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Like High Definition TV, GPS systems, and MySpace profiles, the Optimus Maximus keyboard is a fine example of something that we don’t really need, but we’re digging it anyway just because it’s possible, plus it makes our lives just a little bit fancier. True, there have been delays in the final product shipping, but very soon it’s going to hit mainstream and hopefully, land in every home with a personal computer. But what’s this? An Optimus Maximus style keyboard for laptops? Better bring in five extra battery packs, then! Yes, a keyboard such as this is sure to eat up more than its fair share of power. But why not, right? When one look at it is all it takes to know it’s what high technology is supposed to be all about?

With the Optimus Maximus keyboard, you have a keyboard with a fully customizable key arrangement, and the option to assign any number of keys as shortcuts to your favorite applications. There’s also this neat feature that allows a secondary/special character to light up each time the SHIFT key is pressed, killing the need for cramming two characters on the same key at a time. And because you can freely and fully customize the Optimus Maximus keyboard, you can also remove the keys that you hardly use (like the Scroll Lock Key or Page Up/Down Keys).

But of course there’s a drawback, and I can sum it up very easily. Which is: power hungry and expensive. Just as you suspect, all this fancy lighting and special features are going to require more power from its source, which in this case will be the laptop’s battery pack itself. Having the Optimus Maximus keyboard on a desktop setup is OK, because you don’t have to worry about running out of battery power (although I can’t say the same about your electric power consumption bill). But with a laptop that is barely able to last more than a few hours with all the power saving features fired up and brightness set at ultra low, the Optimus Maximus keyboard just might be too demanding. But if you’re the type of person who would rather prefer style over productive substance, you just might be interested in watching out for this one.

Via [Laptop News Daily]