Backlit Keyboards

I agree with having options. It's silly that the P170HM has the same keyboard as the P150HM despite having 2 inches or so of extra real estate.

Sager/Clevo should be offering 2 types of keyboards for the 15 and 17 inch models - one without a keypad and one with a full keypad.

I just came from a Gateway P-7805u and the keyboard was excellent. Full size keypad.

There is no reason a 17" laptop should have a trimmed keyboard.

At this point in time, backlighting should be available too. It's fine if many folks don't need it - turn it off. But for many of us, it's very utilitarian.

 

Well the reason they do it is pretty clear; it is just cheaper for them to use the same keyboard on nearly every laptop.

 

So is having one screen option, but we've already shown we're more than willing to pay a premium for features that are important to us. If the option were there for $50 extra to have the keyboard EXACTLY how I wanted it, I'd bite.

And say for $75, you could pick any layout you want that was back-lit. I'd be game.

 

as long as the different layouts don't have a different form factor I am sure sager would be willing to consider it.

 

For the most part, backlit keyboards are standard on many laptops. Not sure how many people would be happy with having to pay an extra premium on it.

Exactly, if they do more bulk/volume, they make and save more money.

 

Clevo is the ultimate options laptop platform, with the one exception being the keyboard. Why not offer at least a back-lit option and hopefully that as well as layout options?

 

It is almost confirmed that there will be backlit in the new Ivy Bridge reboot of the Clevo line. There was a video showing a prototype with a white backlit keyboard akin to the Macbook pro's keyboard.

 

I doubt it will be able to be retrofitted onto current clevo models when it does come out.

 

I didn't say they would be, I'm quite sure they said it wouldn't be backwards compatible, but we'll see when they come out.

 

It will not be backwards compatible because the keyboard connector cannot provide power to the LEDs. There is no power supply for the keyboard on our current laptops unless you jury rig something and tap something directly from the motherboard components.

 

Exactly. If you really wanted to make it backwards compatible, you could try to siphon some power from a usb port, if that'd be enough for it. Most aren't dedicated enough to try something like that

 

Exactly. I've decided to wait a few months on my laptop purchase to get the p270wn when it comes out and for the money I'll be spending I would definitely spend a little more to get the type of keyboard that I like if Clevo would offer different options.

 

To late. World ends on 21 december 2012. We won.t be needing laptops then.

In the mean time one may use this:
http://www.livbit.com/article/2009/...finally-a-laptop-light-which-is-truly-useful/