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IOGEAR drops two new wireless keyboards, one with Bluetooth
IOGEAR has just revealed one wireless keyboard to rule them all, and it's aptly (albeit not creatively) named the Multi-Link Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad, or GKM611B for short. While the device's name is unwieldy, it does have quite a few slick features, particularly the ability to mate with six separate Bluetooth devices up to 30 feet away, customizable hotkeys, and a relatively svelte curb weight of 1.9 pounds. In the redheaded-stepchild department (though nothing against stepchildren, or redheads for that matter), the company also debuted the new 2.4GHz Wireless Compact Keyboard (aka GKM681R), which we feel safe to say got its moniker courtesy of a diminutive 10.25 x 4.4 x 1-inch profile. In spite of the bantam size, the 'board packs an optical trackball and 16 dedicated hotkeys. For those in the market for such things, the Bluetooth model goes on sale in late Q1 for $79.95, and the 2.4GHz offering will cost just $59.99, which is quite a bit cheaper than the ouftit's other compact keyboards. %Gallery-113696%
Motorola accessorizes Xoom tablet with docks, cases and keyboards
No tablet is complete without some accessories, and Motorola's just announced a bunch for its new Xoom tablet. Those include the Speaker HD dock that packs a pair of speakers for hands-free video chats and media viewing, the "Standard Dock" that doubles as stand while it charges the tablet, a new Bluetooth keyboard that'll also work with your phone and, last but not least, a portfolio case that's available in both leather and "durable" versions. No word on prices for any of them just yet, but we presume they'll be released alongside the tablet itself when it rolls out sometime in the first quarter of the year. Check them all out in the gallery below. %Gallery-112808%
Apple compact wired keyboard gets discontinued
AppleInsider notes that Apple has quietly discontinued its compact wired keyboard. The keyboard, which has the part number MB869LL/A, has been removed from Apple's online store, yet is still available (presumably, while supplies last) on Amazon for US$46.99. Apple originally introduced the compact wired keyboard in early 2009 alongside iMac revisions. The wired keyboard was identical to the Apple wireless keyboard with the addition of two USB ports on either side. For now, it appears that Apple is still selling its wired Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad for US$49 in the Apple online store. Apple also offers a compact Apple Wireless Keyboard for US$69 -- the same Bluetooth keyboard ships with existing desktop Mac models.
Add a number keypad to your Apple Wireless Keyboard
Still find yourself reaching for the non-existent number keypad on your Apple Wireless Keyboard? Well, it looks like you may be in luck: Wireless Goodness has uncovered some information about LMP's new 28-key Bluetooth keypad. Running off two AA batteries and made from the same anodized aluminum finish that Apple is known for, this number pad can be attached to the right-hand side of your wireless keyboard mimicking a standard-sized keyboard layout. For those of you who want a little space between your keyboard and keypad, it can also be kept separate off to either side. We've seen some interesting accessories for Apple's keyboards before like this carved wood keyboard tray, but this looks like this one could be a worthy investment for many people. No word yet on availability or price, but I imagine the LMP Keypad will be available soon as it has already gone through the FCC. I have used the Apple Wireless Keyboard for quite some time now and have never had a need for the numerical keypad -- but maybe that's because I am bad with numbers. My brother the accountant, though? He could definitely use one of these. [via Engadget]
IOGEAR rolls out two trackball-equipped HTPC keyboards
If you've been spending an inordinate amount of time on the couch... well, that's not exactly something we'd happily admit to all. But that doesn't mean you actually have to get up and get moving. IOGEAR's making it even easier to access Netflix, the world wide web and your mum's Picasa account through your HTPC, all courtesy of a new pair of 2.4GHz wireless couch keyboards. The GKM571R is the smaller of the two (shown above), with a palm-sized design, backlit keys, a tiny optical trackball in the top-right corner and a svelte lid to cover things up when bedtime calls. The GKM571R is an oval shaped board that's closer to full size, with a row of dedicated media hotkeys and an even larger trackball for moving your cursor. You'll find 'em both available later this year, with the former going for $99.95 and the latter for $89.95. Good thing you won't even have to leave said sofa to order one. %Gallery-107398%
Logitech unveils wireless solar keyboard K750, does away with batteries for good
