Virtual Keyboard from IBIZ, review?

Larry · 04-27-2004, 12:43 AM

This keyboard uses lasers to "print" out or display an image of an actual keyboard. Anyone seen it live or used it?

I've read the reviews and seen in on CNBC, etc. BUT have not heard what "regular" people say about it.

I wonder what the difference is between this product and a real keyboard. They are supposed to be in Best Buy this month or last month. Not sure if they are in or not.

Unless someone has one or used one... I guess I will have to wait until a local store carries them.

Thanks

Emily · 04-27-2004, 08:53 PM

I read something about this kind of thing but I can't remember where. I wonder how ergonomic/expensive they are? And what's the advantage, really? I mean, if you're going to have a space cleared out for a laser keyboard, you might as well have a regular keyboard, wouldn't you?

Larry · 04-27-2004, 10:23 PM

As far as I know....
They are supposed to cost $100.
They could be used for "clean rooms", PDAs, and desk with little room OR you don't want to have a phsyical key board sitting on it.

they work on "any" surface... so they say?

Anyone used one? I'm just waiting to hear from someone who actually seen or used it.

I've seen an interview on CNN a while back, but they did not answer ANY of the questions I have asked here....

which leads me to believe something is not all it seems to be???

Qiranworms · 04-27-2004, 11:34 PM

I read about these a year ago or so when the concept was new. The interesting thing is the method used to measure the keystrokes made, not the laser keyboard image. It basically uses infrared lights and timing (the time it takes for the light to bounce back) to get a 3D "map" of the immediate surroundings. This has a high enough refresh rate to capture the keystrokes of people typing. The applications for this can go FAR beyond a keyboard that isn't there. One example might be airbags that can judge where the person is and how tall they are so that the car can pop it out at the height and distance that is most safe and effective.

Anyhow, I would definitely like to try the keyboard. Lack of tactile feedback might be a problem, but I'm sure most people can adjust. It would be very useful to be able to have a PDA with this built in, plus a small popout stand device. Basically, you'd pull out (or pop out) the balancing piece, stand the PDA, and turn on it's built in laser keyboard. No extra items to carry around. Cell phones could do this too. If anyone here has tried one, please reply to this.

Fokz · 05-03-2004, 09:58 PM

I personally have never heard anything out this keyboard. But the idea sounds kind of appealing to me, I have really bad wrists, and typing reeeeally doesn't help, and if you don't actually have to physically push on a button, it would really help myself and all those others who suffer from carpel tunnel.

I just turned 17 and my wrists are in terrible condition from constant use of computers and breakdancing. So I think I will definately do some more research on this product.

Fokz · 05-03-2004, 11:18 PM

...I just looked it up and checked out some info on it and I really don't like the idea anymore haha. First of all it looks kinda funny, they could have atleast made it blue or something, red lasers looks so old school. Also they have moved a bunch of keys around which would take a lil while to get used too. Another thing i didn't like, is that you can't type properly, you really gotta peck the keys.

It says it's coming out at $100.00 (I'm assuming U.S.) I would possibly consider buying it when it drops to about 20 or 30 tho.

Erstad · 05-04-2004, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Larry
This keyboard uses lasers to "print" out or display an image of an actual keyboard. Anyone seen it live or used it?

I've read the reviews and seen in on CNBC, etc. BUT have not heard what "regular" people say about it.

I wonder what the difference is between this product and a real keyboard. They are supposed to be in Best Buy this month or last month. Not sure if they are in or not.

Unless someone has one or used one... I guess I will have to wait until a local store carries them.

Thanks

Is this the item in question??

Qiranworms · 05-04-2004, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Erstad
Is this the item in question??

It most certainly is. At least the concept. I saw that picture while the project was still in development...likely a prototype. I believe the actual device is smaller then that. This link is from the Yahoo Store...any early adopters ready to preorder something that's garanteed to get noticed?

Edit: Arg...now that I read the product information (Yahoo's advertising), I realize that for some reason its compatibility excludes the Tungsten E...the PDA I proudly own! :mad:

alt_ctrl_del · 05-09-2004, 07:39 PM

I heard of those, they're for laptops mostly, aren't they? I had saw an article a month or two ago, and I'm not really sure if they are specific to a certain something.

Qiranworms · 05-10-2004, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by alt_ctrl_del
I heard of those, they're for laptops mostly, aren't they? I had saw an article a month or two ago, and I'm not really sure if they are specific to a certain something.

Why for laptops? The definition of a laptop typically includes a keyboard. No...I think applications point towards the PDA/Cellphone arena...possibly Tablets if they ever get anywhere...

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