Matias makes room for your smartphone on an otherwise vanilla keyboard

We can’t count the number of times that we’ve longed for our Insert, Home, Page Up, Delete, End and Page Down buttons to be replaced with an angled slab of plastic, but obviously we’re in a pretty small minority. Matias has just issued its USB 2.0 keyboard + smartphone stand, which essentially carves out a slice of keyboard real estate for your phone to sit, though no passthrough USB cable / iPhone dock connector is provided for charging. The purpose? To put all of your mobile apps right at your fingertips, because keeping said phone on your desk is just completely and utterly unacceptable. Oh, and did we mention that the layout itself is nothing special? If you see something we don’t, feel free to part with your $49.95 and smile while thinking “I told you so.”

Update: Documentation about the keyboard indicated that “custom keypad and trackpad apps” could be loaded on to “control your Mac,” which certainly makes this more appealing, but unfortunately details on that are scant.

Matias makes room for your smartphone on an otherwise vanilla keyboard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Matias  | Email this | Comments

Posted on February 25, 2010 at 10:30 am by Darren Murph · Permalink · Comments Closed
In: Uncategorized · Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Razer refreshed DeathAdder gaming mouse is more accurate, still hates southpaws

Zanily enough, nearly three full years have passed since Razer first introduced what would eventually become one of its best-selling gaming mice, so it goes without saying that the aging DeathAdder was due for an update. For those looking for a clean cut, straight-up gaming mouse to use between the hours of 10PM and 5:30AM, this revamped critter might just fit the bill. The biggest change is the inclusion of a 3.5G 3500dpi infrared sensor and a tangle-free braided cable, and fans of the existing design will greatly appreciate the fact that it’s essentially the same (externally, of course). It’s still not ambidextrous in nature (sorry, lefties), but you will find on-the-fly sensitivity adjustments, five independently programmable buttons and all the blue glow your retinas can handle. It should be available to order momentarily for $59.99 (US) / €59.99 (Europe).

Show full PR text
RAZER REVAMPS DEATHADDER GAMING MOUSE WITH WORLD’S MOST PRECISE INFRARED TRACKING SENSOR

Major upgrades under the hood for one of Razer’s best-selling gaming mice

Carlsbad, Calif. – September 24, 2009 – Razer[TM], the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, is pleased to announce the long awaited update to the Razer DeathAdder[TM]. Newly upgraded with a state-of-the-art 3.5G 3500dpi infrared sensor and tangle-free braided cable, the Razer DeathAdder maintains its legendary right-handed ergonomic form factor and rock solid build quality that made it famous. With these new upgrades, the Razer DeathAdder has been equipped with the world’s most precise infrared sensor to date – trumping the competition yet again.

“The DeathAdder is undoubtedly one of Razer’s best selling gaming mice,” says Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff, President of Razer. “To date, the Razer DeathAdder has served the gaming community for a good 3 years and with all the advances in sensor technology, we put our sensor scientists and engineers to task to imbue it with the most precise infrared sensor in the world – but at the same time maintain the specially designed form factor that gamers have come to know and love.”

About the Razer DeathAdder[TM]

The new Razer DeathAdder is an upgraded replacement for the original and is now equipped with the ultra-precise 3500dpi Razer Precision[TM] 3.5G infrared sensor and tangle-free braided fiber cable. The Razer DeathAdder utilizes a right-handed ergonomic design to provide optimum comfort for intensive and extended game play. Its 3500dpi Razer Precision[TM] 3.5G infrared sensor provides gamers with 4x more precision than a standard 800 dpi mouse. The 1000Hz Ultrapolling[TM] response time of 1ms delivers instantaneous execution, giving gamers the competitive edge over opponents with faster communication between the Razer DeathAdder and the computer.

The Razer DeathAdder maintains all of its competitive features, including its five independently programming Hyperesponse[TM] buttons, On-The-Fly Sensitivity[TM] adjustment, Always-On[TM] mode and Zero-acoustic Ultraslick Teflon[TM] feet. All of these lead to a superior, elevated gaming experience.

