DualShock 3 to get wireless keypad |
|
BY Mike Wehner Aug. 22nd, 2008 |
More on: |
In what seems like a sequel to one of the worst ideas of this generation, Microsoft’s ChatPad, Sony has announced that the PS3 will be getting a similar add-on for its controllers. This move is even more perplexing when you consider that the PS3 already supports USB keyboards, which can be picked up for next to nothing these days.
The wireless keypad will sit on the top of the controller as opposed to the bottom as with the ChatPad’s design and will come in eight flavors to suit all your foreign language needs. The only feature that really sticks out as anywhere near “convenient” would be the two shortcut buttons that lead directly to either your PS3 message box or your friends list, for super-fast navigation. The keypad is set to hit stores this November, no price has yet been announced.
August 22nd, 2008
at 9:20 am
Shortcuts deal with Sony programming?
I don’t think the MS Chat pad is a bad idea. It is so horrible trying to navigate the letters if you try to send a message. It is easier with the PS3 controller but I think that positioning the letters ABOVE the control make it a worse idea than the MS Chat Pad.
August 22nd, 2008
at 9:41 am
It kind of makes the PS3 controller look like the “special” kid in class. Personally, I think messaging with the DS3/SIXAXIS is a breeze (except for the predictive text) and don’t really see a need for this. However, if by some bizarre happenstance the old text parser Sierra games make it to PSN (I can dream!), I’d buy the hell out of this.
August 22nd, 2008
at 9:51 am
IMO it makes the controller look like a cheap “teach my how to type” toy that belongs on a shelf at Target for $7.99, but that’s just me.
August 22nd, 2008
at 9:52 am
Correction: “teach ME how to type” Wow, maybe I need to pick one of those up after all…
August 22nd, 2008
at 2:34 pm
Before I saw it, I thought it was an okay idea. Although the using the on-screen interface is alright, it’s still slow. But upon seeing it, I agree with the first comment, that it’s perhaps worse placing the pad above - if anything ‘chat pad’ is to be used, then it should be separate. If it bothers anyone that much, then just use a keyboard.
August 25th, 2008
at 1:19 pm
Not sure about the placing of it (where else) but I am so hyped to get this. I always wanted a bluetooth keyboard but they are pricy and then you have to store them somewhere. With this I can snap it on and chat and surf much faster…..
I also think it looks slick for what it is…I will be picking this up…