iTech4: Peripherals

Ask Engadget: Best wireless keyboard for living room?

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 17th 2009 at 1:34AM

Unbeknown to you, you've just stumbled upon this week's Ask Engadget. If you want to get in on this action, feel free to drop us an inquiry at ask at engadget dawt com. Before you get those gears turning, we'd invite you to chime in on Mitch's question below:

"With the upcoming release of Ion-based "nettops," I'll be in the market to buy one and I'll also be looking to buy a wireless keyboard and mouse for my living room. Some things I would like to see on the keyboard are prices below $100 and backlit if possible. Media buttons would be nice but aren't totally necessary. Thanks!"

Timely question, Mitch. Considering that the AspireRevo is just the first of many miniature PCs that'll undoubtedly be headed to dens across the globe, we figure you're not alone in wondering about the perfect keyboard to pair with it. So, readers -- whatcha got?

3DConnexion's SpacePilot Pro 3D mouse

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Apr 16th 2009 at 5:06PM

3DConnexion has always had a place in our heart for their reasonably priced and smartly designed three dimensional controllers. Now the company is back on the scene with the SpacePilot Pro, which ups the ante -- and the price point -- considerably. This bad boy sports an LCD screen and lots (and lots) of buttons, including controls for various isometric views and navigation settings (pan and zoom, rotation, speed). If that weren't enough, there are function keys for various apps and an applet for checking your MS Outlook mail. Ships with drivers for Windows XP and Vista, Solaris 8 and 10, and Linux -- as always seems to be the case with this company, Mac users are stuck without for the time being. Retails for $499, available now.

Gallery: 3DConnexion's SpacePilot Pro 3D mouse

[Via The Inquirer]

Atlona teams with Wisair for wireless USB to HDMI adapter

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 15th 2009 at 6:06PM

Wait a second -- isn't wireless USB, um, deceased? Regardless of what pundits and the industry at large have said (via words, actions, or otherwise), Wisair is absolutely refusing to give up the dream. To that end, the firm has teamed with peripheral mainstay Atlona in order to develop and produce a wireless USB to HDMI adapter. Much like the wired AT-HDPiX, the May-bound AT-HDAiR enables users to connect any USB-enabled computer to any HDTV or projector via VGA or HDMI. The difference? This one works sans extra cabling. The range here is 30 feet, though you can only expect footage to stream through at up to 720p (or 1,440 x 1,200). At least the price tag is just $199, which sure beats some of the obviously more capable options with WHDI chips within.

Medigenic Infection Control keyboard will be easy to clean when the zombies attack

by Laura June, posted Apr 15th 2009 at 5:02PM

We don't have a phobia about germs or anything, but this keyboard still really strikes our fancy. Designed by Esterline Advanced Input Systems for use in hospitals, the Medigenic Infection Control keyboard boasts a couple of features that make it less likely to be infested with disgusting germs, as well as easier to clean. First off -- it's a flat surface, and has no "keys" -- just the 3D-looking printed keyboard layout -- so that you don't get crumbs, dirt, or anything else trapped in there. It also has a disable key, so that you can turn off the keys for quick cleaning, and a customizable reminder system to let you know when it's ready for a wipe down. A companion mouse is also available. The keyboard is available for $140, and the mouse is $80.

[Via Oh Gizmo!]

Nintendo not apt to add MotionPlus capabilities to older titles

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 15th 2009 at 12:48PM

Hey, you know what would be awesome? If you could actually use the MotionPlus dongle you're going to pick up on June 8th. You see, there's a 1.5 month gap between the US release date of the add-on and the first first-party title (Wii Sports Resort) designed to take advantage of it. 'Course, we fully expect a few third-party games (EA's Grand Slam Tennis, for one) to filter out beforehand, but what we were really hoping was for the Big N to provide patches for a few existing titles. Sadly, Mario has chimed in from the Mushroom Kingdom with this: "The Wii MotionPlus accessory is only for games that are designed to make use of its abilities." Translation? You can forget about seeing MotionPlus support added to Mario Kart Wii... or Looney Tunes: Acme Arsenal, for that matter.

