MobileKeyboard
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Microsoft outs Bluetooth-enabled Sculpt Touch Mouse, matching Sculpt Mobile Keyboard
Lots of hardware news coming out of Microsoft today. No, not that kind of hardware; just a lot of mice (and keyboards, too). In addition to that spiffy Wedge mouse and keyboard, the company just announced two products as part of a new "Sculpt" line. First up, there's the Sculpt Touch Mouse, which isn't all that different from this, except it works over Bluetooth, as opposed to a USB dongle. Unlike last year's Touch Mouse, which got a software update today, this doesn't have a full touch surface so much as a touch strip, so complex three-fingered gestures are out. Still, you can use it to swipe up and down, and from side to side. And, like other products in Microsoft's lineup, it has BlueTrack technology, which allows it to be used on almost any surface. Interestingly, you'll need Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows RT to use it, meaning Vista users are outta luck. Meanwhile, the Sculpt Mobile Keyboard is similar to last year's Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000, only this time around it has hotkeys specific to Windows 8. Both products will be available "soon," and will retail for $49.95.%Gallery-161070%
Microsoft intros Wedge Mobile Keyboard, whose case doubles as a stand
As we've seen, there will be no shortage of tablet / laptop hybrids on offer when Windows 8 starts shipping this fall. But since those keyboard docks will typically be sold separately, that means you're also about to see loads of third-party alternatives. Not to be left out, Microsoft just announced a Bluetooth mobile keyboard, along with its smallest-ever mouse -- both of which can be used with any Windows tablet. Starting with that Wedge Mobile Keyboard, it resembles Zaggmate's iPad case from 2010, in that it has a hard case to make it more travel-resilient. Here, though, the casing is made of flexible rubber, allowing it to double as a tablet stand. Putting it over the keys also turns the keyboard off, allowing you to conserve battery life. On board, you'll also find hotkeys specific to certain Windows 8 features, such as the Charms Bar. And, as the name suggests, the keyboard rises a bit in the back, thanks to the battery door on the other side (this takes two AAA cells, by the way.) One caveat: though you can use it with Windows 7, 8 and RT, and even Mac OS X, it's not compatible with Vista. Sorry, folks. In a similar vein, the tiny Wedge Touch Mouse has a matching soft-touch surface and is also Bluetooth-enabled. Like other mice in Microsoft's lineup, it has BlueTrack technology, allowing it to be used on a wide variety of surfaces. The mouse, which runs on a single AA battery, also shuts down whenever you power down whatever device it's paired with. These products will ship "soon," according to Microsoft, with the keyboard retailing for $79.95 and the mouse going for $69.95. For now, we've got a bunch of photos below for your viewing pleasure.%Gallery-161072%%Gallery-161098%
Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000: the perfect travel keyboard?
Earlier this year, one of our dear readers wrote in asking the collective audience which wireless keyboard was the best out there for their living room. We've since seen all variations of that very inquiry, but the most common one was this: "what's the best wireless keyboard for travel?" As more and more users resort to netbooks for getting things done on the go, more and more users are pulling their hair out as they attempt to bang out this month's sales report on an 85 percent full-size keyboard. A few months back, Microsoft let loose a new Bluetooth 'board that seemed perfect for the weary-eyed jetsetter, and we've been toying with it for the last little while. It's easily one of the thinnest and lightest keyboards we've seen, and the carry-along-or-don't numeric pad is certainly a nice touch. But is this slab of circuitry really what your digits need when typing on the go? Hop on past the break for a few of our impressions. %Gallery-80363%
Microsoft's Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000: barely thicker than a stack of hundies
It'd be downright appalling to ever tote around a keyboard that's thicker than your current laptop, and you can bet the suits in Redmond recognize that. To that end, Microsoft has introduced this ultraslim Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000, which is just barely thicker than an AAA battery at the rear. Naturally, the curved board gets even thinner as it slopes toward the front, though it's the optional number pad that really steals the show in terms of cuteness. The BT-only device utilizes a so-called Comfort Curve design to keep your wrists from cramping up after a few lines of text, and if you're interested in claiming one as your own, get ready to shell out $89.95 when it ships next month. Oh, and as for that number pad? $44.95. Yeah, ouch. [Via HotHardware]
I-O Data rolls out mobile Bluetooth keyboard
Think that keyboard on your subnote is cramped? Try blasting out 115 words-per-minute on this thing. I-O Data has just revealed an absurdly diminutive new keyboard with built-in Bluetooth that has a real thing for hooking up with handsets. Nah, it's not nearly as cool as having a 'board on your crotch, but it's a respectable (and way more modest) alternative.[Via Pocket-lint]
iKey intros rugged, mobile keyboard with LED-backlit keys
Sure, we've seen our fair share of rugged input peripherals, but iKey's FT-86-911-TP hits a niche that isn't often covered. This ruggedized mobile unit is resistant to spills and sealed to IP55 specifications, and the universal mounting holes make it ideal for placement in "police, emergency, transport, service, and marine vehicles." Notably, this here device also boasts a built-in trackpad, a one-touch emergency key, and LED-backlit keys in case you're left typing after hours. No word yet on pricing nor availability, but considering just how expensive one of its rebadged siblings is, don't count on it coming cheap.
New 'quicker than QWERTY' mobile keypad spotted
We thought the mobile universe was content with the standard 12-key mobile keypad and QWERTY mobile keyboard layouts (and LCD ones too) that inhabit almost every normal handset and smartphone these days. Don't tell this to Zacod, which has unveiled a new concept keyboard for mobiles called the "zk –m100." It's no regular concept, as Zacod's explanation here is that mobile customers use a "3-axis principle" to get that input into that handset. In addition to a version of the concept make for touchscreen smartphones and normal cellphone keypads, Zacod claims that faster input than even a standard 107-key QWERTY computer keyboard can be achieved. Big claims there, eh Zacod? The "guessing and spinning" input concept is indeed unique, but we have yet to try this out to check Zacod's claims.
