Time Online Review I-Tech Virtual Keyboard; Available in UK

[Jonathon Watkins]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,14935-1376114,00.html' target='_blank'>http://entertainment.timesonline.co...1376114,00.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"This ingenious virtual keyboard is a great space-saving device designed for mobile business. The compact, rechargeable unit uses infrared and laser light technology to project a trapezium-shaped keyboard onto any flat surface, allowing you to type away as normal. Every keystroke is accompanied by a sound effect, reassuring you that the system has successfully registered your character. The sensitivity of the keyboard can be tailored to individual preferences using the menus on the device you have attached."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/0,,162892,00.jpg" /><br /><br />Yes, the Virtual Keyboard saga continues. 'The Times Online' have 'reviewed' and recommended the I-Tech Virtual Keyboard. It costs £99.99 in the UK and can be bought from <a href="http://www.internity.co.uk/vkb.asp">this website</a>, which includes more details and pictures. The Times verdict was that the I-Tech was a light saber crossed with a typewriter. :huh: OK - if that works for you. <br /><br />At Pocket PC Thoughts we've had <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30391&amp;">mixed feelings</a> about these virtual keyboards, to put it mildly ;-). Isn't it funny the way life works out? Just as I was about to post this news, a colleague walked across to my desk and handed me an I-Tech Virtual Keyboard he'd just bought. I used it for a few minutes and it certainly is an odd experience. It response seemed rather flighty, but that could be because it's not been calibrated for my hand movements. My colleague then explained why he is returning it. The main problem for him was the flimsy wired connection you have to attach each time you want to use the device with your PPC. He found it unworkable and has just heard that there is a Bluetooth version coming, so back to the shop it's going. The whole virtual keyboard thing is just odd on so many levels. :lol:

[Jonathan1]

Yah know I find it telling that up til now I have not seen one. One solitary picture of this device working in real life. Not a mock-up photo but an honest to god working picture. Now I'm not going to call this device Bigfoot but I do detect the hint of wet fur. :lol:

[the Sender]

well, think of it as a concept, not judging the flaws it may have now, eg. batt usage, wiring, but:

-it cannot get defected by coffee ;-)
-you're child cannot molest it (besides the tabletop ;-) )
-it can be used for other molest sensitive objects (eg. cash machine)
-under water
-layout can be interactive (keys lighting up)
-layout for disabled people (think of it!)
-independant language support
-usable for by-and-by interfaces such as programmable dvd recorders, field equipment
-etc..

battery usage: we hurrying towards the fuel cell age; just wait and see.
wireless; also just wait.

[Sven Johannsen]

Yah know I find it telling that up til now I have not seen one. One solitary picture of this device working in real life. Not a mock-up photo but an honest to god working picture. Now I'm not going to call this device Bigfoot but I do detect the hint of wet fur. :lol:

Actually there was video of it being shown on TechTv, or some such show, when the original one was floating around. There were a significant number of pre-view/review models around it seems. I think the basic concept has been proven, and it doesn't seem that tough for them to produce a sample. I think it would be much more compeling if it attached via BT, but then only if PPCs started coming with HID profiles, rather than having to load a new driver. Tablet PC (slate style) or OQO/Flipstart would seem like great partners for this to me.

[Paragon]

Well, I used a *real* one by another manufacturer at CES last year, and I was rather impressed. I'm not a touch typist, and I only use a few fingers so that may have lead to the more positive experience I had.

In all honesty I see huge potential for this technology. Given time and development I'm sure that one day we will see this built in to future handheld devices. The whole thing has been pretty flakey so far, but it seems to have been a result of poor management in the past by those trying to bring it to market. Hopefully I-Tech will do it right.

Dave

[Jonathon Watkins]

Guys, this thing is in the shops now. This is not a prototype. True it is a version 1 and Bluetooth will really mae a difference, but it is no longer vaporware.

[rmasinag]

I was thinking of purchasing that Brando KB too............

If they come out with the BT version..........Heck yah I'll pick up one.

I'd figure this would be handy in grad school, with my planned purchase of a PPC phone (cmon iMate Jam drop down to $600 danigt!), maybe the 6300 from HP.

But at the same time I'm glad I have my 2210, so I can justify my purchase of HP BT Headphones for christmas!! :)

[jlp]

@ £99 that's almost $200 8O

For that price you can get a REAL keyboard that needs no wire (BT or infrared) and up to double its price in spare change... and the battery will likely last you longer :D

[jonathanchoo]

I rather have a proper keyboard even if its still IrDA. It might draw admiring glances (says The Times) but its still a gimmick. I played with it in a shop and don't like it one bit.

Anyway I don't trust The Times.

[Jonathon Watkins]

I rather have a proper keyboard even if its still IrDA. It might draw admiring glances (says The Times) but its still a gimmick. I played with it in a shop and don't like it one bit.

I would also have a real keyboard rather than this. The lack of tactile feedback was disconcerting and I think a long typing session could be painful. I can see instances where a virtual keyboard would be useful, but for general purpose text entry for most PPC users, a real IR or BT keyboard would be a better solution.[/url]