Sony teases the VAIO P's keyboard and tracking nub


Sure, that Photoshopped image of the VAIO P we got on Sunday wasn't the real deal, but it looks like it might have some relation to reality -- Sony's got a teaser up for a "VAIO New Mobile" that includes some brief shots of a very swank-looking keyboard and tracking nub. We'll be honest -- we're totally stoked to check this thing out at CES. Counting the days! One more shot after the break.


ASUS offers up branded keyboard / mouse combo, remote for Eee Box


If your Eee Box experience is lacking something that you can't quite put your finger on, we're 85.32% sure we know what'll fill that void. According to Eee PC News, ASUS is gearing up to ship an Eee-branded wireless keyboard / mouse combo in both black and white motifs, and if that's still not enough Eee to cure your fever, the multi-function remote should handle those media center duties with ease. There's no mention of a price or release date, so we suppose you should assume these are completely fictional until proven otherwise.

Pogo Sketch stylus turns your touchpad into a tablet


We never really knew anyone intrigued by Pogo's iPhone stylus, but the company's newest writin' stick puts that capacitive touch-compatible tech to a way more interesting use -- turning touchpads into large digitizer tablets. That'd be particularly useful for new MacBook owners who're rocking those gigantor buttonless trackpads, but we'll have to see this $15 accessory in action before we say Wacom's got anything to worry about.

Folding VAX77 Keyboard Fits In Your Touring Trunk [Music]

While your average midi controller/keyboard is a bit unwieldy, the VAX77 logically folds in half (to just 23 inches) for easier portability. Connecting to PC and Macs via 16-channel Midi or 64-channel USB, the $2450 VAX77 is not a casual piece of gear, featuring anodized aluminum controls, uniform pressure springs in each key, modulation/pitch wheel and a 3.5" LED-backlit touchscreen. While we know about it now, the VAX77 will be unveiled at NAMM this January.

PlayStation 3 Wireless Keypad review


As hard as it might be for you wizened, Atari-era gamers to understand, there are plenty of people out there who think that today's gaming controllers need even more inputs; even more buttons. That's largely thanks to the inclusion of in-game messaging on most platforms, and, for those whose platform of choice is the PlayStation 3, Sony has introduced the QWERTY Wireless Keypad clip-on. It works as advertised, making text entry much easier and including some bonus touchpad functionality too, but along with those new buttons comes a few new headaches, and we're not entirely sure they're all worthwhile.
Design

The Wireless Keypad is a small, lightweight thing that uses a spring-loaded clamp to affix itself onto your wireless controller -- whether it be of the tingly DualShock3 variety or the rather more frigid original. Once attached it covers the PS, Start, and Select buttons, which are replicated for your convenience in the same location (just a bit higher). There's the full QWERTY spread ready for prodding, plus a few extra buttons, including dedicated ones that bring up your messages list and your friends list. Logical additions, they, because most people who buy this will be sending messages to friends.
It has a smart, sophisticated look, but those buttons are awfully, awfully tiny -- touch-typing here will take a good bit of practice for even the most experienced texters. They also don't give much feedback when pressed, barely registering any movement at all, leaving you to frequently look up at the screen and see if your input has been registered (which wouldn't be a problem if touch-typing were easier). Also, the device protrudes from top of the controller, which can be a bit of a reach. Years of smartphone use has left us with freakishly elongated thumbs, yet even we found ourselves having to tilt the controller upward to reach some of the keys. This is in contrast to the Xbox 360's Chatpad, which sits below the controller and is generally more comfortable to use.
Another major difference between the two products is that, while the Chatpad relies on the Xbox 360 controller for power, the Wireless Keypad has a separate battery. In fact, beyond the spring-loaded clamp, it's completely independent of the gamepad. On one hand this means it won't put any additional strain on the controller's power (not an issue we've heard anyone complaining about), but on the other, rather more frustrating hand this means you now have yet another hungry device requiring sustenance through a Mini-USB plug -- and one more gadget to forget to turn off, too.
Touchpad
As mentioned above, the buttons aren't the easiest to hit or the most responsive we've ever used, but typing with the Keypad is still infinitely better than entering text with the D-pad and on-screen virtual keyboard. The scrolling touchpad functionality, however, is rather less usable. The concept is a bit odd to begin with: you press a key on the bottom of the keypad (the one with a picture of a finger pressing a key), which suddenly turns the whole thing into a large, rather bumpy capacitive touchpad.
The idea is to sweep your finger nimbly across the keys to navigate the XMB or web browser, and while that is a nice idea, in practice it just doesn't work very well. The precision is very poor (probably thanks to the gaping holes between the touch-sensitive keys) and your fingers tend to stick just a bit on the shiny buttons as they move from one to the next. It's only occasionally useful for running through long lists, but generally isn't even worth enabling.
Wrap-up
So, is it a useful gadget and, more importantly, is it worth your $50? Despite its annoyances it does what it advertises: it makes the process of entering text much easier than the alternative of using the D-pad. For heavy users of the PS3's messaging system or for anyone who has already spent hours pimping out their pad at Home in preparation of nights full of text-based discussions, it may be a worthwhile investment.
Compared to the Xbox 360's Chatpad it's a bit less comfortable and a bit more clumsy, but is much lighter and has less of an impact on the ergos of the controller. Ultimately we're not particularly fond of either device, and we're guessing that love for one over the other will more or less fall along party lines -- as most console gaming discussions do. The real deal-breaker here is that $50 price, which seems steep compared to the Chatpad's $30. For that we'd rather buy ourselves (most of) a new game and stick with a wireless USB keyboard.

