A desktop keyboard for mouse-haters

(Credit: Sanwa)

No, this isn't a picture of a laptop busted in two, though we've certainly had occasion to take such photos in the past due to either clumsiness or blue-screen rage. This is actually a wireless keyboard from Japan's Sanwa that has a touchpad like the one on your laptop, seen on Akihabara News.

Why? We have no idea, other than to cater to those folks who just hate using a mouse for some reason. (Samsung has apparently identified that niche as well.) Sanwa also makes a corded version, if you're really particular about keyboards. Personally, we'd rather see that space used for a touch screen or something else more useful. Besides, if we did away with the mouse, how would we get a massage?

[bubba2million]

Reason why we like these:

Surfing from the couch.

It is no surprise to me at the latest turn towards keyboards with added support for the mouse, with no actual mouse.

Since HDTVs now support your computer perfectly, you can now hook up that laptop to your 46" LCD HDTV and surf from your couch. And what better way to do this than without the need of a mouse? I don't know if this thing is wireless, but it's only a matter of time before we see a wireless version. (I know some already exist, but there are very few of them). Just my 2 cents: Soon you'll see the disappearance of the desk and people will be turning more towards typing from their La-Z-boy recliners. Who has room for a mouse anymore? Touchpads rock!

[rdelfin]

I'm a mouse-hater too!

I've been using Adesso's version of this for years... heck!, I'm writing this message on it!

[csmith8951]

I have an Adesso and love it.

I can't believe you techie's don't have a computer hooked up to your big screen. I'm 65 and I use my computer to watch Netflix Classics online with my big screen. The key board is a must with this set up.

[afakirani]

our of curiousity

I also have my computer hooked up to a large HDTV. How are you able to browse online with the small text and the interface not made for large screens?

i've looked for web browsers that support this kind of arangement but couldn't find any. any suggestions?

[cbraymen]

Not a new concept

There's also the logitech dinovo edge that is very similar. This works great on a couch while a mouse is very awkward... certainly this isn't a new concept...but it is very usefully for a niche market. Furthermore doesn't MS have something similar in the new media keyboard (but with a pointer instead of a touchpad)....regardless a little more competition is nice to see. Hopefully, it will pull downm some of the prices of these keyboards.

[thorton]

there is a market

My mother refuses to use anything but a touchpad even for her desktop. This is ideal for her.

[jwkware]

Bussiness' like Walmart and Auto Zone have had

Bussiness' like Walmart and Auto Zone have had these for a while, its just kinda easier to worry about 1 piece of hardware instead of 2. It is actually a good idea. I would like to see the touch screen thing on a keyboard that would be, well interesting.