Essential Gear Guide » Computers/Laptops

Optimus Maximus- what does your keyboard do?

craig — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:11:37 +0000

The Optimus Maximus computer keyboard from Art Lebedev Studio is not only the most optimal keyboard on the planet, it’s also a fearless 3rd Century Roman gladiator capable of defeating evil and delivering Rome back to the people!

The Maximus comes with a hefty price tag because anyone willing to drop over $500 is probably willing to drop $1600; and because each key is the equivalent of a tiny computer screen. In addition to controlling key functions, you can actually control key images. Switch between a Japanese, Greek, Russian, or any other keyboard with the click of a button; literally it only takes seconds. If you’re a gamer you can customize and save a special layout for each game. Work more efficiently with programs and software (like Photoshop). The keys can even work together to show moving graphics! And to think I was impressed with the simple things like Shift and knowing when the Caps or Number Locks were on.

Each of the 113 Optimus Maximus keys is a miniature Organic LED screen, fully programmable to show any image you desire. For the gaming community this is an amazing breakthrough. Keys can be set to game-specific function such as weapon selection. Quickly changing between weapons can be the difference between being a loser and being a loser that just won a computer game!

The big question is how well does this thing work? The answer is VERY WELL. I set the Maximus up to my work computer and used it for two weeks. The only thing I can say is “awesome”. The software uploaded automatically and was super user friendly. The larger sized keys took about 5 minutes to get used to and were as smooth as a baby’s bottom (a baby with weird button shaped warts everywhere).

One of the only features that I could consider as a negative would be the length of the keyboard. If you have a slide out keyboard holder mounted to the underside of your desk, it might take up all the space, leaving the mouse to fend for itself on the desktop. Also, it’s not wireless and it needs DC power, but for me that’s a positive; every time I try to program my wireless keyboard my mouse stops working and visa versa. Plus, I only use my keyboard in one place, which is right in front of my computer. Having wireless really serves no purpose for me.
The LED’s turn off when the keyboard has been lying dormant for a while, but just touch a key and the board comes back to life.

Until the Optimus Tactus actually comes out, the Maximus is the best thing going.

Specifications

Keyboard dimensions
length: 537 mm (21.1?)
width: 173 mm (6.8?)
height: 38 mm (1.5?)
key: 20.2

Monster Laptop Case- for your monster laptop

admin — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:03 +0000

[Get It $65]

I assure you that this puerile laptop case will make an impression at your next office meeting. I’ve even heard that Bush’s cabinet members use these during briefings because the big eyes and bright colors hold the presidents attention longer.

If you think Sesame Street-like characters could be distracting in the workplace, then you should consider the camouflage factor. That’s right, the Monster Laptop Sleeve will not only eat your expensive laptop, it will tort criminals looking to steal high end items, they’ll just dismiss it as a child’s pillowcase or something of the like.

*If you’re not a fan of the cookie monster blue, this handmade novelty comes in three other colors.

MacBook Air

admin — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:50:56 +0000

[Get It $1800]

The Macbook Air is ultrathin, ultraportable and ultrapointless. Until I can fold my laptop up like a piece of paper and put it in my pocket, it doesn’t really matter if it’s 0.16 or 0.76 inches thick. In fact I don’t really see the point in making it uber thin for portability just so I can carry around a tote bag full of attachments like an external DVD player special Ethernet jack attachment.
I will admit that Apple likes to raise the bar, and if I were to buy a new laptop today, I’d go for the thinnest most powerful notebook available, but we may need to re-access that which constitutes utility opposed to obsessing over smaller technology.

With an impressive 1.6GHz or 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 80GB hard drive, and 2GB of built in RAM, the Macbook Air boasts more than enough power to satisfy the casual as well as the technical users.

What’s in the Box

MacBook Air
45W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord
Micro-DVI to DVI adapter
Micro-DVI to VGA adapter
Display polishing cloth
Install/restore DVDs
Printed and electronic documentation