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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.
No-one uses the "J" key anyway. If someone wanted to use the "J" key they could just attach a special "J" key button via the lightening port.
"That's the way to do it" - Punch
The only part of a laptop that has to be changed for each country is the keyboard, hampering logistics.
That's not the only difference, no.
WiFi regulations differ too, in what channels and signal strengths are available. Some won't allow a chip that can do channel 14 on the 2.4 GHz band, even if turned off by software or drivers.
Other certification requirements can lead to different models too. My US Sony laptop has UL and FCC stamps, but lacks CE and TÃoeV approvals. The European counterpart was more expensive, even in countries outside both the US and EU.
Then there are other regulations. One country may allow plastic with milled carbon fibers to be called carbon fiber, while another may not. Or may outright prohibit some chemicals used in a paint. Or may require different backlight tubes.