It looks like Microsoft isn't the only company wondering whether the best place to put a keyboard on a tablet-style computer is on the back. A company called AlphaUI is testing a product that you can attach to a tablet with a 5 to 7 inch display and grab with both hands in order to start typing away.
Of course, it'll take a little getting used to, since you have to type on a keyboard you can't actually see. While that's the goal of all touch-typists, the AlphaUI back-typing keyboard isn't exactly laid out like a typical keyboard, so it's bound to take a bit of practice. On the other hand, the hardware comes with an app that brings up an on-screen keyboard on your device so you can see the keyboard layout as you type.
On the one hand, it seems like slide-out or side-mounted keyboards like we saw with earlier UMPCs make more sense. On the other hand, those keyboards tend to be easiest to use with your thumbs, which limits the speed with which you can enter text. The AlphaUI keyboard concept lets you use 8 fingers to type (while your thumbs hold onto the tablet).
You can check out a demo video after the break.
via NetbookNews
AlphaUI introduces rear-mount keyboard for typing on the back of tablets is a post from: Liliputing
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