Filed under: Accessories, iPod Family, Peripherals
Matias intros new USB 2.0 keyboard with integrated iPod shuffle dock
Engadget scooped this earlier today, but I just now had a chance to read about it for myself. Matias, the makers of one of my other favorite keyboards, just released the USB 2.0 keyboard which has an iPod shuffle dock right on the top, and also sports two USB 1.1 ports for your other USB devices that don't require the full power of USB 2.0. There are 2 versions: a white, Mac-only version, styled like the Matias OS X and Tactile Pro keyboards, and a black version that is cross-platform and more Windows-friendly. Look for these soon on the Matias website for $39.99
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave Caolo said 8:05PM on 7-14-2005
Now THAT is sweet.
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asdf said 1:40AM on 7-15-2005
This is a very ineffective product.
Two main reasons I want to mention:
1) For those people who slide their keyboards under their desk, this will not work, because the shuffle will get in the way and cannot fit and also if they fit their shuffle in, they may accidently slide the keyboard drawer in and damage the shuffle by breaking the USB connector with the rest of the shuffle.
2) Dust, dirt, dead body cells, etc. are everywhere. It's easier to clean a flat plane surface than trying to take a cotton Q-Tip and try to fit it in the USB. So if you buy this product, you will have to constantly clean it to make sure it's in proper working condition or you will need to cover it with a plastic tape.
So I would say skip this product. If you want a good keyboard with USB, try MaCalley or Apple's keyboard, which has the USB ports on the left and right or on the side where the keyboard cable comes out, which does not conflict with the problems mentioned above when sticking devices into the keyboard.
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Sjakelien Vleesbaardt said 4:53AM on 7-15-2005
Talking about cool keyboards: have you seen this one?
http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/
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Laurie said 8:55AM on 7-15-2005
Sjakelien - I've not only seen it, I posted about it yesterday :) http://www.tuaw.com/2005/07/14/oled-display-keyboard-concept/
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nezromatron said 3:45PM on 7-15-2005
Anyone have any experience with their keyboards? i wouldn't mind trying keyboard with slight more space between the keys..
(The Apple ones force me to mush my hands together, causing bends in my wrists..
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asdf said 11:57PM on 7-15-2005
#5, I think Microsoft Natural Keyboard is for you.
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Dan said 1:17PM on 7-16-2005
I guess they call regular, standard USB ports "Shuffle Docks" these days. Why is this keyboard special exactly?
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asdf said 11:43PM on 7-16-2005
#7
Because they labeled one of the USB slot "iPod shuffle dock", nothing else. I can find other keyboards with USB that does the same thing.
Apple and others have their USB facing horizontally, which is better because it doesn't have the problems mentioned in #2.
Save your money for the Optimus, I am.
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Rob said 3:39PM on 7-21-2005
PSST! Dell has been putting "Shuffle Docks" on the front of their CPUs for years.
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