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December 1st, 2008, 11:39 GMT · By

The Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard

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Laser for the future input devices
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Some might say that there will be a day when we'll no longer need keyboards like the one we're using everyday with our computers. And it might be completely true, especially after taking a good look at new input devices created to replace the old-fashioned keyboards – the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard is the perfect example demonstrating that such a future isn't at all fantasy talk.

 

Lasers play a serious role in this industry these days and they're also behind the working principle of the gadget we’re about to present as follows. We're dealing with a small and convenient laser projector you can easily stow away in your bag.

 

Once set in place and turned on, this gadget will project a laser contour of a normal QWERTY keyboard on any flat surface. And if the protrusions on this surface are less than 1mm in height, the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard can ignore them and detect correctly your moves. You'll get a good contrast in pretty much any lighting conditions, when luminosity does not exceed 600 lux and, as you type, the gadget will also emit the sound of a traditional keyboard.

 

This laser keyboard is quite convenient since it comes with no wires: it communicates with other devices using Bluetooth v1.1 class 2 sporting a 9m operating range. The built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery can deliver up to 120 minutes of continuous typing; still we're not sure whether the supplied wall adapter can be used to keep it plugged in all the time, but most likely it is, otherwise having to switch keyboards makes for a real setback.

 

A small pack doing the magic
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Reportedly, the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard has a 400 characters per minute detection rate and can be hooked up to both Macs and PCs and with a horde of PDAs and smartphones/pocket PCs. The manufacturers have prepared drivers only for Windows, wile Apple computers have been left aside: this means that Mac customers won't be able to customize their own keyboard shortcuts and this could also diminish sales, if commercial evaluations are to be considered.

 

It remains to be seen how the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard handles daily tasks over extended periods of time. And maybe some price adjustments could also be operated since you must fork out $160 if you want it now. More tech details here.

 

We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .

Excellent contrast in dark environments
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Flat, opaque and non-reflective surfaces work excellently with the laser virtual keyboard
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Small dimensions make a handy device
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READER COMMENTS:


Comment #1 by: Calvin on 01 Dec 2008, 14:51 UTC reply to this comment

A new store opened up where I live selling that, and let people demo it. Unfortunately, it wouldn't pair with a Ubuntu-running Shuttle KPC. (darn bluethooth, this why I prefer USB) It did make its clicking sounds though.


Comment #2 by: Florin Tibu on 01 Dec 2008, 14:55 UTC reply to this comment

It appears that the clicking sound is made as motion is detected; therefore once you "type" a letter, this triggers the sound. Indeed, no support for anything besides Win, Mac and Symbian announced.

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