ps3-wireless-keypad
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Blazepro PS3 keypad is cheaper, hideous
The tech ninjas at Blazepro may know a thing or two about cutting prices. When it comes to corners, though, not so much. The peripheral manufacturer has released its own Wireless Keypad for the PlayStation 3, sacrificing sexy contours for a much lower price -- $11 compared to $50 for Sony's curvier official model. Still, as the saying goes, you may get what you pay for. The boxy clip-on communicates with the PS3 using a 2.4GHz USB dongle rather than the console's native Bluetooth capability, and doesn't look to come with any sort of rechargeable functionality whatsoever. We can't help but wonder if the savings are worth it, even with the promise of a "leap-frequency communication solution" and "strongly anti-jamming" qualities. If you do decide to take a chance, though, let us know what you think. Just be careful of those edges.
PlayStation 3 Wireless Keypad review
As hard as it might be for you wizened, Atari-era gamers to understand, there are plenty of people out there who think that today's gaming controllers need even more inputs; even more buttons. That's largely thanks to the inclusion of in-game messaging on most platforms, and, for those whose platform of choice is the PlayStation 3, Sony has introduced the QWERTY Wireless Keypad clip-on. It works as advertised, making text entry much easier and including some bonus touchpad functionality too, but along with those new buttons comes a few new headaches, and we're not entirely sure they're all worthwhile.
PS3 keypad officially coming first week of December
Although we've pretty much unofficially known since August, Sony's VP of Sales, Ian Jackson, confirmed that the PS3 keypad will make its way to retail during the first week of December. The peripheral is currently listed for the rather outrageous disagreeable price of $50.%Gallery-30063%
PS3 keypad listed at $49.99 on Amazon.com
Although no official details about the PS3 wireless keypad's pricing or launch date (beyond "late November") have been released, Amazon.com is shedding a little light on the situation. The online retailer currently has the peripheral listed at $49.99 with a ship date of Nov. 30.Although the date may be a placeholder, an Amazon representative informs us, "Pricing details come from our vendors. So that is the price that Sony gave us." Once again, Sony hasn't made any official statements about pricing, but retailers seem to be getting some details.A recent poll on PS3 Fanboy showed that 46% of responders would pay no more than $20. Only 4% of participants would actually pay the current listed price for the peripheral.%Gallery-30063%
GC 2008: PS3 wireless keypad with mouse input [update]
click for extreme closeup At its Leipzig Games Convention press conference today, Sony unveiled a wireless keypad peripheral that attaches to the top of the PlayStation 3 controller (presumably into the mini-USB port). The keypad also features a "touchpad mode" for mouse input. Pricing was not revealed, but the device will be released in 8 different languages. It's worth noting that MadCatz released an attachable thumbpad for PS3 in April 2007.Update: Added official keypad images (see gallery below). Does this thing double as a codpiece?PlayStation.Blog clarifies that the Wireless Kepad includes a mode that turns the key area into a touchpad, allowing users to control an on-screen cursor with their fingertips, tapping to activate a link. The keypad also features two short-cut buttons, enabling quick access to the XMB's "Friends" icon and the "Message Box." The pad also can be paired with other Bluetooth devices (e.g., a smart phone) and will be released in late November.%Gallery-30063%
