System: Windows 10 21H1 (19043.1237)
Model: X712EA
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Detailed description:
I just purchased this new 17" laptop, to replace an old Toshiba one. I have to say, that having used PC's and laptops for over 30 years, this is the WORST keyboard design I have ever had the misfortune to use.
Had I known it had NO backlight on this specific model, I would never have chosen it. The keyboard design, using shiny silver keys, with a mid-grey legend, is very hard to use without the backlight, and on this design, it is ESSENTIAL. The top row with the small legends is the worst. I have decent LED ceiling lights in the study/PC den, but I still have to resort to using an extra light over the lid, pointing down to the keyboard, so that I can see the delete key properly for editing.
Perhaps ASUS and their partners/sellers can make it VERY CLEAR which models of laptop DO have a KB backlight, and which do NOT!!
Surely there is not much hardware required to have a backlight? What extra cost is there, about $10 I would guess? I hope they don't blame it on the "component shortage"! I think the keys look like the ones that the light can shine through the legend, so I am at a loss to know why this is omitted on some models, and not on others. Maybe an ASUS admin or rep will be kind enough to let us know what problem or decision led to this oversight?