If you’ve been longing for a physical keyboard on the iPhone, then you’re in luck. Toronto-based Mobile Mechatroncis has introduced the first attachable keyboard for the iPhone called the “iTwinge”.

Originally designed as a training device for the iPhone’s virtual keyboard, the iTwinge became so popular that no one wanted to go back to the virtual keyboard. Who can really blame them? There’s nothing like a physical tactile keyboard!

The iTwinge comes in a sleeve-like form factor which you slide onto the bottom of the iPhone, turn-on, and then start typing.

The company is now accepting pre-orders on the website for $34.99 (which includes $5.00 dollars for shipping and handling so it’s really $29.99) with shipments expected to begin on November 19th.

[Check it out via NY Times]

Technorati Tags: iTwinge, iPhone keyboard, Mobile Mechatronics

Logitech extends their gamer oriented G-series product lineup with the introduction of three new products – the Logitech G19 keyboard for gaming, the Logitech G35 surround sound headset, and the Logitech G9x laser mouse. Here’s what you need to know about the three new products.

Logitech G19 Keyboard for Gaming

• First Logitech keyboard to feature color GamePanel LCD
• 320 x 240 pixel display provides in-game information for over 60 games
• Screen can also show VoIP communication data, clock, CPU load, or other non-gaming specific information such as pictures or video
• 12 fully programmable G keys with three macros per key – resulting in 36 commands per game
• Multi-key input functionality allows you to engage up to 5 keys at the same time
• Game Mode switch which can disable the Windows key during game play
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• Available in March for $199.99

Logitech G35 Surround Sound Headset

• First Logitech headset to offer 7.1 surround sound
• Powered by second generation Dolby Headphone technology
• Reduces ambient noise thanks to proprietary ear-enclosing design
• Adjustable noise-canceling microphone
• Use included software to morph your voice with six options – cyborg, giant, mutant, space squirrel, troll and alien
• Includes three G keys on left earpiece for one-touch command over voice morphing
• On-ear audio controls for quick access to volume, microphone mute, and surround sound adjustments
• Three swappable headbands – thin, thick, and contoured designs
• Supports Dolby Pro Logic II
• Available in March for $129.99

Logitech G9x Laser Mouse

• Provides precision at any hand speed ( up to 150 inches per second )
• On-the-fly adjustable dpi from 200 to 5000 dpi
• Two interchangeable snap-on grids lets you choose the best fit and feel
• On-board memory for up to five ready-to-play profiles
• Weight-tuning system provides up to 28 grams of extra weight
• Custom color LEDs let you match the mouse to your personal preference
• Available in April for $99.99

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech G19 keyboard for gaming, Logitech G35 surround sound headset, Logitech G9x laser mouse

Looking for that extra edge in your next LAN gaming party? Check out the newly announced Logitech G13 advanced gameboard. Designed to complement Logitech keyboards and mice (particularly the G15 keyboard and the G9 laser mouse), the G13 advanced gameboard incorporates the ComfortWave design and features three game modes, 25 programmable keys, and a programmable analog stick. In total, the gameboard offers up to 87 ways for you to control your game, with custom game profiles available for each of your favorite game titles. You can even create macros on the fly without exiting your game.

The G13 advanced gameboard also comes with a 160 x 43 pixel GamePanel LCD display which shows live game states, system information, and messages from other players. The gameboard also comes with backlit keys for low-light conditions, on-board memory capable of storing up to 5 ready-to-play profiles, and pre-configured settings for many of today’s popular games.

The Logitech G13 advanced gameboard will be available this month for a price of $79.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, Logitech G13 advanced gameboard

No this is not a joke folks. This keyboard really is called the “Keyboard For Blondes” and it comes with funny features and sound effects provided via proprietary software with the sole purpose of playing up on the blonde stereotype.

For example, press certain keys and you’ll hear sounds such as “Oops..” or “You’re deleted” or “Duhhhh”. Press the “$” key and you’ll hear a cash register clinking. I think you get the point.

Other features of the “Keyboard For Blondes” include:

• Space Bar is now called, “The Big One: I need my space.”
• The top row of “F” function keys now spells “Useless Keys.”
• The backspace key now says “Oops!”
• New functionality for texting such as keys for “OMG,” “LOL,” and unique twists: “ALI” (Absolutely Love It!) and “ZZZD” (Boring Date).
• Number keys have musical notes on them

The Keyboard For Blondes is available now for $49.95 plus shipping and handling at www.keyboardforblondes.com.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Keyboard for Blondes, keyboard

Mac users who are fans of the Logitech diNovo keyboards will be happy to hear that Logitech has introduced the new diNovo Keyboard, Mac Edition. The new cordless keyboard features Logitech’s PerfectStroke key system, a 3 year battery life, and an integrated number pad. Other features of the diNovo Keyboard, Mac Edition include:

