Backlit keyboard?

Are asus's coming out with backlit keyboards anytime soon? I think this is a required feature for all laptops, and I know its technically possible at a decent price point as both dell and HP have done so.

 

I've failed to see the point of backlit laptops. Then again, I've never used one. Then again, I haven't missed anything.

Asus's focus these days seems to be performance for value (and those EEEs or non-EEEs-but-close-enough). Backlit keyboards aren't performance according to them.

 

helloooooo havnt u ever been in ur bed, and suddenly remembered to put something do download, and u r too lazy to turn on the light, so u cant see ANYTHING in the kboard unless u low the screen enough to light it?
surelly u will say ffs "i know mecanography since i was 2 years old" but... well.. not all of us do

 

I doubt it. At least, not until any of the existing models go through a full model refresh (which at this point won't be until Nehalem comes out in '09) as this requires some moderate internal engineering which Asus hasn't shown an interest in thus far.

 

I didn't think much of the light up keyboard until owning an Alienware. It was after getting a refund that I really did miss the keyboard. I hope Asus eventually does it.

Gabe

 

I can imagine backlit keyboard can be quite helpful (never used one).

However, from a medical point of view it is not advisable to sit in the dark with only the laptop screen in your eyes. It's best to have some low-level light preferably coming from behind. Which might also provide enough light for the keyboard. Thereby nullifying the issue.

 

Thanks for the input guys, looks like itll be a while - still hopin theyll come out with it eventually :/

 

Keep in mind that the screen can light up the keyboard as well... they're close enough that the light coming from the screen can show the letters. I don't think a backlit keyboard is a NECESSITY for all laptops... but I can see how it's a cool feature many people would want.

 

Yep, its mainly the bling factor there, i cant see it being actually used. I btw, have you guys every heard of a bedside lamp?

 

The essence of having a notebook is to be truely mobile. You don't want to have to depend on outside sources.
And believe me. Once you've seen the light up keyboard in action, it's hard to go back.

Gabe

 

If backlit keyboard is to come out, then there's going to be a major problem with laptop battery. Unless some company comes out with an intelligent idea by using resisters to make parallel LEDs.

 

Here you go. Not a back lit board but definitely handy.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834999112

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16800998091

 

it would be nice to have backlight or glow in the dark.. haha

 

they are LEDs, so the power consumption is pretty negligible.

and like others said, after having a backlit keyboard, its kinda hard to go back. i'll gladly admit it, i just like the look of it in addition to the actual functionality

 

Allow me to resurrect a dead thread.

Yes, in some instances backlit keyboards are a necessity! And no its not so you can start a download in the middle of the night when your too lazy to reach over and turn on the bed lamp. I use my laptop in my car extensively at night. Unless I’m under a street lamp positioned in such a way that the light shines through the window on to the keys then I have to turn on my dome (sniper) light. When you’re already at a precarious viewing angle, you cant adjust the screen to shine on the keyboard. Otherwise you can no longer view what’s on the screen. You can crank up the brightness but then you kill your night vision.

I chuckled out loud when I read that posters comment, “Its only for the bling factor.” If you only know…

Like Sgt. Hollywood suggested, I got one of those USB lights. I actually got the $3 one he linked. The down side is there is no on-off switch. The upside is you can use it as a general interior light too…

But ya… its kind of funny to me listening to the different sides of the issue. Coming from someone who stays huddled around a nerd lamp WoWing it up at 2am never even thought about a backlit. I’m out in my car at 2am pissed off every time I have to turn on my dome light to type something, wondering how Asus could be so short sited, and how anyone can type in the dark. lol