The Hippest Phones » Keyboards

Belkin Announces Keyboard Folio for iPad 2

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0000

PLAYA VISTA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Belkin today unveiled the Keyboard Folio, an all-in-one Bluetooth® keyboard and protective folio solution for the iPad 2. The Keyboard Folio features TruType™ keys for a comfortable, computer-style...

Meego handset UI guidelines offer details aplenty, suggestion of WebOS, Android influences

Donald Melanson — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:36:00 +0000

Sure, you can already download MeeGo 1.0 and try it out on your netbook or N900, but Nokia also has some grander designs for the mobile operating system, and a new Handset Interaction Guidelines document published on (and then pulled from) the official MeeGo wiki has now offered some more details on exactly what's in store. Among the highlights are confirmation of support for both portrait and landscape keyboards, and some pretty strong evidence of WebOS and Android influences, including a task manager that's similar to WebOS's card system but becomes a grid view with a multitouch pinch, and a notification system and taskbar that are apparently similar to Android's -- not to mention some centralized account management. There's pages and pages of details beyond that, however, so hit up the link below to dive in (courtesy of Google Cache, of course).

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Meego handset UI guidelines offer details aplenty, suggestion of WebOS, Android influences originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia completes its N8 video tour with media player and HDMI demo

Vladislav Savov — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:20:00 +0000

You've seen parts uno and due already no doubt, so let's dive straight into the third and final installment of Nokia's N8 overview. Today we are treated to the Symbian^3 media player, which continues to closely resemble Apple's Cover Flow, but we're sure the companies will work it out between themselves. That cover-centric interface gets tugged around a few times to show the phone can handle it without lag, and we also get to see a repeat visit from our friend Mr. Long Press, which functions as a mobile version of a right-click by popping up a menu of contextual options. The video continues into a look at the HDMI connectivity and points out that the N8 will be compatible with Bluetooth keyboards -- you know, if you're in the mood for an Espoo-approved version of Google TV. See the whole thing after the break.

[Thanks, Hythem]

Continue reading Nokia completes its N8 video tour with media player and HDMI demo

Nokia completes its N8 video tour with media player and HDMI demo originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia E73 Mode brings a familiar form factor to T-Mobile US on the cheap

Paul Miller — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:15:00 +0000

Say what you will about Nokia's software, there's no faulting the E70-series of QWERTY candybars, which marry delectable keyboards with thin, classy, and surprisingly rugged design -- and of course top it off with an almost-just-too-small screen. The latest of these is the new Nokia E73 Mode for T-Mobile US (that's right, a Nokia phone on a US carrier!), which will start shipping on June 16th. The S60 handset has a 5 megapixel camera with flash and autofocus, WiFi, free turn by turn Ovi Maps, and not much more to speak of to set it apart from its predecessors, which is a good or bad thing depending upon what you want out of a phone. The best news, however, is that it's retailing for $69.99 on a two year contract. PR is after the break.

Continue reading Nokia E73 Mode brings a familiar form factor to T-Mobile US on the cheap

Nokia E73 Mode brings a familiar form factor to T-Mobile US on the cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Hengshan and Huashan Windows phones make another online cameo (update)

Ross Miller — Sun, 23 May 2010 17:33:00 +0000

The Android-powered Vision isn't HTC's only possible user agent-borne leak from this week. Now comes word of two potential Windows Phone 7 devices , the HuaShan and T5588 HengShan. The former has a 480 x 800 screen (no obvious relation to the Mondrian spotted yet) while the latter sports the more typical 320 x 480. Beyond that and an apparent lack of physical keyboards, we're kind of in the dark here -- assuming this turns out to be legit, but those names popped up previously on a roadmap with a 4.3-inch / 3.4-inch screen size, respectively. At any rate, whether or not it's this pair, we definitely have at least some HTC Windows Phone 7 devices to look forward to by the end of 2010.

Update: Perhaps we spoke too soon on the platform of choice -- as WMExperts points out, other parts of the profile hint at not Windows Phone 7, but actually the soon-to-be classic Windows Mobile 6.5.3. Enthusiasm lowered? Ours, too.

