KNS Computer Keyboard

[Cindy]

Hello,
Sorry to jump right in with a question as my first post, but I’m limited on time and you guys where the only people I could find who might be able to answer a question I have…
Does any one here know what a KNS Keyboard Network Station is?
So far all I’ve found is the processor speed ram and normal setup of the system.
What I’d like to know is, what are they used for?
And what type of operating system do they run?
I’ve recently acquired one but it came without a power supply (coming in the mail) so I haven’t had a chance to boot it up for inspection, but the rest looks perfect. I noticed it has a laptop sized hard drive, and curiosity is killing me. So don’t let me suffer over here, someone tell me what the heck this thing is about. LOL!
Thanks so much to anyone who responds…

[ahm]

Google (http://www.google.com) is your friend:


Keyboard Network Station (KNS) from Advanced Interlink Corporation. It has a built-in 486-DX microprocessor, up to 32 MBs of RAM, super VGA adapter, 2.5" hard drive,, built-in 3.5" floppy drive, optional on-board Ethernet, two serial ports, one parallel port, standard 16-bit expansion slot, optional barcode reader and external 5.25" floppy drive. And it's fully tested with Novell Netware, Windows, and DOS environments. For more info call (714) 894-1675.


It seems that Advanced Interlink Corporation isn't around anymore.
Looks like a weird gadget. I can't imagine that a "PC in a keyboard" was wildly successful.

Andy

[SwedaGuy]

The "PC in a keyboard" concept was, in fact, very popular in some market segments. I've installed a few in POS applications, where space is limited, as well as on factory floors where a regular PC would take a beating.

A lot of those stations were sold with boot ROMs to RIPL from a server, if you have that, the system will complain that it can't find the server when you try to boot it. Otherwise, it will boot from the HDD or FDD. Have fun with that, I'm kind of sorry I had gotten rid of all the stock I had...

[Cindy]

Thanks guys, I hadn’t Google searched it as “PC in a keyboard”. Found quite a few new facts after doing so; but still looking. There’s not a whole lot of information out there about them.
Thanks a lot for the input; if you happen across any useful links I promise not to complain if you post them. :-)