When Logitech first introduced wireless peripherals, we'd be lucky if our alkaline cells lasted a week, but these days the firm's low-power mice can go months on a charge. Now, the company's taken the next logical step, and made a solar keyboard. With an ultra-slim 1/3-inch profile and a full slate of laptop-style chiclet keys, the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 isn't your average rack of buttons to begin with, but the ambient light solar panels installed on the top of either side should mean you'll never need to plug it in to recharge. That's not a claim we'll be able to test easily, of course, as the company tells us its low-power integrated circuits can theoretically run for three months even if you leave it in a dark desk drawer. It uses the same 2.4GHz Nano Unifying receiver as several other Logitech wireless products, too, meaning you'll only need a single one of your netbook or set-top-boxes' precious USB ports. That's often a concern on MacBooks as well, though you can see from the prominent Windows key this particular product doesn't quite have a Mac-friendly setup. Though we're obviously far away from being able to tell you how the solar panels fare in normal use, we're typing up this article on one of the boards right now. So far, we're loving the flat, firm feel of the slab and rounded finger-friendly indents on each key, though the QWERTY layout's actually a little cramped for our tastes. We'll let you know how it holds up over the long haul. Find it next month for $80, though, if you're already sold. %Gallery-106335%
Ality's backlit WeeBoard: yet another bantam RF HTPC keyboard
Quite frankly, you've probably got more mini keyboard options than you need, but given that Ality decided to throw backlighting into its latest, we're giving it the edge over the other guys. The aptly named WeeBoard is an RF-based wireless keyboard that's designed for use on the couch, likely in conjunction with your HTPC. There's also an integrated optical trackpad for moving a mouse cursor, and there's even a row of customizable media shortcut keys for launching specific applications and actions quickly. It's expected to go on sale direct from Ality this December, with a retail price of $79.99 -- hang tight if you're looking for retail distribution partners. %Gallery-105925%
Logitech's Wireless Illuminated K800 keyboard boasts ambient light and proximity sensors, costs $100
It wasn't too long ago that we were pondering the relative scarcity of backlit desktop keyboards, so let's all warmly welcome a new entrant into this niche category. The K800 from Logitech picks up where the wired Illuminated Keyboard left off: it has the requisite inflated price, adjustable and intelligent illumination to please functionalists, and a dagger-like profile for aesthetes. Ambient light sensors will align the keyboard's brightness to your environment, while proximity detectors will only flip the switch when your hands are in position to start writing. There's also a Micro USB cable to refresh your battery when it starts running low -- it's rated for up to 10 days of wireless use -- but whether this whole package of smart convenience is worth the $99.99 we'll leave up to you. The K800 should be shipping out later this month, and you can find out more about it in the press release after the break.
EFO iPazzPort Keyboard looks like a BlackBerry, calls your HTPC instead of your boss
In the world of the HTPC, the quest for the least inconvenient means of controlling on-screen action continues. We had a winner with the Rii Mini wireless keyboard in March, but the familiar aesthetics of this EFO iPazzPort keyboard make us want to have one lying about our coffee table. This is the newly redesigned third generation model, a big step forward from the first gen and, from the second revision, adds on function keys that can be used during bootup (for the "Hit F1 to enter BIOS" types), dedicated keys for playing and pausing and whatnot, and a laser pointer -- crucial for indicating the fatally arcing trajectories of contestants on Wipeout. All that's in addition to the already present QWERTY keyboard resting just below a functional touchpad. The cost? $45. Watching your friends try to make a call from your keyboard? Priceless.
Logitech's G700 mouse and G930 headset cut the cords, G510 chops price tag of primo keyboard parts
If you've already got a headset, mouse or keyboard, here's hoping they suit you just fine, because if they don't you'll be tempted to blow oodles of money on Logitech's latest gaming peripheral lineup. Today, the company revealed (and is launching) the G510 keyboard, the G930 headset and G700 mouse, and while the first is merely an amalgamation of solid peripherals that have come before (customizable RGB backlighting, USB audio, 18 programmable buttons, the whole nine yards) the latter two are premium wireless products. That's right, Logitech finally has an answer to Razer's Mamba and Microsoft's Sidewinder X8 with its own 2.4GHz, 1000 report-per-second hybrid wireless mouse (with thirteen programmable buttons on tap) and they've ripped the wires right out of the G35 surround sound headset to stuff a play n' charge battery and two 2.4GHz antennas on board. They'll run you a pretty penny, of course, at $160 for the headset, $120 for the keyboard and $100 for the mouse, but you'll find out if two of the three are worth your while later today when we publish our full review. We'll let you guess which two. Press release after the break. Update: Logitech's got a breakneck video rundown of all the hot new G-series features; spot it right after the break. All three products are also on Logitech's website now, though the headset and keyboard are labeled "out of stock."