HTC Hengshan and Huashan Windows phones make another online cameo (update) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 23 May 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC ‘Vision’ finally bringing high-end QWERTY to Android?

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 21 May 2010 19:02:00 +0000

For a company with as rich of a reputation for landscape QWERTY sliders as HTC has, you'd think they'd be tripping over themselves to release a truly high-end Android phone with a keyboard, but not so much -- the closest they've come so far would be the midrange myTouch 3G Slide, and that puppy ain't even out yet. We broke the news last night about three seemingly new names for upcoming HTC devices -- Vision, LED, and Glacier -- and Dutch site Tweakers.net is now reporting on a user agent profile for the Vision that lists the device featuring that mythical holy trinity: WVGA display, QWERTY, and Android. Furthermore, they've got the director of HTC Benelux on record saying that they're planning more Android phones with keyboards -- so that's a Good Thing to hear at a time when huge slates seem to be stealing the show in every segment of the market. With the Nexus One, Desire, Droid Incredible, and EVO 4G all alive and well, we think these guys would be well-served to play with other form factors for a minute or two, yeah?

HTC 'Vision' finally bringing high-end QWERTY to Android? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 May 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Does your MacBook need a colorful keyboard?

Nicholas Deleon — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:00:43 +0000

"Oh, neat." Thus spoke Nicholas Deleon when he saw these MacBook keyboard decals, and it was Good.

Blizzard-ahoy on Amazon Gold Box deals

Nicholas Deleon — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 18:30:33 +0000

Just a friendly heads-up: today is Blizzard day on Amazon Deals or whatever it’s called. You know, new deals on the hour, every hour till 9pm PT. The deals are only revealed as they go live. I’m thinking Blizzard-related keyboards and mice and the like, probably even a game or two in there.

With Windows Phone, Microsoft is trying to win back the magic

John Biggs — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:12:09 +0000

I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes me a Mac guy as opposed to a PC guy and it seems that the Register may have hit on some very good points. Tim Anderson, the Register writer, notes that Microsoft has lost its edge when it comes to industrial design and even in during its [...]

Exciting new HP ProBook s-series models promise fun, excitement

John Biggs — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:49:11 +0000

These laptops have keyboards. They allow you to type. Are you ready for some football? Then you better go play foorball because we’re here to talk about HP’s four new ProBook models, ranging from 13.3-inches to 17.3-inches. They start at $719 and run a Core i3/i5/i7 and 8GB of RAM. SlashGear has a hands on so [...]

Adesso’s new HTPC keyboard plays well with others

Dave Freeman — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:45:05 +0000

Check out the latest from Adesso, it’s a combination of a regular keyboard and a laptop touch-pad, making it almost ideal for home theater or limited space applications. Now we’ve seen this before, the idea is nothing new, but this particular product has one little feature we haven’t seen before. It’s not a huge deal, but [...]

Keyboard has A through Z layout and built in LOL buttons

Doug Aamoth — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:00:03 +0000

Why learn to actually use a keyboard nowadays? It’s all ROFL, LMAO, RTFM, TLDR, and GFY anyway. In that spirit -- or in the spirit of helping “hunt ‘n peck typists or novices and young beginners,” according to the product description – the $23 Fast Finger keyboard makes the complicated QWERTY layout and difficulty of typing 3-4 letter acronyms a thing of the past.

Daily Crunch: Oceanographer’s Choice Edition

Bryce Durbin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:52 +0000

Tea Sub. For your daily cuteness infusion needs Battery-powered heat socks McGraw-Hill CEO Confirms Apple Tablet Is Coming Tomorrow

Show your love for illumination and keyboards with this USB key light

Doug Aamoth — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:00:00 +0000

People at work know you even though they haven’t met you. “Oh, Carl? Yeah, the keyboard guy. Dude LOVES keyboards. Won’t shut up about them. I heard he’s crazy. Like, Judo crazy. Like, don’t say anything bad about keyboards or he’ll put you in some weird Judo hold.” If that sounds like you, Carl, then get $14 ready.

