Gizmodo
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concepts
Blackberry + Optimus Maximum Concept Phone: What Do You Get?
A good way to end the debate between using real estate for physical keys or pixels. In theory. [MozPhone via Core77] More »
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oled
United Keys OLED Keypad: The Optimus' Schlubby Cousin
Engadget got themselves a United Keys OLED Keypad, which may remind you of a crappier Optimus Aux keypad. And, well, they found it to be a crappier Optimus Aux keypad. More »
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By Dan NosowitzComment by Jesus_Jones: But why? I don't get it. If your really in the mood for some shortcut action go mod a touchscreen 3 Responses | Other threads
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optimus
Optimus Aux Keypad Body Photographed, Doesn't Surprise Anyone
From the haze of renders, name changes and unflatteringly exposed prototypes emerges the best evidence that a real-life Art Lebedev Optimus Aux keypad is nigh. The sexy, CNCed body doesn't look to have deviated at all from the proposed design, and the guts shouldn't pose any challenges that haven't already been overcome in the larger Optimus products. In other words, the Aux might be showing up on rich peoples' desks sooner rather than later. [Optimus Project] More »
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By John HerrmanComment by Kymeira: I never enjoyed these Optimus keyboards. Individual keys with little LCD screens? Ew. Make the keyboard one big screen, then we'll... 1 Responses | Other threads
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optimus
Optimus Aux Prototype Looking Prototypical
Optimus has revealed their prototype of the 15-key Putius, that's now been redubbed the Aux. While the case is metal, here we see the plastic circuit board chassis and the complete electronic heart of the Aux. No, it's still not something you can actually buy, but we're getting oh so much closer. [Optimus]
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By Mark WilsonComment by OletheaEurystheus: I love how we have gone from bashing them left and right on this blog as vaporware to OOOOOH SHINEY... 5 Responses | Other threads
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By John HerrmanComment by P3TER: I have also have 3 states: depressed, up, and down. Does this tell you anything about my orientation? 2 Responses | Other threads
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art lebedev
Art Lebedev Design for the Rest of Us: Pixelated Mouse-Pointer Fridge Magnets
When they're not designing $1,500 OLED keyboards or hot WiMax phone concepts, it's good to know the guys over at Art Lebedev Studio like to keep the common folk in mind, sometimes. The common folk who will like to pin up printouts of Gizmodo posts to their fridge with these pixel-art mouse-pointer magnets. They're about 2.5-inches tall and will run you $4 in the Art Lebedev store. [Art Lebedev via Pocket Lint]
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By John MahoneyComment by CameraShoe_GitEmSteveDave: Where's Calrus?!?! MOOF! 3 Responses | Other threads
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optimus maximus
The First US Optimus Store Is a Kiosk in NY
Optimus' first offline retail location in the US has just been opened in New York, but unlike their gigantic Optimus Maximus keyboards, their meatspace location is tiny. Locals can run down to the RCS Computer Experience on 575 Madison Ave. and E 56th Street to try out an Optimus Maximus for themselves, or to check out many of the other various computer accessories they carry. In a sense, it's good that they're starting slow rather than to go through what Gateway stores did in the early '00s (and Dell kiosks did recently). Now those were some bad decisions. [Optimus Blog]
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By Jason ChenComment by Xenobiologista: When are they gonna show up at Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur, that's what I want to know. more » | Other threads
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ouch
Optimus Maximus Keyboard Gets Coffee Bath, Apparently Survives
It was only a matter of time. This image popped up on an Optimus Live Journal group, showing the sad results of a clumsy morning with a steaming mug and a $1,600 Optimus Maximus keyboard, which is one place we didn't take our review—yet. Not much info on what happened or whether this was a planned test, but the poster says it survived the "first recorded coffee spill thanks to the construction of the upper tray." Phew. [Live Journal]
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By John MahoneyComment by strider_mt2k: You're going to need a tray. The coffee is hot... more » | Other threads
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Optimus Keypad