Brando's latest mini-keyboard: blue backlight, impossible to type on


There's no denying that Brando has a special place in its heart for shrunken keyboards, and the latest addition to its product line continues the trend. This appropriately titled "Wireless Illuminated Super Tiny Keyboard" is a slim 15mm, has 56 keys, and operates wirelessly via an included dongle. Yeah, it may not have Bluetooth or handy media keys -- but you can't argue with that electric blue backlight. If this info has got your fingers twitching, you can order one now for $47 with shipping expected by "end of December 2008."


[ Via: Engadget ]

Mystery ThinkPad keyboard pops up on Lenovo's Flickr page


While we may not know exactly what item we're looking at in the photo above, we do know that we like it. This hot peripheral showed up on Lenovo's photostream without any explanation, and from the image it seems pretty much like a keyboard-lover's dream; it looks to be wireless, psychotically thin, and boasts an integrated trackpad and numpad. If you've been itching to find a stylish companion to that ThinkPad USB Portable Secure HD, this may just be the keyboard for you. As expected, no info on pricing or availability, but we'll definitely keep our eyes out for more as it becomes available.
Update: Damn, it looks like this is just a super-hot pic of a new rev of Lenovo's already-released wired UltraNav keyboard -- as our astute commenters have pointed out, it's probably on Flickr because it was posted on Lenovo's Design Matters blog today. That's not to say we wouldn't take a wireless version of this bad boy in a heartbeat -- feel free to rock us, Lenovo.

[ Via: Engadget ]

TraderTools' keyboard for traders -- all that's missing is the panic button


We don't usually see many gadgets aimed at the high rollers in the foreign exchange market who read this site religiously, so when we ran across this sweet piece of PR for the Al-1 Compact Keyboard for TraderTools' Liquidity Management Platform, we pounced! Sick of all those other trading keyboards that have been piling up with each new piece of software? This guy has been "humanly engineered" to replace all of 'em, with extra large, color-coded keys for the those things you do best -- like destroying the lives of average Americans. Now you can "buy low" and "sell high" with a single keystroke. This keyboard will have you aggregating liquidity with the best of them. There's no word yet on pricing or a release date, but keep your eyes open -- with the way this economy's headed, we're certain these units will be flooding eBay (and estate sales) soon enough.



[ Via: Engadget ]

Leather wrapped keyboard utters 'eat mor chiken'


Though not the first leather wrapped keyboard our eyes have seen, we've yet to spot one this meticulously crafted. In fact, each board is reportedly handcrafted on site, a process which takes around a fortnight to complete. And trust us, you pay for all that labor, as evidenced by the lofty ?49,800 ($550; not engraved with letters) / ?54,800 ($606; etched with characters) price tags. Eh, we'll take pleather and a PS3 or something, but thanks!

[ Via: technabob ]

Gokukawa Leather Keyboard Provides Buttery Soft Typing Experience [Keyboards]


It was just last month that our mouths were agape at the sight of a leather-wrapped Asus Eee PC. Now, dammit, they're agape again after viewing the buttery soft Gokukawa leather keyboard. The $548 asking price is kind of a kick in the teeth, especially since there are no labels on those smooth, silky keys. However, for $603, you get letters etched into the leather. Lucky you. Not so for the cow.