N900 turned into PS3 controller courtesy of BlueMaemo emulator

Vladislav Savov — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Should you be the sort of person who doesn't mind fiddling around with alpha level software, you'll definitely want to know about the BlueMaemo Bluetooth emulator. Available via the Extras-Devel repository on your N900, this app allows the device to mimic other Bluetooth gadgets, such as keyboards, mice, and yes indeedy, gaming controllers. Its developer Valério Domingos humbly points out that the purpose of connecting up to a PS3 is purely for menu navigation and easier text input, though we've no doubt a few hardcore Nokia loyalists will try using this in an action game to prove the N900's superiority. You may follow Valério and his ongoing refinement of the app in the Maemo.org link below, or you can jump past the break to see the full controller layout and an instructional video on how to hook things up -- it's in Italian, but you should be able to grasp what's going on senza problemi.

[Thanks, shellshock]

Continue reading N900 turned into PS3 controller courtesy of BlueMaemo emulator

N900 turned into PS3 controller courtesy of BlueMaemo emulator originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dell and Goodwill add more free computer recycling drop off sites

Doug Aamoth — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Ever tried to get rid of an old, sack o’ crap computer? It's not as easy as it sounds. You can't just throw it in the garbage (legally), charitable organizations have finally realized that it takes more time and effort than it's worth to refurbish a 486 DX2/66 machine that nobody’s going to use anyway, and dumping the computer at your municipal recycling center often costs a pretty penny.

Review: The GBoard keyboard for GMail

Scott Merrill — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:15:21 +0000

Short Version: The GBoard costs $19.99. It’s a USB keypad that has nineteen specially labeled keys for specific GMail actions: search, reply, reply all, star, archive, etc. The back of the unit has an adjustable lever so you can change the angle of the keypad. I’m left wondering what problem this accessory solves. Review: Keyboards and [...]

This could be the ultimate HTPC controller

Matt Burns — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:30:39 +0000

This little controller is butt-ugly and crude, but I still want one really bad. Maybe Santa will bring me one.

Motorola’s MT710 OPhone for China makes us dream of Droids without keyboards

Chris Ziegler — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Filed under: Handsets, Motorola, China Mobile, Android

While it's busy trying to rebuild market share on the backs of Android-powered devices in North America and Europe, Motorola's already got a bustling business in China, so it makes sense that they'd want to contribute some Google juice over there as well. That dovetails nicely with China Mobile's Android-based Open Mobile System -- which runs those so-called OPhones -- and Motorola has yet to bring an OPhone to market, so that's where this little beast appears poised to come into play. The MT710 is said to feature an 854 x 480 display clocking in at 3.7 inches and 3G support (using China Mobile's up-and-coming TD-SCDMA network), but beyond that, little is known; it's said that Motorola will intro a total of seven Android models in China over the next year, though, and this is clearly one of them. Shave three or four millimeters off the Droid's girth with this puppy, and count us in.

[Via PMP Today]

Motorola's MT710 OPhone for China makes us dream of Droids without keyboards originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smartphone Showdown: iPhone 3GS vs Motorola Droid Round 2

Greg Kumparak — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:47:14 +0000

My inbox is in pain. Almost immediately after I hit the publish button on last week’s iPhone 3GS vs Motorola Droid Smartphone Showdown, a torrential blast of comments and questions has been barraging just about every communication inlet I’ve got. Phone calls. Twitter DMs. Lots, and lots, and lots of emails. Across the board, it [...]

Verizon’s BlackBerry 8530 and LG Chocolate Touch go hands-on

Paul Miller — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Filed under: Handsets, LG, Verizon Wireless

Rounding out the flurry of interesting Verizon Wireless launches today are the BlackBerry Curve 8530 and LG Chocolate Touch (pictured). The 8530 is pretty much just the Verizon edition of T-Mobile's 8520, but the LG Chocolate Touch bears closer examination. Basically it's just a war on the eyeballs of anyone who's ever seen the BL40, with the front, back, materials and interface of the device all falling incredibly short of aesthetic pleasure. However, the $80 phone does have a relatively responsive and usable touchscreen interface for a "dumbphone," and we've used worse touchscreen keyboards on Windows Mobile. So it's not a complete tragedy, but we really feel sorry for someone who skips over the DROID ERIS for this just handset just to save $20.

