PS3 wireless keypad available now from Gamestop
by Alan Tsang 
{ Nov 24th 2008 at 8:12PM }
Well, online at least. Although a specific release date (other than "early December") for the PS3 wireless keypad peripheral was never announced, Gamestop's webstore shows that the keypad is now available for sale. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have them in stock at Gamestop's brick and mortar locations yet.
The price is still a steep $49.99 plus shipping. Checking out other retailers, it looks like Buy.com is taking pre-orders to be shipped on December 5th for $44.99 but slaps on a hefty shipping charge of $6.18. Amazon is the least pricey, at $49.99 with free shipping, but they aren't sending their stock out until December 15th. Will you be snatching up one of these at 50 clams?
[Via IGN]
The price is still a steep $49.99 plus shipping. Checking out other retailers, it looks like Buy.com is taking pre-orders to be shipped on December 5th for $44.99 but slaps on a hefty shipping charge of $6.18. Amazon is the least pricey, at $49.99 with free shipping, but they aren't sending their stock out until December 15th. Will you be snatching up one of these at 50 clams?
[Via IGN]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
BLee @ Nov 24th 2008 8:21PM
no.
30$ would have been the price point for me..
BLee @ Nov 24th 2008 11:50PM
besides.. I need one in white..
wow.. i just realized its more than a dualshock3 controller.. c'mon Sony.. Do they have any sense?
KD in KC @ Dec 4th 2008 5:45PM
I agree BLee, when the M$ chatpad came out it was 29.99 WITH and free headset (granted I have plenty o extras), but my friend and I who have both consoles couldn't figure it for the price. The touch sense feature is cool for concept, but I doubt it's laptop touchpad quality.
I know Sony can innovate, and maybe M$ did beat them to the patent office on some features and design layout. I haven't seen, is this thing backlit? I've only ever seen two pics, and one of them is above, anyone got experience?
Daniel @ Nov 24th 2008 8:24PM
Yes, I'll be getting one...will be great for use with Home.
Mo @ Nov 25th 2008 9:08AM
You can get it in store too.. I got mine after work yesterday, and have been loving it in Home and LBP
drdre74 @ Nov 24th 2008 10:31PM
Epic Fail!!!! Thats more than a damn controller and almost as much as a game. This is crazy and i hope nobody buys that crap to force sony to drop the price.
Villiersz @ Nov 24th 2008 8:26PM
HELLZ NAW! Have you seen the review on IGN? Sony has the audacity to not have it work properly and still try and charge 50 for it? I'll stick with my SOCOM headset and blistered fingers
Blazingluke @ Nov 24th 2008 8:25PM
I'll stick with my comfortable wired keyboard that only cost me 20 dollars. Easier to type with and the cord it long enough for it to be comfortable.
matsam @ Nov 24th 2008 10:46PM
Agreed, and although I paid a bit more than you did for mine (it's a bluetooth keyboard from Logitech), it's still far better (and same price tag lol) than this tiny keypad.
Heck, the only thing you could compare this to is the 360 keypad, and it's a lot cheaper! ($22.96 on amazon.com...)
inspace2020 @ Nov 24th 2008 8:42PM
No thanks! At first I was really looking forward to getting this but after reading some reviews for it I decided to go ahead and pick up a wireless keyboard (which I'm using now). I bought the new Apple KB ($80) a little bit more expensive but I can type A LOT faster and I can use this on other devices as well! Now I just need an invite to HOME and I'll be in business!! * SONY*
Think Adrian @ Nov 25th 2008 3:00AM
Oh! So my Bluetooth apple works! Thx for the info!
CHICHO13_420 @ Nov 24th 2008 8:45PM
49.99 .... No way forget it, not even half way worth it.
LOL you can get a full size keyboard for cheaper, should that make this one cheaper. Less plastic they have to use. Right?
BerkleyJ @ Nov 24th 2008 8:57PM
None of your keyboards can do this though...