Razer DeathAdder[TM]

COST: US: $59.99, Europe: €59.99

AVAILABILITY:

Razerzone.com – 24 September

In Stores – Late September

Features

· Ergonomic right-handed design

* 3500dpi Razer Precision[TM] 3.5G infrared sensor

· 1000Hz Ultrapolling[TM] / 1ms response

Technical Specifications

o 3500dpi Razer Precision[TM] 3.5G infrared sensor

o Ergonomic right-handed design
o 1000Hz Ultrapolling[TM] / 1ms response
o Five independently programmable Hyperesponse[TM] buttons
o On-The-Fly Sensitivity[TM] adjustment
o Always-On[TM] mode
o Ultra-Large non-slip buttons
o 16-bit ultra-wide data path
o 60-120 inches per second and 15g of acceleration
o Zero-Acoustic Ultraslick[TM] Teflon(R) feet
o Gold-Plated USB connector
o Seven-Foot, lightweight, braided fiber cable
o Approx. size in mm: 128(L) x 70(W) x 42.5(H)

Filed under:

Razer refreshed DeathAdder gaming mouse is more accurate, still hates southpaws originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Posted on September 24, 2009 at 2:04 pm by Darren Murph · Permalink · Comments Closed
In: Uncategorized · Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

First USB 3.0 product gets certified, floodgates get closer to breaking

You heard it here first, folks: SuperSpeed USB is a reality. After waiting around for what feels like ages, USB 3.0 can now say it has its first certified product in NEC’s xHCI host controller. We know this may not be the most exciting first product to get the all-important seal of approval, but you’ve got to start somewhere. And hey, for those who know a thing or two about building a product to spec, having a legitimate host controller could sure come in handy. We spoke to Jeff Ravencraft, president and chairman of the USB-IF (the group that oversees certification and the like), and he stated that (officially) the group is still anticipating end products to hit shelves in early 2010. That said, this here host controller is available now in the open market, and he did confess that a number of manufacturers would likely try to get USB 3.0-equipped wares onto store shelves before that magical day in December.

He also noted that a smattering of companies would be showcasing USB 3.0 gear at upcoming trade shows, with a Buffalo external hard drive, an ExpressCard-to-USB 3.0 adapter and even a full-on laptop with a functioning USB 3.0 port making a stop at IDF later this week. Aside from the aforesaid ExpressCard adapter — which will let existing lappies enjoy the spoils of SuperSpeed USB — he also noted that a PCI card would be available for desktop users looking to add a few sockets to their rig. We were also informed that USB 3.0 receptor ports will play nice with USB 2.0 cables and gadgets, albeit at USB 2.0 speed; additionally, USB 3.0 wares will be able to connect via older USB 2.0 sockets, though again at a slower rate. We’ve got to say, the dual-backwards compatibility is pretty sweet.

We also asked him about cabling and the general market transition to USB 3.0, and he did note that USB 3.0 cables will be physically different inside. In other words, a USB 2.0 cable cannot carry data at USB 3.0 speeds, end of story. To enjoy USB 3.0, you’ll need a USB 3.0 receptor port, a USB 3.0 cable and a USB 3.0 product; if you swap any of those pieces with USB 2.0, everything slows to USB 2.0 rates. Jeff also noted that the USB-IF would be coordinating the release of end products and cables, and he even said that older USB protocols may actually never completely fade from the market. After all, wireless keyboards would never need USB 3.0 speeds unless some sort of display were integrated, and particularly in cheaper products, using an older USB chipset could help keep costs down and MSRPs lower. So yeah, USB 3.0 is officially here, but the public can’t play with any USB 3.0 gear just yet. But if our hunches are correct, we’d bet on at least one or two big players pushing out SuperSpeed-packin’ wares before the year ends.

Filed under:

First USB 3.0 product gets certified, floodgates get closer to breaking originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Posted on September 21, 2009 at 6:00 am by Darren Murph · Permalink · Comments Closed
In: Uncategorized · Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Gyration Air Mouse Elite gets your hands in the air, like you just don’t care

Look out, y’all — Movea’s back. Almost a year to the day after the outfit introduced its air-lovin’ Gyration Air Mouse, the Air Mouse Elite is stepping in to take its rightful place atop the range. As with the prior iteration, this one also responds to natural hand movements and enables presenters (or FPS players) to get far, far away from the mousepad. Put simply, the built-in motion sensors enable it to receive commands via “slight wrist movements performed in the air,” and it can do so up to 100 feet away from the PC that it’s wirelessly attached to. The 3.3-ounce device also ships with a suite of tools for customizing gestures, and if the $99.99 critter just isn’t enough, you can spring for a $149.99 bundle that throws in a low-profile wireless keyboard.