• Full size keyboard layout
• 19 shortcut keys for quick access to apps like Safari, iTunes, Expose, iChat etc
• High gloss, semi-translucent Plexiglass frame
• Thin profile – measures 0.87 from base to key caps
• Built-in brushed aluminum palm rest
• PerfectStroke key system provides longer key travel – 3.2 mm compared to 2.2 mm
• 2.4 GHz Wireless Technology
• 3 year battery life

The Logitech diNovo Keyboard, Mac Edition will be available in the U.S. and in Europe this month for a price of $99.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, diNovo Keyboard, Mac edition

Above is Brando’s USB 2.4 GHz RF Wireless Multimedia Tiny Keyboard – a keyboard that’s probably ideally suited for mobile and HTPC environments. The keyboard measures 262 x 112 x 23 mm and features 78 keys, a built-in trackball with 1000/1500 dpi resolution, and an operating distance of up to 10 meters. The keyboard communicates over 2.4 GHz RF to a separate USB receiver which connects to your PC. Brando offers the keyboard for $48 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Brando, USB 2.4Ghz RF Wireless Multimedia Tiny Keyboard

HP introduced several new product announcements this morning including two new notebooks, a refresh of their TouchSmart PC lineup, and several new consumer oriented accessories.

On the notebook side of things, HP released two new entertainment oriented systems – the HDX16 and the HDX18. These notebooks feature built-in TV tuners, Blu-ray support, 1080 pixel displays, and multimedia options such as Altec Lansing speakers, an HP Triple Bass subwoofer, and Dolby Home Theater software. The HDX16 comes with a 16 inch widescreen display with either a 720 or 1080 resolution display while the HDX18 features an 18.4 inch Ultra BrightView 1080 pixel display.  The HDX16 will have a starting price of $1299 while the HDX18 will have a starting price of $1549. Both systems will be available later this month from HP.

On the desktop front, HP introduced their new all-in-one HP TouchSmart IQ800 series this morning. Features include a whopping 25.5 inch high definition widescreen display, a touch-based user interface, and a slot-load Blu-ray player. The IQ800 is wall-mountable which makes the system even more flexible in tight-spaced environments. Other specs to the TouchSmart IQ800 include  an integrated webcam, colored HP Ambient Light, media card reader, large capacity hard drives, the HP Pocket Media Drive Bay, and speakers. The TouchSmart IQ804 PC has a starting price of $1899 and will be available starting on Sept. 21st. The TouchSmart IQ816 will start at $2099 with availability slated for October 12th.

You may or may not know that HP also offers an array of digital picture frames. New as of today are a 3.5 inch model and a 10 inch cherry wood-finish frame. The new frames offer integrated clock and calendar options, support digital music playback, and come with integrated stereo speakers. Prices start at around $59 dollars and go up to $219.

HP’s VoodooPC division announced two new gaming mice – the HDX Laser Mouse and Laser Gaming Mouse with VoodooDNA. These new mice feature up to five levels of on-the-fly sensitivity, five programmable buttons allowing five different macros for five unique profiles (which means 25 different combinations). The HDX Laser Mouse will go for $39.99 while the Laser Gaming Mouse with VoodooDNA will go for $59.99.

Finally, there’s the new spill-resistant HP Wireless Comfort Keyboard and Mouse combo featuring a wave shaped keyboard design, cushioned wrist rests, three adjustable heights designed for more comfortable typing, 31 hotkeys, and programmable buttons for multimedia control. The mouse features a four-way tilt scroll wheel and two programmable buttons. The combo goes for $79.99.

Technorati Tags: HP, HDX16, HDX18, TouchSmart IQ800, HP Keyboard, HP Mice

LaptopMag published a review of the small Bluetooth enabled Logitech diNovo Mini keyboard here on this website. I must be honest with you – I lusted after this keyboard when it was first announced but unfortunately by the time the keyboard shipped, my HTPC was no longer in the living room. However, if I were to ever have a home theater PC in the living room, you could be sure that I’d get this keyboard. Here’s what LaptopMag thought of the device:

At $149, the Logitech diNovo Mini may cost more than most are willing to pay for a wireless keyboard/mouse device, but if you have a PC set up as a media center, and are tired of looking at that bulky keyboard lying around your living room, it’s worth every penny.

Yeah.. start saving up your pennies for this keyboard. Oh yeah – this keyboard is also compatible with the Sony PlayStation 3 in case you need a keyboard for that system too.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, diNovo Mini, Keyboard

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.

[Check it out]

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.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, PS3 Wireless Keypad