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Apple MacBook Refresh Could Bring E-Ink Enabled Keyboard (hothardware.com)

MojoKid writes from a report via HotHardware: Apparently Apple has been working on some unique upgrades to its MacBook line, and not just underneath the hood. One of the bigger feature upgrades could actually be in the keyboard. As previously rumored, the new MacBook Pro is likely to sport a secondary touchscreen display at the top of the keyboard. It will sit in place of where the Function keys used to reside and display different graphics and icons, depending on the program that's up and running. However, according to an anonymous reddit user named "Foxconninsider," Apple's also planning to launch a new version of its Magic Keyboard -- one that takes advantage of E-Ink technology. Similar technology was developed by a start-up company named Sonder, the same company Apple is in the process of acquiring. What the tipster describes is each key having its own E Ink display. That means individual keys and/or entire rows can change based on whatever app is loaded. In any event, we should know more soon -- Apple's expected to announce new MacBook products later this month.

5 of 159 comments (clear)

  1. Having to look at keyboard sucks. by Cronq · · Score: 4, Funny

    I don't want to have to look at keyboard. I'm writting wile looking at the screen not keyboard.

    So that sucks a bit.

    1. Re:Having to look at keyboard sucks. by newcastlejon · · Score: 4, Funny

      I'm writting wile looking at the screen not keyboard.

      Evidently not.

      --
      If God forks the Universe every time you roll a die, he'd better have a damned good memory.
  2. Re:That would help logistics too by Chrisq · · Score: 4, Funny

    They will probably remove superfluous keys like Caps Lock, CTRL, ESC and J.

    Remove the 'J' key! That's a yolly good idea!

  3. Re:what's the point with e-ink keys by Chrisq · · Score: 5, Funny

    They're Mac users. They're probably hunter-peckers.

    I've heard that about Mac users ... or was it pecker hunters....?

  4. Re:That would help logistics too by arth1 · · Score: 4, Funny

    No-one uses the "J" key anyway.

    Right. The Romans did ivst fine vvithovt J, U and W.