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Ars Technica Reviews Controller Keyboard

phaedo00 writes "Ars Technica has reviewed the AlphaGrip AG-5 handheld keyboard and mouse. From the article: 'After lots of research and five revisions, the perfectionists at AlphaGrip finally decided that they had a product worthy of marketing, and they released the long awaited AG-5. Although the AG-5 looks strange and intimidating, it is a unique and highly innovative product that deserves consideration, particularly by mobile computing enthusiasts. The AG-5 interfaces with computers via a single removable USB cable. It uses a simple chord-like keyboarding model and an integrated trackball to provide complete keyboard and mouse functionality in a unique form factor that looks a bit like a console gaming controller.'"

10 of 150 comments (clear)

  1. Cool.. So.. by Jupix · · Score: 5, Funny

    does it get you banned in WoW? :P

    1. Re:Cool.. So.. by ackthpt · · Score: 5, Funny

      Avast, ye swab perhaps you'd rather read about Arrrrs Technica's review of a keyboard

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    2. Re:Cool.. So.. by Spy+der+Mann · · Score: 5, Funny

      does it get you banned in WoW? :P

      And I nominate Jupix for the next slashdot cliché!

      Votes please?

    3. Re:Cool.. So.. by rich_r · · Score: 4, Funny

      Typical. The moment I give away my last mod point is the moment at which I end up choking on my coffee....

  2. Real geeks won't use it by Dekortage · · Score: 3, Funny

    This would eliminate the only exercise they get (typing!). Besides, it requires TWO HANDS.

    Also, from the article: If we are successful, the AG-5 will turn out to be just a glimpse of the future of desk-free computing. Desk-free? Where am I going to put my coffee cup?

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  3. What type of 'web browsing' are we speaking of? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    'I can comfortably compute while reclining in my chair, and I no longer have to lean forward to type, a feature that is particularly nice when I'm doing lots of web browsing.'

  4. Written by an android? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny
    I can consistently achieve about 45 words per minute with the AG-5 (vs. 65wpm on a traditional keyboard), and I think that with more experience I could probably exceed 50. My typing speed on the AG-5 is apparently not indicative of the average user experience. I suppose my pedantically compulsive nature and capacity for data retention made it easier for me to assimilate the layout.


    This just in: The AG-5 is the 'keyboard' of choice for robots, androids, and borg the world over!
  5. Re:Well.... by gEvil+(beta) · · Score: 4, Funny

    What do you call a device that has numbers and letters on it and its use is primarily for input into a machine.

    I call that the telephone.

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    This guy's the limit!
  6. Re:I'm not sure this is the answer by cayenne8 · · Score: 3, Funny
    Actually...I think the only MAJOR upgrade to the keyboard,is to do away with it totally...and have the computer somehow be connected to read your thoughts...

    Of course, this will have some drawbacks, such as when your boss walks into your office, and you forget to turn off the mindreader....and he sees over and over on the screen behind you...

    ...what a tool.

    ...what a tool.

    ...what a tool.

    ...hehehe...I boned his wife at the Xmas party while he was passed out...

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  7. Re:Well.... by Lord+Laraby · · Score: 2, Funny


    I might call it an Alphanumeric Glyph-based Human Interface Peripheral Device. Or an "Anghip" device... if it hadn't already been named, that is.
    Or an "Anguhip" for Alphanumeric glyph-based USB human interface peripheral.

    Too bad, though. It might sound cooler than "keyboard".

    English Alphanumeric Glyph-based Loader Entry (or 'eagle') HID device????

    L @ L

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