Ultimate Finger Friendly Keyboard - only £119.99

The Mailman · 28-01-2008, 11:43 AM

Laser Key Projection Keyboard

Manufacturer: Celluon

• Projects a virtual keyboard to any flat surface to allow traditonal input through a QWERTY style keyboard
• This laser keyboard is compact in size due to the integration of the keyboard directly into your device
• Has a portable and compact design thats the size of your mobile phone
• Allows you to input data fast and accurately as a result of the large keys
• Comfortable to use, the laser keyboard reduces the risk of wrist strain associated with similar types
• It operates by optically tracking finger movements and provides a dual mouse and keyboard function
• Can be used with both your PC and your PDA and is compaible with:
• Windows Mobile™ pocket PC and Smart Phone edition
• Palm OS
• Blackberry
• Symbian
• Windows XP/2000 or higher

See it here

tonybro · 28-01-2008, 11:48 AM

Seen these before and they do look intriguing but I really wonder whether you can always find a flat surface to project onto and whether the price justifies itself.....

waveydavey · 28-01-2008, 12:54 PM

I'd like to have a go with one to see how good it is.

pieman · 28-01-2008, 01:18 PM

got to agree with you on the flat surface thing, Tonybro. it bugs me hugely that my stowaway keyboard has no rigidity, and needs a flat surface. when I set it up on the train, with the ameo behind it, the space it all takes up I might as well be using a laptop.

A couple of interesting and related gizmodo links from the last couple of weeks.

Nokia's patent for a virtual keyboard *without* using a projector

and a very wee projector component from 3M, intended for mobiles. Its led rather than laser though.

Interface, particularly input devices has always struck me as a crucial area of PPC/PDA design. I'm currently favouring handwriting recognition and small full onboard keyboard, ala Psion5, HTC Shift, which obviously has an implication on the size of the gadget.

I still think there is mileage in a well designed, ergonomic chording keyboard like the twiddler, or possibly the frogpad, though that is primarily a one handed keyboard really needing a flat surface.
the Twiddler is currently out of manufacture, and there is a question mark over whether there will be a twiddler 3.
Both of these devices suffer from a very shallow speed/learning curve: My experience is that you can learn to type with the twiddler very quickly, but it takes a long time to build up any speed. You are supposed to be able to hit 40wpm plus, but I think you need to be very determined!

tariqbamadhaj · 28-01-2008, 05:45 PM

It sure looks cool and maybe something that I would use with a desktop for the WOW factor.

tonybro · 28-01-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tariqbamadhaj

It sure looks cool and maybe something that I would use with a desktop for the WOW factor.

I could understand it's use for a desktop in scenarios where image is important or security where you can remove the keyboard by taking the little projector unit with you!

dmr54 · 28-01-2008, 08:09 PM

For me obviously the not always having a flat surface is an issue, but more than that I'm just not sure I could get used to tapping on the desk when it was on, I do like to feel the keys.

fowljr · 29-01-2008, 08:09 PM

I had a go on one of these at Orlando airport last year, while it did work, I found it a bit hit and miss.. The salesman tried his best to sell me one but I didn't bite!

windows · 29-01-2008, 08:12 PM

Sorry??!!!! Is that really you Jim - didn't buy?

fowljr · 29-01-2008, 08:21 PM

Yeah, tis' true, it was far too hit & miss for my liking, and as most of the time I'm not near a flat surface, I'm not sure what use I would have made of it!!

Another point is that all overtime has been stopped again, so, I guess my spending habits will have to be curtailed slightly on the gadget front!