Microsoft has announced two new SideWinder products - the SideWinder X6 Keyboard and the SideWinder X5 Mouse. The SideWinder X6 is apparently the first ever gaming keyboard to feature a switchable key pad that can be attached to either side of the keyboard. The keypad is ideal for both gaming and productivity as it can be used as a regular numeric keypad for business use and a programmable macro pad in gaming mode.

Features of the Microsoft SideWinder X6 gaming keyboard include the following:

• Can store up to 90 macros per game
• Backlighting
• Mode switching lets gamers manually switch between standard mode and either of two gaming modes
• Automatic profile switching detects the application that is running and applies the custom profile
• Cruise control feature which continues an action without the user having to continuously press a key or a set of keys. Use this for up to four keys at a time
• In-game macro record button lets gamers record any sequence of keystrokes - even chat messages. Macros are stored on the hard drive
• WASD gaming keys have front-face lighting for visibility
• Quick-launch key gives one touch access to Windows Vista Games Explorer
• Two color adjustable backlighting

Features of the SideWinder X5 Mouse include:

• Nine-button gaming mouse with vertical side buttons
• Adjustable sensitivity up to 2000 DPI
• Five customizable buttons
• Quick-Launch button launches Windows Vista Games Explorer

The SideWinder X6 Keyboard and the SideWinder X5 Mouse will be available in September with the keyboard going for $79.95 and the mouse going for $59.95. Both products are available for pre-order on Amazon.com now.

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Technorati Tags: Microsoft, SideWinder X5 Mouse, SideWinder X6 Keyboard

Sony also announced a new Wireless Keypad accessory that snaps onto the top of a SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK3 wireless controllers. Features on the this Wireless Keypad include:

• Special mode that turns the main key area into a touch pad - similar to notebook touch pads
• Two short cut buttons on the keyboard that will enabled users to go to XMB’s “Friends” icon and the “Message Box” during gameplay
• Supports Bluetooth which means the keypad can support other Bluetooth enabled devices that have keyboard functionality (smartphones etc)
• Pair and charge via USB cable

The Wireless Keypad will launch in late November.

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Technorati Tags: Sony, PS3 Wireless Keypad

Logitech announces their second generation Cordless Desktop Wave Pro package featuring the Logitech Wave Keyboard and the Logitech MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse. The wireless keyboard/mouse combo supports 2.4 GHz wireless frequencies with a range of 33 feet and the keyboard comes with 128 bit AES encryption for added security.

Features of the Wave Keyboard include:

• Combines three design elements - wave key frame, U-shaped constant curve, and cushioned contoured palm rest
• No learning curve to use the keyboard
• Adjustable keyboard height

Features of the MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse include:

• Designed to support the curved shape of your hand
• Comes with included USB plug
• Allows you to recharge the mouse while you work
• 15 minute charge gives enough power for one day
• 7 hour charge provides up to six weeks of power
• Plug USB cable into included AC adapter and recharge your mouse using wall outlet
• Two scrolling modes
• Eight programmable buttons
• Stealth thumb button for application switching
• Zoom controls allow you to zoom in and out of documents
• Adjustable DPI (up to 1600 dpi)

Now if you’re happy with your existing Wave Keyboard but you want to upgrade the mouse, you can purchase the MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse separately.

The Cordless Desktop Wave Pro will be available in the U.S. starting in October and in Europe beginning in the middle of November. The suggest price is $129.99. The MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse will be available separately in the U.S. starting later this month and in Europe in the middle of September with a suggested retail price of $79.99.

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Technorati Tags: Logitech, Cordless Desktop Wave Pro, MX1100 Cordles Laser Mouse

If there’s one problem with portable wireless mice, it’s typically the USB stick-sized wireless receiver. These receivers are typically just a bit too long which means you’ll need to unplug it when you’re on the go. With the new Logitech V550 Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks, you won’t have to worry about ever removing the receiver. The V550 has a super small receiver that protrudes a mere 8 mm from the side of your notebook. Just plug in the receiver and forget about it.

The V550 Nano cordless laser mouse also comes with a Clip-and-Go dock which allows you to clip the V550 mouse to your notebook and go. Other specs include:

• Up to 18 hours of battery life
• Automatically turns off when docked or when receiver is stored in the mouse
• Scroll wheel can spin freely
• Button below the scroll wheel for switching applications
• 2.4 GHz wireless technology

The V550 Nano is available in two colors - gray with silver accents and silver with cool blue accents. Each mouse comes with two Clip-and-Go docks - one in silver and one in black. The V550 will be available later this month for $59.99.

