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[March 12, 2002]
Logitech Debuts All-In-One Case And Keyboard
For PDAs
Logitech announced a wraparound
fabric keyboard that offers input control and lightweight convenience
for Palm handhelds. The Logitech KeyCase uses ElekTex, a sturdy
electronic fabric that offers a low-profile keyboard which wraps around
the handheld when not in use to protect it from life on the road.
KeyCase frees users from stylus operation with an on-screen button
and dedicated function keys for quick access to frequently used Palm
functions as well as select, cut, copy, and paste buttons. A
pressure-sensitive scroller provides for effortless navigation of menus
and long documents. The unit is instantly ready for data input by means
of a SmartMotion Cradle. With the handheld secured in place, users
simply prop up the cradle into typing position and the entire system is
on and ready. Featuring U.S., French and German layouts, the KeyCase
will be available in the US and Europe in early April.
"This is a unique product," said Denis Pavillard, director
of marketing for keyboards and desktops at Logitech. "The strong
water-resistant textile case provides protection for the PDA when
traveling. Then the case opens to be a fabric keyboard that is designed
to help you get the most out of your PDA.
"KeyCase underscores Logitech's broader commitment to the mobile
computing environment by making use of an innovative technology to
provide greater convenience on the road. The all-in-one case and
keyboard is a rare combination of two very useful products combined to
address the specific needs of the traveling business person."
The Logitech KeyCase keyboard is compatible with Palm OS 4.1 and Palm
OS 4.0 for the Palm m125, Palm m500, Palm m505, Palm i705 and future
handhelds with the Palm Universal Connector. The Logitech software, to
configure the Palm for the keyboard, is compatible with the following
operating systems: Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 95 Windows 98, Windows
Me and Windows XP. The application is also compatible with Macintosh OS.
The keyboard ships with a free trial version of the popular Palm OS
based word processor, WordSmith.
The ElekTex fabric used in the Logitech KeyCase is based on
electronic fabric technology that provides the basis for a soft,
flexible, and lightweight interface between users and electronic
devices. This unique fabric structure can accurately sense location on
three axes - X, Y, Z - where the Z-axis is the amount of pressure
applied to the 1mm thick material. ElekTex senses where the fabric is
being pressed (the X- and Y-axes), and how hard, via the Z-axis. The
precise electrical measurements are then translated into digital
signals, which control the electronic device. This flexibility and the
ability to measure the amount of applied pressure are major advantages
of ElekTex over previous touch technologies, such as touch pads.
Products created with ElekTex benefit in terms of being flexible,
lightweight, durable and resilient. ElekTex is developed and licensed by
UK-based ElekSen.
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