[Via Joystiq]

Gallery: Nintendo MotionPlus

Toshiba dramatically increases energy density of Li-ion battery

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 15th 2009 at 10:12AM

The last time we heard of lithium titanate battery technology was when learning about the £120,000 Lightning GT, and while we've no way to confirm, we're definitely hoping that the latest development from Toshiba ensures that we're talking about it far more frequently than once per year. According to a report over at Nikkei's Tech-On, said outfit has crafted a cell of a Li-ion secondary battery (aimed at electric vehicles, mainly) that sports an energy density as high as 100Wh/kg. Needless to say, the invention relies on lithium titanate for its negative electrode, and considering that Tosh is currently producing a 4.2Ah cell with an energy density of around 67Wh/kg for electric bicycles, it's easy to seewhat kind of improvement we're staring at. Now, if only this stuff could be applied to AA cells, our power-gulping camera flash would be forever grateful...

Microsoft's ambidextrous SideWinder X3 mouse available for presale

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Apr 14th 2009 at 1:22PM

Still feeling a little less than a'right with dropping $99 on a wireless gaming mouse? Microsoft's newest, the SideWinder X3, is an eight-button wonder that boasts a 2,000 dpi laser-tracking engine, on-the-fly dpi switching between high, medium and low sensitivity, a totally sweet scroll wheel, and a cable. You know, for connecting to your computer and such. The best part? It's ambidextrous (a first for the line), so the southpaw in your life won't feel left out. Starts shipping in May for $39.95.

Mobile data card growth slows dramatically in Q4 2008

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 14th 2009 at 10:02AM

Who woulda thunk it? A global recession leads to belt tightening, and belt tightening leads to fewer mobile data card sales. According to a new report from ComScore, that's exactly what happened at the tail end of last year, where WWAN card growth slowed to just 5 percent compared to 28 percent in Q4 2007. Still, carriers can't grumble too loudly -- after all, at least it grew. In fact, PC data card adoption rose 63 percent overall in 2008, and if any of these 4G services can see rollouts of significance, we suspect 2009 will show equally positive numbers. The reality is that mobile data is still priced far too high for the average Joe or Jane to stomach; most mobile broadband plans run upwards of $50 per month and require a two-year contract to get a free or cheap card, and unless one is planning to be on the road an awful lot, buying in just doesn't make sense when times are tough. In other words, cut us a break on these mobile data rates, operators -- it's what Uncle Sam would want.

[Via mocoNews]

Nintendo's $19.99 MotionPlus Wiimote add-on ships to US on June 8th

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 14th 2009 at 8:43AM

Alright, so maybe the rumors weren't that far off, but the Big N just did us a solid by establishing US availability of its MotionPlus Wiimote accessory a few weeks ahead of when we were expecting. Granted, it's downright baffling that these things still aren't out on the market, but we're fully anticipating perfection from something that has been in the Crock-Pot® for so long. Shortly after E3 2009 concludes (June 8th, to be precise), Nintendo will ship its MotionPlus add-on stateside. The device itself will run you $19.99, though you could wait until July 26th to pick up the totally attractive Wii Sports Resort for $49.99, which naturally comes bundled with one of the accessories.

Crapgadget: USB abomination edition (with a pinch of superhero)

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 11th 2009 at 3:50PM

Seriously, just listen at this and try to stifle your sighs. "Bling Bling USB optical mouse." "Jewel Necklace USB flash drive." "Turtle-Look USB 2.0 Hub with a tray." "Magic Sensor LCD Alarm Clock." "Insect USB Mini Fan." Yes, friends, this is the type of utter garbage we're dealing with in this episode ofCrapgadget. Honestly, we're simultaneously astounded and deeply depressed that anyone would even consider dishing out their hard-earned cheddar for any of this rubbish, but we're doing our darnedest to pretend that these were simply created for us to have a laugh at.The week's strongest contender? Some superhero magnet pixels... and that's saying something.

