iPad hooks up with Akai’s new SynthStation49 keyboard

Posted in Musical Instruments by Conner Flynn on January 14th, 2011

The SynthStation49 keyboard controller by Akai is using Apple’s iPad in a creative way, by installing a built-in iPad dock. It will work with Akai’s SynthStation software offering direct in-app MIDI recording, as well as the iOS CoreMIDI allowing it to be used with a wide variety of other iOS music apps.

The new keyboard features 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, nine MPC-style drum pads and a variety of controls. There’s an adjustable-angle charging iPad dock, a USB port for connecting to a Mac or PC and professional 0.25-inch outputs. You also use the SynthStation49 as a traditional USB MIDI controller with your computer.

IOGEAR Unveils Wireless Keyboard Remote for TV PCs

Posted in Keyboards by Conner Flynn on January 13th, 2011

IOGEAR has a new and innovative on-lap wireless keyboard. The GKM571R-581R 2.4 GHz allows wireless connectivity for laptops, HTPCs, HDTVs and your game consoles. It’s also been contoured to fit anyone’s lap. It has a 1,000 DPI trackball, left and right mouse click buttons, a scroll wheel, and a USB port for recharging its NimH batteries or uploading new content.

It also features a USB 2.4 GHz receiver with 33 ft. range. The device is compatible with the latest Windows OS and will cost you just $74.95. Your purchase includes the keyboard, a charging cable, a couple of NimH batteries, and a USB RF receiver.

Verbatim Bluetooth Wireless iPad Keyboard

Posted in iPad accessories by Conner Flynn on January 9th, 2011

Verbatim has introduced its new Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard at CES. The wireless keyboard is compatible with iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The Verbatim Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard features a thin-profile that will fold up and store easily in carrying case for portability.

The device also comes with a stand for the iPhone, iPod touch, or your other handheld devices. A carrying case for the keyboard and iPhone stand are included.

Samsung Sliding PC 7 tablet with slide-out keyboard

Posted in Samsung by Conner Flynn on January 9th, 2011

Samsung has launched a tablet with a slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard. The device is powered by the Intel Atom “Oak Trail” processor and is based on the Windows 7 operating system. The slide-out keyboard gives you the option of a multi-touch display or full keyboard and mouse interface.

It features a 10.1-inch multi-touch display with a 340-nit brightness and HD resolution of 1366 x 768. Specs include: Intel Atom Oak Trail Z670 @ 1.66GHz, Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 2GB DDR2 Memory, 32GB or 64GB (mSATA SSD), Intel Integrated Graphics, Integrated speaker (0.8W x 2), USB 2.0, 4-in-1 memory card reader, HMDI out, 1.3MP Webcam, up to 9 hours battery, 802.11b/g/n WiFi; WiMax; 3G.

XIM3 is the next generation of Xbox 360 keyboard and mouse adapters

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on December 20th, 2010

The XIM3 adapter isn’t the first keyboard and mouse adapter for the Xbox 360 console, but XIM Technologies’ latest device could be the best solution so far. It promises to deliver an FPS experience that is very close to the PC. The XIM3 has an integrated LCD display that allows you to customize settings and choose a specific setup for any given title.

The XIM3 uses ‘Smart Translators’ to ensure there’s always 1-to-1 movement between the mouse and your target reticule on-screen. The list of supported titles is expanding, and will no doubt include all the popular titles.

TypeTop iPhone 4 Keyboard Case in Leather

Posted in iPhone Accessories by Conner Flynn on December 12th, 2010

iPhone 4 Keyboard cases are everywhere. Seems like we see a new one every week. Now the TypeTop Bluetooth Mini Keyboard Case for iPhone 4 has showed up. It sports the usual keyboard and comes in a leather case with a flip-out stand for your iPhone.

Some other features include dedicated multimedia hotkeys and a 100 hour battery life. You can get one now for £29.95 in the U.K. and Europe. A French keyboard and German keyboard version are also available. No word on when it will hit the US.

Chinavasion Full Bamboo Keyboard and Mouse Combo

Posted in Keyboards by Conner Flynn on December 9th, 2010

Beware Panda attacks if using this Bamboo Keyboard and mouse combo from Chinavasion. It is too tempting a treat for Pandas, who will want to eat it for dinner. The laser engraved bamboo keys apparently absorb sweat, stay clean and feel comfortable, while being environmentally friendly.

