Jorno Intros World's Smallest Folding Keyboard
This Kickstarter project features a Bluetooth mobile keyboard that can be folded into a box.
Oh Microsoft, it looks as if another peripheral manufacturer plans to take on your Wedge Mobile Keyboard. California-based Jorno revealed on Wednesday a competing Bluetooth mobile keyboard using the same name. It's currently a Kickstarter project, looking for $100,000 USD by October 17.
Whereas Microsoft's solution packs Windows 8 buttons and a cover that converts into a tablet stand, Jorno's solution actually folds five ways into a box, allowing users to stash it away in their pocket, purse, backpack and whatnot like a Nintendo DS. Unfolded and laid out flat, the Bluetooth peripheral measures around 8.5-inches wide, and stands 0.3-inches tall, offering a full set of keys.
"Jorno is made of metals and premium plastic resins designed to withstand the mobile lifestyle," reads the Kickstarter description. "Its compact size allows you to put it in your pocket and go. It also stays rigid when unfolded for use in your lap."
And unlike Microsoft's Wedge Mobile Keyboard, this folding gadget comes with a cradle that securely holds a phone or tablet in either portrait or landscape orientation. There's also a stowable kickstand and a rubberized surface to hold the connected device securely.
"We are incredibly excited to introduce a mobile keyboard to the market, which offers such a unique and essential design that has yet to be created," said Scott Starrett, CEO and Founder, Jorno. "We are passionate about this innovation and are certain it is the next big thing in the mobile productivity arena."
The actual dimensions of the Jorno keyboard are 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.2-inches (88.9 x 88.9 x 30.5-mm) folded, and 8.5 x 3.5 x 0.3-inches (215.9 x 88.9 x 7.6-mm) unfolded. It comes packed with a rechargeable lithium ion battery, offering up to 1 month of wireless productivity per charge based on normal usage. A microUSB cable for charging the device is also included.
For more information about this five-way folding mobile Bluetooth keyboard, head to the Kickstarter page here.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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Pyree I used the ruler to measure the width of my palms, they add up to 180mm (90mm palm width is pretty average).Reply
Consider the entire width of the keyboard is 215.9mm, the space between key "a" to ";" will be even smaller. From the scale of the photo, the space is approximately 150mm. I put my hands on the resting position for touch type and try to squeeze the fingers into 150mm of space. There is hardly any space.
So the folding keyboard is not going to be comfortable for normal hands. -
mr grim Well I think it's a pretty cool idea, if you use you mobile device on a regular basis and need a keyboard it would be a hell of a lot easier then trying to type with the tiny keys on the touch screen, I only use 2 fingers even on my full size keyboard so having a keyboard that size would not bother me at all.Reply -
rebel1280 carpal tunnel anyone? Eh, though im not the target market, for the amateur journalist, im sure this is almost priceless.Reply -
freggo It seems the design was made for use on a fold out table on an airplane.Reply
As such this may not be too bad. However, I have not looked at the price yet.
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I want a flying car that folds into a briefcase at the press of a button. I also want a device that can reach Jane to STOP THIS CRAZY THING!Reply
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Vorador2 derekulloAn iPhone with a keyboard ... CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE INVENTED THE NETBOOKYOU DONT UNDERSTAND IM WAY TOO HIPSTER TO GET A LAPTOPReply
Should be written on the back of every one of those keyboards.