Difference between revisions of "Datalux SpaceSaver"
m (Text replacement - "MEI mini-elastic" to "MEI T-15 series") |
(Added the fact that the MIRUW model supports XT/AT by jumper under the 1 key. Confirmed on my personal model.) (Tag: Visual edit) |
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{{TODO source}} | {{TODO source}} | ||
+ | {{TODO photo|more=true|reason=original MEI versions}} | ||
{{infobox dkeyboard | {{infobox dkeyboard | ||
| name = Datalux SpaceSaver series | | name = Datalux SpaceSaver series | ||
+ | | image name = Datalux3.jpg | ||
| pn = | | pn = | ||
− | | fcc = | + | | fcc = HE829NMICA (Microtype MT-1; 1988)<ref name="eBay-FCC-ID" /> |
| branding = "microtype", [[Datalux]] | | branding = "microtype", [[Datalux]] | ||
| manufacturer = | | manufacturer = | ||
Line 17: | Line 19: | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | The '''Datalux SpaceSaver''', introduced circa 1988 as the [[Mechanical Enterprises]] '''Microtype Space-Saver Keyboard''', was a long-standing family of compact keyboards from Mechanical Enterprises (MEI) and its successor, [[Datalux]]. Three form factors were available: desk model, tray model, and panel model; each form factor supported an optional [[Cirque GlidePoint]] [[trackpad]] in place of the central navigation cluster. | + | The '''Datalux SpaceSaver''', introduced circa 1988 as the [[Mechanical Enterprises]] '''Microtype Space-Saver Keyboard''' (styled as "microtype"), was a long-standing family of compact keyboards from Mechanical Enterprises (MEI) and its successor, [[Datalux]]. Three form factors were available: desk model, tray model, and panel model; each form factor supported an optional [[Cirque GlidePoint]] [[trackpad]] in place of the central navigation cluster. |
An infrared wireless version was available in the form of the [[nVIEW Toteboard]]. | An infrared wireless version was available in the form of the [[nVIEW Toteboard]]. | ||
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{| class="wikitable sortable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Subfamily || Model !! Central area !! Colour !! Connector !! Layout !! Switches | + | !Subfamily||Model!!Central area!!Colour!!Connector!!Layout!!Switches |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Panel || PURUC || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || USB || || | + | |Panel||PURUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||USB|| || |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MUPUC || GlidePoint || Charcoal || USB || || ML | + | |Desk||MUPUC||GlidePoint||Charcoal||USB|| ||ML |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MUPUW || GlidePoint || White || USB || || ML | + | |Desk||MUPUW||GlidePoint||White||USB|| ||ML |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MURUC || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || USB || || ML | + | |Desk||MURUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||USB|| ||ML |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MURUW || Navigation cluster || White || USB || || ML | + | |Desk||MURUW||Navigation cluster||White||USB|| ||ML |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Tray || TUPUC || GlidePoint || Charcoal || USB || || ML | + | |Tray||TUPUC||GlidePoint||Charcoal||USB|| ||ML |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Tray || TUPUW || GlidePoint || White || USB || || ML | + | |Tray||TUPUW||GlidePoint||White||USB|| ||ML |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Tray || TURUC || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || USB || || ML | + | |Tray||TURUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||USB|| ||ML |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Tray || TURUW || Navigation cluster || White || USB || || ML | + | |Tray||TURUW||Navigation cluster||White||USB|| ||ML |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MOGUC || GlidePoint || Charcoal || — || || | + | |Desk||MOGUC||GlidePoint||Charcoal||—|| || |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Panel || CIDUC<ref name="DT-CIDUC" /> || Custom keys || Charcoal || XT/AT || English || MEI | + | |Panel||CIDUC<ref name="DT-CIDUC" />||Custom keys||Charcoal||XT/AT||English||MEI |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Panel || POGUC || GlidePoint || Charcoal || PS/2 and serial || English || | + | |Panel||POGUC||GlidePoint||Charcoal||PS/2 and serial||English|| |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MORUW || Navigation cluster || White || PS/2 || US English || MEI | + | |Desk||MORUW||Navigation cluster||White||PS/2||US English||MEI |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MORUC || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || PS/2 || || MEI<ref name="eBay-MORUC" /> | + | |Desk||MORUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||PS/2|| ||MEI<ref name="eBay-MORUC" /> |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MODUW || Navigation cluser || White || PS/2 || US English || MEI | + | |Desk||MODUW||Navigation cluser||White||PS/2||US English||MEI |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MORGW || Navigation cluster || White || PS/2 || German || | + | |Desk||MORGW||Navigation cluster||White||PS/2||German|| |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Desk || MIRUW || Navigation cluster || White || 5-pin DIN || US English || | + | |Desk||MIRUW||Navigation cluster||White||5-pin DIN (XT/AT)||US English||MEI |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Tray || TIDUB || Navigation cluster || Black? || 5-pin DIN (XT/AT?) || || | + | |Tray||TIDUB||Navigation cluster||Black?