[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]

United Keys OLED Display Keyboard and Keypad hands-on


Well, any doubts of legitimacy have certainly been quelled: United Keys rushed us over an OLED keyboard and keypad today, and they're certainly the real deal. We're naturally utterly un-blown-away by the product -- you get what you pay for -- but it's still a relatively unique and interesting product, and wears the mantle of "the poor man's Optimus" quite well. Read on for our full impressions.


Overall, we're pretty much completely and utterly unsurprised by what United Keys has for itself here. The design is unimpressive, the software is slightly undercooked, and monochrome keys could never begin to look as impressive as color ones. On the other hand, everything works as promised, and it's hard to complain about the price. Still, we're more looking forward to the future of the product than its current incarnation: United Keys CEO Ronald Brown says that the software will be improved on an ongoing basis, and that they'll even consider open sourcing that effort if they feel like the demand is there (hint, hint). As for folks who simply cannot handle the monochrome, United Keys is naturally looking into color, with the main limitation being price, since they hope to launch a color product at a similar or slightly higher pricepoint to this one.

[ Via: Engadget ]

Logitech G18 gaming keyboard shows its not-so-ugly face


We spied the Logitech G13 Gamepad when it was announced earlier today, and now Engadget Chinese has caught wind of something else that may be in store for us. The keyboard pictured above is apparently the G18, and we while we have almost no solid info on it, we can glean a few things, such as the apparent groupings of fast function keys on the left side of the board (some which seem to be numbered G11-G15), not to mention that tiny display at the center. We don't know when we can expect this beast to arrive, but the G13 Gamepad is expected in January so fingers crossed.



[ Via: Engadget ]

United Keys now shipping OLED gaming keyboards


We heard about a United Keys OLED gaming keyboard quite a awhile back, and we were a little skeptical of its chances of coming to fruition, but here it is, in reality, ready to simplify your life. Well... it's ready to try, anyway. The keyboard features 103 regular old, everyday keys, and boasts nine monochromatic OLED display keys on the left side which can be custom mapped and identified by text or images -- really giving the Optimus Maximus a run for its money, huh? This bad boy is 20.5-inches long and 7.25-inches wide, but the good news is that if you don't want the full keyboard (and who can blame you?), you can order just the keypad of nine OLEDs. They're taking orders now, and apparently shipping within two weeks. The full keyboard is going to run you $259.99, while the OLED keypad is $199.99. Shocking photo of the keypad after the break.



[ Via: Engadget ]

Thanko USB bear gloves don't inhibit your typing, keep palms toasty


Ah, how timely! Over two years after the USB-powered G-Gloves hit the scenes, in comes Thanko to bring a much needed new face to the niche. These Kumasan mittens both get powered from a single usb port and even have cutouts to allow your fingers to move freely. There's no mention of a price nor any indication that these will ever be released outside of Japan, but this is definitely a must-buy if you're headed to that side of the globe anytime soon.

[ Via: AkihabaraNews ]

Sony's multifaceted AC adapter, PS3 wireless keypad notch December ship dates


We won't say that the onset of the holiday shopping season has, um, encouraged Sony to get with the program here, but the deafening roar of wallets everywhere opening up probably didn't hurt matters. That said, we're informed today that the long-awaited PlayStation 3 wireless keypad will begin hitting US retailers during the first week of December for $49.99. Furthermore, the outfit's multi-purpose twin port AC adapter -- which can charge a DualShock 3, SIXAXIS, Sony Bluetooth headset and the aforementioned wireless keypad attachment -- will be in those same stores a week later for $24.99.

[ Via: Engadget ]

Bajca's emoticon keyboard / jewelry-making kit might be emotionally unstable


Be honest with yourself: you've always wanted a dedicated, 16-key emoticon keyboard with "keys" that pulled doubled duty as expressive jewelry, right? Well, you got it! Bajca's Smile Keypad aims to "make real the emoticon," and as far as we can tell, they've totally nailed it. The USB-friendly keyboard has classic smiley face-looking keys which pop out using some special tongs, then are popped into pieces of jewelry -- rings, bracelets, necklaces -- sky's the limit, apparently. It's not really crystal clear if all of these pieces are going to be included, or if they'll be sold separately, or if this is ever going to make it to the market. All we can do is hope. Check out a few more emotionally charged shots after the break.
[Thanks, Matilde]




