backtop

Print E-mail del.icio.us 48 comment(s) - last by XtremeM3.. on Sep 16 at 2:54 AM

Logitech Cordless MediaBoard Pro  (Source: Image Via Logitech)
Logitech announces new Cordless MediaBoard Pro for PS3

Logitech announced an updated version of their Cordless MediaBoard for PS3 called the Cordless MediaBoard Pro today. The original MediaBoard used a matte silver finish, which did nothing to go along with the looks of the PS3.

With the updated Cordless MediaBoard Pro, Logitech uses a glossy black chassis for the keyboard that looks like it came with the PS3. The main difference between the new MediaBoard Pro and the old MediaBoard is in the connection of the keyboard to the PS3. The original MediaBoard uses a USB transceiver plugged into one of the PS3’s front USB ports.

The new Cordless MediaBoard Pro uses Bluetooth connectivity just like the Sony Sixaxis controllers so no USB adapter is required. If you are using your PS3 for media playback, you will be glad to hear that the MediaBoard Pro has a 10-meter wireless range. An integrated touchpad eliminates the need for a mouse.

Logitech also included an assortment of media keys to make accessing the web browser and movie menus easier. Power for the keyboard is via a pair of AA batteries that provide up to 200 hours of use. A two stage battery light shows when battery power is getting low.

 The Cordless MediaBoard Pro will be available in October for $79.99.

Comments     Threshold


This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled
Is it just me?
By MADAOO7 on 9/12/2007 5:25:50 PM , Rating: 2
Is it just me or do companies make their most simplistic devices, call them "chic and professional" and then charge ridiculous prices. You could buy a wireless keyboard AND mouse combo with more features from Logitech for ~$30 at Target.




RE: Is it just me?
By MADAOO7 on 9/12/2007 5:29:08 PM , Rating: 2
Furthermore, where's the NUM pad? ......o I forgot....it's a "Pro" keyboard. Then again, everyone knows that wireless keyboards have much better performance than their wired counterparts (sarcasm).....


RE: Is it just me?
By Moishe on 9/13/2007 7:39:38 AM , Rating: 3
This is not a regular keyboard. it's not intended to be used as a PC keyboard would be used. Yes, a number pad would be nice, but instead they gave it a track pad... which considering there is no mouse for the PS3 is really very useful. it also "looks" like the PS3, which some people will care about.

So in a way, this is just a keyboard and they're selling it for a premium because it's for the PS3. On the gripping hand, it's really a specialized custom KB for the PS3. Either way I don't see the problem.


RE: Is it just me?
By Etern205 on 9/14/2007 12:54:35 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Yes, a number pad would be nice, but instead they gave it a track pad... which considering there is no mouse


I prefer a track ball.


RE: Is it just me?
By hrah20 on 9/14/2007 1:06:45 AM , Rating: 2
Can you imagine playing a fps game with this keyboard having no mouse?, nice idea,bad execution.


RE: Is it just me?
By XtremeM3 on 9/16/2007 2:54:37 AM , Rating: 2
Why wouldn't you have a mouse? Last time I checked I could have a keyboard and mouse plugged in at the same time...but maybe that's changed. Let me check. Yup. Still have both.
("...eliminates the need for a mouse..." does not mean "Eliminates the possibility of hooking up a mouse in conjuntion with this keyboard so you are FUBARed if you want a mouse.")

This specific keyboard is for media applications. While I'm only assuming that, as I have not spoken directly with the designers, I'm making that assumption based on the fact that the name of the keyboard contains the word "media." So pure assumption, please do not quote me on that.

I think it would make a nice Media center keyboard, because of the limited need for a mouse so the pad would work just fine w/o having to have a mouse connected as well. I think it's funny that a new product comes out and everyone is so quick to point out flaws and complain about it. Hey if you don't like it, don't buy it. There is a big difference between constructive critisism and just plain whining. (OMG!!11! ITS TEH SUXOR!!11ones)

Have a good one. (Man, I need more coffee)


RE: Is it just me?
By Murst on 9/12/2007 5:44:03 PM , Rating: 2
Please show me where I can get a bluetooth keyboard for $30. The only one I see on target.com is $110.


RE: Is it just me?
By MADAOO7 on 9/12/07, Rating: -1
RE: Is it just me?
By gramboh on 9/13/2007 12:54:03 AM , Rating: 2
Except with Bluetooth it will interface directly with the other Bluetooth device (e.g. PS3) without the need for a dongle. The PC ones need a dongle in a USB port to pick up the RF signal, that is the difference.


RE: Is it just me?
By Funksultan on 9/13/2007 7:57:39 AM , Rating: 3
Instead of clicking 4 times, you shoulda hit wikipedia and read the difference between RF and Bluetooth.

HUGE difference. RF blows, Bluetooth dominates.


RE: Is it just me?
By blwest on 9/13/2007 10:46:02 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
HUGE difference. RF blows, Bluetooth dominates.


You sir, are why marketing departments succeed. By the way Bluetooth uses RF (radio frequency) to transmit data. BT is 2.4ghz while RF keyboards/mice typically run at 27 MHz.

Actually, this couldn't be further from the truth. The 2.4 GHz spectrum is so crowded and such a poor frequency to pick for latency sensitive operations such as mousing. Simple things like cordless telephones, microwave ovens, 802.11 b/g wireless devices all share the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Do you actually own a blue tooth mouse? They're garbage, no matter who owns them. Logitech's Fast RF in ~27 MHz range dominates any bluetooth device for mousing.

