I was quite impressed when the first touchscreen phones appeared on the market. It presented a completely new paradigm for controlling phones and opens up the phone platform for its eventual evolution as a mobile computer. [Read more…]
An HTPC Keyboard You Can ‘Wave’ Around
I’m currently building an HTPC (home theater PC for those of you who are wondering what it means). I think it will be more convenient to play the video files that I have collected over the years over my home theater setup because more people can watch the videos as opposed to just playing the files on my computer, where not a lot of people will have the room to watch it with me. [Read more…]
Minebea Flat Cool Leaf Keyboard
There is something about the feel of a “normal” keyboard when you use it. The tactile experience adds a lot to the ease of use and actually feeling the keys makes me feel more grown up. 😉 Then again, it might just be that most of us are used to the good old keyboard.
For those who use tablets and touchscreen devices most of the time, the issue may be totally different. When these touchscreen devices first came out, people struggled with the lack of tactile experience. Today, we hear about people asking for/wanting a computer keyboard that does not have the “real” keys anymore.
As they say, if there is a need/demand, someone will rise up to the challenge. And this is what Japanese gadget manufacturer Minebea has done with their new Cool Leaf Keyboard. This sexy keyboard gets rid of all the clunky keys that we have in the normal keyboard and provides an experience closer to what you have with your iPad (or any other similar device).
No one can deny just how gorgeous this keyboard is, but how does it work? Just like many other touchscreen devices (although this keyboard is not exactly a “screen”), the Cool Leaf Keyboard makes use of a multi-touch capacitive touch panel. Even better is the fact Minebea took great pains to ensure that typos are limited as much as possible. Fat fingers or not, this keyboard just might help you post more credible Facebook updates and tweets (typo-wise, that is).
If the image is not enough to convince you, check out this video.
I know this gadget is a marvel in terms of technology, but you know one thing that struck me as I watched that video? This keyboard will be such a breeze to clean! No more dirt or hair stuck under the keys. It seems to me that a few swipes on a flat surface is the best thing that has happened to keyboards!
The Cool Leaf Keyboard is going to be released in mid-May in Japan. Unfortunately, the current version is only compatible with Windows and is a Japanese keyboard. In the next couple of months, versions for the US English, German, French, and Italian markets will be released, along with something that works with Macs.
Via Akihabara News
A rollable Bluetooth keyboard. Why am I excited?
Okay, one of the things I really, really hate about netbooks -especially the early ones- is that their keyboards are probably the worst things on them. Currently, the new ones have almost full-sized keyboards that’ll more or less accommodate large touch-typing hands. Heh, with my Eee PC 701, I’ve been reduced to hunting and pecking for the correct keys. Don’t even get me started on mobile phones and PDAs. Even QWERTY mobile phone keypads are a pain to use long-term. Nothing beats a 100% full-sized keyboard.
Speaking of which, a new keyboard that just passed the FCC guidelines is making a minor buzz right now. Bluetooth keyboards aren’t really something new, and rubberized and roll-up keyboards aren’t something to write home about either. But combine them both and we’d get something pretty neat.
The Bluetooth roll-up keyboard from Chin Fai is probably the first keyboard we’ve seen that combines rubberized roll-up portability with Bluetooth awesomeness. We don’t have much details yet, but I’m sure we can use this on other Blurtooth enabled devices like notebooks, PDAs and some mobile phones. It also charges via USB, which is a nice feature.
From Brad of Liliputing:
There’s no word on price or a launch date yet, but the rubberized keyboard will be available in red or pink. Thanks to the roll-up design, you can essentially carry a full sized keyboard in your pocket. And because of the Bluetooth support, you’re not limited to using the keyboard with computers that have USB connections. In other words, you should be able to use it with some Bluetooth capable mobile phones.
There’s no pricing as of yet, but I’d love to get my hands on one of these babies.
[via]
Wii Keyboards at US$19 after rebate
If you’re the type who CAN wait for a good bargain, even if it takes a couple of weeks, then you just might want line up for something really good at Amazon. The Logitech Wii keyboard, while temporarily out of stock, is up for grabs. Ya’ll know it’s for the Wii, which is why they call it the Wii keyboard, and is to be used for games that requires you to type away OR for interacting with the internet thru your Wii.
With Opera web browser for the Wii you can log on to GMail, Yahoo or Hotmail and write a quick e-mail using USB or Bluetooth Wii Keyboard or visit your favorite Forum and write some posts right from your living room without turning on the PC.
Regular price is about US$49.99 at New Egg, and Buy.com has it for about the same price plus free shipping. Not bad if you can’t wait for the Amazon deal. Catch the Wii keyboards at Amazon and pre-order right here.