[ Via: Engadget ]

Seabright PC430 "micro PC" spurns keyboard, not coolness


Wow, where to begin? The Seabright PC430 is going to be a, uh... fantastic piece of machinery should it ever exist, though from the looks of it, it may have a bit of an identity crisis. The precious little 4.3-inch Windows CE 5.0 (the photo shows XP but whatever) clamshell's got a 533MHz Samsung 2442A CPU, 128MB of SDRAM, between 1GB and 4GB of flash memory, and a USB 2.0 port on top of a host of optional features (GPS, DVB-T digital TV, WiFi, the ability to tell you the future). The tiny super-computer also boasts an impressive array of mega-hot software like Word, Excel, a picture browser, an e-book reader, paint brush -- the list literally goes on and on. Oh, we almost forgot -- they've boosted out the keyboard in favor of a more useful D-pad and A, B, X, Y button formation -- which is, needless to say, awesome for playing awesome games. It's unclear if the PC430 will come loaded with said games, but if it doesn't, you can connect a keyboard up and... type stuff. We don't know when (if ever) you'll be able to buy this, nor how much it shall cost, though we have a feeling it's going to be "affordable."

[ Via: Pocketables ]

Escape Clock terminates your dream sequence with Control-Fist


Simple in design, perfect in execution, we bring you Santiago Cantera's Escape Clock. No tiny snooze buttons to fumble with here dozy Joe, just one big key that shuts off the alarm when meeting the business end of a morning beef hammer. Set it on edge and you've switched from alarm clock mode to an in-room stereo. The worst part? It's just a concept... for now.

[ Via: Design Launches ]
[ Tag: alarm clock, AlarmClock, clock, esc, escape ]

Das Keyboard Professional hits US retail stores


Keyboard aficionados have been able to order the Das Keyboard Professional directly from the company for a little while now, but those that prefer to check out their keyboards up close before committing will no doubt be pleased to hear that it's now also available at two US retailers: Micro Center and J&R Music and Computer World. The price apparently stays the same at $129, which'll get you those trademark mechanical switches, a two-port USB hub, a glossy black finish, and a couple of blue LEDs to jazz things up a bit. Those interested in the blank key-equipped Das Keyboard II are out of luck, however, as it's still only available online.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: das keyboard, das keyboard professional, DasKeyboard, DasKeyboardProfessional, keyboard ]

Tiny Wireless Keyboard Doesn't Impede Cuddling [Keyboards]


If you're looking for a smallish multimedia keyboard for your media PC, you could do worse than this little number available at Brando. Connecting through 2.4GHz RF and USB dongle, the 78-key keyboard features an additional 20 media keys and an integrated 1000 dpi trackball mouse. Operating on 2 AAA batteries up to distances of 30 feet, this cute wittle keyboard can be yours for just under $50.
[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Optimus Aux Prototype Looking Prototypical [Optimus]


Optimus has revealed their prototype of the 15-key Putius, that's now been redubbed the Aux. While the case is metal, here we see the plastic circuit board chassis and the complete electronic heart of the Aux. No, it's still not something you can actually buy, but we're getting oh so much closer.

Eclipse III Backlit Keyboard: a backlit keyboard enthusiast's dream


We get pretty tired of keyboards that don't completely rule. The Eclipse III from Saitek probably isn't one of them -- it's backlit, after all, and that backlighting is totally multi-color, which is pretty important. At least to us. If that wasn't enough, this USB plug and play beast boasts a "two stage height" adjustor system, keys which are "laser-etched," headphone and microphone audio ports -- oh! and "time-saving Windows and internet shortcut keys." We have yet to see any indication of price, nor do we know when it will drop. Can we make a suggestion? ASAP would be for the best.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: backlit, baklit keyboard, BaklitKeyboard, eclipse, eclipse iii, EclipseIii, keyboard, keyboards, saitek ]

Das Keyboard Professional and Ultimate review @ TechSpot

Depending for how long you've been using computers or how much of a geek you are, you may have heard about how old fashioned keyboards that used mechanical key switches were immensely better and built to last. We are talking about the really old keyboards here, like the ones that shipped with the original IBM PC in the early 80s. Fast forward to the present day and you can easily tell priorities have changed considerably. Internal components are usually the ones driving sales, and the mouse is often considered the more important input device. Now, enter the Das Keyboard: the original Das Keyboard (Ultimate) that uses totally blank keys and the Das Keyboard Professional, which adds inscriptions on the keys. We tested both versions of the product which are essentially the same except the above, but we did this with the purpose of experiencing how the blank board could aid you becoming a touch typist per the maker's claims.

