The QWERTY Project
Computer Keyboards
Keyboards have come a long way, from processors, to desktops, to laptops. Despite the plethora of changes that have taken place over the years, QWERTY has since been the standard.
Atari 400 (1979)
Category: Processor
Language: English
Primary Characters: Roman
Additional Characters: N/A
Summary:
While famous primarily for their early contributions to the video game industry, Atari produced a line of educational word processors called the Atari 400 and Atari 800. Software includes some games, but mostly basic computing programs and a notepad that boots up by default.
Distinguishing Features:
-
Colorful brown and orange keys
-
Cartridge slot for educational software
-
Massive spacebar
-
Key with Atari logo
Xerox 6016 Memorywriter (1980’s)
Category: Processor
Language: English
Primary Characters: Roman
Additional Characters: N/A
Summary:
Originally part of Xerox’s attempt to expand out from the copier market and into new, the Xerox 6016 Memorywriter helped revive the company. Interestingly, parts are still available for this typewriter online.
Distinguishing Features:
-
Keys resemble a computer’s despite being a typewriter
-
Two keys next to spacebar with ovals on them
-
Features the cents key
-
Features registered trademark symbol
TRS-80 MC-10 (1983)
Category: Processor
Language: English
Primary Characters: Roman
Additional Characters: Few uncommon symbols
Summary:
The cheaper alternative to other models in its line, the TRS-80 MC-10 was a short-lived processor was not the greatest success commercially (possibly related to its small audience of casual and introductory users). It did not use a monitor, but instead connected to a television screen to display its visuals.
Distinguishing Features:
-
Small keys cluttered with extra symbols with same black color
-
Thin font on keys
-
Interestingly features the Ø key
Apple IIc (1984)
Category: Computer
Language: English
Primary Characters: Roman
Additional Characters: N/A
Summary:
With the Apple’s fourth model of the Apple II series, they set out to create the company’s first portable computer. The end result was an all-in-one PC that was to be accessible for everyone from the first time a user booted it on.
Distinguishing Features:
-
Apple-keys adjacent to spacebar
-
Large, accessible reset-button in upper-left corner
-
Compact design (as the “c” in IIc suggests) with keyboard and desktop conjoined
Canon Cat (1987)
Category: Processor
Language: English
Primary Characters: Roman
Additional Characters: N/A
Summary:
The 1987 Canon Cat was a short-lived desktop computer that resembles many word processors of its time but with more power and functionality. Interestingly, the Canon Cat does not use a mouse, but instead special combinations of keys to input commands.
Distinguishing Features:
-
Special keys to replace mouse (leap, use front, lock, etc.)
-
Features the cents key
-
Tab also called “perm space”
-
"Leap again" keys
NeXTcube (1990)
Category: Computer
Language: English
Primary Characters: Roman
Additional Characters: N/A
Summary:
After being ousted from Apple, Steve Jobs formed NeXT in 1985. The 1990 NeXTcube featured a sleek black spherical desktop to accompany a standard monitor and keyboard. NeXTcube utilized the NeXTSTEP operating system, as opposed to those from Apple or Windows.
Distinguishing Features:
-
Power button between main keys and numpad
-
Command keys resemble Apple computers today
-
Colorful brand logo at top of keyboard
Apple iBook G3 (1999)
Category: Laptop
Language: English
Primary Characters: Roman
Additional Characters: N/A
Summary:
Influenced by Apple’s iMac line, the iBook G3 brought the same fun, colorful design in the form of a laptop. Known for its “clamshell” design (jokingly dubbed as “Barbie’s toilet seat”), it was the first computer on the market with built-in wireless networking. The iBook G3 became a commercial success before being discontinued in 2001.
Distinguishing Features:
-
Folding “clamshell” design
-
Colorful trackpad
-
Clear/white keyboard
-
Keys at top of keyboard resemble today’s laptops (speaker-buttons, brightness)
Distinguishing Features:
-
Sturdy design that is easy to carry on the go
-
Rubber keyboard
-
No caps lock key
-
Wide array of unique keys (like the “view source” key)
Summary:
The OLPC XO-1 was part of a project to provide low-cost laptops to children in developing countries. While the project was ultimately a failure, the XO-1 features a unique design, from its bright green, customizable rubber keyboard, to it’s a rotating fold-out monitor.
Category: Laptop
Language: English
Primary Characters: Roman
Additional Characters: Diacritics, various symbols
OLPC XO-1 (2007)
