Two high brightness white LEDs are embedded on either side of the screen, their angles adjusted to illuminate the keyboard. Cheaper to impliment than backlit keyboards, and effective at lighting objects other than the keyboard, a frontlit keyboard is an ironic solution for those who prefer darkness.

The brightness of the lights change to match that of the display, preventing eyestrain from an uneven glow, while a photosensor turns them off when ambient light will suffice.
-- Aq_Bi, May 31 2005

USB Light http://store.yahoo....frasof/pl-2620.html
[37PiecesOf Flair, May 31 2005]

Alternative http://www.gpsw.co....tails/prod2201.html
[bronoman, Jun 01 2005]

Alternative II http://www.computer...m/cuslapligfor.html
[bronoman, Jun 01 2005]

Another USB laptop lamp http://www.coolpc.c...php?products_id=506
[anaeleus, Jun 01 2005]

I've got an IBM thinkpad at work with this very idea. One led mounted in the center on top of the screen lights up the keyboard.

It isn't automated, just controlled by a function key.
-- Ponticad, May 31 2005


USB powered lights with flexable "necks" can also be purchased. See link.

Baked
-- 37PiecesOf Flair, May 31 2005


As laptops go, the lighter the better.
-- bristolz, Jun 01 2005


Not so with beer.
-- FarmerJohn, Jun 01 2005


Too funny. I bought one of these 2 days ago, joined the bakery 1 day ago, and today this pops up.

I'm happy with this one, (see link) except that there are no power options.

Oh yeah, thumbs up for the idea, too. I'm picturing some sort of,like, one of those hemispherical ceiling light thingies on each side of the screen?
-- anaeleus, Jun 01 2005



random, halfbakery