Keyboard computer

Not to be confused with Computer keyboard.
Atari 1040 STFM

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[1] and the Schneider Euro PC Series between 1988 and 1995.[2]

Newer computers to employ this form factor include the Commodore 64 WebIt by Tulip, the Asus Eee Keyboard,[3][4] which uses Intel Atom processors and Solid-state drive,[5] and the unreleased Commodore Invictus PC.[6] In November 2020, Raspberry Pi Foundation announced Raspberry Pi 400, a modified version of their previous Raspberry Pi 4 housed entirely within a keyboard.[7] Similarly, in December of 2024, the Raspberry Pi Foundation released the Raspberry Pi 500[8] and, in September of 2025, released the Raspberry Pi 500+,[9] both based on the Raspberry Pi 5.

List of best selling keyboard computers

Best selling keyboard computers[10]
Image Computer Units sold Year released
Commodore 64 ~17 million 1982
Amiga 500 ~6 million 1987
MSX ~5 million 1983
ZX Spectrum ~5 million 1982
Timex Sinclair 1000 ~0.5 million
in first 6 months		 1982

See also

References

  1. ^ "Olivetti PC1". Old-Computers.com. Archived from the original on 2009-12-28. Retrieved 2014-09-18.
  2. ^ "Schneider Euro PC". Haus der Computerspiele. Retrieved 2014-09-18.
  3. ^ Fay, Joe (2010-03-02). "Asus assures no more delays for keyboard-computer". The Register. Retrieved 2010-08-26.
  4. ^ "Asus Eee Keyboard Press Release". 2010-05-01. Retrieved 2013-06-05.
  5. ^ "ASUS Eee Keyboard PC Review". BitTech. 2010-08-02. Retrieved 2013-06-04.
  6. ^ "Commodore Invictus". Notebookhelden. 2010-06-02. Archived from the original on 2010-06-04. Retrieved 2014-09-18.
  7. ^ Foundation, The Raspberry Pi. "Buy a Raspberry Pi 400 Personal Computer Kit". Raspberry Pi. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  8. ^ Foundation, The Raspberry Pi. "Buy a Raspberry Pi 500". Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  9. ^ Foundation, The Raspberry Pi. "Buy a Raspberry Pi 500+". Retrieved 2026-02-05.
  10. ^ Christopher McFadden (2019-11-14). "9 of the Best Selling Computers of All Time". Retrieved 2024-04-01.


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