Wireless Keypad for the PlayStation 3

$50, PlayStation 3

Teaches: a peripheral for the PS3

CTR Review

Entering text with a PlayStation controller is one of those weird technology skills that may soon be obsolete, thanks to the $50 Wireless Keypad for PlayStation 3, available this month from Sony. The tiny keyboard is just in time to help the uninitiated avoid the teeth-gnashing task of entering passwords for your wireless network, entering search terms into YouTube, or chatting with other players in titles such as LittleBigPlanet.The tiny keyboard snaps onto recent PS3 controllers, and has a curved QWERTY keyboard that feels a lot like those used in most smart phones. So the process of thumbing in words or strings of codes is much, much easier. A touch pad mode turns the main key area into a extra touch pad, so you can slide your finger to move a screen cursor, and macro keys provide instant access to the PlayStation Network's message system. When plugged in directly with a USB cable (not included) the keyboard charges and synchs automatically. Also, because it is a Bluetooth device, it is possible to use it for other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Skinny thumbs are helpful.