||5-pin DIN (XT/AT?)|| || |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Tray || TORUC || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || PS/2 || || | + | |Tray||TORUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||PS/2|| || |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Tray || TIRUC<ref name="eBay-TIRUC" /> || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || XT/AT || || | + | |Tray||TIRUC<ref name="eBay-TIRUC" />||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||XT/AT|| || |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Tray || TORUB || Navigation cluster || Black? || XT/AT || || | + | |Tray||TORUB||Navigation cluster||Black?||XT/AT|| || |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Tray || TOGUW || GlidePoint || White || PS/2 and serial || US English || MEI | + | |Tray||TOGUW||GlidePoint||White||PS/2 and serial||US English||MEI |
|} | |} | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
+ | <gallery widths="167" heights="250"> | ||
+ | File:MEI Microtype Space-Saver Keyboard magazine advert.jpg | BYTE magazine advert from 1992 | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
+ | |||
===MORUW=== | ===MORUW=== | ||
Datalux-branded MORUW with MEI switches. | Datalux-branded MORUW with MEI switches. | ||
− | <gallery widths=250 heights=187> | + | <gallery widths="250" heights="187"> |
File:Datalux1.jpg|Front view. | File:Datalux1.jpg|Front view. | ||
File:Datalux2.jpg|Raised [[enter]] key. | File:Datalux2.jpg|Raised [[enter]] key. | ||
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Datalux-branded POGUC; switch type is not known. | Datalux-branded POGUC; switch type is not known. | ||
− | <gallery widths=250 heights=187> | + | <gallery widths="250" heights="187"> |
File:Datalux POGUC -- top.jpg | Top | File:Datalux POGUC -- top.jpg | Top | ||
File:Datalux POGUC -- panel form factor.jpg | Panel form factor, with lip | File:Datalux POGUC -- panel form factor.jpg | Panel form factor, with lip | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
Several models of the Datalux SpaceSaver were used as props for the 2nd and 3rd seasons of the TV-show ''Seaquest DSV''. | Several models of the Datalux SpaceSaver were used as props for the 2nd and 3rd seasons of the TV-show ''Seaquest DSV''. | ||
− | Some were in the submarine ''Seaquest'' itself, most notably on its bridge. Others were on computer control stations for undersea colonies that the Sequest visited.<ref name="propbay"/> | + | Some were in the submarine ''Seaquest'' itself, most notably on its bridge. Others were on computer control stations for undersea colonies that the Sequest visited.<ref name="propbay" /> |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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<ref name="conv-Devlin">Correspondence with Devlin, 2016-08-11</ref> | <ref name="conv-Devlin">Correspondence with Devlin, 2016-08-11</ref> | ||
<ref name="conv-Datalux">Conversation with Datalux support, 2016-08-12</ref> | <ref name="conv-Datalux">Conversation with Datalux support, 2016-08-12</ref> | ||
+ | <ref name="eBay-FCC-ID">eBay — [http://www.ebay.com/itm/Retro-Vintage-Microtype-Mechanical-Enterprises-Inc-MT-1-Keyboard-Unique-Layout-/122438774261?orig_cvip=true Retro Vintage Microtype Mechanical Enterprises Inc. MT-1 Keyboard Unique Layout] {{volatile}}</ref> | ||
</references> | </references> | ||
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[[Category:Keyboards with Cherry ML switches]] | [[Category:Keyboards with Cherry ML switches]] | ||
[[Category:Flat keyboards]] | [[Category:Flat keyboards]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Protocol switchable keyboards]] | ||
[[Category:Keyboards with integrated pointing device]] | [[Category:Keyboards with integrated pointing device]] | ||
[[Category:List of all keyboards]] | [[Category:List of all keyboards]] |
Revision as of 18:19, 24 February 2021
Warning The veracity of the contents of this page cannot be determined: it contains dead references! Please replace the dead references with new references or primary material (chiefly photographs). |
This article requires additional photographic illustration — original MEI versions |
FCC ID | HE829NMICA (Microtype MT-1; 1988)[1] |
---|---|
Branding | "microtype", Datalux |
Layouts | ANSI-derived custom |
Keyswitches | MEI T-15 series, Cherry ML |
Interface |
USB Previously, AT/XT switchable and PS/2 |
Introduced | Ca. 1988[2] |
Discontinued | Yes |
Price |
$130 basic $195 with GlidePoint (2012) |
Website | www.datalux.com/products/keyboards/ |
The Datalux SpaceSaver, introduced circa 1988 as the Mechanical Enterprises Microtype Space-Saver Keyboard (styled as "microtype"), was a long-standing family of compact keyboards from Mechanical Enterprises (MEI) and its successor, Datalux. Three form factors were available: desk model, tray model, and panel model; each form factor supported an optional Cirque GlidePoint trackpad in place of the central navigation cluster.
An infrared wireless version was available in the form of the nVIEW Toteboard.
