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On Tue, 10 Feb 98 09:44:50 EST, Robert Dewar wrote: >Here is an idea, wouldn't it be nice if IBM would use its folding keyboard >technology from the 701 on a full size notebook, then they could make >a full sized keyboard with separate numeric pad and cursor cluster ... Paul K. responded: >No WAY, Jos‚! The main source of problems on my 701 have been the keyboard >(and thus contributing to the hinges cracking/breaking), so that might >now be a good idea after all. I'm sure IBM has a GOOD reason why >they don't use it in any new ThinkPads. :) The folding keyboard is the raison d'etre of the 701, and the feature I miss most. If there *were* quality control problems with the keyboard (and I have to say that this was one of the few things that did *not* go wrong with mine:-), this isn't an argument against the concept, just the specific implementation. I have my own theory here. I'll bet that when IBM decided to create subnotebooks, they produced several competing 'concept designs', a small number of which were *simultaneously* developed to a fairly advanced stage. One might have been a 'small-footprint/small keyboard/small screen' model (like the HP600), which never got marketed in the US (but such a machine *was* marketed by IBM in Japan). Another would have been a 'small-footprint/large keyboard/small screen' model, which eventually became the 701. A third might have been the 'large-footprint/large-keyboard/large screen/thin' model which became the 560. When they actually jumped in with a subnote a few years ago, the only one that was both cost-effective and saleable in the US would have been the 701. However, even as they sold the 701 they would have continued with 'thin model' development, and when screen prices dropped they were ready with the 560 design. However, the *design's* origin as a contemporaneous competitor to the 701 would have made it difficult to incorporate any 701-tested features, such as the keyboard. Just speculation, but I know this is what happens in other industries (such as the automobile industry). - David