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The Optimus Maximus Keyboard, previously just "Optimus keyboard", is a Keyboard currently in development, from the Art. Lebedev Studio , headed by Artemy Lebedev . Each of its keys is a Display which can dynamically change to adapt to the Keyboard Layout in use or to show the function of the key. Pre-orders began on 20 May 2007 for limited production runs. OVERVIEW layout]]'' layout. The production model uses the same 48x48 display for all keys including the space bar, unlike this rendering.]] The design featured on the studio's website received attention on the web when it was featured on Slashdot on 14 July 2005 , and afterwards for a few weeks on other technology websites. Even though the pictures on its product page are Computer Graphics renderings, the designers stated that they intend for the keyboard to be a real product. The studio is currently looking for a manufacturer in China or Korea . According to the official newsletter, the Art. Lebedev Studio expected to receive actual samples of the keyboard by the end of 2006. The keyboard is supposed to be in production in 2007, but the studio is planning on creating another model after the release of the Optimus mini three. The Optimus would allow for greater User Interaction , by dynamically displaying the current function of the keys. For example, when the user presses the Shift Key , the pictures would change to upper-case versions. It would also make switching between different keyboard layouts (such as English and Cyrillic ) rapid, and could make the switch to alternative layouts such as the Dvorak easier for people who only have a QWERTY keyboard with no possibility of rearranging the keys. To demonstrate this concept, the computer renderings show example layouts for '' Quake III Arena '' and Adobe Photoshop . The intended audience of the keyboard is Typographers and Translator s, as well as Graphics professionals and Gamer s. Optimus mini three Optimus has released a smaller, three key version, of their keyboard named Optimus Mini Three . Each of the keys is larger than a standard key. The mini three can be adjusted, through the configuration software, to either a horizontal or vertical orientation. Initial reviews have been mixed. The keyboard functions as advertised, but it has been criticized for inordinately high CPU usage, slow response time, and buggy configuration software. {Link without Title} Production schedule The Art. Lebedev Studio is accepting limited pre-orders since May 20 2007 . Production schedule:
Pricing The current price is listed as USD 1564.37 ( € 1256.86) ( £ 788.25). SIMILAR KEYBOARDS A keyboard with similar functions, called the 205PRO , features 20×20 pixel Monochrome LCD Function Key s is manufactured by United Keys . The patent for this "Display Keyboard" () is held by inventor Elkin Acevedo.[http://www.gadgetopia.com/post/4128 However, the first programmable LCD keyboard [http://lcd-keys.com/english/history.htm] was developed in the mid-1980s in Germany. This keyboard, sold under the LCBoard name in the U.S. until 1999, contained many of the features of the Optimus keyboard including graphic icons on each keyboard key, macro programming, context sensitive and application dependent switching between functions. EXPECTED FEATURES Art. Lebedev Studio is expecting to manufacture the keyboard with these features: {Link without Title}
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