02 21:24 · Score: 1

Fleetwood computers have them in the UK. It's where I bought mine.

--
-- And when Justice is gone, there is always... Force. --Laurie Anderson, "Oh Superman"

Forgot to illuminate the "multimedia keys"? by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-02 22:28 · Score: 0

It is strange how manufacturers usually seem to "forget" illuminating the "rare" keys, i.e. those for the multimedia functions one would usually need to look for "after dark". Most of us could probably find each and every button for the letters and numbers even in our sleep, but its only these well-known keys which shine like a super-trouper. The non-standard keys needed to control the audio and video functions are the ones that could really use a little lighting. The makers of remote controls and, in particular, mobile phone companies quite often make the same mistake, though: illuminating only the most common buttons which are not hard to find at all...

Re:Thank you Flexiglow for making this review poss by AkaXakA · 2004-05-02 23:25 · Score: 1

You're right. This article is rigged.

My friend won one of these keyboards and they're hopeless to type on. Oh, and the neon glow is kinda cool, but the coolness factor wares off after about...well...15 secs.

Does it really work with all Windows OS? by thing2b · 2004-05-02 23:59 · Score: 1

"Compatible with all Windows operating systems" How about my parents 3.1. (Just slightly out of date).

--
Webmaster of Infoweb

The layout is awful by duckworth · 2004-05-03 00:05 · Score: 1

I bought one of these keyboards when they first came out. The layout is cramped and non-standard, with laptop style keys. The second day I had it I accidentally hit the del key (nice spot for it) on an important email and the thing went flying across the room.

Additional step by Anonymous Coward · 2004-05-03 02:29 · Score: 0

4) Learn English grammar and how to spell

No numeric keypad please by RKBA · 2004-05-03 03:53 · Score: 1

I'm still looking for a decent "natural" style keyboard with good tactile feel that doesn't have a numeric keypad sticking out where I'd like to put my mouse. I'd pay $1000 for a keyboard like my old Logitech "Cordless Desktop Pro" keyboard if it had: 1. No numeric keypad, 2. A detachable numeric keypad, or 3. A numeric keypad out of the way on the left side of the keyboard.

--
9/11 Eyewitnesses to Explosive WTC Demolition 1 of 2

Review Sites by delus10n0 · 2004-05-03 04:20 · Score: 1

Is it just me, or can any retard/joe blow setup a review site nowadays?

Forget writing a complete review... You get free stuff, man!

Don't forget to slap your logo over all the images of said product, include advertisements on the left and right bars of your page (and maybe even the tops and bottoms), and then have a " gives this a x out of 10!" with a shot of your website's logo at the end of the review. Perfect!

--
Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Re:Thank you Flexiglow for making this review poss by Threni · 2004-05-03 06:30 · Score: 1

> "Thank you Flexiglow for making this review possible" is at the bottom of the first page,
> is there any wonder they gave the unit a 5 out of 5?

Two things.

1) That doesn't mean they were given a unit to keep forever. Nearly all magazines/sites which review stuff get them from the manufacturer or a retailer

2) Many, many such review products are kept by the people doing the review. That doesn't mean that you'll give a biased review, of course - because it's so common, why would you give a shit if this or that item was yours to keep afterwards. Indeed, I've seen people say things like "This is so good I'm going to get my own".

-X isn't in GNU find, you're right. by Jules · 2004-05-03 06:30 · Score: 1

Well, I don't know what flavor of unix you use, but we're talking about different programs.

We're talking about different implementations and you're right, your Linux version doesn't have the -X switch. It's a BSD thing.

And the command you gave works the same way,, except that it is less clear and compatible.
So don't come again to say that my find is wrong, ok ?

Clear and compatible? You're funny. I suggest you spend a little time with the man pages and even be prepared to learn something from those who are willing to offer advice. You might learn something (unless you know it all of course). Oh, that's right, you're a BoFH. You do already know everything.

You should also look at your user page as it seems other mere mortal admins have issues with your find.

Re:-X isn't in GNU find, you're right. by Molina+the+Bofh · 2004-05-03 16:13 · Score: 1

What did you say your username was ?

--

-
Roses are #FF0000, Violets are #0000FF, find / -name '*base*' |xargs chown -R us && mv zig greatjustice

Re:Zippy by Finkle · 2004-05-03 07:15 · Score: 1

Am I the only one who noticed that this is almost a direct copy of the Zippy EL-715? It's the exact same thing except it has multimedia keys(does anyone even use those anyway?), no USB dongle, and has drivers (on a *floppy* at that -- I haven't had a floppy machine in my drives for years).

Illuminated wireless keyboard by nyquilusa · 2004-05-03 12:14 · Score: 1

That's a very nice keyboard.

It gave me an idea while sitting in bed with my wireless keyboard at 3 in the morning last night. It would be even better if it was illuminated! Do they even make such a thing? Battery power is not an issue as I have tons of rechargeable batteries, and would leave the light off during the day and while sleeping.

Google searches for "wireless illuminated keyboard" and "illuminated wireless keyboard" yielded nothing. Anyone know if such a thing exists?

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Flexiglow Illuminated Keyboard

219 comments