Optimus Pultius is a Leaner, Meaner, 15-key LED Pad
Fresh from the Optimus blog is the Optimus Pultius which shrinks the Optimus Maximus down to 15 keys, and is meant as an add-on to your existing keyboard setup. It's expected to be available at the end of 2008 or early 2009. No word on pricing, but hopefully a 30 year mortgage won't be a requirement. [Optimus Blog]
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Comment by Dr. Wedge: Here's a free option (if you're a Mac user): Use Quicksilver. It's all keystrokes on your existing keyboard. No need... more » | Other threads
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optimus
Art Lebedev's Optimus Popularis Keyboard Gets Its First 3D Mockup
We learned that Art Lebedev was planning a new, smaller and "cheaper" addition to the Optimus keyboard lineup with the "Popularis" a while back—but the mockup was basic to say the least. While no new information has been released, we do have a brand new, detailed, 3D mockup to drool over. [LiveJournal]
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By Sean FallonComment by bosskev: @OneObuyan: "Art, Graphic, and video directors, producers, and designers all have awesome out of this world custom keyboards that they... more » | Other threads
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optimus
Art Lebedev Plans "Popularis" Optimus Keyboard Priced Under $1000
Art Lebedev has unveiled plans for a new addition to the Optimus keyboard family with a keyboard dubbed the "Optimus Popularis." Details are scarce as the device is only a mock-up at this point—but we do know that it will be shorter than the Maximus, and it it will not use OLED screens to save cash. Instead it will be based on a "totally different principle" (ooh, mystery principle!). Naturally, no release date has been unveiled, but look for it to retail under $1000. [LiveJournal]
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By Sean FallonComment by thefonz101: if i ever get one of these, i'd probaly set one of the keys to giz. another would be [www.instructables.com] more » | Other threads
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review
Ten Things You Need to Know About the Optimus Maximus Keyboard Hardware
It's been three months since we first got a true hands on with the Optimus Maximus OLED keyboard at CES, and we've had plenty of time to experience this innovative gadget by blogging with it full time over the course of three weeks. And by logging hours and hours with the keyboard—much like you would if you purchased one—we've come up with ten things you need to know about the Optimus Maximus keyboard's hardware. More »
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By Jason Chen
Comment by theirishcreme: I think the majority of the people on here have missed the innovation here. First generation innovations are never cost... more » | Other threads
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optimus
Next Gen Optimus Maximus Details: Sub-$800, One-Screen and Raised Keys
Apparently, when Jesus called Art.Lebedev's Optimus Tactus keyboard "Optimus Retardus" for its lack of physical keys, the design team listened. Or not. Either way, Lebedev's latest plan is to indeed make a visual keyboard with just one full-color screen as opposed to many tiny ones. But it will overlay physical transparent keys (like on the Upravlator). In the end, you'd actually have a hard time noticing that each key isn't its own display. The goal is to get this thing into production by year's end, and to sell it for under $800—a bargain by Art.Lebedev standards. Later, the dudes will move to E-Ink or e-paper for lighter, wireless keyboards. [Optimus Project]
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Comment by McMevan: Have they considered the fact that microsoft has a patent on a keyboard with a screen and key overlay? ...... more » | Other threads
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gadgets
Art Lebedev Designing Wireless Optimus Mini 3 3.0
Art Lebedev and his Lebedevites are hard at work designing a follow-up to the Optimus Mini 3, a smaller, three-buttoned version of the Maximus keyboard we saw at CES. Here's what they're thinking: wireless, possibly Bluetooth, maybe AC-powered. People use this to control PowerPoint presentations (good idea, you can see what's coming up before others do) and would like to have it not tethered to the computer. No actual renders of prototypes yet, but Art says they're coming soon. [Optimus Blog]
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By Jason ChenComment by historymakin: I have been following Art Lebedev's work for quite a white now and one thing i can surely say it... more » | Other threads
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optimus maximus
Optimus Maximus Keyboard Now Shipping (At Last!)