Wireless presentation controllers prove juicy targets for hackers
Wireless presentation controllers have changed corporate life forever. Instead of businessmen and women staying tethered to their keyboards while delivering boring PowerPoint presentations, they can wander about the room, gesticulating authoritatively with an ego-boosting gadget in-hand... while delivering that same boring presentation. Now a security researcher by the name of Nields Teusink is showing that those wild gesticulations open the door to crazy hacks, with most wireless presenters being recognized as full keyboards -- some even as keyboards and mice. With no encryption provided it's a (reasonably) simple task for an attacker to replicate the signal, escape the presentation, and completely compromise the machine. Teusink uses an Arduino board for his work here, impressing us while sending a chill into the hearts of slide gurus everywhere.
Dell Streak gets cozy with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, suddenly looks small (video)
Look what we have here? The Dell Streak sure keeps bringing us more and more surprises -- unlike most Android devices that lack the Bluetooth HID profile, here it is paired up with our wireless keyboard and mouse (Apple's Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse, specifically) without any driver hacks. Streak Smart, who made this discovery, had the same experience as us with its iGo Stowaway keyboard and an unknown mouse -- typing was as smooth as cutting butter with a hot knife, but the mouse couldn't do much due to the lack of pointer and scrolling support. If you insist, the forthcoming Nokia N8 is confirmed to support both devices natively, but it shouldn't be long before we see a mouse hack for the green bot. Hands-on video after the break, and do also head over to the source link if you need more convincing. P.S. -- Since commenter dudeville was asking, here's how to pair the Apple keyboard with the Streak: type a four-digit PIN on the phone when prompted, then type the same number on the keyboard and press the enter key. Good luck!
Lenovo IdeaCentre A300 and Multimedia Keyboard review
Lenovo seems to have developed a clear two-pronged strategy: for business, it leans on the knowhow and tradition it purchased from IBM with the demure Think line, and for the consumer end, it's developed its own, oftentimes flamboyant, Idea range of computers. Prime example of the latter is the IdeaCentre A300, which features an edge-to-edge glass screen, chrome accenting aplenty, and an unhealthily thin profile. As such, it's one of the more unashamed grabs for the hearts and minds of desktop aesthetes, so we had to bring it in for a test drive and see what we could see. Lenovo also sent us one of its diminutive Multimedia Keyboard remotes to have a play around with. Follow the break for our review of both.%Gallery-95775%%Gallery-95777%
Rock Band 3's gear priced: keytar and Pro guitar sport MIDI out, adapter lets you use any keyboard / electronic drum set
Has your head cooled from all that rock news this morning? Nope? Well, we'd hate to rile you up again, but Mad Catz -- now the official provider of all Rock Band 3 equipment -- has priced its latest arsenal for the upcoming rhythm revival title. There's also a few new details on each instrument, so without further ado: Wireless Keyboard: That MIDI port many of you spotted is for output, letting you plug the two-octave (C3 to C5) velocity-sensitive keytar directly into MIDI sequencers for non-gaming use. It'll set you back $80, with an optional stand to be sold separately (no price given) alongside the game's launch. Buying the keyboard / game bundle will be $130, or about $10 off individual purchases. Oh, and if you want to feel a bit more techno, this puppy can be used as the guitar / bass input. MIDI PRO-Adapter: Want to use your own keyboard or electronic drum set? Here's the mediator you need, from MIDI to USB to console, and it sports the D-pad and other necessary gamepad buttons as well as velocity sensitivity adjustment controls. Asking price is $40. Pro Cymbals Expansion kit: three cymbals, apparently rejiggered from RB2's offerings for quieter play and a pre-defined 10 degree angle. It's $40 for this hi-hat, crash, and ride pack. Wireless Fender Mustang Pro Guitar Controller: Not the Squier hybrid we saw, this one actually sports a multitude of buttons for each string, spanning 17 frets (102 buttons in all). Actual strings are used for the plucking and strumming, and here's something interesting -- the axe has a MIDI output for software sequencers. This behemoth is $150, or approximately 1.5 Benjamins in your local currency. Pictures of each instrument -- and the yet-to-be-priced Squier -- in the gallery below, as well as a few screen caps of Pro mode so you can get an idea how exactly it'll "correct you" on proper Bohemian Rhapsody finger picking. %Gallery-94999%
Fly Mouse takes to the air with QWERTY keyboard, gyro, USB wireless
You know that when we saw this ad we had to take a second look. The Fly Mouse (or, if you prefer Google Translate's version, "Air Flying Squirrel Lazy Mouse," is a wireless keyboard / mouse for HTPCs and the like. With its QWERTY keyboard, arrow keys, and a built in gyro, you'll be Googleing and YouTubeing up a storm, via the 2.4GHz wireless signal. Available for about $50, get a closer look after the break. And while you're at it, maybe you can explain the guy in the cowboy hat?