The SpaceSaver series is discontinued. The SpaceSaver Keyboards by Datalux: Product End of Life Notification page does not cite a date of publication or date of discontinuation, but information from Devlin suggests that it would have been somewhere between 2013 and 2014, based on an estimate of when they stopped manufacturing the internals.[3] Datalux were only able to say that the product is superseded by a new model; no information about the SpaceSaver series is believed to remain in existence at Datalux.[4]
Contents
Description
All three variants conserve width by placing the function keys, navigation cluster and number pad behind the alphanumeric area in four rows: the keyboards trade width for depth. Keycap spacing is standard 0.750″ (19.05 mm), but row spacing is reduced to 0.625″ (0.588 mm) to compensate for having nine rows instead of the usual six.
All three types use flat profile keycaps; the tray and panel versions are completely flat, while the desk model has an ergonomic ramped backplane that elevates the rear half of the keyboard in line with its space-saving arrangement.
Datalux SpaceSaver keyboards have been made with both MEI and Cherry ML switches. There is a general preference of the ML switches over the MEI switches in terms of feel.
On XT/AT switchable models, the keyboard protocol was selected using a jumper under the 1 key.[5] Later models were USB.
Models
Model codes are five characters, with the following possible meanings:
- SIGUC
- S
- Subfamily — M (desk), T (tray), C or P (panel)
- I
- Interface — U (USB), O or I (non-USB; the letters do not correspond to PS/2 vs XT/AT)
- G
- GlidePoint — G or P (has GlidePoint), R or D (has navigation cluster); no known explanation for the differences
- U
- Uncertain; typically 'U' (US English?), but also 'G' on a German MORGW model[6] so this may indicate layout
- C
- Colour — W (white), C (charcoal); 'B' is assumed to be "black", but it's not adequately clear from photos on the Web whether this is true
Known models
The following table lists all models currently on sale or researched. The list is not exhaustive.
Subfamily | Model | Central area | Colour | Connector | Layout | Switches |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Panel | PURUC | Navigation cluster | Charcoal | USB | ||
Desk | MUPUC | GlidePoint | Charcoal | USB | ML | |
Desk | MUPUW | GlidePoint | White | USB | ML | |
Desk | MURUC | Navigation cluster | Charcoal | USB | ML | |
Desk | MURUW | Navigation cluster | White | USB | ML | |
Tray | TUPUC | GlidePoint | Charcoal | USB | ML | |
Tray | TUPUW | GlidePoint | White | USB | ML | |
Tray | TURUC | Navigation cluster | Charcoal | USB | ML | |
Tray | TURUW | Navigation cluster | White | USB | ML | |
Desk | MOGUC | GlidePoint | Charcoal | — | ||
Panel | CIDUC[5] | Custom keys | Charcoal | XT/AT | English | MEI |
Panel | POGUC | GlidePoint | Charcoal | PS/2 and serial | English | |
Desk | MORUW | Navigation cluster | White | PS/2 | US English | MEI |
Desk | MORUC | Navigation cluster | Charcoal | PS/2 | MEI[7] | |
Desk | MODUW | Navigation cluser | White | PS/2 | US English | MEI |
Desk | MORGW | Navigation cluster | White | PS/2 | German | |
Desk | MIRUW | Navigation cluster | White | 5-pin DIN (XT/AT) | US English | MEI |
Tray | TIDUB | Navigation cluster | Black? | 5-pin DIN (XT/AT?) | ||
Tray | TORUC | Navigation cluster | Charcoal | PS/2 | ||
Tray | TIRUC[8] | Navigation cluster | Charcoal | XT/AT | ||
Tray | TORUB | Navigation cluster | Black? | XT/AT | ||
Tray | TOGUW | GlidePoint | White | PS/2 and serial | US English | MEI |
Gallery
MORUW
Datalux-branded MORUW with MEI switches.
Raised enter key.
POGUC
Datalux-branded POGUC; switch type is not known.
Trivia
Several models of the Datalux SpaceSaver were used as props for the 2nd and 3rd seasons of the TV-show Seaquest DSV. Some were in the submarine Seaquest itself, most notably on its bridge. Others were on computer control stations for undersea colonies that the Sequest visited.[9]
References
- ↑ eBay — Retro Vintage Microtype Mechanical Enterprises Inc. MT-1 Keyboard Unique Layout [Volatile reference]
- ↑ Google Books — InfoWorld, September 12, 1988
- ↑ Correspondence with Devlin, 2016-08-11
- ↑ Conversation with Datalux support, 2016-08-12
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Deskthority — Datalux SpaceSaver keyboard, Tray model
- ↑ eBay — Datalux (814940/MORGW) Spacesaver Tastatur deutsch PS/2 [Volatile reference]
- ↑ eBay — Datalux Moruc Space Saver Keyboard Police Responder Computer Terminal [Volatile reference]
- ↑
eBay — OT 20 Datalux Tiruc Space Saver Keyboard 65 135746 N8(DEAD!) - ↑ PROPbay.com Computer Keyboard Movie Prop from SeaQuest DSV (TV)(1993). Retrieved 2016-07-02.