Keyboard computer
Keyboard Computers
A keyboard computer is a specialized type of personal computer that integrates all standard components, except for a screen, within the keyboard housing. These compact devices typically require an external power supply connected via an adapter cable. The motherboard is specially designed to fit inside the keyboard housing, with additional peripheral devices like monitors connected through external ports. While storage devices are minimal or absent, keyboard computers offer a space-saving solution for users.
Historically, keyboard computers were popular in the late 1970s and 1980s, with notable examples including the ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, and Commodore 64. The form factor declined in the 1990s with modular desktop setups but saw a resurgence with newer innovations like the Raspberry Pi 400, Asus Eee Keyboard, and Commodore 64 WebIt. These modern keyboard computers aim to combine computing power with a compact form factor, catering to users looking for space-efficient computing solutions.
Notable models in the keyboard computer category include the Olivetti Prodest PC1, Schneider Euro PC Series, and Asus Eee Keyboard. Recent releases like the Commodore 64 WebIt by Tulip and the anticipated Commodore Invictus PC showcase the ongoing evolution of keyboard computers. Sources like Old-Computers.com and tech articles from The Register provide insights into historical and modern keyboard computers, while the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s official website offers details on the latest innovations in this niche computing category.