It's a day some of us never thought would come. Art Lebedev's Optimus Maximus OLED keyboard is finally shipping to everyone who pre-ordered it. Icing on the OLED cake, the Configuator software is available now, too. If you bought one w/ passive keys, you've still got another month though. [Optimus Project]
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Comment by whippa0: @aussie: Five years? ...come on, you know the guys in China are faster than that. more » | Other threads
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optimus maximus keyboard
Optimus Maximus Keyboard on eBay Already
We got our hands-on with the Optimus Maximus OLED keyboard back at CES, but now you can get your own on eBay. What? Apparently some guy received one of the earlier shipments of the keyboard (the one with unfinished software support) and is now hocking it. It's unclear which model this one is (we think it's the $1500 one, though you should email the seller to be sure), but if you can manage to get it for less than cost, this is a cheap way to grab an Optimus for yourself. [eBay]
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By Jason ChenComment by JoOngle: "The seller ended this listing early because of an error in the listing." more » | Other threads
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gadgets
Foxconn and United Keys Bring OLED Keyboards This Summer on the Cheap
The only complaint we have with the Optimus Maximus display-changing OLED keyboard is its price, which is why this news of United Keys and Foxconn teaming up to build their own keyboards is exciting. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by Bokusatsu_Tenshi: I wish they were releasing a full keyboard using those today... only so I could laugh my ass off (a... more » | Other threads
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hands-on
Hands On With Optimus Maximus Keyboard
We've had video and pictures of the Optimus Maximus keyboard, but now we've got the first hands on with the mythical layout-changing input device. Is it as good as all the hype's built it up to be? No. It's better. More »
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By Jason Chen
Comment by pfromg: They should increase the price to $50000. Encase it in titanium & gold. Sell to Russians,until they have enough capital to correct... more » | Other threads
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concept vaporware
Optimus Tactus Touch Keyboard Should Be Called Optimus Retardus
While we love touch surfaces, as people who type hundreds of thousands a word each week we know that there is a limit to them: keyboards. Like this Optimus Tactus, an extruded shape/touch surface/keyboard concept by Art.Lebedev. We really like the soon-to-be-released Optimus keyboard Art but, seriously, how often do you type on your computer? More »
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By Jesus DiazComment by dbsboy: i think it's because creating one giant touch screen is much cheaper than creating many individuals keys but by doing... more » | Other threads
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rumor smashed
Rumor Smashed: Optimus Keyboard Not Delayed, Was Always Shipping in February [Updated]
We're not sure where Impress.jp got their info that the Optimus Keyboard was delayed until late February '08, because from all the info we've got from Art.Lebedev in the past few months (here and here) says that's the targeted ship date. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by JoshS: It looks cool, but the price is insanse (though it does reflect the calue of the materials). Like SOCKATUME said,... more » | Other threads
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expensive peripherals
Optimus Keyboard Configurations, Pricing Info Released
Yes, it's true: you can get an Optimus Keyboard for less than $500. There is a catch, however: if you're cheap and spend less than $500, your keyboard will only have one "active button," and it's the space bar. Yeah, weak, I know. But hey, it's "only" $462.27! If you bump it up to $599.01 you get the 10 function buttons on the side active, $999.25 gets you just the letter keys active, and a whopping $1,564.37 gets you all 113 buttons active. So while yeah, there's a cheaper option, it's clearly not worth it. Not that the full version is worth it, but if you're going to waste a lot of money on a keyboard you might as well go all out. You can preorder the Optimus in any of these configs in black or white and you'll get your keyboard in late February. [Product Page]
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By Adam FrucciComment by JoshS: The people who want it want for a reason. For me it really has no value, though it looks cool. I... more » | Other threads
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optimus video
First Video of the Optimus Keyboard Actually Working and Looking Awesome
We just got some hangtime with Art.Lebedev's non-vaporous Optimus keyboard at the Wired Store in SoHo, NYC, and it is as shiny, pretty and luxuriously pointless as billed. Enjoy the video, then check out our impressions and a gallery: More »
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Comment by ZaredKhayos: OLED Display Keyboard The Display Keyboarfd may be on the way in the near future. There's a U.S. patent... more » | Other threads
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optimus
Video: Optimus Maximus Changing Layouts
At times it may seem like the Optimus Maximus Keyboard is some sort of mythical creature that is only seen in photographs, but this video illustrating layout changes proves that it does exist, somewhere. Whether or not we will actually see it in the wild one of these days (in the arms of Bigfoot no doubt) remains to be seen. [Livejournal]
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By Sean FallonComment by Krystian Sz.: @jvdkieft: I'm with you! Really.. this keys are good only for kids who don't know how to write and how to... more » | Other threads