The Das Keyboard may strike you at first with its extremely plain looks compared to some other options on the market. There are no fancy LCD screens, built-in media buttons, macro keys or touch-sensitive pads. What you do get, however, is a basic keyboard layout with a glossy black enclosure, mechanical switches on every key and a built-in two-port USB hub. This minimalist look and feel is exactly what the team over Metadot was aiming for.
[ Via: Julio Franco ]
[ Tag: ]

KeyRight's Look & Learning Typing Solution = If Coloring Books and Twister Had a Tech Baby [Keyboard]

 


 

 

Right-pinky to red, left-pointer to sky blue: KeyRight's Look & Learn Typing Solution takes us back to old-school learning by assigning each of your fingers to a certain set of keys distinguished by color. This QWERTY keyboard comes with a typing tutor, which helps you become a touch typist through muscle memory, although the rainbow keyboard's intuitiveness makes this software unnecessary. Plus, dont'cha think learning to type on this keyboard would be a lot more effective than simply being forced to type "a quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" a million times over and over and over and over again? Yeah, we do too.


[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Keyboard Pen Mocks Your Chicken Scratch [Pens]


Oh, there's a full QWERTY keyboard on this pen, but you can't actually type with it. Instead, the keys just sit there, judging you silently as you attempt to remember just how to shape a cursive capital Q or Z. Screw this, it'll be easier just to change your name from Quique Zuzanny. That's what I did, and it's worked out alright for those three times a year I send somebody a card late. The keyboard pen runs $62.
[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

The DIY DumbGuy laptop stand: so easy, even a dumb guy can make it


Don't let that "finished" rubiks' cube fool you. The steps too build this ergonomic laptop stand are dead simple: 1) bend hangar, b) stop bending hangar. Perhaps, therein lies the genus.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: coat hanger, CoatHanger, diy, hanger, laptop stand, LaptopStand, stand ]

Pomera DM10 is tri-folding overkill for note takers


Oh, we get it. The SPH-P9000-inspired, Pomera Digital Memo DM10 is built for quick data entry on the go. As such it features a full-size folding keyboard, 2-second startup, 20-hour battery life, microSD expansion, and 4-inch VGA display in a device the size of a 1.18-inch thick paperback. But we're not going to hand over $269 of our hard-earned cash when we can take home an 8.9-inch netbook for $30 more. You, however, are free to do as you please when the DM10 lands in Japan on November 10th. Just prepare yourself for haughty looks of contempt from behind our pipes and moleskins -- hmph.

[ Via: Impress ]
[ Tag: dm10, folding, king jim, KingJim, pomera ]

Razer Arctosa Budget Gaming Keyboard for Cheapass Gamers [Razer]


Razer has a pair of new keyboards, both spins on their Lycosa keyboard. The more noteworthy of the two is Arctosa, a stripped down model that retains the form factor, macro capabilities, anti-ghosting and response time while dumping the tricked out, flashing bells and whistles like backlighting to bring the price down to $40. The Lycosa Mirror edition swaps out of the rubber coating I had a love/hate relationship with for an all-glossy, super-shiny approach, though everything else is the same, so it's still $80. If you like laptop-style keyboards and want one spec'd for gaming, the Lycosa breed is a pretty solid choice.
[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Brando's Tiny Keyboard, now in Wireless Multimedia flavor



We've seen a boatload of wireless keyboards shuffle past, but we've gotta hand it to you Brando, the itty bitty factor joined with an array of useful features reminds us your heart is in the right place. The USB 2.4Ghz RF Wireless Multimedia Tiny Keyboard is around half the size of an ordinary keyboard and features a 33-foot range, 1000dpi trackball and media player hot keys. This tight little number can be had for $48 -- throw in an ice cream cone and we're sold.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: brando, keyboard, multimedia keyboard, MultimediaKeyboard, tiny keyboard, TinyKeyboard, wireless keyboard, WirelessKeyboard ]

Art Lebedev Design for the Rest of Us: Pixelated Mouse-Pointer Fridge Magnets [Art Lebedev]


