Some people love their iPods, but hate their iPod docks: why, they ask, do they need another USB peripheral and cable cluttering up their elegantly designed computer area? Isn’t it bad enough that the digital camera, camcorder, mobile phone, printer, Web cam, and other devices are disturbing the Zen garden-like quality which must be present in order to compute efficiently? Why does the iPod have to make matters worse.
So, for neat freaks everywhere—or perhaps just for people who are perpetually losing their iPod docks, peripheral and accessories maker Razer is offering its Razer Pro|Type keyboard, which the company claims is the first keyboard in the world to offer an integrated iPod dock.
"Slim, sleek, and sexy, the Pro|Type is the perfect mix of aesthetic pleasure with smart keyboard functions, including enhanced key response and customizable profiles for different applications or users," said Razer president Robert Krakoff.
In addition to an integrated iPod dock (and the coveted "Made for iPod" logo), Razer claims the keyboard offers ultra touch-sensitive keys and special buttons keyed to undo, visual zooming, and launching iTunes. The keyboard also outs 10 programmable keys the user can assign to launch applications or automated tasks, and the keyboard can handle 10 profiles while reconfigure the keyboard for different tasks: for instance, you might have one profile for your favorite word processor or editor, and another for your favorite game. The keyboard also offers audio line-out and two USB ports for connecting to peripherals…but, really, using those would make the desk clutter situation worse, not better.
The Razer Pro|Type is available now from Razer’s Web site; Amazon is taking pre-orders now and will begin shipping on April 20, and other major online and traditional retailers should start offering the keyboard in the "coming weeks." Just enough time to clear off your desk.
