keyboard computer

{{Short description|Type of personal computer}}

{{Distinguish|Computer keyboard}}

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{{Notability|date=February 2024}}

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File:Atari 1040 STFM.jpg]]

A keyboard computer is a computer which contains all of the regular components of a personal computer, except for a screen, in the same housing as the keyboard. The power supply is typically external and connects to the computer via an adapter cable. The motherboard is specially designed to fit inside, and the device is larger than most standard keyboards. Additional peripheral devices such as a monitor are connected to the computer via external ports. Usually a minimum of storage devices, if any, is built in.

Most home computers produced during the late 1970s and 1980s were keyboard computers, the ZX Spectrum and most models of the Atari ST, Xiao Bawang, Commodore 64, Apple II, and Amiga being prime examples. While this form factor went out of style around 1990 in favour for more modular desktop setups, some notable x86 keyboard computers have been built, like the Olivetti Prodest PC1 in 1988{{cite encyclopedia|title=Olivetti PC1|encyclopedia=Old-Computers.com|url=http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=182&st=1|accessdate=2014-09-18|date=|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091228151801/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=182&st=1|archivedate=2009-12-28|url-status=dead}} and the Schneider Euro PC Series between 1988 and 1995.{{cite encyclopedia |title=Schneider Euro PC|encyclopedia=Haus der Computerspiele|url=http://www.classiccomputer.de/ams/scheuropc.htm|accessdate=2014-09-18}}

Newer computers to employ this form factor include the Commodore 64 WebIt by Tulip, the Asus Eee Keyboard,{{cite news|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/03/02/asus_hostage/|title=Asus assures no more delays for keyboard-computer|first=Joe|last=Fay|newspaper=The Register|date=2010-03-02|accessdate=2010-08-26}}{{cite news|url=http://www.asus.com/News/PAT9g8UsynfYyxiN/|title=Asus Eee Keyboard Press Release|date=2010-05-01|accessdate=2013-06-05}} which uses Intel Atom processors and Solid-state drive,{{cite news|url=http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/peripherals/2010/08/02/asus-eee-keyboard-pc-review/1|title=ASUS Eee Keyboard PC Review|publisher=BitTech|date=2010-08-02|accessdate=2013-06-04}} and the unreleased Commodore Invictus PC.{{cite news|url=http://www.netbookhelden.de/commodore-invictus-noch-ein-computer-im-tastatur-format/|title=Commodore Invictus|publisher=Notebookhelden|date=2010-06-02|accessdate=2014-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604173859/http://www.netbookhelden.de/commodore-invictus-noch-ein-computer-im-tastatur-format/|archive-date=2010-06-04|url-status=usurped}} In November 2020, Raspberry Pi Foundation announced Raspberry Pi 400, a modified version of their previous Raspberry Pi 4 housed entirely within a keyboard.{{Cite web|last=Foundation|first=The Raspberry Pi|title=Buy a Raspberry Pi 400 Personal Computer Kit|url=https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-400/?resellerType=home|access-date=2020-11-02|website=Raspberry Pi|language=en-GB}}

Asus Eee Keyborad PC EK1542 (cropped).jpg|ASUS Eee Keyboard computer

17377-Raspberry Pi 400 Personal Computer Kit-01 (cropped).jpg|Raspberry Pi 400

Amiga 1200 with mouse, drives.jpg|Amiga 1200

Schneider Euro PC.jpg|Schneider Euro PC

Apple II typical configuration 1977.png|Apple II

Olivetti Prodest PC128.png|Olivetti Prodest PC128

Commodore-64-Computer-FL.jpg|Commodore 64

BBC Micro Front Restored.jpg|BBC Micro