When they're not designing $1,500 OLED keyboards or hot WiMax phone concepts, it's good to know the guys over at Art Lebedev Studio like to keep the common folk in mind, sometimes. The common folk who will like to pin up printouts of Gizmodo posts to their fridge with these pixel-art mouse-pointer magnets. They're about 2.5-inches tall and will run you $4 in the Art Lebedev store. [Art Lebedev via Pocket Lint]

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Put your air guitar away -- Piano Hands has the stage


For all you OCD desk tappers out there, I Want One Of Those is offering up -- ta da -- Piano Hands. These electronic gloves with built-in sensors at the fingertips emulate musical notes upon tapping any flat surface. With eight different instruments to choose from, we can't think of a better way to be endlessly annoying on elevators, airplanes, trains and other cramped enclosed spaces -- assuming you can find a place to plug in your Marshall Stack. Pick up your ticket to stardom for just ?49.99 ($92) from IWOOT. No word yet on a release date.

[ Via: Popgadget ]
[ Tag: finger piano, FingerPiano, gloves, i want one of those, IWantOneOfThose, iwoot, piano, Piano Hands, PianoHands ]

Brando charms with Super Tiny Keyboard


Oh Brando, what will you think of next? On second thought, we're just going to do our best to soak up the awesomeness that's beaming from your latest concoction, the Super Tiny Keyboard. This palm-sized (or so they say) input peripheral measures in at just 6.7- x 2.8- x 0.6-inches and features a mini-USB port and a retractable cable. We'd expect this would only be good for typing emergencies, but for $25, it might not be a bad backup to have around.

[ Via: OhGizmo ]
[ Tag: brando, keyboard, Super Tiny Keyboard, tiny keybpard, TinyKeybpard, usb, usb keyboard, UsbKeyboard ]

New Optimus Aux shots show a sexier vision


Yeah, barebones shots are fun and all, but we're never ones to turn down some cleaned-up press renders. The newly-redubbed Optimus Aux (farewell, Pultius) has had its keys scrunched together for optimum hotkey action, and we've got a shot of the rear port configuration after the break, in addition to a comparison to the Maximus to round things out nicely. Face it, Art Lebedev loves you very much. Also, your wallet.



[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: art lebedev, ArtLebedev, keypad, optimus, optimus aux, optimus pultius, OptimusAux, OptimusPultius ]

Blindingly Fast Touchscreen Text Entry System Gets a Push By Creator of T9 [Cellphones]


Everyone who has owned a cellphone over the last 10 years should at some point pour one out in thanks to Cliff Kushler, one of the inventors of the T9 text entry system that knows you mean "DONKEY" when you type 366539 in an SMS. Now Cliff is smartly shifting his focus on touchscreens with Swype—a way to type blindingly fast on a touchscreen by tracing your finger or stylus over the letters you want without lifting up, connect-the-dots style. It looks frankly amazing in a demo—so amazing that we remembered we've seen it somewhere before. Thankfully, it could be heading to the iPhone and Android really, really soon.


This is the demo Kushler gave to CNET, where he claims he can get a blazing 50 words per minute with the system. And we believe him—it's quite a sight. And then we remembered WritingPad—a demo of an Android text editor that uses the exact same interface:


Turns out, as the folks at jkOnTheRun also point out, that the idea of this kind of input system has been around since 2004 (when touchscreens were still kind of from the future), when it was developed by IBM and called SHARK. Now, SHARK is called ShapeWriter, who are the developers of the WritingPad Android app and a similar app for the iPhone. How about that? Swype is currently near prime time for Windows Mobile, with an SDK to bring it to other platforms in the works. ShapeWriter's Android version of WritingPad is forthcoming, and their iPhone version, which was released briefly before being pulled from the App Store for reasons unknown, should be back soon. No matter who brings it, I'm liking this. [CNET via Gadget Lab, jkOnTheRun, ShapeWriter]

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Microsoft kicks out Wireless Laser Desktop 6000, Media Desktop 1000


