CNET's Review of the VKB Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://reviews.cnet.com/VKB_Bluetooth_Virtual_Keyboard/4505-6460_7-31293682-2.html?tag=tab' target='_blank'>http://reviews.cnet.com/VKB_Bluetoo...-2.html?tag=tab</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Sure to turn heads, this ultracool gadget projects a full-size "virtual" keyboard on your desk or any flat surface using lasers, one of which projects the keyboard image, while the other senses the touched keys. We garnered a number of oohs and aahs from passers-by as we used the keyboard while on the go throughout our test period. Sadly, looks and concept alone don't make a good product, and the BTVKB suffers from a flakey setup that would lead us to take a pass on the keyboard at this time."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050120-BTVKB.jpg" /><br /><br />These virtual keyboards never seem to give up without a fight. Despite the huge "cool" factor generated from using it, CNET found it to be "dodgy" and generally not worth the amount you'd spend on it. If you were seriously considering purchasing a virtual keyboard for your Pocket PC, it may be a good idea to check out what CNET have to say. Bottom line - it's "poor".

[Sven Johannsen]

Interesting that there is a fairly significant rebuttal available. One thing that stands out for me is that the review says they are $150, but there is an ad for it for $199 next to the review, and I can't find it anywhere for less. Doesn't seem like the reviewer did much homework.

Guess I'd really like this to work. For $100 I'd give it a shot. for $150 it would need some half decent reviews for me to part with my money. For $200 though, it's a non-starter.

On the product site it mentions that it supports the HID profile. Would be intersting to see if it works for someone with an iPAQ that has the BT headphones. That driver installation adds an HID profile.

[DaleReeck]

I think as a standalone device, virtual keyboards are a waste. However, if they could integrate them into the PDA or phone itself, then you would have something.

For instance, if standing the PDA upright at a slight angle, the emmitter (looking just like a plain old IR port) would point downwards to a spot right in front of the PDA. Now that would be cool :)

[Sven Johannsen]

I think as a standalone device, virtual keyboards are a waste.

What if you could buy one and use it on both PPCs, your Smartphone, and your Tablet PC, for those instances you would like a keyboard for entry.

Granted if they all had it integrated that would be cool, but I don't neccessarily want to pay for the technology 4 times.