When Sharp unveiled their new line of integrated television/personal computer called the Internet AQUOS, they were hoping to entice the eyes of first-time computer users, traditionally an older demographic. But what’s caught the attention of experienced couch potatoes and experienced online surfers is the remote control that comes with the new AQUOS: it’s got a touchpad built on its control surface.

The alphanumeric keys eliminate the need for a keyboard and the touchpad does away with the mouse, so what you’re left with is a simplified, one-stop universal control to command your PC or TV. Another added benefit is that the redesigned interface has eliminated about 40% of the number of buttons so you won’t have to take a few minutes just to figure out finding which button to press to get picture-in-picture.

While the MS Vista OS Internet AQUOS specs won’t blow away any geeks, to those that still haven’t made the leap into the technology age this may be the hardware that seals the deal and it may motivate other TV manufacturers to re-examine the designs of their cumbersome remotes. So far Sharp has only offered the product to Japan and it will begin shipping to outlet stores near the end of the month.

gearfuse