Well, it looks like Microsoft had it's own "one more thing" for today, with the hereto unseen Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 and Wireless Media Desktop 1000 also making their debut in addition to all the other products that somehow managed to leak out beforehand. The 6000 series set (pictured above) includes, as you might have guessed the Wireless Keyboard 6000 and Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 (both also available separately), the former of which boasts all the favorite keys and Media Center controls you'd expect, while the latter packs a snap-in wireless transceiver, four-way scrolling, and five customizable buttons. The Wireless Media Desktop 1000, on the other hand, opts for a considerably less curvy design (check it out after the break), and does away with some of the 6000's more nifty features like an Aero-style translucent border and a battery status indicator. Look for both to start shipping later this month, with the 6000 series set running $100 and the Media Desktop 1000 setting you back just $50.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: microsoft,wireless keyboard 6000,wireless laser desktop 6000,wireless laser mouse 6000,wireless media desktop 1000,WirelessKeyboard6000,WirelessLaserDesktop6000,WirelessLaserMouse6000,WirelessMediaDesktop1000 ]

New Dell Keyboard and Mouse Are Destined for Millions of Cubicles Across the Globe [Keyboards And Mice]


When we're talking office PC accessories today, there's boring, and then there's Dell boring. Regular boring gets you a quick trip to irrelevancy. Dell boring, on the other hand, gets your product onto the desktops of a million cubicle drones the world over. And that's probably where we'll see these pre-release products from Dell. The safe, non-threatening design reminded TechWareLabs of Logitech, which makes sense given the G3/G5 design cues, but we at Gizmodo practically fell asleep. The LED indicator is pretty, but unless you're a typist into some serious keystroke entry porn, we imagine you can easily hold off on buying these and just use them when they show up at work in a few months.

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[ Tag: ]

Logitech's Illuminated Keyboard: its thinnest keyboard ever


Logitech just announced a trio of keyboards this morning starting with its thinnest keyboard ever, the 9.3-mm thin Illuminated Keyboard ($80 / October) pictured above. It features an adjustable backlight, soft-touch palm rest and dedicated multi-media keys for hot, one-handed night typing alone in the dark. Also announced is the portable, 2.4GHz wireless DiNovo Keyboard for Notebooks ($100 / October) with an unbelievable 3-year battery life followup by the Cordless Desktop S520 ($60 / September) keyboard and optical mouse combination. The latter features more of that same impressive power management capable of eking out 8 months of usage for the mouse and 15-months for the keyboard. Pictures of the other two just as soon as Logitech delivers 'em.
[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: cordless desktop,CordlessDesktop,dinovo,illuminated keyboard,IlluminatedKeyboard,keyboard,logitech,mouse ]

Crayola EZ Type Keyboard: When Normal Keyboards Are Just Too Confusing [Keyboards]


There are only four acceptable reasons I can think of for buying this $30 dollar Crayola EZ Type keyboard: 1) You're a little slow. 2) You're under the age of five (and still maybe a little slow). 3) You have a kid under the age of five (and you're both a little slow). 4) You really, reeeeally hate the offset alignment of standard keyboards. If you're not buying for any of the above reasons, you're probably a pedophile who knows no child can resist a bunch of bright colors and the Comic Sans font. Shame on you, and may God have mercy on your soul. [Crayola via Red Ferret via BB Gadgets]

[ Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
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Sony intros wireless keypad attachment for the PS3


The news is flying fast and furious out of the Leipzig Games Convention today (we actually just got hit in the eye with a flying piece of news). Apparently Sony is launching a wireless keypad attachment that snaps onto the top of a SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK3 controller into the mini-USB port. The pad features a "touchpad mode" for mouse input, and can be paired with phones and other gadgets via Bluetooth. No word on pricing, but the pad launches in November, and the add-on will come in eight different languages, which should really help us with our multi-lingual training.

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: attachment,bluetooth,breaking news,BreakingNews,keypad,keypad attachment,KeypadAttachment,Leipzig Games Convention,LeipzigGamesConvention,ps3,wireless keypad,WirelessKeypad ]

