The narrator explores the evolution of cursor key arrangements on various computer keyboards, from the early days to the modern standard of the inverted-T configuration. They discuss the different arrangements used by various manufacturers, including Apple, IBM, Commodore, and Atari, and how these arrangements affected usability, particularly in games and productivity software.
The narrator notes that the lack of standardization in cursor key arrangements created difficulties for users who had to switch between different systems. They also mention that the inverted-T configuration, which is now the de facto standard, was not always the case, and that some systems, like the Amiga and Atari ST, used this arrangement before it became widespread.
The narrator also shares their own experience with cursor key arrangements, including their preference for the inverted-T configuration and their decision to use it on the Commander X16 project.
Overall, the video provides a detailed and informative look at the history and development of cursor key arrangements on computer keyboards.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Most modern keyboards have an inverted-T cursor arrangement.
2. Digital Equipment Corporation was one of the earliest adopters of this arrangement, starting with the LK201 keyboard in 1982.
3. The LK201 keyboard was designed with the most commonly used keystrokes (left, right, and down) in easy reach.
4. The original Apple II from 1977 only had two cursor keys, for left and right.
5. The Apple II keyboard had no backspace key, and the left cursor key was used for backspace.
6. The Apple IIe and IIc added all 4 cursor keys in a straight arrangement.
7. The Commodore PET in 1977 had only two cursor keys, which required the use of shift to reverse direction.
8. The Commodore VIC-20 and C64 kept the same concept, but placed the cursor keys at the bottom right of the keyboard.
9. The IBM PCJr used a similar cursor key arrangement to the Commodore systems.
10. The original IBM PC used the number pad for cursor keys, with Num-lock turned off by default.
11. The Regent 1000 terminal from ADDS had a similar cursor key arrangement to the IBM PC, but with HOME in the middle.
12. The Coleco Adam used the same setup as the Regent 1000.
13. The Amiga computers, except for the original, used the inverted-T cursor key arrangement.
14. The Commodore 65, Atari ST systems, and some UNIX workstation type machines also used the inverted-T cursor key arrangement.
15. The inverted-T cursor key arrangement is now the de facto standard.
16. The lack of standardization in cursor key arrangements in the past can make it difficult for younger people to use vintage computers.
17. The Commander X16 used the inverted-T cursor key arrangement to make it easier for users to feel at home.