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THE LIGHTEST KEYBOARD EVER

I usually don't write about computer products and services that aren't yet available to consumers. But I find myself breaking that rule when I get wind of something that I feel is destined to make a great impact on the computing community. I'm also compelled to write if I discover something that's truly novel and so completely different than anything currently available. And while it's true that many of these wondrous items don't make it into stores, I feel it's important to let you know that at least their conception existed if for no other reason than to give you a glimpse into the world of the amazing.

This week, I found one such product. In fact, I had heard rumor of its existence around six months ago but dismissed it as someone's flight of fancy because it sounded too far fetched. But according to Virtual Devices, the Virtual Keyboard or VKey is fast becoming a reality and the company's CTO claims that it should be available before the end of the year.

Chances are you've seen one of those expanding portable folding keyboards for PDAs or notebook computers. A portable keyboard makes for easy typing on a device that has a tiny keyboard or uses an alternative device for data entry such as a stylus. These keyboards make typing more natural, easily fit into a pocket and are very light. But the amazing VKey is a portable computer keyboard that's MADE of light! Envision reaching into your pocket and removing a small tube around the size of a pen that you lay flat on your desk or table. From the tube's midpoint, a small periscope-like extension rises up so that the device looks like an inverted letter T. When activated, a beam of light emits from the tip of the periscope and projects an image of a computer keyboard down to the table's surface so that it's positioned just where you would place a real computer keyboard. And you guessed it. As you tap the keys on the projected keyboard image, the corresponding characters appear on your computer or PDA's screen.

In this columnist's opinion, this has got to be one of the coolest computer peripherals I have ever seen. I'll bet if you had seen this in a Star Wars movie you would have dismissed it as a camera trick. But the technology is real and hopefully we won't have to wait until the next prequel to own one. But even if it never gets made, it's an absolutely entertaining concept. Just imagine the looks you'll get when you nonchalantly plunk this little wonder down on the table and begin typing. The whole concept of typing on an ethereal keyboard of light conveys a sense of whimsey and an almost magical quality that's fascinating to watch as well as use. I don't want to explain the technology behind the VKey because it's tantamount to a magician revealing how his trick is done. Once explained, the magic disappears and we're left with reality. Personally, I like a little magic in my life and just how this tiny bit of technological magic works should be kept a secret. Suffice to say that the VKey observes the user's finger movements to interpret and record keystrokes and mouse functions.

Virtual Devices is extolling the convenience and portability of the VKey but I say the heck with all that justification stuff. This is something you'll want to own just for its wonder factor. And while I don't personally need a PDA or a notebook, I'm going to buy one just so I can get a VKey and observe the faces of everyone watching me type on a keyboard of light. David Copperfield, eat your heart out.

Price has not yet been set.

www.virtualdevices.net
(412) 492-8500