Laser Keyboards

imported_8Ball · 08-20-04, 10:48 AM

I saw a virtual laser keyboard on a gadget program on TV today. The thing uses a laser to project a keyboard layout on a flat surface and then scans where you touch.

Has anybody got any info on where you can buy these things in the UK, if they're compatible with Ipaqs and if they're any good?

Thanks
Ryan

benn600 · 08-20-04, 11:30 AM

That would be absolutely too cool. I'm not kidding - way too cool. I'm at school and getting ready to take notes and then all of a sudden, this laser shines a keyboard on my desk area! First of all, I don't think it would work really good because the laser couldn't see the bottom row of keys. Also, it would probably be really expensive and you would probably lose finger positions a lot. Like I said - too cool!

wzielenski · 08-20-04, 11:45 AM

See this link http://www.ipaqhq.com/forums/showthr...aser+keyboards for a detailed discussion on this subject

MAD4IT · 08-20-04, 05:19 PM

I think I saw the same prog but wasn't paying too much attention as I had already read the "vapourware thread"

They were however on www.expansys.co.uk for a short while 99 GBP, then it showed discontinued now it appears to have benn pulled completely.

imported_Pony99CA · 08-20-04, 06:01 PM

iBiz says they're working with another virtual keyboard manufacturer. I'll believe it when I see it.

As I've said in other places, the Virtual Keyboard is high on "cool factor" but seems low on usability. I'd rather have a Bluetooth foldable keyboard.

Steve

MAD4IT · 08-20-04, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Pony99CA

iBiz says they're working with another virtual keyboard manufacturer. I'll believe it when I see it.

As I've said in other places, the Virtual Keyboard is high on "cool factor" but seems low on usability. I'd rather have a Bluetooth foldable keyboard.

Steve

Must admit I really want one but I think that's just the geek in me talking.

I agree entirely about usabaility and BT is probably the way to go.

This link also looks interesting www.vkb-tech.com, there is some info about how the technology works (not a lot) and some info about a Siemens phone with the technology embedded. Pretty cool.

http://www.gizmo.com.au/public/News/...articleid=2864 - This link indicates future compatibility with the iPAQ 5550

So maybe we will see something on the market in the near future.

imported_RobertS · 08-20-04, 07:03 PM

The VKB is highly unlikely to ever see the light of day. iBiz is now saying that they will be marketing one from Virtual Devices but careful research indicate they are no where near production. In addition, the solution has a lot of technical problems revolving around finger location and the fact that no VKB supports touch typing - Hunt & Peck only.

To read more on the whole ugly story search for iBiz threads at www.smartmobileassets.com.

Society · 08-20-04, 10:41 PM

While the geek in me loves the idea, the more practical side of me sees nothing but problems. But it making it work and then having users adjust to typing on nothing. All I can say is spell checkers will need to be more refined to pick up all the typo's.

~Soc

Rainman1976 · 08-21-04, 09:01 AM

I have a review on this thing in one of the mobile computing magazines I bought. basically, the said it was a great idea, but it was not implemented well. Because there is no tactile touch, you are forced to perform 2 finger typing. It does make an audible noise when you touch one of the virtual keys, but that's about it.

Nirvana · 08-23-04, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by benn600

First of all, I don't think it would work really good because the laser couldn't see the bottom row of keys. Also, it would probably be really expensive and you would probably lose finger positions a lot.

i'll have to agree with you. it would be quite hard to type. the sound of typing, and the feel is not going to be the same and that might mess you up...

allklrnoflr · 08-23-04, 08:43 PM

What's this? Do we have another VKB?

http://www.internity.co.uk/vkb.asp

M3ta7h3ad · 08-23-04, 10:26 PM

I might buy that one next month

depends on how much I get paid... but I can certainly see myself buying it.

Quote:

The I.TECH Virtual Keyboard (VKB) is an infrared keyboard that uses the latest infrared & laser technology to project a full-size keyboard onto any flat surface. Users can then type as normal on this virtual infrared keyboard,

hmm... as normal eh!

... thought all VKB's were hunt and peck. :S

M3ta7h3ad · 08-23-04, 10:31 PM

Eh...

Quote:

With Integrated Bluetooth and WLAN 802 - the H2210 is fully equipped to meet all your connectivity needs. You can even print to compatible local printers via Bluetooth or your infra red port. Expandability is not likely to be a problem either - this Pocket PC features SDIO and CF slots to increase storage and functionality. So the H2210 can grow as your needs and requirements do.

hmm... am I lacking in some department as my 2210 doesnt have wifi installed. and at £389!!?!?!? thats a bloody expensive pda. well if I can find another place that sells it... then maybe I'll consider buying it, but that site just looks dodgy.

Howard2k · 08-23-04, 11:38 PM

Gee, any particular one of the 802 specifications??

imported_RobertS · 08-24-04, 02:10 AM

The I Tech VKB is the same VKB that iBiz was flogging originally made by VKB inc. It is strictly hunt and peck (ignore their palaver) and I have yet to hear from anyone who actually purchased one. A few review models were passed around at CeBit two years ago and Dave Ciccone was given one to keep a couple months ago when he wrote a review meant to prove they were really going to be sold.

Since then the product that Dave "reviewed" was dropped by iBiz, they signed an agreement to market a Virtual Keyboard from another company, Virtual Devices Inc who apparently have little more then a single prototype nowhere near production, one patent and lots of photoshopped pictures on a terrible website. Since that announcment the SEC has announced they are investigating and likely will be prosecuting iBiz management on undisclosed charges. Considering that due to a previous SEC violation for paying a stock analyst to write an "independent" recommendation that iBiz was a stock to buy, iBiz was warned to watch themselves regarding press contacts and releases. They did not watch themselves, however, since a long series of PRs were at best ludicrously optomistic, at worst blatant lies.

Again, I have not heard of anyone actually possessing the I Tech keyboard in any form...except of course for Dave Ciccone.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password

Other PocketPC Devices - Compare Axims to others or just talk about others.