We Need a Better PC

Re:We Need a Better PC by pdimitar on Wednesday February 17, 2016 @10:09AM (#11118290)

I was so very tempted by this laptop but there's one requirement I will never forego -- the backlit keyboard. If they make a second iteration of that model with a backlit keyboard I'll run to the nearest store and I WILL JUST BUY IT right there and then.

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Re:We Need a Better PC by slantyyz on Wednesday February 17, 2016 @10:44AM (#11118558)

Serious question - can someone explain the appeal of the backlit keyboards? I notice it's a big deal whether you're a Mac or PC fan, but I generally don't understand it. Is it for people who can't touch type without looking at the keyboard?

Admittedly, my desktop keyboard is backlit (I had to buy a gaming keyboard to get the macro keys I wanted), but the only purpose of the backlight for me is to know which of the four keyboard profiles I'm using -- and this feature isn't on many laptops at all.

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Re:We Need a Better PC by pdimitar on Wednesday February 17, 2016 @06:08PM (#11122300)

As others have said, it helps quickly orientate yourself before you start typing. It's hard to explain rationally but having that makes me much more productive.

I've been practicing by my work (as a programmer) and actively learning it aside -- typing without looking, and I am damn good at it.

There are however different use cases. Sometimes I have long reading sessions. Suddenly I decide the story is too big and want to stop reading it. Or I try to find a keyword in it. Or a hundred more things.

If I am to use programming terms, it reduces your bootstrap time when you want to use the keyboard after a period of inactivity.

...That, plus the fact that most are gorgeous and simply very nice to look at. There are definitely aesthetical factors as well, won't deny the facts. So it's 50% subjective, no doubt.

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Re:We Need a Better PC by cozuya on Wednesday February 17, 2016 @11:07AM (#11118759)

For me I would say its about simply initial orientation of setting my hands down. Its hard to articulate but like the OP I will never buy one without it again - its just a nice feature that I have decided is essential.

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Re:We Need a Better PC by JBReefer on Wednesday February 17, 2016 @11:11AM (#11118798)

It's nice if you use the weird keys that are far from the nubs - like F10, F11, F12, or anything where the grid doesn't give you tactile wayfinding.

For example, I use the backlit keyboard when I'm debugging at night, because hitting the wrong key carries a penalty, and F9 is not nearly as heavily used as 'A'

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