orbiTouch Keyless Keyboard

Juniper Foo | Jun 22, 2005

Oh boy. What the nipple mouse did for the ThinkPad, we're betting the orbiTouch will do for keyboards. In a very tactile fashion, the user grasps the two domes on the orbiTouch and slides the left and right mounts (mahjong style) into one of eight respective (keyboard) positions. The movements create letters and numbers which Keybowl claims takes just a few hours to master. There's even an integrated mouse, though this particular rodent is hidden so well we haven't figured out where it's situated just from the pictures. The makers also claim the unique design helps avoid carpel tunnel syndrome. Though at US$399 a pop, it's hard to tell which will hurt less--your wallet or your wrist.

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Price: US$399 for now (originally priced at US$695)
Availability: keybowl.com
Device: Keyboard
Basic specs: Fully functional 128 "key" capability, three-button mouse function, 19.5 x 8.5 x 3.75 inches, 2kg, two-year warranty, an Apple-compatible version is currently in development

Filed under: PC & Peripherals
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