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Posts Tagged ‘ Keyboard ’

Apple Patent: Your Trackpad Is…the Keyboard?

By Fei on January 27, 2011

By Jason Kennedy
January 27, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO – Over the years, companies have done a ton of different things to the standard keyboard layout–split keyboards, ones with the keys in different places, even projected keys on a flat surface. None of these really seem to match the popularity of the good old-fashioned standard keyboard. Perhaps that reign is coming to an end with Apple’s new patent application: a normal keyboard that doubles as a motion-sensing input device.

I will admit that at first I was skeptical as I started reading about it, and it probably won’t be for everyone. The design includes 4 cameras placed around the edges of the keyboard used to track the users finger movements. Movements immediately above the keyboard will be interpreted as your normal mouse input.

It seems like it’d be tricky to get used to, but I thought that about the Magic Trackpad too, and I was used to using it on the Mac Mini after just a few sessions. You’d use a key on the keyboard to switch to mouse input mode (or sequence of keys) and make your gestures as appropriate. Just sitting back thinking about this makes me want to try it. I’m typing this in a vehicle on the highway via a laptop tethered to my phone, and it’s relatively cramped.

If I didn’t have to lean back a bit to use the trackpad on this laptop (which is prone to over-touching and whatnot do to lane changes and bumps) I’d be a lot more comfortable. The level of sophistication that can be built into this is also staggering; allowing one handed input on either side for additional functions, editing the camera viewing angle for more complicated motions, the list goes on and on.

Question is, with so many of Apple’s cool patents never making it to market, do you think this one will? Would you buy it?

Genius offers keyboard-mouse combo with 1-touch sleep mode

By Fei on October 27, 2010

Genius has released its KB C100 Desktop Kit, a complete keyboard-and-mouse set which sells for only P500. Aside from its affordable price, it is also durable and made for long time use. KB C100’s mouse comes with an enhanced precision optical engine – instead of the usual ball which accumulates dust – so there’s no cleaning needed. It does not even need a mouse pad!

This duo is lightweight, sleek and a space-saver. It also has a one-touch instant sleep mode.

Genius is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by MSI-ECS.

Keep Your Keyboard Clean and Germ-Free

By Fei on August 2, 2010

By Rick Broida
August 2, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO – Happy Clean-Your-Keyboard Day! Okay, I made that up, but think about it: when was the last time you did anything with your keyboard besides drop cookie crumbs on it?

Over time, all keyboards accumulate dust, crumbs, and other everyday dirt. And all it takes for, say, your J key to stop working is for something to get lodged under it.

Meanwhile, research has shown that keyboard keys can harbor infectious germs–especially if the keyboard is shared by multiple users (a common scenario in modern households).

Bottom line: give those keys a good cleaning every now and then. For starters, buy a can of compressed air. Hold the keyboard sideways over a trashcan, then blast every single nook and cranny with the nozzle. (Maybe it’s just me, but I find this kind of fun.)

Next, making sure the computer’s power is off, wipe down the keys with one of those antibacterial wipe. Do the same with your mouse.

That’s really all there is to it. I’m not saying you have to do this once a week, but every month or two is definitely a good idea–and anytime someone in your house is sick. A little PC hygiene goes a long way.

Genius unveils 2 new wireless keyboards

By Fei on June 15, 2010

June 15, 2010

For users who are tired of having messy wires all over their workstations, Genius is offering two new wireless keyboards which combine style and practicality. The SlimStar 800 features eight function keys for instant access to office applications that are used most often. It also has a detachable palm-rest for hand and wrist comfort even for users who type for long hours. Carrying a suggested retail price of P1,675, the SlimStar 800 is water-resistant, a feature that allow users to drink beverages while working without having to worry about spill damage.

With a suggested retail price of P3,370, the LuxeMate T810, on the other hand, is a 3-in-1 device, integrating the functions of a keyboard, mouse and remote control. It features a unique OptoTouch design which allows a four-way directional scrolling for faster and easier browsing. This keyboard works well with Microsoft XP Media Center Edition (MCE) and Vista and gives full PC remote control function for Live TV, DVD, My Video, and My Music. LuxeMate T810 has a rubber-coated texture which gives an anti-grip control and feel.

Both SlimStar 800 and LuxeMate T810 feature 2.4GHz giving up to 10 meters of interference-free operation. Genius is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by MSI-ECS.

Microsoft releases keyboard for gamers

By Fei on June 4, 2010

June 4, 2010

Microsoft has released the Sudewinder X6, a keyboard with 30 programmable buttons that can allow up to 90 programmable options. Designed specially for gamers, the keyboard allows the user to assign functions and configurations when switching between game and work modes. In addition, custom layouts automatically load with the games to which they were assigned.

The Sidewinder X6 has an adjustable backlight display which lights up every key. Red lights illuminate standard keys while the keypad and programmable keys glow with an amber hue. The lighting dial adjusts the brightness of the keyboard and key pad. Its number pad is removable, making the keyboard highly ergonomic. Measuring 20.2 inches wide and 9.22 inches deep, it has thick rubber pads underneath to keep it in place.

Carrying a suggested retail price of P4,100, the Sidewinder X6 and other Microsoft hardware products are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by MSI-ECS.

Logitech diNovo Mini

By Jon on October 31, 2009

October 31, 2009

Tiny Wireless Keyboard For The Home Theater
By Luis Anthony G. Oliveros
Published in the November 2009 print edition of PC World Philippines

Logitech diNovo Mini
P9,599
www.logitech.com

The Logitech diNovo Mini is a pint-sized wireless keyboard designed specifically for pairing with home theaters PCs and the PlayStation 3. It’s for those who need an input device but wouldn’t want a full-sized keyboard parked in their home theaters or living rooms. It comes in a compact 152x90x27.5mm clamshell design at only 175g so handling feels very comfortable with the curved lower corners nestled comfortably within the palm of both hands. This easily makes handling it comparable to using a handheld gaming device or a landscape oriented mobile phone where you type with your thumbs.

Underneath the lid, the keyboard is made up of sensibly tactile keys that offer good feedback. These keys are mostly nicely sized although we would’ve preferred a larger CTRL key which had been minimized to make room for the Windows button on its right side. Also, adequate spacing between each key would’ve helped a lot to enhance usability as we’ve managed to commit several typos during our test period. A circular touchpad is positioned to its right, which doubles as a five-way direction pad to supplement navigation. This keyboard also has a backlight, making it easier for use in rooms with less than desirable lighting conditions.

The diNovo Mini connects via Bluetooth which means it’ll work at up to 10 meters away from the computer. This seems apt since a good parking space for it would be a home theater or a living room’s coffee table near the general couch vicinity. Indeed, quite a comfortable area for multimedia buffs and gamers alike to enjoy their videos and games. A USB dongle is also included in the box should your machine lack the wireless connectivity.