#FF00AA

Just like Microsoft felt the need not to put the two sticks across from each other when they designed the Xbox pad (I’ve gotten used to it, but I’ll always cringe at the lack of symmetry), Sony has decided to place the keyboard on top of the pad rather than on the bottom. Because typing with your thumbs sounded too easy; now it looks like you’ll have to let go of one hand and let your fingertips flutter on the keys.

More interesting, according to Crave the keyboard “features a mode that converts the entire surface into a touch pad,” like a laptop. I doubt the surface is magical, so I suppose the keyboard simply interprets the fingers’ movement from key to key (which implies that the keys have to be small enough, but also soft and mushy enough, for it work — which aren’t really great qualities for a keyboard, even a miniature one), but it’s still a very interesting idea. And a limited gadget that won’t ever be used for much, but that’s another matter.

Of course, this is about Sony, and I’ve also eaten way too much tonight, so I’m in a foul mood and maybe not completely objective. But I guess I’m just disappointed that, once again, they’ve followed Microsoft’s footsteps one year later with what looks like an inferior proposition.