"There are a number of truly compelling features of the PlayStation 3 Wireless Keypad. For starters, users can quickly access their messages and friends lists from two dedicated buttons. The dedicated buttons cut away the time spent bringing up the PlayStation button and navigating to your messages and/or friends list by jumping directly to the necessary portion of the XMB. The other particularly interesting feature of the Wireless Keypad is its touch-sensitive keys, which allow users to navigate menus by simply swiping a finger across the keypad surface. This can also serve as a means of controlling the pointer when using the PlayStation 3's online web browser. "
maidsandharem @ Nov 24th 2008 9:45PM
by 2,3 seconds? :/ $50 for 2,3 seconds...really?
maidsandharem @ Nov 24th 2008 9:47PM
i get it it now, you're one of those people that works for the company! Typing away as an "annonymous user" i gotcha :P
Doomstryker @ Nov 25th 2008 1:41AM
Maidsandharem,
I think BerkleyJ brought up some valid points about the keypad. Useful information there, too bad I can't say the same for you. These features wouldn't justify me paying $50 for it. Though other people might.
JAH75157 @ Nov 24th 2008 8:53PM
I'll be sticking with my wired keyboard. I never use it anyway, i have a headset i'd rather use anyway.
JAH75157 @ Nov 24th 2008 8:55PM
i used anyway twice in three sentences wtf is wrong with me anyway?
Levi @ Nov 24th 2008 9:22PM
Well, technically, you have a 1:1 ratio of sentences to sentences that use "anyway." Only thing is, since you used a comma, you have a run-on sentence. So it SHOULD be three sentences.
I'm commenting on your comment, both of which are judgments of grammar... as I typed this, I realized that I've been spelling "sentences" with an a where the second e is, and I thought there was an e after the g in judgments. Thank you, Mozilla, for improveing my speling.
Nick @ Nov 24th 2008 9:35PM
improveing?
Epic fail ;)
Fane @ Nov 25th 2008 6:18PM
@ Levi
There can be an "e" after the "g" in judgement; I believe that's the correct spelling in UK English; blame Webster and his damn Americanizations (most of which I use).
KosmoCrisis @ Nov 24th 2008 9:08PM
Costco says December 5. Follow this giant link and they show it for $10 less too!!!
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11316265&search=sony%20keypad&Mo=0&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=5000043&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=sony%20keypad&Ntt=sony%20keypad&No=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1
Glen @ Nov 24th 2008 8:58PM
Do not want. I have a nice little keyboard I use for PS3 typing.
beoba @ Nov 24th 2008 9:08PM
No, too expensive at the moment.
I've been using a USB keyboard so far, I don't think the extra convenience is worth $50.
I'll definitely consider it if this gets into ~$35 range, though.
mahunoy @ Nov 24th 2008 9:11PM
If you have Costco membership you can get one for $39.99
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11316265&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US
I will get mine from Costco.
linton @ Nov 24th 2008 9:25PM
Im getting it coz Im a sony whore
Mo @ Nov 25th 2008 9:08AM
mee tooooO!!!
Levi @ Nov 24th 2008 9:27PM
I still want one. Where are the bad reviews? I'm wondering if they compare them to real keyboards. I can use a thumbpad like it's nobody's business, so this thing looks cool as hell to me.
Still too much money. I can buy a game with that almost -_-
Mo @ Nov 25th 2008 10:49AM
It's very, VERY similar to my g1's keypad. If you're accustomed to berries, sk's htc devices you'll be fine. I would say $50 is no more than $10 too much. However its a VERY VERY handy tool, and its pretty full featured. Although I doubt I would use the touchpad so much. Im broke, and I got one... i love it
PSN: Erdie @ Nov 24th 2008 10:04PM
Spiffy, but I've already got a keyboard that works just fine.
Daniel @ Nov 24th 2008 10:22PM
I can't believe so many people prefer to put down their controller, type, then pick the controller back up, etc. that's so annoying...this will eliminate that...and don't trust IGN, they hate PS3/Sony. Seriously...in fact I don't trust most review sites...anymore...even for 360/Wii or anything else.
PSN: John-Paul-Jones @ Nov 25th 2008 1:17AM
After the huge PS3 backlash from virtually all of the gaming sites since its release, I don't trust any of the gaming sites anymore except PS3 Fanboy.
Daniel @ Nov 25th 2008 9:20AM
Yeah I agree...and after that whole ordeal about the comparison videos being faked and whatnot...I don't trust them...not to mention, it's only an opinion and needs to be taken as such.