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Technorati Tags: Logitech V550 Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks

The diNovo Edge keyboard is finally coming to the Mac platform as Logitech announced today their first diNovo keyboard specifically designed for the system. The latest diNovo Edge Mac Edition keyboard features a super slim design measuring 1/2 inch thick, a high-gloss semi-translucent Plexiglass frame, sharp angles, and a soft-orange backlighting. The keyboard comes with an aluminum palm rest along with an anodized silver finish. Other specs include:

• One-touch access to Mail, Safari, iTunes, and other Mac apps
• Power button to turn on your Mac
• TouchDisc allows you to scroll and navigate from your keyboard
• Features Logitech’s PerfectStroke key system which creates a longer key travel at 3.2 mm optimized for comfort
• Charging base - four hour charge gives one month of battery life. 10 minute charge gives one day of use
• Bluetooth wireless support

The Logitech diNovo Edge Mac Edition will be available this month for an MSRP of $159.99.

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Technorati Tags: Logitech, diNovo Edge Mac Edition

Tired of using the Wii-mote to type characters out on the Wii? Then you’ll want to check out the newly announced  Logitech Cordless Keyboard for the Wii. This compact keyboard utilizes full sized keys and comes with several special system keys (Zoom In/Out, Forward/Back, Quit and OK) designed to make life easier with the Wi. The keyboard has a polished white finish which matches the design of the Nintendo Wii and it communicates with the game console using 2.4GHz wireless technology. Expect the keyboard out in August for an MSRP of $49.99.

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Technorati Tags: Logitech Cordless Keyboard for Wii

Dell is taking a page out of Apple’s business model by introducing a new line of bags and accessories dubbed “Designed for Dell”. These are products designed by third party manufacturers that complement the latest Dell PCs such as the Studio laptops that were recently introduced. This is Dell’s attempt to create an industry similar to what we’ve seen with Apple’s iPod/iPhone product line - third party products that accentuate the capabilities of the main product. In this case, we’ve got the new Dell Studio notebook which is just begging for matching case designs, cool looking speakers, hard drives for more storage space, and funky mice. Current manufacturers participating in the Designed for Dell program include:

• Belkin: Backpacks and messenger cases
• Built: Computer sleeves, cargo bags and portfolios
• Creative Labs: Headphones and speakers
• Iomega: Portable hard drives
• Logitech: Mice
• Swiss Gear: Backpacks
• Targus: Messenger cases and accessories bundles

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Technorati Tags: Dell, Designed for Dell, Belkin, Built, Creative Labs, Iomega, Logitech, Swiss Gear, Targus

No this is not a piece of art - it’s the upcoming Microsoft Arc mouse. This wireless mouse features an arc shaped surface with a thin lower section capable of folding into the upper body of the device. Yes.. it’s portable and yes.. it’s actually cool looking. Expect it before the end of the year for a price of $59.99.

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Technorati Tags: Microsoft Arc, Mouse

Are you looking for something a bit more comfortable than a mouse? You might be interested in WOW Technology’s WOW-PEN Joy which is a unique take on the standard computer mouse - essentially turning it into a vertically oriented device that you grip similar to a joystick.

The WOW-PEN Joy is the first device to use a “vertical trajectory and horizontal structure” and significantly reduces soreness in the wrist after long hours of using a mouse. This should definitely be a boon for users who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.

The WOW-PEN Joy utilizes a USB port, measures 72 x 102 x 85mm, weighs 130 grams, has 5 default buttons, a resolution of 800 dpi, and supports all the major OS’s including Windows, OS X, and Linux.

WOW Technology plans on distributing the WOW-PEN Joy globally by the end of July with a retail price in the U.S. of about $30 dollars and about $45 dollars in Europe.

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Technorati Tags: WOW Technology, WOW-PEN Joy

Now here’s a device that I didn’t see Canon building - it’s their new LT-100TKM 3-in-1 mouse.. Yup.. a Canon branded mouse. Ah but it’s not just any old mouse of course. No… Flip open this mouse and you get a full functioned 10 key numeric keypad! That’s right - number crunch to your heart’s content! But wait.. there’s more! Take this mouse with you and it works as a standalone pocket calculator!!

OK.. all kidding aside now, this new Canon mouse appears to be targeting the mobile professional who needs that standalone numeric keypad - probably someone in finance I imagine.

[Check it out via CrunchGear]

Technorati Tags: Canon, LT-100KTM