Filed under:

Gyration Air Mouse Elite gets your hands in the air, like you just don’t care originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Posted on September 17, 2009 at 6:58 am by Darren Murph · Permalink · Comments Closed
In: Uncategorized · Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

Microsoft’s Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000: barely thicker than a stack of hundies

It’d be downright appalling to ever tote around a keyboard that’s thicker than your current laptop, and you can bet the suits in Redmond recognize that. To that end, Microsoft has introduced this ultraslim Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000, which is just barely thicker than an AAA battery at the rear. Naturally, the curved board gets even thinner as it slopes toward the front, though it’s the optional number pad that really steals the show in terms of cuteness. The BT-only device utilizes a so-called Comfort Curve design to keep your wrists from cramping up after a few lines of text, and if you’re interested in claiming one as your own, get ready to shell out $89.95 when it ships next month. Oh, and as for that number pad? $44.95. Yeah, ouch.

[Via HotHardware]

Continue reading Microsoft’s Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000: barely thicker than a stack of hundies

Filed under:

Microsoft’s Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000: barely thicker than a stack of hundies originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

SteelSeries Aion limited edition Zboard keeps MMO addicts stuck in the basement

You’ve got to hand it to ‘em, SteelSeries knows its market. Following up on its array of WoW-themed gear, the company has just issued a new limited edition Zboard aimed at to-be Aion gamers, which just might be “the most anticipated MMO of 2009.” As with most of the outfit’s MMORPG-centric keyboards, this one also packs a colorful motif, a swath of dedicated action keys, menus and chat commands, full customization of each key and quick-access “emote keys for greeting, intimidating, or taunting your opponent.” In related news, the firm is also dishing out an Aion Asmodian mousepad, which may or may not be superior to the stained napkin you’re currently using to raid on. Both units are available for pre-order right now at $19.99 and $14.99, respectively, and we hear that UPS totally delivers to dingy basements for a nominal fee.

[Via Coolest-Gadgets]

Continue reading SteelSeries Aion limited edition Zboard keeps MMO addicts stuck in the basement

Filed under:

SteelSeries Aion limited edition Zboard keeps MMO addicts stuck in the basement originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700 ‘cradles your fingers,’ caresses your soul

There’s just something about a keyboard that promises to “cradle our fingers” that gets us all hot and bothered, and right or wrong, we just can’t stop thinking about what a joy it must be to bang out dissertations, love letters and Nigerian scam emails on one of the beauties shown above. Logitech’s Wireless Desktop MK700 is a two-piece kit comprised of an LCD-equipped keyboard and an ergonomic mouse with built-in hyper-scrolling. Both devices seem to go easy on the juice, with the keyboard able to run for three years on a single set of AA cells and the mouse for 12 months. The included USB dongle certainly isn’t as diminutive as the company’s recently released Unifying Receiver, but need we remind your digits just how pleasured they’ll be when pressing these keys? It’ll be $99.99 to get in, and it ought to ship out this month. The full release is after the break.

Continue reading Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700 ‘cradles your fingers,’ caresses your soul

Filed under:

Logitech Wireless Desktop MK700 ‘cradles your fingers,’ caresses your soul originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Posted on August 12, 2009 at 1:00 am by Darren Murph · Permalink · Comments Closed
In: Uncategorized · Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

Razer preys on unsuspecting StarCraft fanboys, teases new mouse, keyboard and headset

We wouldn’t go so far as to say that Razer is taking a note from the teasers over at Voodoo, but the gaming accessory outfit is definitely hoping to play on the emotions of anxious StarCraft fanatics. With the long (long!) awaited sequel finally nearing release, Razer has decided to link up with Blizzard in order to develop a new mouse, keyboard and headset designed specifically to cater to future StarCraft II gamers. For now, all we have to go on is the image above and whatever our imagination deems fit for believing, but we suspect all will be revealed when Blizzcon kicks off later this month. You can hardly wait, huh?

[Via HotHardware]

Filed under: ,

Razer preys on unsuspecting StarCraft fanboys, teases new mouse, keyboard and headset originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments