Entered CNET Catalog: 12/21/2005
SKU: CL800
Manufacturer: Celluon Inc.
Manufacturer description
As the world's most innovative projection keyboard, the Laserkey CL800BT has revolutionized mobile data input. Now users can enter SMS messages, e-mails and texts just as easily on the go as when using a conventional keyboard. By means of a laser, the Laserkey CL800BT projects a full-scale keyboard equipped with a mouse feature onto any opaque, flat surface. The keystrokes are then identified basing on the combined input of a sensor and an invisible infrared layer. The connection to Palm, Pocket PC, Smart Phone or PC is set up via a user-friendly Bluetooth hot-plug function or via the serial port. The pocket-sized CL800BT is powered by a compact Lithium-Ion battery.Product summary
The good: The Celluon Laserkey CL800BT projects a cool laser keyboard onto any flat surface and is travel friendly.
The bad: The list of compatible devices is limited. The Celluon Laserkey CL800BT is also a bit pricey.
The bottom line: The Celluon Laserkey CL800BT definitely has wow factor with its laser-projected keyboard, but it works with a only limited number of PDAs, and the lack of tactile keys may be a turnoff to some.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 07/25/2006
More than a year ago, we reviewed a curious but cool PDA accessory called the VKB Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard (BTVKB). Using lasers, it projected a virtual keyboard onto a flat surface and was designed to work with Bluetooth-enabled PDAs and smart phones. While we dug its concept and novelty, we were turned off by its frustrating setup and poor support. In the end, it just wasn't worth the trouble. So we were a bit wary when we heard about the similar Celluon Laserkey CL800BT ($199.99). Still, we put our apprehensions behind us and gave it a shot. The good news is that CL800BT didn't give us much trouble during setup, and it performed its duties as a keyboard. However, it's not compatible with the latest crop of PDAs, and we still prefer the feel of tactile keys under our fingers. For our money, we'd much prefer the Think Outside Stowaway Universal Bluetooth keyboard.
At 3.6 by 1.5 by 1.4 inches and 3.8 ounces, the Celluon Laserkey CL800BT has at least one thing going for it: a compact form factor. The CL800BT easily fits into your bag and comes with a carrying case. The CL800BT is attractively designed, with a slick black and silver casing, but one look at the futuristic device and you might think, "What the heck is it?" Fortunately, it's easy to use, and it's equipped with minimal controls. To turn it on, there's a power button on the back; a small window on the front projects the keyboard onto any surface. Unlike the VKB Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard, the Celluon Laserkey stays on even if the device is accidentally knocked over, so take care, as this could cause unnecessary battery drain. To charge the battery, there's a power adapter port on the back as well as a communication port, which are both covered by an attached rubber cover. If you're running low on juice, a small LED on top blinks orange to alert you, while another LED blinks blue for Bluetooth. Aside from the aforementioned protective case, Celluon includes an AC adapter, an installation CD, and a Quick Guide in the box. Check the company's Web site for the latest drivers, and it might be worth the time to download the more detailed user's guide while you're there.
Unlike with the BTVKB, we didn't run into any problems installing the driver onto the HP iPaq hx4700 and pairing the two devices via Bluetooth. Our biggest issue was the limited number of compatible devices. Currently, the CL800BT is compatible only with Pocket PC handhelds running Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. The list of supported Palm PDAs is also a bit outdated. You can check for a full list of compatible devices here.
On the upside, the projected keyboard is bright, clear, and spacious. You get dedicated number keys as well as row at the top with shortcuts to your home screen, in-box, calendar, contacts, and other frequently used apps. It also supports a number of keyboard shortcuts, such as Ctrl + X to cut copy and Ctrl + V to paste; a list of these combination keys is located in the Quick Guide. While the individual keys were large, we still had problems adjusting to the lack of tactile keys. There's an option to turn on a clicking sound to let you know that your keystrokes have registered, but still, it's just a strange sensation to be clacking away on a desk. True, you get more accustomed to it after time, but some might never feel 100 percent comfortable with it. That said, we found the keyboard to be responsive to our touch. There are also options to adjust the key repeat rate, the brightness, and the standby and power-off time. The CL800BT's battery is rated for about 3.6 hours of continuous use.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6out of 6 user reviews
Great idea!
Pros: Solves the poor data entry for PDA and other portable devices
Cons: Needs a flat surface to use it, does it work in strong sunlight?
There are two issues with portable computers / PDA / phones which are:
1) data input is difficult and slow
2) the size of the screen dictates the size of the device.
This solves the first issue with data entry and should be integrated into PDAs and phones etc. If people do not like it, then they can still use the current methods.
I see little point in upgrading my windows mobile PDA until a technology like this is integrated into it!!!
out of 6 user reviews
buy at your peril
Pros: projection works
Cons: product doesnt work and has no support
out of 6 user reviews
very good for PDA's
Pros: small and compact
Cons: need to set up on a hard surface...problem to body
out of 6 user reviews
Usable full size keyboard
Pros: Full size, small size, wow factor
Cons: Power consumption, lack of tactile feedback
The concept is usable (assuming you have a compatible device) and it does not aim for competing against a normal keyboard. It is ideal for travelling and in a meeting room.
Personally I like the concept but I am still looking forward to someone actually embedding this Israeli patent into a well designed smartphone with e.g. Windows Mobile and VGA screen in such a way it's seamlessly integrated and invisible when not used.
Who will be the first doing this obvious convergence???
out of 6 user reviews
Interesting application of laser technology...
Pros: At the very least it stimulates a seemingly neglected area of the hardware engineer's mind that hasn't seen much innovation since the introduction of wireless keyboards.
Cons: The technology needs time to develop, needs to be developed for desktop use in mind.
out of 6 user reviews
Not for even the most casual of users.
Pros: Light-weight, excellent keyboard layout.
Cons: Poor finger-position-recoginition, slow response, a little bulky.
Besides, if I'm like most people the device will be too bulky. I mean, who wants to carry around yet another device?
The technology needs to be integrated into a phone or PDA; it's a technology that shouldn't have been used to build a new device in the first place.
After discussing this with the CEO during CES it became clear that Celluon is yet another tech company run by a man that is a brilliant engineer, but a poor entrepreneur. I'm willing to bet the device doesn't make it very far.