If you have a bluetooth mouse, try firing up your cordless phone (2.4ghz, of course), or tossing something in the microwave, your mouse WILL lag and become worthless. I know that I'm not the only one with this problem, read the Newegg customer reviews on any bluetooth mouse.


RE: Is it just me?
By PrinceGaz on 9/13/2007 10:53:17 AM , Rating: 2
+1


RE: Is it just me?
By Truxy on 9/13/2007 11:50:57 AM , Rating: 2
While not trying to be biased for Bluetooth, I can attest that it does just seem to work better. I do IT work for dental offices, and regular RF wireless keyboard/mice packages have a range of about 7-8 feet before becoming useless. The offices generally have a lot of metallic instruments scattered between the receiver and the keyboard/mouse, but nothing that transmits wireless signals. As the 7-8 foot range became a problem we tried a Bluetooth package and it's pretty much completely solved the problem, I've tested it across the room from about 20 feet with no problems.
Downsides: Not a simple setup (ie plug and play) like regular USB/PS2 is. When idle, the ones I've installed have had a sort of 'sleep mode' after a while, where they take a few seconds to re-initiate themselves on movement/keypress. Overly expensive, they're obviously making a killing here.


RE: Is it just me?
By Yawgm0th on 9/13/2007 8:15:46 AM , Rating: 4
If you think Bluetooth and RF are the same, then you really don't understand what you're talking about and probably shouldn't be arguing.


RE: Is it just me?
By Cogman on 9/14/2007 10:00:58 AM , Rating: 2
If you think they are different things, you have no right to be criticizing others. Bluetooth IS an RF standard. RF stands for Radio Frequency. So class, how does bluetooth work? Does it use really fast fairies? light? Sonic the Hedgehog? Nope it uses a Radio Frequency.

While an RF device is not necessarily Bluetooth, Bluetooth IS an RF device. I would love to see what you believe that would make Bluetooth not an RF device.


RE: Is it just me?
By Murst on 9/14/2007 10:23:24 AM , Rating: 2
Who cares about the method of transfer? It is the protocol that matters. If I get an RF keyboard, there is no way in hell I can make it work out of the box with a PS3.

If you're buying a printer, and do not have a parallel port in your computer, are you going to buy a printer that interfaces via a parallel port? Of course not. Sure, you can buy adapters that make it work, but why not just buy a USB printer and have it work right out of the box? Are you also going to argue that parallel and USB are the same thing?

This keyboard is intended to work with bluetooth devices. An RF keyboard is not. It is amazing that people will argue it is the same thing.


RE: Is it just me?
By Cogman on 9/15/2007 10:03:55 AM , Rating: 2
I'm not arguing that RF devices will work with bluetooth, I realize that is not true. What I am arguing is that it is dumb to say "Bluetooth is not RF" Thats like saying "A printer that uses a USB cable doesn't use wires" or "An Ethernet cable is not a collection of wires"

Furthermore, when comments try to dismiss others comments because they are ill informed for saying that *gasp* Bluetooth is an RF standard, I see idiocy. I think that the argument of a bluetooth keyboard being an RF device stems from someone making the comment that it is UBER better because it uses bluetooth. But because Bluetooth is an RF standard, bluetooth is subject to the exact same follies and problems that any RF device will have.

One last time, I'm NOT argueing that everyone should use parallel port printers because they are the same as USB printers (Both using cables). Im arguing against the retards that would say that a USB printer doesn't use cables, or has Uber performance compared to its Parallel port counter part.


RE: Is it just me?
By PrinceGaz on 9/13/2007 10:52:19 AM , Rating: 1
If anyone here is considering buying the Logitech EX110 cordless keyboard & mouse due to it seeming to be good value, my advice is don't.

I picked one up in the local Tesco supermarket a few months ago for £18. The mouse was dreadful- prone to occasional pointer-creep when stationery, and random jumps to the side of the screen. As for the keyboard, I can't say much because it was DOA, but that certainly doesn't bode well for it.

I ended up exchanging it for a Logitech LX5 cordless mouse (only) and I'm glad I did. That mouse, whilst not in the same league as laser-mice, is far superior to the one included in the EX110 set. It has never once exhibited either pointer-creep or jumps, and is sensitive enough for most users. Range is adequate at over twelve foot, and there are no issues with responsiveness (provided you remember to position the receiver at least six inches from other interference generating devices). I can't comment on battery life as I stuck a pair of AA NiMH cells in instead of the recommended alkaline, and they lasted about three months of fairly intensive daily use before giving the low battery warning (and that's without ever using the manual 'off' button). It's worth noting that it can run on one AA cell if you prefer a slightly lighter mouse as it actually connects the two cells in parallel.

So as I say, don't buy the EX110. In my experience it is junk, and apparently the included mouse eats through batteries like there is no tomorrow.


RE: Is it just me?
By boardstrapd on 9/12/2007 8:43:41 PM , Rating: 2
It's just you, especially since the 1st version of this keyboard cost the same but used 2.4ghz RF instead of the better Bluetooth. $30 combos are more for desktop use and don't work well as a media keyboard. Also, it's targeted for PS3, so what would a num-pad be needed for? Given the choice, I'll gladly take a touchpad over a keypad on a media keyboard used in a living room. Keeps it small, and no need for a mouse.


RE: Is it just me?
By TomZ on 9/12/2007 9:20:02 PM , Rating: 2
What is better about Bluetooth compared to 2.4GHz RF?

From what I've seen, Bluetooth may be technically better, but it seems that most 2.4GHz wireless keyboard sets outperform similar Bluetooth sets in terms of reliability and battery life.

What's your experience?