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Infinium Phantom Lapboard Coming to PC?
JamesO writes to tell us that Infinium Labs has announced the release of their "Phantom Lapboard" for later this year. From the article: "Infinium Labs' Phantom game service is still to launch, despite claims years ago that it would appear at Christmas 2004, but this hasn't stopped the company from continuing with the system's development. One of the most talked about aspects of the system is its wireless keyboard and mouse combo called the Lapboard. Infinium Labs has decided that the Lapboard is so good that it will be released as a peripheral for PC users in quarter-two 2006. What makes the Lapboard unique is that the keyboard can be angled upwards to create a surface for the mouse to operate on underneath. The device is also wireless and can operate at a distance of up to 30 feet."
I'll be the first to say I hate projectors. The slightest vibration in them causes (at least with me) irritation over long viewing times. Not to mention my nearsightedness makes reading from 15-20 feet almost.. a chore, even with glasses.
That being said, they are still great for movies, and maybe games that don't require tons of precision aiming. (racing?)
That Infinium Labs is looking for ANOTHER $2,000,000 in funding in order to manufacture these. This isn't so much a press release as it is a plea to investors to give them more money. You will never see these in stores, at least not from IL.
Umm, Because the keyboard/mouse human interface is vastly superior to a hand held controller?
because they need all the help they can get
what would be worse is mom marching right in thinking i'm just mousing.
Why does my post history abruptly stop? I want to laugh at the stupid things I posted as a kid.
You can't do this with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, but you can get a conventional (dongle) wireless keyboard and mouse, plug them into a USB KVM switch with hotkey support, and control two computers from across the room. To switch between systems you press the hotkey combination: on mine it's a double-tap of the [Scroll Lock] key. I use this setup in my home to control a Linux and Power Mac box. The KVM is some $30 job from NewEgg; email me if you want the brand.
Actual dual-pairability of BT devices would be sweet, however I'm not sure if you're going to want to hold your breath on that. In the meantime, if you want to control two computers with one keyboard and mouse you have the ability right now.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my killbot features Lotus Notes and a machine gun. It is the finest available."
I saw this nearly two years ago at E3. It's really good. The keyboard flips up and rotates putting your hands in a perfect and compact position for first-person gaming. Depending on the price, it's certainly something that I'd be very interested in buying. You shouldn't be so cynical until you've been able to try it out.