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keyboards
Optimus Keyboard Goes Sub-$500 and Sub-$1000, But Gimped at Launch
The Optimus keyboard team brings good news and bad news today, with word that they're going to have sub-$500 and sub-$1000 models (not just one $1564 keyboard), but the software will not be ready for launch. That's not to say that you'll buy a $500 keyboard that you can't use; it's just "functionally limited," and will get firmware updates every month or so until it gets up to the point where you're getting all the features you were promised. Apparently the keyboard is so popular that the first pre-order lot is completely sold out. However, the first pre-order lot was only 200 units, so it's not that great of an achievement. If that's you, you'll get your keyboard in the latter half of February '08. [Optimus Blog]
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By Jason ChenComment by soldstatic: how about we just get that oled hiptac whatever keyboard thing nokia is making. thatd be way cooler than any... more » | Other threads
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optimus
Optimus Maximus Keyboard Passes FCC Level Without Cheat Codes
In case any of you still thought the Optimus Maximus was all a big alien autopsy-esque hoax, the fact that the preliminary version of the keyboard just passed FCC testing should be enough to put your doubts on hold. The current status, non FCC-wise, has their OLEDs approved for mass production back in September and arriving in their offices late October/early November (and ship to customers at least a couple months after that)—which means no Optimus for Christmas this year. The Maximus will also ship with a 512MB SD card to store layouts instead of storing them on the PC. Jump for a picture of the Panic Room/special shielded room the FC uses for testing (sans Jodie Foster). [Optimus Blog] More »
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By Jason ChenComment by BigDanInTX: @Palestina: At $150, the coolness factor is worth the cost. Anything higher and I would feel stupid for buying... more » | Other threads
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keyboards
Optimus Maximus Shipping in White...Whenever it Actually Ships
White is the new black is the new white, as Art.Lebedev anounces the Optimus Maximus is going to be blanco—not negro—at launch. Better or worse? [Optimus Project]
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By Jason ChenComment by wrenchmonkey26: Today, on Gizmodo..."Prisoner complaining of anal pain, caught with an Art Lebedev Keyboard in his ass, iPhone felt better, prisoner... more » | Other threads
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expensive sorta-vaporware
Wow, There's Actually a Working Optimus Keyboard in Moscow
Hey, remember the Optimus Keyboard? Yeah, it's still not out, and it's still kind of a joke, but look! They have a real one in Moscow! No other details, and this is probably some sort of $15,000 one-time mockup and they're probably no closer to releasing it, but it still looks pretty neat. [Optimus Project]
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By Adam FrucciComment by hezz05: Hmmm, I thought the keys were downgraded to black-white? more » | Other threads
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keyboards
Fairlight $28,000 Xynergi Keyboard Makes Optimus Look Cheap
These $28,000 keyboards from Fairlight aren't made for you, they're designed for media professionals who need different keys for different tasks. It's the world's first "Self Labeling Illuminated Computer Keyswitch Technology," beating the full-sized Optimus keyboard to market by a good few months. Of course, that price tag is prohibitive to all but the wealthiest of Giz readers (unless you work at a job where this is necessary), so watch the video after the jump and dream about the day when you can have a keyboard that changes its keys for a reasonable price. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by jwestburg: As an editor in a post house, there is absolutely no way I would ever use this keyboard. Program shortcuts, and... more » | Other threads
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transformers
Transformer-Themed Bearbricks Protect The All Spark, Steal Food From Campers
Considering that we love Transformers and toys, it's no surprise that we're drooling over these Transformer-themed Bearbricks. The foursome of Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee and Barricade were spotted at this year's Wonder Festival in Tokyo. The specialty toys from Japan come in various themes and colors, and this batch is to commemorate the Transformers Movie. They will be sold in packs of two, with the choice of Optimus Prime/Megatron or Bumblebee/Barricade. Sadly, these are Japan only, selling for 1,890 Yen. [ToysREvil via Hype Beast] More »
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Comment by buffawhat: These Be@rbricks are a highly collectible toy in the US. The bearshape never changes, but the design does; they even... more » | Other threads
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transformers
Gigantic Optimus Prime Birthday Cake Forcefully Removes Socks From Feet
Morgan Valentine, better known as best wife ever, ordered a custom-made Optimus Prime cake for her husband's 30th birthday. The cake was made by Nashville's The French Connection, and has dirt, rocks, grass, plants and an Optimus Prime the size of a toddler. I bet the guy even got sex afterwards. [Flickr via Boing Boing]
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By Jason ChenComment by Shnyzx: Hell yeah I live in Nashville. I know what my GF is getting me for my birthday... Deathstar cake? no...I need... more » | Other threads
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transformers toy review
Why Megatron Will Never Beat Optimus Prime
