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Following the suggestion elsewhere that keyboards could incorporate staplers, I took the time to look at all of the keys on the keyboard that we don't actually use.
The Windows key can trigger a stapler, mounted in the keyboard.
The Pause Break key can activate a message reply system, for
when you are away from your desk
All of those F5 through F12 keys can be free agents, set to run games, GPRS, the gaslift on your chair, switch between network printers, online identities, open and close the blinds...
Print Screen can be used to produce printed Post-It notes, with the print engine built into the keyboard. In fact, the keyboard can also be a printer/scanner/fax. Feed the paper in the bottom at the front, and out comes an inkjet print at the back (reversible).
The numerical keyboard becomes your telephone keypad, instead of taking up a heap of space. A little Bluetooth headset (like the Ericsson ones) and it all starts to make a lot more sense.
More for [Burns]' list
http://www.labmice....ticles/keyboard.htm
[kbecker, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]
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Staplers could be classified as remote weapons, under SALT*, couldn't they? |
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*Stationery Armaments Limitation Treaty |
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The "windows" key should open the window (so you don't have to get up.) |
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The "Menu" button should order room service or immediately dial your Chinese restaurant. |
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And you use the f1-11 to chose from 11 cameras methodically placed throughout office or home to spy on people. Then F12 activates a 12th camera that is attached to a remote-control car that is controled by the arrow keys! |
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This is interesting as this is an idea that would only occur to a PC (mouse) user.
Mainframers know the fastest, most reliable, input method is the keyboard. Not only are all the keys used, there are often multi-key combinations used since there aren't enough keys on the average 101 key keyboard. |
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An additional thought: All of these are possible through use of the parallel port and a breakout board. In it's simplest application, it runs an electric stapler.
In a more complex config, it runs an entire light, sound and robotronic Christmas display. |
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Do a search on "Breakout Board" and you'll learn more. |
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