Read - Bling Bling mouse
Read - Jewel necklace USB drive
Read - Turtle USB hub
Read - Sensor alarm clock
Read - Insect fan
Read - Magnetic pixels

XCM's $84.99 Cross Fire Adapter for Xbox 360 ships today

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 10th 2009 at 7:28AM

We can't say for sure why you'd want to use a PlayStation 3 controller with your Xbox 360, but if you somehow prefer the Batwing over something that's actually comfortable to hold, there's this. XCM -- who just recently debuted its Rumble Joystick and KO Adapter for PlayStation 3 -- is today shipping its Cross Fire Adapter for Xbox 360. As we insinuated earlier, this device enables users to connect a PS3 controller, original Xbox controller (Duke!) or wired Xbox 360 controller to one's Xbox 360 console so you don't have to mod your controller to enjoy the spoils of Turbo Fire. Get your order in right now over atExtreme-Mods for $84.99.

Brando delivers gaggle of wacky USB hubs

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 10th 2009 at 5:13AM

Oh Brando, will your wonders ever cease? The company famous for making our days with random, wacky, off-the-wall gizmos has just unloaded a small cadre of new USB hubs, all of which are delightfully eccentric and totally destined for neglected desks the world over. From the Clippy-approvedUSB Happy-Kid 4-Port Hub to the reading light-infused iteration, there's a hub for practically anyone looking to get more USB devices connected to their PC. Check 'em all out below, and don't feel like you have to pick just one, regardless of what your savings account is saying.

Read - Clippy hub
Read - Folding light hub
Read - 3-port clock hub
Read - Unreal watch hub

Rock Band double bass pedal brings out the Joey Jordison in you

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 9th 2009 at 6:57PM

True metal-heads have already modded their Rock Band / Guitar Hero kits to accommodate that DW 5000, but for those who lack any DIY genes whatsoever, there's this. Accessory maker PDP is gearing up to ship its universal Rock Band replacement kick pedal, which conveniently ships with a "double bass adapter that allows for two pedals to be used at the same time." Time to get to work on your coordination skills, 'cause you'll definitely want to lay down $24.99 on this when it ships on June 1st.

[Thanks, Omar]

XCM introduces Rumble Joystick and KO Adapter for PlayStation 3

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 9th 2009 at 3:03PM

Hot on the heels of XCM's Dominator joystick comes an even more irresistible iteration, making those that took the plunge in January inevitably jealous. The newfangled Rumble Joystick for PlayStation 3 isn't terribly different from the original... save for the fact that this one shakes, rattles and rolls, of course. Described as the world's first PS3 joystick to rumble natively, this bugger also packs four memory buttons for programming all sorts of sick, twisted macros alongside independent Rapid Fire and Turbo buttons. Moving on, we've got the all new XO Adapter for PS3, which adds support for macros, Rapid Fire and Turbo to any vanilla Dual Shock or SIXAXIS controller. There's no mention of pricing for either, but we suspect that'll change in the near future (like, real soon, given that they'll be shipping in under a month).

Read - Rumble Joystick for PS3
Read - XO Adapter for PS3

Gallery: XCM introduces Rumble Joystick and KO Adapter for PlayStation 3

DIY footswitch for Ableton Live frees up your hands, makes you dangerous onstage

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Apr 9th 2009 at 1:32PM

When Ableton forum member AlexMC came across plans for a no-fuss, no-muss USB foot controller for the company's world-renowned music app, he liked what he saw -- but not so much that he couldn't make a few changes his own self. By adding a sturdy wooden case, a 30 degree pitch to the top of the thing, some extra buttons, and some razzle-dazzle (that'll cost you extra) he now has a device that sports twenty buttons and a bank switch (making for forty unique outputs total), useful for things like play / record on individual tracks, stop / fade, and of course, everybody's favorite -- tap tempo. The best part? He built this bad boy for ten bucks! The excruciating step-by-step plans and photos (including circuit diagrams and all that jazz) are yours when you hit the read link below -- and you'll be mashing up Katy Perry and the Cure live on stage, while jamming along on your keytar, in no time. But please, don't mash-up Katy Perry and the Cure.

iTech4

Friday, April 17, 2009

Peripherals