In message <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, ZN <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes >On 10/16/01 at 4:59 PM [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > >>> ......the QL would have been more successful than the >>> Macintosh, there'd be a million active QL users, and >>> Motorola would be producing 3rd generation 850 MHz >>> 68060 CPU's ;-) >> >>And keyboard membranes wouldn't be as rare as hens' teeth. > >The fact that today practically 99.99% of all computer keyboards ARE >membrane based with mechanical keys on top, just like the QL's, must be the >biggest irony of all. Granted, silicone materials have gone some ways in >the last 17 years so the 'bubble mat' used instead of springs feels more >springy that in the days of the QL, but taking apart a modern PC keyboard >will reveal ALL the same parts from a QL keyboard of yore.
Yes, it is the same for mobile phones - keypads - which are the biggest selling mass produced electronic product in recent years. Think how often those 'keys' get pressed. I guess Sinclair was innovative after all with all those unusual keyboards, for ZX80 / ZX81 to Spectrum to QL :-) I remember discussing keyboards for the QL with the industrial designer at the time it was being created. The one selected is actually a special edition from one manufacturers range - so very cost effective when ordered in quantity, as Sinclair always did. I've still got that manufacturers catalogue, somewhere. I guess it is now a 'collectors' item ! -- Malcolm Cadman
