Archive for the ‘Accessories’ Category

The unassuming pen pictured above is actually an innovative annotation tool from BenQ called the PointDraw pen.  The device is just slightly larger than a dry erase marker, and allows users to wirelessly sketch and annotate presentations on supported BenQ DLP projectors.

The PointDraw pen allows users to write on presentations just like they would on a whiteboard.  Users can draw wherever an image is projected, without any additional calibration needed.  It’s a great idea that can make presentations much more interactive.

No word on pricing or availability yet, but the PointDraw pen will be supported on BenQ’s upcoming MP780 ST projector.

Monster passed three FM transmitters through the FCC yesterday.  The first is the MT300, pictured above.  This device connects to your iPhone or iPod and transmits audio to up to 3 preset radio stations.  The user manual for the MT300 doesn’t tell us much, but it appears that the device draws power from the iPod itself.

The other two transmitters from Monster are of the cigarette lighter ilk.  The MT750, below left, has a traditional monster design with support for up to 3 preset FM channels.  The MT150N, below right, has a similar design except users select FM channels by twisting a control wheel, which is attached to the cylindrical unit in the middle of the device’s cord.  The MT150N has 8 preset channels programmed into the device.

No word on pricing or availability, but as with other FM transmitters the efficacy of these devices will likely depend on the number of radio stations broadcasting in your area.

Penpower, a Taiwanese developer of computer peripherals, has packed a ton of features into their PDC Presenter Pen.  This device, which just passed through the FCC, combines presentation control features with handwriting and trackpad capabilities, all in a portable 4.6” by 2.4” package.

When presenting, the PDC Presenter Pen allows you to control slides with forward and back buttons.  The device also sports a laser pointer and LCD timer.

But the most impressive feature of the PDC Presenter Pen is handwriting recognition.  Users input characters with the included stylus on the device’s digitizer (#6, above).  The PDC Presenter can recognize Japanese, Korean, Chinese and English characters, and input this text into Windows applications.  You can also use the device to take notes or draw pictures, which in turn can be sent via MSN or Yahoo! Messenger to friends.

The PDC Presenter’s digitizer can also be used as a trackpad.  In this mode, the device’s buttons act as left and right mouse buttons, which is another handy feature.

Although the PDC Presenter packs a somewhat unusual combination of features, Penpower does have a pretty impressive device here.  No word on pricing or availability, but Penpower has a presence in the US, and this FCC filing suggests that we may see the PDC Presenter soon.

I don’t know who Ezkey is, and I don’t care.  All I know is they passed an Apple Keyboard look alike called the ike-101RF through the FCC today, and this one’s for Windows users.

The ike-101RF is a stunning device.  It’s very thin – I’d estimate around 18 to 20mm at most.  The ike-101RF is a 2.4 GHz device however, unlike the Bluetooth-powered Apple Wireless Keyboard.

No word on pricing or availability.  Ezkey isn’t exactly a well known company over here in the States, but I’d guess that the ike-101RF makes it over here in some form before Christmas.

The ASUS MX-96 is a tiny wireless mouse that looks just slightly larger than a pack of gum (one of those jumbo packs, btw, not a 5 sticker).  Although the form factor doesn’t seem to be very ergonomic, this is a great design for mobile users, particularly since the MX-96 has a compartment that stores its tiny USB dongle.

iSimple passed an FM transmitter through the FCC today.  Not a whole lot new here, but there are a few nice features like automatic and manual FM tuning, along with an integrated cig adapter plug.