A Keyboard In Your Purse

Women seem to carry their entire house in their purse. Most gals can usually whip out a band-aid, assorted make-up products, tissues, and of course, a wallet and cell phone, but how about a keyboard? Perhaps a techie like me could. I admit, in addition to the fore-mentioned items, I usually have my PlayStation Portable (PSP) along with some spare games, digital camera, and extra memory sticks. No my purse isn’t that big, and I don’t actually carry around a humungous keyboard with me. I’m talking about a virtual keyboard that’s about the size of a pack of gum – no joke!

The iTECH Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard has a red plastic window where a projection module uses a red diode laser to emit a keyboard template. The holographic optical element used to display the virtual keyboard then produces a full-size keyboard image onto your desk, or any other flat surface (with no protrusions over 1mm), and allows you to type wherever you are. It will make simulated key click sounds as your fingers press the virtual keys and break the laser, so it will sound like you’re typing.

With the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard’s 63 keys and full-size QWERTY layout, you can type about the same speed as if you were using a regular keyboard. It will also connect to your PDA, Smartphone or computer via Bluetooth or serial cable. Using the included software, you can monitor the device’s battery level, adjust the properties (i.e. adjust the touch as you type), choose your connection (Bluetooth or serial) or enable shortcuts (13 available). The easiest thing to do is keep the settings at the default level since it seems to work well with it.

The battery is rechargeable and will last you about two hours of continuous typing on a full charge. It is compatible with PalmOS 5, PocketPC 2003, Windows Smartphone, Symbian OS and Windows 2000/XP. Additionally, you can use it with your Mac using the built-in Bluetooth support with OSX. Unfortunately there is no OSX driver software included with the keyboard, which means there is no way to set the keyboard preferences such as brightness, key-repeat and sensitivity.

You can find the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard for $179.99 at www.thinkgeek.com. A bit pricey, but think of all the fun you could have with a virtual keyboard that can go anywhere you do.