Elecom Unveils New Projection Keyboard

[btarunr]

Yesteryears' tradeshow queen, projection keyboards are seeping into the markets. Elecom is one of those propagating it. The Japanese company unveiled TK-PBL042BK, a wireless projection keyboard. All it requires is a flat surface (such as a desk top), and for the host to support Bluetooth or USB interfaces. The keyboard follows a host interface model that's natively supported by iOS and Android.

With PCs, it works over common Bluetooth HID driver model. Apart from Bluetooth, the device can also connect to a host over USB, and work as a USB HID keyboard, while charging its battery. The device projects a keyboard onto a flat surface, and tracks your fingers pressing against the projected buttons. Measuring 38.0 x 29.0 x 75.0 mm, it weighs 77 g without battery. The rechargeable battery supports up to two hours of continuous use. Slated for early-April, the TK-PBL042BK from Elecom is priced at 28,875 JPY (US $352).



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[BumbleBee]

rad

 

[meirb111]

only 2 hours you will have to recharge this many times not good at all

 

[stupido]

Now we need to see that projector integrated into the phone/tablet...

 

[alick]

well someone is working on the phone with a projected keyboard!

http://mozillalabs.com/conceptseries/2010/09/23/seabird/

 

[FreedomEclipse]

only 2 hours you will have to recharge this many times not good at all

IMO its not too bad for the first of its kind. and come on....Its not as if youre gonna be using it to type out a 50page essay on an iphone or pad while sitting in a cafe, youd most likely have an ultrabook or at least a netbook if you planned to do a shit load of typing.

this is fine for doing emails/twitter/facebook & updating blogs while on the move where you might be only stopping for 15-30mins for food while on the road.

but I can kinda agree. 2hrs is a little short but you'll be back home before it runs out anyway unless youre a fugitive on the run from goverment organisation or the mafia.

Dont forget you can you buy external batteries like the Anker Astro to keep it charged if you really need to.

 

[keling]

Funny. A week ago and friend and I were just talking about this technology and how it might be a game changer if it merged into mobile devices.

 

[FreedomEclipse]

Funny. A week ago and friend and I were just talking about this technology and how it might be a game changer if it merged into mobile devices.

I would prefer THIS over a projected keyboard but each gadget is equally as cool.....I just prefer to the ability to go around shouting "ITS OVER NINE THOUSSSAAAAAAND!!!" randomly at people and not look like a total tard while doing it, not to forget how incredibly useful a HUD display could be if you could customise the layout and take video calls through it

 

[[H]@RD5TUFF]

Saw this at CES it's an impressive piece of tech.

 

[meirb111]

IMO its not too bad for the first of its kind. and come on....Its not as if youre gonna be using it to type out a 50page essay on an iphone or pad while sitting in a cafe, youd most likely have an ultrabook or at least a netbook if you planned to do a shit load of typing.

this is fine for doing emails/twitter/facebook & updating blogs while on the move where you might be only stopping for 15-30mins for food while on the road.

but I can kinda agree. 2hrs is a little short but you'll be back home before it runs out anyway unless youre a fugitive on the run from goverment organisation or the mafia.

Dont forget you can you buy external batteries like the Anker Astro to keep it charged if you really need to.

i am talking about using it with a desktop computer it will be very irritating if you will have to
charge it twice in one day or more...

 

[TUngsten]

Mmmmm, I'll keep my Cherry MX switches!

 

[FreedomEclipse]

i am talking about using it with a desktop computer it will be very irritating if you will have to
charge it twice in one day or more...

not at all....you can plug it in via usb and it will popup as a HiD device in device manager.

I think something like this is more for mobile use i.e sitting in a cafe, restaurant or pub then for use with desktops

 

[digibucc]

i am talking about using it with a desktop computer it will be very irritating if you will have to
charge it twice in one day or more...

if you are using it with a destop, just plug it in. problem solved. shouldn't batteries just last forever instead?

 

[Bjorn_Of_Iceland]

now thats water proof.

 

[FreedomEclipse]

now thats water proof.

not really... the unit would most probably stop working if you poured hot tea or coffee on it just like any other non virtual keyboard

 

[meirb111]

if you are using it with a destop, just plug it in. problem solved. shouldn't batteries just last forever instead?

not if your 2 meters from the computer

 

[xBruce88x]

how well does it work on a glass table top?