Some people joke that soon, even our toasters would have computers, possibly running Android, inside. But before we get that far (and we probably aren’t that far anyway), we might come across keyboards with full computers inside, like this OneBoard PRO+. No, this isn’t just a keyboard for Android device, though it could be. It is actually an Android device itself with its own processor, memory, and even WiFi connectivity!
Why on earth would you want a keyboard PC? Well, you’ve heard of all-in-one PCs, where you just need to attach a keyboard and/or a mouse, so why not an “all-in-one keyboard”, where you only need to attach a display? A mouse is also optional, though you’d probably want to use a touchscreen monitor in that case, considering this is Android we’re talking about.
The keyboard’s computing features are pretty much on par with low to mid range Android devices. You’ve got a 1.8 GHz quad-core Rokchip processor, a spacious 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage plus an SD card slot and USB OTG for extra space. It also has WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 for your wireless connections. It runs Android 4.4, with no mention of a Lollipop upgrade.
The OneBoard PRO+, however, is more than just a semi-independent keyboard. It is also a functional dependent keyboard as well. Plug it in to a computer and use it as a normal keyboard. In that capacity, it might please some hardcore keyboard users with its real Cherry MX keyboard switches and its LED backlit keys. It’s not stated whether the LEDs are programmable via the Android OS inside, but as this guy proved, nothing is impossible with some hacking.
The OneBoard PRO+ sells for $289.99 from Banggood.com, which might turn off most users.
VIA: Ubergizmo
Cool
“A mouse is also optional, though you’d probably want to use a touchscreen monitor in that case, considering this is Android we’re talking about.”
Considering Android is fully compatible with mice (launchers, productivity apps, etc), and most people DON’T want to touch their monitor screens, then I fail to see the relevance of this comment.