Art. Lebedev Studio Optimus Upravlator Keyboard

[malware]

There's always something new and cool coming from Art. Lebedev. Now after the Optimus Maximus keyboard is finally shipping, the studio has enough free time for another oddly named keyboard, the Optimus Upravlator. Optimus Upravlator is a completely new kind of input device aimed at the media professionals. It features a 10.8-inch color LCD (800x600 pixels resolution) with 12 see-through buttons occupying its surface. Each of them has five contact points-one in the center, top, bottom, left and right-which are freely assignable to user interface elements in the software of your choice. The device is compatible with Windows and Mac OS X and should be available for sale in the second half of 2008.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[a111087]

Upravlator you say?

 

[malware]

Actually in Bulgarian, "Upravlator" spells very close to our word for "operate" in English.

 

[lemonadesoda]

I dont understand how this keyboard is in any way better than a touch sensitive screen. In fact, a touch sensitive screen is more versatile since you can use it as a screen (and configure any size, shape, combination) rather than the fixed 12 button format here.

Perhaps of use to film/TV broadcasters? A video input on each button, select which one "plays".

The ONLY OTHER situation I can see this is of use, is when people wear gloves. Now that cannot be in an industrial (dirty or wet or hot) environment, but perhaps in a lab. Other than sci-fi films, limited audience.

PS. DESIGN FAULT

They need a SCREW DOWN base. How often is that thing going to get knocked over due to an excited *push* rather than featherlight *touch*?

 

[a111087]

They need a SCREW DOWN base. How often is that thing going to get knocked over due to an excited *push* rather than featherlight *touch*?

it's going to break and new one will be purchased, more money for Art Leb...

 

[DaJMasta]

By second half of 2008 they mean first half of 2010. They didn't even try to give a price but we all know that it will cost more than a tablet PC.




As far as I'm concerned, the studio shouldn't even be getting any media attention. The stuff is neat, I'll give them that, but in terms of actually running a business they're doing a terrible job and most of the enthusiast community is just ignoring that.

 

[PVTCaboose1337]

Cannot afford...