I just noticed Keysight quietly launched the N6705C - apparently an updated model of the N6705 (a/b) series (my) dream power supply (http://www.keysight.com/en/pd-2747858-pn-N6705C/dc-power-analyzer-modular-600-w-4-slots?nid=-35714.1195294.00&cc=GB&lc=eng)
But it is BLACK?
And then I noticed the new N9020B MXA Signal analyzer - and that is black too? (http://www.keysight.com/en/pdx-2642774-pn-N9020B/mxa-signal-analyzer-multi-touch-10-hz-to-265-ghz?cc=US&lc=eng)
That is black too?
Yes, it's black. And not exactly well done I have to say. The new MXA has been discussed here some while ago.
Whats up with all the black?
I guess someone in Keysight got bored and imagined that customers would like to see some new colors.
usually LeCroy does "Back in Black"
Yes, they do, however at least they do it right, with optical and haptic cues (like the silver rings on the knobs) that make operating their scopes even in an environment with insufficient lighting easy. Keysight however pretty much changed the color but clearly paid zero attention to any impact this has on usability/Human Factors
LeCroy also didn't change to black just for the sake of it, the black housing marked the introduction of the X-Stream II architecture which was kinda big deal.
or do they want to be unnoticed when they enter a LeCroy only facility? (Engineers smuggling in Keysight without management noticing?...)
Hardly, since LeCroy has very few other devices than scopes, and most labs will need more gear than just a scope so you won't find many LeCroy-only facilities.
Or is the future colour of Keysight all black...
My contacts say that unfortunately, yes, that seems to be the new corporate course.
As someone who regularly purcases large amounts of Keysight gear I have to say I wish they would have focused on addressing some of the areas where Keysight should do better instead of this pointless color change, especially when it comes with so little consideration to usability. Because the housing color was one thing that didn't need any fixing.
I'd have rather seen some real product improvements, like a DSOX replacement with 10+Mpts of memory and larger screens. Oh well.
But hey, now that Keysight's future is dark maybe they should change their name accrdingly - KeyBlind?