Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Touchpad Meets Morphing Keyboard

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the pure-awesome dept.

Several sources are reporting on the new offering from the British firm Pelikon which combines a touchpad and morphing keyboard into a unique little device. "This isn't just any old morphing keyboard, you see. Not only can the board be dynamically reconfigured by backlighting different portions of the keys — the entire surface of the thing doubles as a touchpad, which you can probably imagine has virtually limitless utility in a mobile device where the space for a true touchpad simply doesn't exist. Pelikon already works with Toshiba on its domestic-market Biblio, but we'd love to see it hit devices around the world — in fact, we wouldn't really mind if they just released this prototype they're showing as a Bluetooth accessory. diNovo Mini competitor, anyone?"

6 of 85 comments (clear)

  1. Fingerworks by MacFury · · Score: 4, Interesting

    This looks like an evolution of what FingerWorks was building before being purchased by Apple. Fingerworks multitouch technology led to the iPhone, macbook multitouch trackpad, etc. Their Frogpad product: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qg8IB64yu8

  2. Re:Interesting by viking099 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    HTPC input device would be something I would like.

    I don't like trackballs, and keeping a big keyboard floating around the living room sucks.

    It's not like you need a keyboard for 90% of the time you're using an HTPC, but that 10% is usually sort of critical, and using an on screen keyboard is barely above an exercise in futility.

    So if it goes up for ~$80, I might buy it just to get rid of the keyboard and mouse setup I have in my living room.

  3. Re:Interesting by cromar · · Score: 5, Interesting

    A wireless version would make an awesome home theater control device - especially if it could be programmed to morph to match the service you're using at the moment. It would be neat to have it change automatically from a video remote, to a game pad, to audio control w/ EQ, to keyboard for email and social media, to slider for lighting control, etc.

  4. Bah by sleekware · · Score: 5, Funny

    This device is pathetic compared to the Model M. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M)

    1. Re:Bah by Arthur+Grumbine · · Score: 3, Funny

      Chuck Norris famously used a Model M to end the U.S. Civil War.

      --
      Now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure everything I just said is completely wrong.
  5. Touch Feedback? by Drethon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Maybe its just me but I have a hard time with typing with no feedback. I like feeling where I'm at on a keyboard...