I-O Data rolls out mobile Bluetooth keyboard

Think that keyboard on your subnote is cramped? Try blasting out 115 words-per-minute on this thing. I-O Data has just revealed an absurdly diminutive new keyboard with built-in Bluetooth that has a real thing for hooking up with handsets. Nah, it's not nearly as cool as having a 'board on your crotch, but it's a respectable (and way more modest) alternative.

[Via Pocket-lint]

[Unknown @ May 28th 2008 11:52AM]

This is actually quite ideal as a PS3 keyboard option.

[K Nang @ May 28th 2008 11:58AM]

that's exactly what i was thinking
hopefully for a reasonable price if it ever comes to the UK

key layout does seem a little strange tho

[Frankenstein Black @ May 28th 2008 12:21PM]

Blast! You beat me to it. Just in Black though...

[Shinigami @ May 28th 2008 12:32PM]

There was a better option with a place to put both mouse and keyboard on your lap, allowing you to play PS3 games with precise aiming ability :)
A pity I don't remember what it was called, or any other details.
And no, its not in the link provided in the news.

[Grey Acumen @ May 28th 2008 2:32PM]

Don't you see how the color this thing is? It's obviously designed for the Wii.

[Juice Daddy @ May 28th 2008 11:53AM]

BLARG!

I could really use something like this to go along with my tablet pc (with the screen swiveled) for various adobe apps

this doesn't seem to have an alt key... and the shift would feel very out of place...

does anyone know of something similar, but with a ~closer to~ normal qwerty layout?

[whatishalo? @ May 28th 2008 1:24PM]

I use one from adesso for my Media Center PC and works great: http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=281

[Juice Daddy @ May 28th 2008 3:28PM]

thanks for the reply... but I'm just looking for a keypad solution..

I don't really need a track pad and to add to my initial comment, I'd love to find something that's under 11" wide (and only as tall as the key area)

I have been contemplating the wireless mac keyboard.. but for the price I don't think it would be worth it...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823101005

hmm.. I think they make little numpad things with programable keys... maybe I should look into that instead

[michas_pi @ May 28th 2008 4:00PM]

VGcats FTW

[Lein @ May 28th 2008 11:57AM]

Ohhh would I like to hammer that "BS" key right now....

I guess for a QWERTY-less phone this would be cool, but damn it to the fires of hell if you try to use this on anything more.

[whatishalo? @ May 28th 2008 11:59AM]

If you need a keyboard for a phone, why not just get one of those REDFLY thingies that also gives you a bigger screen too?

[Ray-- @ May 28th 2008 11:59AM]

This might be cool for a media center where you only need the keyboard in short bursts. You can just stick it between the cushions with the other remotes when your not using it. :)

[Luis Vera @ May 28th 2008 12:04PM]

What about F5?

[Joe Dombrowski @ May 28th 2008 1:12PM]

That's the killer isn't it? I'd love to have a small bluetooth
keyboard for my media pc, but F5 is one of my most frequently used
keys.

[crho85 @ May 28th 2008 12:32PM]

forget F5! I see ESC CRTL.... (no)PGUP... There doesn't seem to be any ANY key!

[Seth6815 @ May 28th 2008 2:01PM]

This has a function key but no TAB key? I really can't believe there is no TAB key.

[crho85 @ May 28th 2008 2:04PM]

so wait seth, you're saying that if I want a Tab I will have to walk all the way down the hall?!? so much for technology making my life better

[Madoc @ May 28th 2008 12:06PM]

But will it work with my Wii?

Point and click typing sucks.

[torqueo @ May 28th 2008 12:57PM]

Wireless USB keyboards work with the Wii, just hook the receiver to the back. Cheaper, simpler.

[Alexander @ May 28th 2008 1:44PM]

And it won't take up one of the four total bluetooth devices the Wii can support.

[Bob S. @ May 28th 2008 12:11PM]

Hey, be nice. This might be the accessory that finally makes the iPhone useable.

[Mr. H @ May 28th 2008 1:04PM]

Maybe if the iPhone's bluetooth stack had some real profiles to it...

[Tor Slettnes @ May 28th 2008 12:30PM]

Probably vaporware, just like the forever-in-waiting Freedom Slim

[john @ May 28th 2008 2:47PM]

Yeah, my first thought was "hope they deliver it faster than Freedom has delivered their credit card sized slim keyboard".

[Max Shanly @ May 28th 2008 12:40PM]

WOW! This is so brilliant, Apple could never design something as so insanely great!

[Mr. H @ May 28th 2008 1:09PM]

This is intriguing though. If the price is reasonable, and depending on the size, this paired with a N95 with TV-out could be a great, and legitimate replacement for carrying my laptop all over the place.

[go seki @ May 28th 2008 5:42PM]

you should look at getting an iGo .. they fold are cheap and work flawlessly with the N95. Best accessory investment I ever made.
I got a Dell oem'd one xtbt01 "axim executive keyboard" it was damn cheap and that was about a year ago.

[Daniel Milner @ May 28th 2008 1:17PM]

I want one for my N800!

[sotec_productions @ May 28th 2008 1:18PM]

Damn, I can't play Frets on Fire with this keyboard unless I remap the keys...no F5 key.


I'd rather spend the $70 on the infrared projection keyboard. :)

[kingu @ May 28th 2008 1:43PM]

The effin Fn-button is in the way of the catarl..!?

[blackfeather @ May 28th 2008 2:31PM]

WHAT? NO CAPS-LOCK KEY EITHER?

[go seki @ May 28th 2008 5:39PM]

yes .. but it doesn't fold .. I'll stick with my Dell oem'd iGo .. for a media-center box (apple tv hack) not a bad option .. or the tablet pc you carry in the car .. but not portable enough for a smart-phone accessory. iPhone (giggle) bluetooth (giggle) .. no bluetooth support here .. move along

[Louis @ May 28th 2008 8:58PM]

But could you play doom with it?


......shoot me now.

[Murph fan @ May 28th 2008 11:26PM]

You write a piece on an "absurdly diminutive" keyboard and you can't be bothered to say its size. Fabulous.