A Wireless Keyboard With A Built-in Trackpad

News
By Jane McEntegart
published

It’s a keyboard and a trackpad, all in one.

Alright so it might be a little silly considering most of us buy a wireless mouse to get away from laptop touchpads, but we still sort of want one. The USB 2.4 GHz RF Entertainment Slim Wireless Keyboard with Smart TouchPad has 18 hot keys and a built-in high precision Multi-Touch touchpad.

The touchpad appears on the far right, in place of the number pad but don’t fret, you can easily switch between touchpad and numpad. All the usual two/three finger multitouch functions apply. At nearly seventy bucks it’s not the cheapest keyboard around but this thing is perfect for those trying to save desk space or people who’ve invested in desks with a slide-out keyboard shelf or people who like to browse the web from the couch.

Anyone planning on forking out $69 for one of these things? Better yet, do you own one already? 

(usb.brando.com.hk via CrunchGear)

Jane McEntegart
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15 Comments Comment from the forums
  • verenos
    This is perfict for a HTPC in a room without many tables for a mouse to sit one. Sign me up.
    Reply
  • socrates047
    getting a gyro-mouse or even a wireless mouse on top of a wireless keyboard could be steep in some situations, but hey, this thing totally takes care of both things !
    Reply
  • cadder
    I would consider buying one if it is of good quality, and yes I want it for use on the couch which is where I do almost all of my home "computing". There are quite a few similar products on newegg, starting at about $40 for wired versions, but the quality is supect.
    Reply
  • v-man
    Just got the Logitech DiNovo Edge Keyboard with a trackpad built in. It is pretty awesome but costs quite a bit more than $69.

    This is kind of an interesting layout with the number pad still being available. Not sure how well it would work without the tactile feel of the number keys though. Might be worth the risk on an unknown company for use with a HTPC or possibly in a data center.
    Reply
  • Honis
    verenosThis is perfict for a HTPC in a room without many tables for a mouse to sit one. Sign me up.I agree. I still don't know why some people prefer a real mouse on an HTPC. At this price point it competes with Logitechs similar all in one keyboards (and I don't think they have multi-touch pads).

    Wish it was out 4 months ago when I setup my HTPC, the trackball I got is nice, but its still a second peripheral taking up space. If my coffee table book didn't have little coffee table legs I wouldn't have enough space!
    Reply
  • mactruck
    I have been using the Logitech Cordless Mediaboard with my HTPC for a few years now. It has a similar design minus the multi-touch (does support scrolling with the side of the trackpad) and it only cost me $35. It was originally made for the PS3 but it works perfectly fine with XP or Vista and is recognized by my BIOS.
    Reply
  • jokemeister
    .....and why exactly haven't we seen this adopted for the laptop market. I would have thought that even if it isn't the "ideal" solution it's still a no cost improvement that will benefit users.
    Reply
  • worst 3
    if only the number pad was detachable so you could just bring that with you to the couch if all you need was the touchpad.
    Reply
  • universalremonster
    mactruckI have been using the Logitech Cordless Mediaboard with my HTPC for a few years now. It has a similar design minus the multi-touch (does support scrolling with the side of the trackpad) and it only cost me $35. It was originally made for the PS3 but it works perfectly fine with XP or Vista and is recognized by my BIOS.
    I too have this for my living room computer and was a huge relief from using a wireless mouse while sitting in a recliner. It is 2.4ghz as well so there is no problem reaching across the room. I would definately recommend this style of keyboard to anyone using a computer anywhere other than a table/desk.
    Reply
  • MoUsE-WiZ
    I'd consider this, but I've already got a bluetooth touchpad that I'm using. It has a laser pointer too, and I'm quite fidgety ~_~

    On top of that I think that if I get bored of the touchpad I might try the wiimote thing first before upgrading my couch controls.
    Reply