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.
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IOGEAR's 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboards Enable Comfy and Mobile Home Multimedia Navigation
An optical trackball, scroll wheel and convenient hotkeys make content management a breeze for IOGEAR's two CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Award Honorees.
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. – November 11, 2010 – Continuing its pursuit of convergence through connectivity, IOGEAR today introduced two 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboards with built-in mouse functionality. Designed to accommodate different end users, the GKM571R is a palm-sized keyboard with LED backlight ideal for mobile content management in light or dark rooms. The GKM581R model is larger in form and ergonomically designed for on-lap productivity.
IOGEAR is also pleased to announce that both wireless keyboards are CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Award Honorees in the category of Home Theater Accessories by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®).
Engineered for ergonomics, aesthetics and mobility, IOGEAR's 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboards with Optical Trackball and Scroll Wheel provide a comfortable solution for managing multimedia content up to 33 feet away, whether stationary or on the move. Media servers, home theater PCs or HDTV set ups can all be managed from lap or hand, no matter which direction a user is facing.
Integrating full mouse functionality was pivotal to IOGEAR so both keyboards feature built-in left and right mouse buttons and an optical trackball with 400, 800 or 1200 DPI selections for scrolling directly from the keyboard. To further ease navigation, there are multimedia shortcuts (hotkeys) at the top of each keyboard for a quick transition between Internet Browsers, email, Media Player, volume control and more.
GKM581R
Using the human form as a model, IOGEAR's GKM581R all-in-one keyboard is designed with a slip resistant rubber bottom and contoured form to sit comfortably on laps of all shapes and sizes, eliminating awkward leaning and unnatural contorting. The wireless keyboard serves as an ideal productivity solution for PC to TV setups, as well as media center applications and game consoles like the PS3™ and Xbox 360.
GKM571R
Designed to fit comfortably in one hand, the GKM571R mini wireless keyboard is more compact and ideal for mobile content management in the home. An added feature is the LED backlight that allows for use in a dark room with the benefit of an auto on/off control for battery saving. The hand-held model also has an auto on/off lid that provides protection for the keyboard.
"By simply plugging in the included USB RF receiver, our 2.4GHz Wireless On-Lap Keyboard enables consumers to instantly navigate their preferred multimedia content from the comfort of their couch," states Bill Nguyen, director of marketing for IOGEAR. "With advanced ergonomic design and 2.4GHz technology, this keyboard is the optimal solution for enhancing any home entertainment setup. We are proud that CEA has recognized IOGEAR's contribution to the growing home theater accessories segment."
IOGEAR's 2.4GHz Wireless Keyboards will be shipping late in Q4, 2010.
MSRP of the GKM571R is $99.95. MSRP of the GKM581R is $89.95.
