(Credit:
Everything USB)
Who knew that roll-up musical instruments would be so popular? Even more surprising is that virtual percussion seems to be a particularly hot area: Just a few days after we ran an item on the "Portable Electric Drum Set," for example, Everything USB has found yet another roll-away set. The "USB Drum Kit" has two fewer pads, but they're positioned to more closely resemble a real-life setup. No matter what, either either version is better than the mouse pad drums.
(Credit:
Tokyomango)
Technology has allowed more amateur guitarists to take their instruments on the road, from guitars to keyboards. Yet the possibility of an easily mobile set of drums has been confined largely to the likes of the "Finger Drum Mousepad."
But percussion lovers can take heart now that the "Portable Electric Drum Set" is here. Similar to roll-up pianos that have been on the market for awhile, this virtual instrument is built into a 20-inch rubber mat that can be rolled away anytime, anywhere. Tokyomango says the eight-drum set even has "preset tunes and rhythms to jam to."
Granted, this rather nerdly alternative doesn't quite have the visual effect of a real-life drum solo. It would, however, be a nice complement to the Spotswood kick-drum PC.
(Credit:
USB Geek)
Regular readers of this space know that there's no shortage of lighted and roll-up keyboards. But one that combines both? Now there's a neat trick.
The "USB Illuminated Roll-Up Keyboard" from USB Geek does just that, made from flexible silicone with a "sapphire blue" electroluminescent coating. Resistant to water and dust, it even coming in a choice of two colors--white and pink--for a mere $27, according to Technabob.
We think this is pretty nifty as is, but someone is bound to ask this question (so we will first): When will there be a double-sided version?
(Credit:
Red Ferret)
The people over at Eleksen are a sneaky lot. One can never tell when they'll have something new up their sleeves--literally.
The U.K. company specializes in "touch-sensitive interactive textiles," which translates to products such as the roll-up fabric keyboard we mentioned back in November. And now these magicians have surprised us again by flipping over that piece of digital cloth, revealing a second keyboard on the other side.
One surface of the double-sided USB fabric keyboard has a set of QWERTY keys for cell phones and other handheld devices, according to Red Ferret, while Side B has a calculator and media controls. Our take? We think Eleksen's R&D department has a bit too much time on its hands.
(Credit:
Mobis Technology)
We never quite understood the need for roll-up keyboards, especially those constructed to withstand post-apocalyptic conditions. For the most part, they just seemed more trouble than they were worth.
But there's something about this fabric keyboard from Just Mobile RoKy that struck us as different. It was this photo on Mobility Site that sold us: The keyboard's Bluetooth connection and accompanying universal stand for a smart phone or PDA make a lot of sense. Plus, the simple carrying case affixed to the end presumably would help keep the thing from unfurling in your pocket and onto the floor. And no matter what, it doesn't look nearly as weird as one of these.
Roll-up keyboards are nothing new, but Hela's Duraflex is like the Mercedes S600 of its class. Not only can it fit in your pocket, but Fosfor Gadgets says this keyboard can resist water and alcohol (duly noted) and can function in extreme temperatures ranging from minus-40 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Perfect for those nasty commutes from the North Pole to Death Valley.
(Photo: Hela)
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