We have to admit that this peripheral by MadCatz looks like a winner. It reminds us a lot of Xbox 360's chatpad -- this device plugs into the PS3 controller and allows you to type at a whim. Supposedly, the device was released all the way back in May, but it seemingly has fallen out of our grasp.
This seems rather ingenious, but user reviews have been negative for one key reason -- apparently, it doesn't work with PS2 games. Final Fantasy XI fans were quite disappointed. But, those of you that enjoy using the web browser and the XMB messaging system may find this $30 peripheral a neat addition to your gadgets collection. See a video, after the cut.
Ya, I think Gamespot had these last year. At least in my town they did. Looked kinda interesting, but I didn't really have any real need for it at the time.
My thoughts exactly.. then I realized I wouldn't be typing and playing at the same time. Atleast it beats putting down the controller and picking up the keyboard every few seconds.
bottom between the arms would have been better,. but yeah it's better then a full size keyboard that carries a cord,. and cheaper then a wireless keyboard
Er, that Logitech keyboard is crap, let me assure you. There is a better - Pro - version, but even that misses the mark. (Doesn't replicate all the keys on the SIXAXIS, which is very lame. Don't wnat to have to use both at the same time, now, do I!)
Now, Logi are bringing out a mini diNovo Edge with a hidden PC / PS3 switch.......
wow that diNovo Mini pad you linked you is absolutely perfect for what i was look for in a keyboard. i use my PS3 and PC for media playback and this would consistantly streamline the whole thing. i was looking for a PS3 keyboard but wanted a mini one and something that could control a PC media center as well. i think $200 is way on the pricey side but i will certainly keep an eye out for this one as it seems perfect for my needs.
That is horrendous! Clearly there shouldn't be a keypad on the ps3 controller. Its sony's fault for not redesigning their controller so that peripherals such as a keypad can fit well. Anyways, your better off using your keyboard than that thing in the picture. It hurts the eyes to see that picture...lol
the web browser and sending messages from the XMB mostly. some games have you input stuff on setup an stuff (like names of your multiplayer match, etc.) but its never really that much inside of games per say.
I really hope this post was written in sarcasm. That attachment is quite possibly the ugliest peripheral that has ever made its way past a drunken MadCatz exec who probably wanted to get fired. I don't know how a PS3 based blog could miss it either, it was all over the web months ago. Thanks for re-opening new wounds.
it's actually not a bad keyboard. The range is pretty decent. As far as it being hideous, attaching it to the controller is optional. I just keep mine on the coffee table.
Definitely not worth 30 bucks, but if you get a deal on it you should grab it.
I got one for Christmas. Its not anything more than a wireless USB keyboard complete with a dongle. Just is smaller and has a plastic clip that runs around the controller. 360 Chatpad's ability to connect via the controllers wireless connection beats this eye sore hands down. I'd hold off for an official one if I where you.
I would prefer it didn't attach to the controller. I would like a small keyboard like that to just set on coffe-table, to use on the odd occassion I need it. I hate typing with the OS-keyboard.
I almost bought one of these way back when it came out, but the fact that it has a dongle turned me off. If it used the PS3's built in bluetooth I would have got one. I hate my GH3's dongle enough, I don't want another.
I was interested in this until commentors mentioned the idea of having a small extra peripheral with bluetooth I could place on the coffeetable (er... floor). With that idea in mind, I'll wait, knowing that a simple keyboard is less than the price of this.
I love how everyone trashes this thing without even trying it to see if it works and/or if it's placement makes it functional. I got this for $15 at my local gamestop over the summer when I picked up my ps3. I admit, it's not as pretty as the 360 chatpad, but who fucking cares???? Sure maybe if you're a fag who needs everything to "look pretty" then you can care, but it's a $15 keyboard controller, not a Mercedes. Also, it actually works rather well, just as well as the chatpad. It's placement works fine and doesn't seem awkward either. Either evaluate the hardware and make an INFORMED decision, or just stfu.
calm down Mr. INFORMED. I have one of these and I wasn't impressed. I also have the 360 chatpad and don't think its fair to compare the two mainly due to the dongle thats needed to run this thing, Yes the chatpad is prettier, but like you said not everyone cares about aesthetics (just fags right?). As far as the pricing goes I have never seen this guy for $15 and I work at GameStop. I'm sure deals are out there and you apparently found one, but quit taking offense for the thing when people arn't as enthused about it at you are. Makes you sound like an idiot.
So this unit has a dongle, big friggin deal. If you actually read my post I said it functions just as well as the 360 counterpart, which I also own. This means using it with the system. it doesn't require setup or anything, it's just plug and play and gets the job done. I'm not taking offense to people insulting it, I'm saying people seem more interested in something looking pretty rather than it being a functional device. That goes for any piece of hardware, I just happened to post it on this thread. Don't get your panties in a bunch man. And anyways, I'd rather look foolish defending something that is the functional equivalent of another piece of hardware, rather than stupidly say that they aren't comparable because one uses a dongle. Now THAT makes someone look like an idiot.
i honestly think something more similar to the 360 Chatpad would be the ideal solution. i often use the web browser when i wake up in the morning and dont feel like getting out of the bed just yet so i would love to have a small keyboard on my controller. id also rather not have a full keyboard in the bed with me either. it could easily be molded to fit between the handles below the analog sticks and have a small wire that plugs into the usb port on the controller (assuming thats how this one works). im surprised Nyko and Logitech havent jumped on something like this cause i would certainly welcome a mini-keyboard to my PS3 arsenal.