They do look pretty nice and it beats cold plastic any day. This combo will cost you $33.44. Just plug them into your USB ports and you are good to go.

Samsung Gloria 10-inch Windows 7 tablet with slide-out keyboard

Posted in Samsung by Conner Flynn on December 8th, 2010

The latest tablet rumor makes a tablet more like a netbook with the Windows 7 tablet concept seen above. Blogeee is reporting that they have two separate sources who claim that Samsung is planning a 10-inch slate device called Gloria, which would run Windows 7 and have a slide-out keyboard.

The image above is a mockup of how Gloria might look. It will supposedly include a Samsung software overlay to make Windows 7 more touch-friendly. For now,take this with a grain of salt, but it would be an interesting take on a tablet.

Apple Compact Wired Keyboard Discontinued

Posted in Apple by Conner Flynn on December 5th, 2010

Bad news for some Apple fans. Apple has discontinued their Compact Wired Keyboard. The part number for the keyboard is MB869LL/A and it has been removed from Apple’s store. However, you can still purchase the Apple Compact Wired Keyboard on Amazon for $49.99 if you really want one.

This keyboard features a compact design of the Apple Wireless Keyboard along with a few USB 2.0 ports. The wired numberpad version is still available.

Soundproof Keyboard Cover

Posted in Keyboards by Conner Flynn on November 22nd, 2010

If you end up working late into the night, typing away and annoying those who are near you, you might want to check out the Soundproof Keyboard Cover. Sure, it looks absurd, but we hope that the $36 investment will bring some peace to the ears around you.

It supposedly reduces the noise from typing and will also prevent dust from getting in between your keys. It’s probably not very comfortable though. Your hands will likely feel cramped. But if noise is a problem, this may be a good solution.

MMO keyset for SteelSeries’ Shift keyboard

Posted in Keyboards by Conner Flynn on November 18th, 2010

If you own a SteelSeries Shift keyboard, then chances are that your game is on it’s A level. And with World of Warcraft: Cataclysm just three weeks away from release, SteelSeries has rolled out an MMO keyset that lets you enjoy the game without having to fork out more dough for another dedicated MMO keyboard.

If you already own the Shift keyboard, this is a great option. It will be compatible with all of the macros you programmed. For $24.99 instead of a new mmo keyboard price.

Grippity back typing keyboard

Posted in Keyboards by Conner Flynn on November 18th, 2010

Why type on the front of your keyboard when you can type on the back? The Grippity keyboard allows you to do just that. All while looking stylish and futuristic. It would take some getting used to though. You might type slow at first.

It’s available for pre-order for $60 right now. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get it in time for Christmas as it is set for a February delivery. We think it looks worth the wait.

Zaggmate iPad keyboard case

Posted in iPad accessories by Conner Flynn on November 9th, 2010

Here’s yet another iPad case with an accompanying keyboard, from Zagg. The Zaggmate has two models available: one with a keyboard and one without. It’s a clip-on stand that can elevate your iPad horizontally or vertically for easier viewing.

The keyboard model offers a full QWERTY keyboard. It’s currently listed as ‘Coming Soon,’ with the standard model costing $69.99 and the keyboard model costing $30 more. Do you like this one better than other models or are you happy with your iPad the way it is?

Omnio WOWKeys Keyboard uses your iPhone as a Trackpad

Posted in iPhone Accessories by Conner Flynn on November 8th, 2010

The WOWKeys keyboard merges the multi-touch capabilities of the iPhone with the PC. You can even use the keyboard to type on your iPhone. It allows you to do things like hit the switch and use the iPhone, via a App Store app, as a multi-touch touchpad.

If you are addicted to your iPhone, you will love this switching back and forth from your PC to your iPhone. The iPhone is sync’d and charged while in the slot in the WOWKeys. It has 15 function keys specifically for interacting with the iPhone. App designers can also craft new applications that further integrate your phone with your PC.

AlphaUI IBack-Type is a physical keyboard for the back of your tablet

Posted in Tablet PC by Conner Flynn on October 7th, 2010

Tablet computers are great, but what if you like a physical keyboard? The AlphaUI IBack-Type can help. It’s basically a physical keyboard that fits on the back of your tablet.

The IBack-Type is designed to be fitted to 5 inch to 7 inch tablets, and features 24 built in keys which you use to type while holding your tablet. The keys can be configured however you like. Though it does make you look as if you are flying an airplane that isn’t there.