Verizon's BlackBerry 8530 and LG Chocolate Touch go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DIY – A wooden hand crank iPhone dock

Dave Freeman — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:00:26 +0000

So you're finally decided that you have too much finely shaped plastic, aluminum, and steel in your life. You've got a woodworking shop in your garage that would make the amish cry, and you just can't figure out where to put your iPhone when you're not using. Worry no more friend, you can make a hand crank-able wooden iPhone dock, just like this man did.

Palm Pre gets a virtual keyboard, but not from Palm

Greg Kumparak — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:24:09 +0000

When it comes to keyboards, you just can’t make everyone happy. Provide a virtual keyboard, and people complain of inaccuracy and difficult of use. Provide a physical keyboard, and people complain because their dainty hands only have enough strength to slide out the keyboard three times a day. You’ve gotta provide both, or you’ve just [...]

Review: Yubz MAGNUM Bluetooth speaker

Scott Merrill — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:30:38 +0000

Bluetooth is one of those funny technologies that has an awful lot of potential, but with very few actually useful implementations. Bluetooth headsets are no longer cool. Bluetooth mice and keyboards are quickly becoming the de facto devices for this technology. What else is there? Well, friends, I'm here to tell you that the YUBZ MAGNUM is nearly perfect Bluetooth gadget.

Nokia 5130 coming to T-Mobile in September, no one notices

Chris Velazco — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:44:05 +0000

Dear T-Mo faithful, are you being overstimulated by flashy phones like the myTouch 3G? Does the Touch Pro2 pack too much power under the hood for you? Do keyboards on phones like the Blackberry Curve 8520 completely flummox you? Well, fret no longer, because T-Mobile has an unremarkable candybar that’s just right for you! That [...]

LG survey shows netbooks, “blooming” keyboards, and ultra-dumb phones

Greg Kumparak — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:38:16 +0000

Surveys are fun. Some ask you your favorite color, purely for the sake of science. Others help you determine which Twilight character you are. Our favorites are the ones that reveal all of the awesome concepts handset manufacturers are cracking away at behind closed doors. Take this latest one from LG, as spotted by an EngadgetMobile [...]

HTC Touch Pro 2 to be T-Mobile’s most expensive phone?

Greg Kumparak — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:21:03 +0000

Look - we love the Touch Pro 2, if only because the slide-out QWERTY keyboard is one of the most comfortable and usable keyboards we’ve ever used. We loved it even more once HTC started sneaking 3.5mm jacks into it. But hot damn, T-Mobile wants a lot of money for this thing. According to a pricing [...]

Review: Gateway NV5214u 15.6-inch notebook

Doug Aamoth — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:00:06 +0000

Quick Version: Gateway’s new student-oriented NV series packs a lot of bang for the buck, although the machine is almost too heavy and bulky to function as a truly portable computer. If it’s going to spend most of its time on a desk, though, you get a fully-featured computer at roughly the price of an [...]

Netbook Fight! Gateway LT3103 versus Acer Aspire One 751h

Doug Aamoth — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:00:22 +0000

In the search for affordable 11.6-inch netbooks, you have a couple of enticing choices in the Acer Aspire One 751h and the Gateway LT3103. Both pretty much come from the same company, as Acer owns Gateway, and while the outward look and feel of each system is pretty similar, there are some notable internal differences.

Wonderful Collection of Dead Computer Logos

Charlie Sorrel — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:16:44 +0000

Univac is a nerd’s nerd, a collector of objects so odd that even we are somewhat shocked. Shocked, but also very impressed. What does Univac collect? He pries plastic parts from the cold corpses of dead computers. Above, you see his collection of cadaverous key-caps, along with logos from pretty much everything Steve Jobs ever [...]