iHome shows its input peripheral side with LifeWorks tie-up

Clearly not content with just pumping out one iPod alarm clock after another, iHome has decided to broaden its horizons a bit by creating a new LifeWorks line of input peripherals and computer accessories. Slated to launch in earnest sometime this summer, the new line contains just a few standout inclusions. The iPhone-friendly iConnect Keyboard (pictured above) and HTPC-centric Media Keyboard both look like formidable options for those needing a new set of keys, and there are also a gaggle of mice, webcams and headsets to choose from if those items are more your style. Unfortunately, true innovation is still few and far betwixt, but at least your USB ports will appreciate the effort.

[Via CNET]

[justit @ Jun 11th 2009 8:46AM]

First company I've seen add a much needed real keyboard to an iphone and you think "true innovation is still few and far betwixt" ??

[Finnschi @ Jun 11th 2009 8:51AM]

Its not a keuboard add on for th iphone, its a pc keyboard with iphone dock build in! ( it does not controll ur iphone

i still want

[Andrew Timson @ Jun 11th 2009 8:51AM]

It's not a keyboard for an iPhone, it's a keyboard with a dock connector.

[Mile @ Jun 11th 2009 9:18AM]

@andrew - are you goofy? Don't you see the button below the docked iphone? Looks like a pause/play combo button to me. Now you can play tunes off of your ipod by just pressing a button! Genius!

[Duke @ Jun 11th 2009 9:55AM]

Shame that they couldn't offer more than a simple docking station for the phone. You know people will waste their money on this thinking it acts as a keyboard for the phone. Oh, and it has a play/pause button - yay.

[General_Trelane, (retired) @ Jun 11th 2009 10:09AM]

"this accessory is not compatible with iPhone 3GS"

[mbentley @ Jun 11th 2009 9:00AM]

that is certainly an "interesting" idea but it seems that there is quite a bit of wasted plastic space. i'll stick with my external dock...

[ATL @ Jun 11th 2009 9:02AM]

Mmmmm Twix!

[superhobo @ Jun 11th 2009 9:09AM]

Silly keyboard, humans don't type like that.

[Barbaric @ Jun 11th 2009 9:11AM]

At first glance, this was exciting- then the truth barreled in. I wish it was what it could be... A keyboard for the iPhone.

Inspires a daydream...
Listen up Apple-(Apple, because they control the whole ecosystem, would have to be the manufacturer)-This would be a great system for me, and I'm probably not the only one.

You need a monitor, a similar keyboard (with dock on right), and an iPhone. Plug the iPhone in, and viola... an all-in-one or nettop, based on the iPhones OS X. It would seem to fit here well due to the fact Apple controls the software & hardware.... All the iPhones, & touches have the same formfactor, and the OS is a real OS.

We need Apples blessing of course, to allow multitasking, maybe some RAM that resides on the dock side.

What do you guys think? Some serious replies from the apple iDevice user/watcher community... Unless there funny, but I really dont want to start a fanboy flame war.

And for the record, I dont have any Apple products, never had, but have small use experience. I am shopping for a new laptop this fall, and apple is a prime candidate. I'm not a fanboy of any of the major systems...they all have pros & cons. So pleas dont try to sway me... I just want to discuss the viabilty of such a system.

[Barbaric @ Jun 11th 2009 9:16AM]

BTW, my inspiration for this came from the fact that an iPhone is a more powerful computer than both my XP pc's..my family compaq at at home, and my dell at work, both almost ten years old, and still adequate for my needs- as a engineer-

like I said , I think the iPhone should dock on the left, so it could serve as the trackpad, it supports multi touch, and to me it feels more comfortable there. But I guess it could be offered in a "left hand configuration" also.

[pavlindrom @ Jun 11th 2009 9:55AM]

Good idea, but I want the device to be in the center, and the keys around it. So I can set it on my belly and txt with the dear of my heart till the world starts screaming at me that something's up. Almost http://www.terminally-incoherent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/microsoft-natural-keyboard-4000-2.jpg but of course rearranged for better ergonomics and stuff. Remeber, I want the phone in the center of the keyboard.

[Backlin @ Jun 11th 2009 10:41AM]

That's actually an awesome idea! I would pay $150 easily for that.

[Galley @ Jun 11th 2009 9:17AM]

Apple already makes an excellent Bluetooth keyboard for the iPhone; there's just no drivers yet.

[Mile @ Jun 11th 2009 9:19AM]

tl;dr

[squeeg @ Jun 11th 2009 10:24AM]

My initial reaction upon seeing the photo... "Hey, that's a cool idea - Use the iPhone as a trackpad for a media center keyboard..." Once again, I am let down. /cry

[htd @ Jun 11th 2009 10:30AM]

exact same thought here.

[catbeller @ Jun 12th 2009 10:41AM]

iCry.

[Rick @ Jun 11th 2009 10:37AM]

With iPhone/iPod OS 3.0 coming, someone should make a keyboard allowing you to plug in your device and use it as a touchpad...if that's possible? Accessory manufacturers will have a lot more freedom as far as that goes won't they? How about using it as a HUD for WoW or something when it's docked...that'd be cool.

[Rick @ Jun 11th 2009 10:40AM]

Crap just read the above comment...so that's not possible?? That blows. Now if this was for an Android phone... :) Maybe? No? Alright.

[wes @ Jun 11th 2009 2:59PM]

If you want to use your iPhone as a trackpad, check out the Airmouse app from the App Store. I use it like a remote control at home when watching videos on my PC and i can't be bothered to get up from wherever I'm lying to use the mouse. Great for youtube vids (Oh let's be honest. Great for youp0rn vids) ;-)

[papla @ Jun 11th 2009 11:07AM]

http://forums.precentral.net/palm-pre/185088-omg-what-horrible-reviews.html

[Ryan @ Jun 11th 2009 11:49AM]

Why??

[0megapart!cle @ Jun 11th 2009 11:50AM]

This is already out. I saw it at Kmart and thought I was seeing things (iHome making keyboards! What?!)

[Mike @ Jun 11th 2009 12:26PM]

This doesn't make any sense...ok the dock is built in to the keyboard...but the pause/play button?? Why would you need to play music directly from your iphone/ipod on your computer...uhhh hello, its called iTUNES!

[sweet greggo @ Jun 11th 2009 1:26PM]

wtf are you people talking about? Steve Jobs told you that you do not need a physical keyboard. Quit complaining before Jobs' gives you his cancer.

[djmanoloco @ Jun 11th 2009 2:59PM]

I thought most iPhone users were convinced that there is no need for a physical keyboard. I guess post like these bring out their true feelings. Physical keyboard envy?

[jon.marcus @ Jun 11th 2009 4:26PM]

Just not going to work.