Minimum Laptop Size for Full Sized Keyboard?

What is the minimum laptop size for a full sized keyboard? This is without a number pad, of course. On wikipedia, this is what is says for a fullsize keyboard:

"Full-size Laptop: A laptop large enough to accommodate a "full-size" keyboard (a keyboard with the minimum QWERTY key layout, which is at least 13.5 keys across that are on ¾ (0.750) inch centers, plus some room on both ends for the case). The measurement of at least 11 inches across has been suggested as the threshold for this class."
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laptop#cite_note-12

Also, the macbook air section of the apple website clearly states that both the 11 INCH AND THE 13 INCH macbook airs have a FULL SIZED keyboard

"Full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement) with ambient light sensor"
-http://www.apple.com/ca/macbook-air/specs.html

So what is the truth? What is the minimum laptop width/ screen size for a FULL SIZED QWERTY keyboard WITHOUT a number pad? Also, does this vary between brands (eg, brand x has an 11 inch with a full sized keyboard whereas brand y has an 11 inch without a full sized keyboard)?

Thanks in Advance!

 

Wiki and Apple: yeah... hard to find any truth/facts there (at least Wiki points to the correct terms for a full/proper search though)....


A full-sized keyboard is one where the distance between the center of adjacent keys is 19mm. Along with 88 Keys... And a real, PC/IBM keyboard layout. Apple products need not apply (at least not if you're using real programs/OS's).

I would suggest a minimum size of a 14" notebook for that to happen properly. (And assuming the keys go to the full width of the system, of course).


Hope that helps.

 

Thanks you!! I believe I read somewhere that 14 inches was recommended for keyboards as well, but I wasn't sure. What about 12.5 inch and 13.3 inch laptops? I have experience with 10.1-11.6inch laptops, their keyboards are smaller. Is it a big difference between a full keyboard and a keyboard on say a 12.5 inch? Thanks again.

 

They tend to be smaller on 12"-13.3" systems as well. At least subjectively, the difference between my X61t's keyboard and W520's keyboard is night and day as far as spacing goes. Agreed with tiller in that 14.1" seems to be the minimum for a full-sized keyboard.

 

The problem with "full-size" keyboard isn't strictly defined anywhere. So the manufacturers can claim whatever they like. I agree with most other people in this thread and think about 14" is where you want to be. There are a couple of smaller notebooks with decent keyboards. I have a 11" Macbook Air at work that has a quite usable keyboard. I think you're best off trying out a few notebooks yourself in person before you buy so you know what you're looking for. Go to Best Buy or some similar place and take a look at some notebooks for size comparison. You're the one who is going to be using the thing.

 

^^^ There are definitely some very useful non-full-sized keyboards out there (I have no problem with mine, for example), though you're right that there's a problem in that there isn't some set-in-stone, ISO-like standard for what "full-sized" is.

 

Lenovo ThinkPads historically have the most practical keyboards in smaller sizes - check out the X-series.

If you want a guaranteed 'full-size' keyboard (as in, no undersized keys) - I'd look at 13-14".