UsbDuet
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PLX USB Duet: your netbook is now a cumbersome iPad keyboard
We preface this post by saying we don't know how practical this really is, but PLX's idea of using a netbook's keyboard to type on the iPad is definitely an intriguing one. How does it all work? Well, it relies on the company's USB Duet technology, but the setup isn't exactly what we'd call streamlined. You'll need a netbook like the Fujitsu MH380 or NEC LaVie Light with the built-in PLX chipset / mini-USB port, an iPad with the camera connection kit, and of course the applicable USB Duet software. Regardless, the demo we saw today at the Netbook Summit worked fairly well. When all was said and done, we laid the iPad on top of the netbook's screen and we were able to use the keyboard to type in Safari and in Notes faster than when we were pecking on the virtual keyboard. Additionally, PLX says the same USB feature enables you to use the netbook's speakers as well as transfer files from the iPad to the laptop without iTunes (we should note here that USB duet also allows you to hook up a netbook to other laptops to transfer files, etc.). Truth is, we could debate the value of this iPad hook-up for quite a few hours, but instead we'll just direct you to the video and press release after the break, and then let you duke it out for yourselves in the comments. %Gallery-93616%
PLX Technology shows off USB Duet-enabled UMPCs
PLX Technology is taking advantage of this week's Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (otherwise known as WinHEC) to talk up its proprietary USB Duet technology, with TabletKiosk also helping out in showing off some of the UMPC-centric possibilities. As shown above, one potential application is a UMPC connected to an Xbox 360, with USB Duet working its magic to allow the UMPC to simply show up as a standard USB storage device. A UMPC could also be connected to a PC (though apparently not a Mac), sharing not only storage, but the PC's monitor, keyboard, and mouse as well. From the looks of it, TabletKiosk's eo TufTab v7112XT will be the first USB Duet-equipped UMPC although, interestingly, there was no mention of that particular feature when the device was first announced.[Via Tablet PC Talk]