Adam @ Nov 25th 2008 8:31AM
I agree with that statement...........a year ago. Considering IGN raves about R2, and they gave MGS4 a 10 (something they didn't give Halo 3 or Gears 2). I think the Wii gets the toughest time, and it probably should. While no site is impartial, I don't think IGN is among the worst out there. Now X-Play, I haven't seen a partial review out of them since way back when Sessler still had hair.
Mo @ Nov 25th 2008 10:37AM
They don't prefer that, they prefer complaining and/or hating.
Seems as though the sheep we call our american bretheren are so obsessed with the Xbox brand that they simply hate on everything Sony.
If you don't want one...
a) you're an idiot (in my opinion)
and
b) DONT GET ONE
stop calling people stupid and/or dumb because they would prefer a keyboard on the controller and not some big PC sized keyboard laying around the living room that you would have to switch to. Sure its on top and not on the bottom... fine with me sure you have to reach a little bit to get all the keys... fine with me...
so what..
dont like? dont buy
heres a nice cup of stfu
Wrathbringer @ Nov 24th 2008 10:49PM
I would buy it simply because it's so convenient, but at $50 it's a total ripoff. Even $40 is pushing it, I'd much rather pay around $30 for this peripheral. And TBH the touchpad idea was totally unnecessary, and I'm positive that's why it's so expensive.
KosmoCrisis @ Nov 25th 2008 12:10AM
You're not wrong. The touch pad is why its more expensive. But if anyone is considering this as a solution, but may be on the fence, read the specs sheet.
There is a sweet list of features. Bluetooth, touch mouse pad, charge through USB, message button, etc. I have a bluetooth Logitech and I'm selling it (was $79.99 BTW) to get this CHEAPER more feature-rich keypad.
Bryan @ Nov 25th 2008 12:54AM
i ordered mine today next day air from gamestop and tracking number said it should be here tomorrow im pretty excited about it.
n_mossy @ Nov 25th 2008 3:04AM
Wow this is cheaper in the uk then it is in the USA for once! we can get it for £17.99 from game.co.uk, but according to XE.com thats 27.1943 USD almost half the price!
gameforall @ Nov 25th 2008 3:47AM
Pre-ordered mine from Amazon UK about 3 weeks ago it was priced 19.99, but they have dropped the price to 17.99.
I am also getting the Sony Headset, I think this makes me a Sony B&$*h.
Nathan @ Nov 25th 2008 5:04AM
A few UK retailers are doing it for £17.99. Much more palatable than the US price. At today's exchange rate it's US$27. Very odd for UK to get cheaper prices.
PS3Lee @ Nov 25th 2008 8:53AM
I've ordered both this touchpad & the official bluetooth headset for a grand total of £35.98 (£17.99 each) with free postage from game.co.uk
A very unusual UK bargain !!
Gervin @ Nov 25th 2008 9:01AM
Just to make you feel better about your purchase... the Sony BT headset rocks. I love using it even for my cell-phone. The clarity is better than my Jawbone.
Deaddy @ Nov 25th 2008 4:35AM
Only reason I would feel the need for this is cause I can't figure out how to get a freakin full sized keyboard display in LBP. It just has that cell phone style that takes me forever to type with, ugh! There has got to be a way to get the full view style, anyone know?
Philip @ Nov 25th 2008 9:11AM
when your at the text input press select or click on input
it will change from 1234 to qwerty
more detail at
http://tinyurl.com/6gnn6h (redirect us.playstation.com)
Deaddy @ Nov 25th 2008 1:36PM
Thanks man, I've changed between the two styles on the XMB keyboard but somehow never figured out how to do it from inside LBP.
Deaddy @ Nov 26th 2008 5:54PM
Hey, that didn't work. There's still no way to change to a full keyboard layout in LBP that I can find. It takes me forrevverr to type with that crappy cell phone looking setup. Come on, I have to click a button 4 times to type 1 letter? Weak as hell.
sy the sigh @ Nov 25th 2008 5:56AM
Just pre ordered mine from play.com for £17.99 GBP, cheap as chips! If you ask me, you lot in the states seem to be getting ripped off for a change! * GRINS*
The Aggie CEO @ Nov 25th 2008 7:30AM
for $20 I'd buy one......
@ $50 I'd do better off getting a Bluetooth Keyboard......
Mo @ Nov 25th 2008 12:27PM
not trying to be a smart ass, i swear. Just making sure you know that... that *is* a bluetooth keyboard :-)