Visenta V1 multitouch wireless keyboard gets the hands-on treatment
By Donald Melanson 
posted January 26th 2009 4:05AM
posted January 26th 2009 4:05AM
It may not exactly boast the HTPC-friendly looks of something like the diNovo Edge, but if you're looking for a basic wireless keyboard with a bit of added multitouch, you may want to keep an eye out for this V1 model from Visenta, which the folks at Engadget Chinese recently managed to get their hands on. This one makes use of the tried-and-true 2.4GHz band to give you a range of up to 20 meters (hence the dongle), and includes ten dedicated Vista Media Center buttons, plus all the usual energy saving measures you'd expect to help you get the most from the required four AAA batteries. What's more, while there's no official word on a release 'round here just yet, it looks like some are already turning up on eBay for $130 (plus shipping from China, naturally). Be sure to hit up the link below for a closer look.
I'd like to see more wireless keyboards like this... I can see these being incredibly useful for anyone with a Media Center PC. There are always little administration tasks you need to do on any computer, and having one of these by the couch would just make it that much simpler.
somebody broke their laptop.
X31 what a winner of a machine.
Agreed X31 FTW
but the X31 also included BT - at the time a very forward-thinking technology.
So why is this keyboard thinking so far back? Who'll pay $120 + shipping for a wireless keyboard you have to use a USB dongle with when you can get a BT keyboard for the same price RETAIL (ie. cheaper on eBay)?
Useless
Ctrl goes on the left side. D:
You're right.
This is worthless D:
For $130, I'd take the DiNovo.
Nice Technology, but the Design is BAD, The trackpad is too small ! and the overall design is not that good! I expect something like this to be soon found in "real" Lenovo/M$ keyboards
Bluetooth anyone?
Screw multitouch, where's the trackpoint? You have the thing connted to a ThinkPad for god sakes.
For about $90 you can get the Adesso keyboard. The couple of extra buttons on the Visenta doesn't seem worth another $40
http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=281
Looks like they do have one in black. Though, I do remember a post on engadget a few weeks ago about something similar possibly coming from lenovo; which is probably what I'd spend my money on.
What's the big deal?
My 5 year old keyboard already has multitouch. Ctrl-C, Alt-F4, or Ctrl-Alt-Delete.
Yawn.
=P
I'd buy this keyboard rather than adesso.
The adesso keyboard is down ugly in my sitting room. And according to the link above, its one inch thick....wth....
P.S. This multitouch isn't the Apple multitouch I suspect, this multitouch can only scroll / mid / right click.
=)
You have to see this then you will like it. You can buy from their US website directly.
www.visenta.us
I got one and love it.
I purchesed one of these from ebay. got it auction for $96 incl postage.
I have mixed feeling after using it, the concept is great, range is more like 10m and if i put it flat on my lap the mouse control is very poor.
if a spread my legs a bit so the bottom of the device isnt covered it works ok.
i think the transmitter must be built into the bottom of the keyboard and dosent like bein covered.
would have got some thing else if i had my chance again but i will make do.