(Credit:
Kotaku)
A Kotaku hands-on of the PlayStation 3 keypad reveals some new information about the $50 snap-on accessory. Sony has had plenty of time to go above and beyond the Xbox 360 Chatpad and as expected, it does seem to improve on it in a number of ways. We liked the chatpad for its ease-of-use, satisfying performance, and the fact that it didn't require any power.
The PlayStation 3 keypad, on the other hand, does require separate charging, as it cannot tap into the PS3 controller. Because of this, it also must connect to the console via a separate Bluetooth connection. As far as we can tell, it's almost as if the keypad is merely a clamp.
The keypad attaches for above-the-controller texting, while the Xbox chatpad rests below. We found it manageable to play games with the chatpad connected, but eventually removed it because of comfort issues. It seems the PS3 keypad's placement is a better fit.
Feature-wise, the keypad trumps the Xbox chatpad. There are shortcut buttons to access your message box and your friends list. Also, the keypad can turn into a touch pad--think laptop trackpad--for mouse-like movement. This will come in useful if you use your PS3 to browse the Web a lot.
The keypad is set to be released mid-month, so check out our full review coming soon.
(Credit:
Logitech)
Logitech just announced a new Mac version of its popular diNovo Keyboard, and we're eager to get our grubby little hands on a test unit. We've tried out the diNovo Edge, the diNovo Edge for Macs, and the Illuminated Keyboard with positive marks across the board, and we're sure this version will be no different.
The new diNovo keyboard promises to be the perfect companion to your Mac desktop, with all the buttons in the familiar Mac-style layout in a slim, easy-to-use layout. The keys themselves are part of Logitech's PerfectStroke system that allows for uniform tactile feedback across the entire surface of the key, making for a pretty comfortable typing experience.
In addition, this is a 2.4GHz wireless system that Logitech claims will last three years before you'll need to change batteries. And of course, the keyboard has an integrated wrist wrest that we all need to keep arthritis at bay. The Logitech diNovo Keyboard Mac Edition is available now for $99.99. Look for a full review from CNET coming soon.
(Credit:
Amazon.com)
Sony's Wireless Keypad for the PS3--which was announced at the Leipzig Games Convention--is now available for preorder on Amazon for $49.99. That seems to be the only change, though, as the release date is still slated for November 30.
OK, so the wait still exists and the fingers are tapping on the table in lieu of the keypad. The silver lining: knowing that you don't have to expose yourself to getting bum-rushed in line while shopping for this accessory in stores on the day it's released.
(Credit:
Sony)
While Xbox 360 has had the option to type away on the Xbox 360 ChatPad, PS3 owners will soon have the same luxury with the announcement of the Wireless Keypad at the Leipzig Games Convention. The device can hook on to either a Sixaxis or DualShock 3 controller and allow gamers to send messages to friends over the PlayStation Network. This functionality will also come into play with the eminent release of PlayStation Home.
Most interesting is that the Wireless Keypad features a mode that converts the entire surface into a touch pad for use with something like navigating a Web page. Also built-in is Bluetooth support and two shortcut buttons that will make it easy for jumping over to the messaging features on the PlayStation 3.
While we don't currently have a price for the Wireless Keypad, it is set for release in late November. Expect our full review then as well.
(Credit:
Sanwa)
We don't work with numbers much, which is a good thing for a variety of reasons, so we can't get too excited about a mouse with a built-in numeric keypad. But someone must, because this is the second one we've seen lately--the first being one that looks like a miniature George Foreman Grill.
This one from Japan's Sanwa doesn't have the plastic cover but would probably suffice as long as the buttons aren't too sensitive; otherwise, it could make your work a living hell. Either way, it seems that $57 is kind of high for the double duty. Especially when there are mice out there that not only have a keypad but also serve as phones, in both slider and clamshell versions.
EZkey mouse
(Credit: PClaunches)
George Foreman Grill
(Credit: Amazon)There are all manner of combo mice that take on a variety of forms not included in their original job description, ranging from laser pointers to VoIP handsets (not to mention hand warmers and back massagers). But Ezkey has proven once again that there's no end to number of new acts we can expect from the hardest working peripheral in show business.
The latest incarnation is a mouse that doubles as a number keypad for uber-accountants and the like who need the ability to crunch at all times, according to PClaunches. Yet there's another thing that intrigues us about its design: Is it just us, or does it look like a mini version of the George Foreman Grill? Now that would be a combo we'd like to see.
(Credit:
Mobility Site)
Never being sold on fabric or fold-away keyboards, we've been forced for years to make due with our fat fingers on portable devices. But this "ultra-slim" model looks promising enough to consider. (OK, so we like the blue lights.)
The "Freedom Slim" is a lightweight Bluetooth keypad that Mobility Site says is easily stowed in a jacket pocket and can be used either in hand or on any flat surface. At barely a quarter-inch thick and 3.2 ounces, the rechargeable pad seems to live up to its name. And if you're not fond of blue, the backlighting can be switched to orange--but then we'd have to deny knowing you.
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