02-01-2005, 12:00 AM
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Developer & Designer, News Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,959
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Dave's iPAQ Reviews the iTech Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard
"A new era of wireless mobile communications is about to begin with the introduction of the world's first wireless Virtual Keyboard by iTECH. The Bluetooth VKB is an enhanced version of their Virtual Keyboard (VKB), which is a tiny device slightly larger than a pack of gum that projects a full-size keyboard on any flat surface through a unique system using infrared technology. Truly, we are about to enter into an era of unprecedented convenience!"
Jack, over at Dave's iPAQ, managed to have a look at the iTech Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard I posted on a week ago. Are any of you interested in purchasing this accessory?
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02-01-2005, 12:23 AM
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Oracle
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 841
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Interesting... I remember correctly that was one of the few sites that also posted a review of the ill fater iBiz Laser virtual Keyboard. I wonder if this is the cause of the demiss of the product :twisted:
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02-01-2005, 12:34 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 181
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Hmm... I think I'll stick to my ThinkOutside BT keyboard... This is a neat concept though. Maybe more competition will drive the costs of other BT keyboards down... 
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02-01-2005, 12:50 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29
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Not sure I like any of these virtual keyboards. Who wants to tap on the table top? :?
Looks like Dave really likes it though based on the comments at Gizmodo. :lol:
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02-01-2005, 12:56 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 204
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ok, I know that this is bleeding edge, but I would still expect to see $224.99 in the Con section 
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02-01-2005, 01:39 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 797
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I just wouldn't want it, period. It seems silly to me, to be honest.
It's almost in polar opposition to what the trend in PDA keyboards is. They're getting more touch-typable, while this thing is out there that basically requires you to look at it to type.
Nice wowie kazowie neato skeato buzz type toy, but beyond that, I think its use is seriously limited.
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02-01-2005, 01:45 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 355
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I suppose 'never-say-never' is probably in order here, but there are a few things that I question about this device that I don't see mentioned in this review...
As 24va mentions, I see the $225 as a huge con - sure, this may be bleeding edge, but this is a pretty deep cut! :lol: Seriously, that is a lot of money for a keyboard, and when I consider the pause I had about $100 for a Dell BT keyboard, $225 is not even a consideration.
Given the tall, slender shape, how well will this device 'stand up' on less than perfect surfaces. I can imagine trying to use this on an airplane, with the movement of the tray table causing this to constantly tip over while in mid sentence.
Dave sure seems to rave about his typing experience with this device, but admits he is not much of a touch typist. I seriously wonder how this can compare to a conventional keyboard, where you can find your home position by feel, and the resistance of the keys is part of the experience. Wouldn't 'touch-typing' on a table top be hard on your fingers, causing carpal tunnel, repetitive stress syndrome, or something similar to set in fairly quickly? You may argue that this is intended for casual use, but the price certainly takes it out of that realm in a hurry for a lot of us.
I don't know....I may have to eat crow later on this issue, but I seriously question the overall efficiency of something like this. The "WOW" factor certainly can't be ignored, but for that kind of money, I'd rather shop for a PMP or other, more useful device.....
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02-01-2005, 02:57 AM
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Theorist
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 267
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I would definitely spring for one of these! But no more than $150. So it's only novelty for the time being. 
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02-01-2005, 03:08 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 14
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mcsouth
Actually it is quite surprising to see how stable it is. The position of the sensors inside and their weight give the device great stability. I would not be concerned about it tipping over in a plane...actually if that ever happened, I'd be more concerned if we were going to make it.
It is a different feel but you become used to it very quickly. And no, there is no pain in my fingers�you would be surprised how well it works. There is a �click� sound that you can enable that gives a similar feeling you get when type on a regular keyboard. It�s pretty cool actually.
Jack
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02-01-2005, 07:19 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 191
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for the price no thanks... but awesome idea... integrate these things cheaply in the future and we have a whole new level of convenience... sure it isn't going to be as nice as a real keyboard but you can use a real one if you have it and the virtual one when you don't have the space. I mean I carry my ppc around naked in my pocket and 99.9% of the time have absolutely no room to carry a keyboard around so something like this (at a cheaper price point would be awesome)... maybe in like 2-3 years!
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Linear Mode