Megatron, man. What happened to you? Before this Michael Bay movie, you had some balls. You used to turn into a giant gun, or a gun that Starscream could pick up and shoot those goody-two-shoes Autobots with. A giant gun so big that Dirty Harry would have splat like a bug on a 80mph windshield if he had to deal with the recoil. Some kind of crazy f'd up die-cast Decepticon Walther P-38. But no more. More » -
autobots, squeeze me
Transformers Plushies That Actually Transform
This is something we didn't expect. Unlike Optimus Prime, these Transformer gadgets and a crazy Hong Kong man, these transformers plushies don't cut you up when you rub your face on them. If the cartoons in the '80s taught us anything, it's that robot aliens from another galaxy enjoy being used to prop up a woman's ass during intercourse. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by bu11etman: I still wait for the real transforming truck :D more » | Other threads
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they have nerds too
Real-Life Transforming Optimus Prime Costume
Our friends over at Everything USB just tipped us off to this real-life transforming Optimus Prime costume from Hong Kong. It's a real costume—there's actually a man inside—that transforms from robot to truck mode without making the wearer bend his spine in three different directions. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by Dancin_Fool: I want to know what he built that out of. Here's a similar costume I did for the movie premier. [www.tfw2005.com] (pictures... more » | Other threads
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no more waiting to wait
Optimus Maximus Keyboard, Pre-order Now
The Optimus Maximus Keyboard can officially be pre-ordered! Be the first guy on your block tohaveorder this new, exciting keyboard with 113 OLED displays. Shipments are anticipated by Dec 1st. More »
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By Mark WilsonComment by Trenta: @JEZZZA: It's not the coolness factor that will make it sell, but the flexibility factor. The more you work with something,... more » | Other threads
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waiting for lebedev
Optimus Maximus Keyboard Pre-Order Countdown Begins (Get Yours Saturday)
As tired as we're getting of this on-again, off-again story, we might as well give you an update on that ambitious Optimus Maximus keyboard, the $1564 piece of vaporware that aims to have an OLED display underneath every key. More »
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Comment by NewRider: According to their development journal, they're on pace to sell out the first lot on the first day of pre-orders. http://community.livejournal.com/optimus_project/ If... more » | Other threads
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it's still expensive
Optimus Keyboard Gets Priced: $1564
We already knew that we were going to be forking out about $1500 for the Optimus uber-keyboard, but now they've got a finalized number. $1564 (Shakespeare's birthday). Fantastic. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by nosauten: Give Logitech a couple of years or less, and they'll come out with something way better, and for a lot... more » | Other threads
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peripherals
Optimus Finds New OLED Manufacturer, Is Back on Track for Failure
Oops, excuse my editorializing in the headline, but seriously I have been calling for the failure of this thing for months. Anyway, if you remember, right after CeBIT the OLED manufacturer Optimus was going to use dropped them like a bad habit, but now they have found a super OLED manufacturer who is supposedly going to make the individual displays bigger and badder. Previously, the displays were going to be 32x32 pixels and 9x9 mm, but now the displays will be super- sized to 10.1x10.1 mm and 48x48 pixels. So, if this OLED manufacturer is so awesome, how about a price cut? More »
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Comment by Alchymist: Just stop posting about them until they bring out a final product... until then let them rot in the archives... more » | Other threads
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gadgets
Optimus Mini 3 SideShow Driver Alpha Version
Those of you with the Optimus Mini 3—a.k.a. pretty much the only thing they've ever produced—will be interested in this. Optimus has just released an early alpha version of the Windows SideShow driver. For those unfamiliar with Vista's SideShow feature, hit that link, but basically it's an interface to display Windows Vista Gadgets on an external device. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by waytobealoser: I'm really starting to get angry with Optimus. Quite frankly, 3 little screens are not a product, sideshow or not...They... more » | Other threads
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peripherals
Optimus Update: The Screens Won't Move
Quick update on the Optimus Keyboard project: the OLED keys won't actually move. Instead, a transparent cover over the little screens will press down, keeping the screens fixed in place underneath. More »
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By Adam FrucciComment by imaria: I look forward to playing Duke Nukem Forever on this thing. more » | Other threads
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peripherals
Optimus Project Hits Yet Another Snag; We Feign Surprise
For those of you still interested in the fate of the oft-delayed, might-never-actually-exist Optimus Keyboard, I have some bad news. They've lost their OLED manufacturer, leaving them without anybody to make the little screens that make the expensive keyboard so interesting. More »
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By Adam FrucciComment by cr0ft: And of course there is the fact that anyone who actually can type in a proper fashion will a) never... more » | Other threads
optimus
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