DailyTech - The Ultimate Disappointment: The Optimus Keyboard

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Blog: Gadgets The Ultimate Disappointment: The Optimus Keyboard
Michael Hoffman (Blog) - December 8, 2006 6:30 PM

7 comment(s) - last by TomZ.. on Dec 12 at 1:01 PM

The release date and price of the much anticipated keyboard was announced last month

Remember that snazzy Optimus keyboard that has been grabbing headlines since early 2005? Fast forward to today -- the company is still getting the headlines, but for just about all of the wrong reasons. Even though many people were considerably anxious at the idea of a keyboard like the one brought forth by the Art Lebedev studio, it appears that the whole idea may just be a mere gimmick to toy with your emotions.

If you were looking forward to purchasing an Optimus keyboard, we have news that will greatly disappoint you -- The keyboards will ship around May 2007 and will have a retail price of $1,200. I know what you're saying right now -- and yes, that really does say $1,200! Furthermore, there will only be 130 units available when the keyboard is finally released.

When will there be more keyboards available for perhaps something less than $1,000? According to reports, more pre-orders for sub-$1000 keyboards will be shipping in September 2007.

Both the Optimus keyboard and Optimus mini three have generated a lot of buzz, but design and financial issues have caused numerous delays.

And I was actually looking forward to really testing out the keyboard!

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Vaporware?

By ultimatebob on 12/9/2006 10:10:08 PM , Rating: 2

Seriously, this keyboard is about ready to join the vaporware hall of fame with the Phantom game console and Duke Nukem Forever. They've been talking about this keyboard for over a year now, and they still don't have anything other than pretty computer generated models to show for it. Hell, it seems that they don't even have the specifications locked down yet, since they've been changing them every week!

If they ship a single unit to customers in 2007, I'd be amazed.

RE: Vaporware?

By Alpha4 on 12/10/2006 4:13:12 PM , Rating: 2

At this rate there won't be enough Optimus keyboards for all the Hollywood celebrities out there! On the other hand it wouldn't surprise me to see a few opportunistic entrepreneurs hoard a few of these and scalp them online.

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RE: Vaporware?

By granulated on 12/11/2006 6:07:17 AM , Rating: 2

and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. !

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Optimum axe B&W keyboard

By Etern205 on 12/9/2006 8:21:18 PM , Rating: 4

Actually they have decided to go back to color. :)

http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/08/owners-of-eyeba...

why the surprise?

By slashbinslashbash on 12/11/2006 7:45:30 PM , Rating: 1

It's a highly programmable keyboard with 100+ tiny LCD screens. It's no surprise that it costs a bunch of money. I am just glad that they are actually going to release it. Once they sell the first batch (and I have no doubt that all 120 will sell out even at $1200), then they will have some capital to build some more. And gradually the price will come down. Count your blessings -- it seems like the thing will actually see the light of day. That in itself is more than I thought possible for a while -- it seemed like it was going to be vaporware.

RE: why the surprise?

By TomZ on 12/12/2006 1:01:36 PM , Rating: 2

The problem is, at that price point, there is virtually no market and no ability to build volume to where you can get to an economy of scale for price reduction. 120 units is nothing, practically zero from a volume purchasing standpoint.

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this is sad

By ElJefe69 on 12/11/2006 5:27:16 AM , Rating: 2

It is sad that I actually know what this keyboard is without clicking on links.

Sadder yet was my mind trying to figure out if the cost was worth it.

man. I need to get out more.

I want that keyboard.