Logitech reveals Cordless Desktop Wave Pro keyboard / mouse tandem


Hard to believe it has been well over a year since Logitech unveiled its original Cordless Desktop, huh? As of today, said outfit is formally introducing the Cordless Desktop Wave Pro, a two-pack that includes the Wave Keyboard and the MX1100 laser mouse. You're plenty familiar with the first half of the equation, but the new critter promises to last up to six whole weeks on a full charge, and the included USB plug enables users to charge and work if they're okay with a temporary tether. You'll also find a 1,600DPI sensitivity rating, MicroGear precision scroll wheel and eight programmable buttons. Look for the happy couple to land in the US in October and Europe in mid-November for $129.99, while the mouse alone will go for $79.99 two months earlier in each region. Full release after the jump.
Logitech Offers You Its Highest Level of Comfort with Cordless Desktop Wave Pro
Popular Wave Keyboard Now Available with New, Exceptionally Comfortable MX1100 Mouse
FREMONT, Calif. - Aug. 19, 2008 -Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) is now offering you its highest level of comfort with the introduction of the Logitech® Cordless Desktop® Wave Pro™ keyboard-and-mouse combination. The second-generation Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro combines the field- and laboratory-tested comfort of the Logitech® Wave Keyboard™ with the exceptionally comfortable, rechargeable Logitech® MX™1100 Cordless Laser Mouse. If you're looking to upgrade your mouse only, a battery-powered version of the MX1100 mouse will be sold separately.
"Independent research clearly demonstrates that the Wave Keyboard can help improve the comfort of your typing experience," said Denis Pavillard, vice president of product marketing for Logitech's keyboards and desktops. "The keyboard's wave-like shape is popular because it provides comfort without requiring people relearn how to type, unlike traditional ergonomic keyboards. And with the addition of the MX1100 mouse, which was designed according to ergonomic principles, our new desktop gives you even more comfort than the original Logitech® Desktop Cordless Wave™."
Wave Keyboard Improves Comfort
According to an independent study by Peter W. Johnson, Ph.D., of the University of Washington, the Logitech Wave Keyboard improves comfort. Combining three distinctive elements, the newest Logitech keyboard offers you an innovative wave key frame, a U-shaped constant curve and a cushioned, contoured palm rest. In comparison to ergonomic keyboards, you can use a Wave keyboard immediately – there is no learning curve. The Comfort Wave Design guides your hands and cradles your fingers to create a naturally comfortable typing experience.
MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse
A perfect complement to the Wave keyboard, the MX1100 mouse is designed to support the naturally curved shape of your hand. Logitech's newest mouse features an elegantly contoured, full-size shape that fits your hand for maximum comfort, providing exceptional palm support.
When sold in the desktop bundle, with its included USB plug, the MX1100 mouse allows you to fully recharge your mouse while you're working – you don't need to stop what you're doing. A 15-minute charge gives you enough power for up to one day. A 7-hour charge provides up to six weeks of power. Or, for your convenience, plug the USB cable into the included AC adaptor and recharge your mouse using any available wall outlet. (When sold separately, the stand-alone MX1100 offers up to nine months of battery life and uses two AA batteries.)
The mouse's MicroGear™ Precision Scroll Wheel has two scrolling modes, including hyper-fast scrolling for flying effortlessly through long documents and Web pages. Eight programmable buttons allow you to get to the information, the Web pages, the files and the applications you want – fast. With software installed, a stealth thumb button makes application switching easy and zoom controls allow you to zoom in and out of documents with the press of a button. The mouse also features adjustable dpi (up to 1,600 dpi), which can come in handy when editing an image at the pixel level or, alternatively, when you need to move the cursor quickly within a document.
Logitech's Advanced 2.4 GHz Wireless Technology
To give you a secure, reliable signal in a busy wireless environment, such as an office, Logitech's advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology dramatically reduces interference, effectively eliminating delays and dropouts. In fact, Logitech's wireless technology exchanges data between the receiver and the mouse 300 times faster than conventional 27 MHz wireless technologies for cordless mice – and 800 times faster than conventional 27 MHz wireless technologies for cordless keyboards. Plus, Logitech's advanced 2.4 GHz wireless technology provides 128-bit AES keyboard encryption for advanced security.
By optimizing the power management system, the improved wireless technology delivers a 3-year keyboard battery life – Logitech's longest lasting – effectively eliminating the hassle of changing batteries.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Pro is expected to be available in the U.S. beginning in October and in Europe beginning in mid-November for a suggested retail price of $129.99 (U.S.). When sold separately, the Logitech MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse is expected to be available in the U.S. beginning in late August and in Europe beginning in mid-September for a suggested retail price of $79.99 (U.S.).

[ Via: Engadget ]
[ Tag: Cordless Desktop Wave Pro,CordlessDesktopWavePro,ergonomic,input peripheral,InputPeripheral,keyboard,laser mouse,LaserMouse,logitech,mouse,MX1100,wave,Wave Keyboard,WaveKeyboard,wireless mouse,WirelessMouse ]