(click the image, or click here, for a full size view)

Its hard to imagine who would fork out $1,500 dollars for the top model, which comes with all active keys. Those who did either already got theirs, or will be getting it shortly. This certainly falls into the ‘must have’ gadget category… but its way too pricey for me.

One of them actually went on e-bay already and sold for $2,750 - almost double the retail value. Unbelievable! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290202635658)

 

This keyboard has a screen in each key - 48×48 pixles - and the function assigned to it is displayed on the key. Depending on what program you are using - for example there is a predefined Photoshop set of keys. You can also program key sequences, display useful information - even animations and movie clips.

Gamers will love this keyboard as well, as each key can be programmed to display game specific information and functions, and use game specific and customizable key mapping.

The keyboard uses OLEDs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) which are on their way to being the next great thing, because they are cheaper to manufacture, are more durable, can be customized further - even onto flexible materials and are physically smaller. They are more efficient than traditional LEDs and produce amazing results in brightness and color range, have a wider viewing angle and are faster than normal LEDs.

 

Coverage of the Optimus Maximus from CES 2008 with the inventor - Art Lebdev:

Get your own here: http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/

- Stumble it!

 

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