That's a wonderful observation. The form factor is as clever as it is logical. Stuff like this makes me really optimistic for the future of Raspberry Pi (and widespread computing!).
Like getting to the platonic form of a specific type of device.
The Pi 400 is the completion of the idea of an educational computer for kids, IMO. It's not going to compete with a Mac mini or anything like that, and the keyboard is likely not going to be anyone's top choice for a 'professional' keyboard. But it's good enough in all the right ways as a general purpose computer.
Especially for poor kids in Africa/Asia/etc. Hope it will be the "educational iPod" for them.
In reality, the mouse will be on the right, and the cable will have to cross over top of all cables except the ethernet and usbc power. For such a beautiful form factor, it will look like a mess.
Then you've never seen my desk! (About 10-15% of the population is left-handed)
But really, the Pi 400 supports Bluetooth 5. So I expect many/most folks will go wireless for their rodents.
While yes, the BT mouse is going to be the better option, they're pushing the kit-included mouse.
In any case, over the years I have become very comfortable using mouse with left hand as a right hander.
I am right handed and use the mouse with the left, so that I have my right hand "free" to use a pen or the (right side) numeric keypad when crunching numbers.
And I do not (as many left-handers do) "invert" the miue buttons, maybe I am strange/an exception.
So I’m usually right handed, although I still move it around from time to time.
https://picockpit.com/raspberry-pi/23-fun-raspberry-pi-400-f...
Getting close?
So this makes a lot of sense economically, especially for cash-strapped organizations like schools that have to manage large fleets of machines.
Stuff that isn't touched and lasts long (screens) don't get replaced. Stuff that is touched (and likely to wear out over time) like keyboards or gets out of date due to Moore's Law (computer) is fused into one package, so there are fewer cables to worry about getting unplugged, worn out, etc.
If there’s anything to aspire to its Hewlett Packard’s test and measurement and computing offerings between 1960 and 1990.
Those Brompton folding bikes are pretty well made, though pricey even with the deflated pound.
I'll bet you're thinking of British Leyland, which behaved a bit like Boeing currently does. But much, much worse, and at every level.
British companies that are aware they can fail produce quality just fine. It's a fairly simple tale.