Microsoft Arc Keyboard now available in white exclusively from Amazon
Microsoft's Arc Keyboard was already quite an eye-catcher in its original black, but we may just have to give the edge to this new white version with lime green accents, which is now exclusively available for pre-order from Amazon. Of course, the color is the only thing that's changed here, with the keyboard still sporting the same slim, arched design, the same tiny 2.4GHz USB transmitter and, unfortunately, the same $59.95 price tag. Still no exact release date just yet, but the keyboard will apparently start shipping out sometime in June.
Eclipse Litetouch wireless touchscreen keyboard clears the FCC, on its way to retail (video)
OK, dudes -- we don't want to freak you out or anything, but the Wireless Litetouch Keyboard has cleared the FCC. Brought to you by Mad Catz, this bad boy (and its wired companion) was first unveiled at CES this year. Featuring an programmable LCD touchscreen with three different sets of "buttons" (number pad, media mode, and the user configurable MyEclipse mode) the latest entry to the Eclipse line has is sure to get admiring looks from the drone in the cubicle across the aisle. Compatible with Mac OS X as well as your many flavors of Windows, this bad boy will be out soon -- wireless for $129, or wired for $99. Jaw-dropping video after the break.
Rii Mini Wireless Keyboard is perfect for your HTPC, not your Wii (video)
For HTPC owners looking for the perfect couch-borne computer keyboard, this Rii Mini Wireless Keyboard looks like Natuzzi nirvana, packing QWERTY (with function keys) and a touchpad all in a package that should fall to the hand more comfortably than that Scientific Atlanta remote your cable company has saddled you with. There's even a laser pointer, making it a snap to indicate strange shapes and symbols seen on Lost episodes -- or to taunt the cats when an episode's fifteenth plot twist leaves you disinterested. We're not sure exactly what Brando means when it says the thing has "iPhone style," but despite that we're liking it, and the $92 $49 price isn't completely outrageous. YouTube video review embedded after the break for the doubters. Update: A few bargain-hunting commenters pointed out that this is available for $48.99 over at TomTop. That's savings you can count on, folks! Update II: Seems the product page has been yanked from TomTop, and one tipster says that the company is no longer replying to requests about his order. Buyer beware.
Rapoo 2900 wireless keyboard sports touchpad, Bluetooth, and that ineffable Rapoo charm
Enough time has passed since the diNovo Edge wireless keyboard debuted that perhaps it's time for a low(er) priced tribute -- a Knickerbockers to Logitech's Beatles, if you will. To that end, check out the Rapoo 2900: it sports a built-in touchpad, a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and docking charger, and a Bluetooth / USB dongle. It's a slight little thing (check out the comparison with a full-sized keyboard after the break) and it'll cost you about $86. The best part? Now you have an excuse to say "Rapoo" over and over again.
MSI brings Cideko's motion-sensing Air Keyboard to a wider audience
Cideko managed to get our attention with its wireless, motion-sensing Air Keyboard last year, but it's been a bit hard to come by for anyone that's not actively seeking it out. MSI now looks set to bring it to an even wider audience, however, as it's now announced it's own rebadged version of the keyboard. No changes apart from a few stylistic ones from the looks of it, with the keyboard still promising a range of 50 meters, 50 hours of use from the battery, and wireless connectivity from the included USB RF dongle. Still no official word on a release over here, unfortunately, but the keyboard should be available in Germany next month for €79 (or just over $100).
