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peripherals

How the Magic Trackpad could be more magical

Apple seems to be in the later phases of a touch revolution as of late--or, at least, it seems to be trying to complete the loop. In a movement started by the iPhone and continued in MacBook multitouch trackpads, the Apple Magic Trackpad extends multitouch to non-laptop Mac owners who might feel left out of the pinch-to-zoom/multi-finger swipe party.

Touch is hardly an Apple-only trend--in fact, many desktop Windows all-in-ones already incorporate touch-screen environments. Apple does, however, seem to be keen on possibly phasing out the mouse from its plans and working a common language of touch gestures across all Apple products. Could this portend iOS creeping its way into OSX? That's still unclear, but the Magic Trackpad does offer some possibilities all its own, whether or not iOS makes a Mac debut.

As a compact square slab, the Trackpad could ideally do things that a regular mouse just can't, including be a lap device for living-room use. While we found the Magic Trackpad to work well and do what it advertises, it really could go a lot more places in the future. Right now, the Magic Trackpad isn't really "magic." But it could be, in the future. Here's what we'd like next: … Read more

Hands-on look at Apple Magic Trackpad

UPDATE: Post-software update multitouch impressions below.

Not too long ago, one of us at CNET foretold a future without mice where touch peripherals would dominate. We may not be there yet, but Apple's Magic Trackpad certainly takes us one step closer to fulfilling that prediction.

Announced and available Tuesday, Apple's $69 Bluetooth device is minimalist and not particularly cheap. It is what it seems to be at first glance: a large aluminum square mounted on a slight riser, just like Apple's Bluetooth keyboard. In fact, it's the same depth and height as the keyboard, which lets … Read more

'Optimus Popularis': Minimalist OLED QWERTY

Art Lebedev Studios made waves a few years ago when it introduced the Optimus Maximus. The QWERTY keyboard had individual OLED screens under most buttons, meaning it was almost infinitely customizable. It was thought to be nothing more than vaporware by some until it actually shipped. It remains a sought-after luxury keyboard.

And now, via its Live Journal (!?) the same studio has previewed a new slim, minimalist keyboard that also includes LCD keys, called the Optimus Popularis. It's slimmer and smaller than the Maximus, and the design's more modern. It shares more with laptop keyboards than with most … Read more

Report: Natal to cost $150, launch in late October

Would you be willing to pay $150 for a video camera peripheral that will only work with a $200 gaming console?

Microsoft hopes so--at least according to Edge Online's "trusted source," who says that $150 is in fact the price tag for a Project Natal unit, and that Microsoft is planning to offer it both as a standalone item and as part of an Arcade system bundle.

Project Natal, which is widely expected to be renamed at its near-final press debut at next month's E3 conference in Los Angeles, is a video capture device for the … Read more

Apple releases 2009 Aluminum Keyboard firmware update 1.0

This week is full of...updates! Apple has issued a small update to the firmware for their 2009 Aluminum Keyboards. The update follows the recently released one for their 2007 model keyboards, and should not be confused with it. If you tried updating your keyboard with the old update and failed, it is probably because you have the newer keyboard model.… Read more

Will Nintendo really be threatened by Microsoft, Sony motion controllers?

If 2010 equals Battle of the 3D Televisions for home entertainment, then in video games it might be the Battle of Motion Controllers. With Microsoft's Project Natal promised to be available by holiday 2010 and Sony's motion controller now pushed to a fall 2010 launch as well, the Nintendo Wii looks like it will have tons of company in the world of newfangled control schemes.

How will Nintendo survive, with a system that's technically the most archaic with the exception of its innovative controller? If the Xbox 360 and PS3 offer motion controls to equal or rival … Read more

Transformers memory sticks, mice--so corny they're cool

Of course, CES is full of oddball, goofball, and just plain cheesy products; but amid the sea of plastic this year a little tidbit caught my eye from a Toshiba booth, of all places. After eyeballing a variety of Satellite laptops, a Toshiba representative insisted I take a look at a corner of the table that I had ignored, because I thought the little plastic tchotchkes were party favors.

Official Transformers-brand USB memory sticks and mice, which on closer inspection completely mirrored the type of toys I used to obsessively collect in my childhood, are coming soon. If they're … Read more

It's winter, and your cold computer needs fur

It's freezing out there, and your electronics need warmth and comfort just like you. That's why Japanese USB novelty maker Actbrise has come out with fake furs to trim your favorite plastic pals.

Actbrise, based in Takasaki, has started selling stick-on Fa-si-ru leopard print fur (PDF) to attach to the cover of your laptop, cell phone, or just about any other device. Not only will Fa-si-ru fur keep your babies warm, it'll make you look totally stylish. Or utterly clueless about style, depending on your perspective.

The Fa-si-ru fur is available in white, too. A 15x11-inch hide … Read more