Engadget reviews the PS3 wireless chatpad
by Alan Tsang 
{ Dec 22nd 2008 at 2:40PM }
Engadget got their hands on the recently released PS3 wireless chatpad peripheral and they seem to have mixed feelings about it. They were generally happy with typing aspects of the keypad, although they felt the buttons were a bit small and they didn't provide enough tactile feedback. On the other hand, the touchpad functionality was said to be lacking precision and "just doesn't work very well." In summary, the peripheral is perfect for those of you who are typing away all day on your PS3, but the $50 price tag is simply too expensive in their opinion. Take a look their full review here.
Oh, and the best part of the review? Their picture gallery which includes a comparison picture (as seen above) with the infamously complex Atari Jaguar controller.
Update: A tip from the PS Nation about calibration:
1. Go to Internet Browser
2. Activate Touch pad (the hand with index finger pointing)
3. Hold blue and orange shoulder buttons for 2 seconds until the light flashes
Now your touch pad should be calibrated. ENJOY!
Oh, and the best part of the review? Their picture gallery which includes a comparison picture (as seen above) with the infamously complex Atari Jaguar controller.
Update: A tip from the PS Nation about calibration:
1. Go to Internet Browser
2. Activate Touch pad (the hand with index finger pointing)
3. Hold blue and orange shoulder buttons for 2 seconds until the light flashes
Now your touch pad should be calibrated. ENJOY!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
j.howlett @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:56PM
i could see picking on up for cheap later down the road. they were right about rather getting a game
Evi1d33d @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:19PM
Seriously, maybe for $20 or something but not $50.
JayVe @ Dec 23rd 2008 11:16AM
Are the keys on this backlit? I often play my PS3 in less than optimal lighting conditions. I'm impressed that my friend's 360 chatpad is lit, cause he can use it for instant messenger in the dark.
If this is backlit, I may consider it... even though it is another thing to remember to charge and turn off. I am sad new PS3s don't have more USB ports like the older 20/60 gig ones.
Carney @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:57PM
There's another option that's overlooked in this article: Logitech's full sized wireless Bluetooth keyboard, made specifically for the PS3 (with PS3 buttons).
No need for a USB dongle, as with a wireless USB keyboard.
http://tinyurl.com/9rd97v
It's $80, so not cheap, but there's no real substitute for a fell fledged keyboard if you're doing serious chatting. I found it invaluable just for setting up my PlayStation Network account.
Note - CNET's review is for an older gray version lacking PS3 specific buttons.
Game_playa @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:03PM
Screw that. I want to use G15 on PS3, But first I need a G15 LOL
Peter @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:26PM
I rather like my Apple laptop bluetooth keyboard, doesn't have the cumbersomeness of a full-sized keyboard, yet has full-sized keys. It's bluetooth and wireless of course, and is light and small. I can stick it in my pocket in my jacket for example.
If you're serious about chatting and don't want people to think you're 14 or stupid, you kind of need a good keyboard so you don't say u or ur all the time.
bluefrog @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:52PM
Peter, do you have problems with your Apple keyboard unpairing with the PS3? I've had that happen to me 3 or 4 times, and it's a bit annoying. I can probably use it 3-5 times before it has to be paired again - the unpairing seems a bit random.
Peter @ Dec 23rd 2008 8:49AM
Yes bluefrog, the exact same thing happens to me occasionally and I'm not sure why, it doesn't bother me so much though since it's quite quick to pair again (accessory settings, remove, add, and just hold the power button on the keyboard until it starts flashing) and it doesn't get constant use anyway.
It used to be better and worse before one of the PS3 firmware updates, it would be paired for weeks and then the pairing process would get very twitchy and work like half the time, I guess Sony updated their bluetooth stack a while ago. It's what annoys me about the lack of release notes, they didn't actually tell anyone the bluetooth stack had been updated.
AltCtrlPwn @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:08PM
anyone know of a quick way to switch between bluetooth devices? i use a BT keyboard for my computer and would like to be able to switch it to my PS3 without having to repair it with the computer and ps3 every single time . . .
Bill$ @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:26PM
thanks for the info carney.. i was looking for a good bluetooth keyboard in best buy when i first got my ps3.. but they had some wack stuff.. so i just settled for the mad catz thump pad.. its horrible..but its the only thing i got.. i really like that keyboard you posted.. now im on the hunt for it.. im not gonna buy that official sony keypad until they make a new one thats similar to the x360 one.. its way more ergonomic because its closer to the thumbs and dont put weight on the top of the controller.. one last question carney-- could i find that keyboard in stores? also is it rechargeable or does it use regular batteries?
WhiteSpy @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:21PM
AltCtlPwn: thats kinda the point of pairing, so the keyboard knows which device it should be sending keystrokes to. You could have some undesirable results if you were typing on the PS3 and also sending the keystrokes to your PC.
Carney @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:48PM
Thanks, Bill$.
To answer your questions, I bought mine at my local Best Buy; it was right there on the shelf with other PS3 peripherals.
Here's the BestBuy.com page for it:
http://tinyurl.com/6wn94m
You can click on the "Check Stores" link to see if one is available in your area; if not you can just buy it online.
It uses standard AA batteries. Mine have lasted quite a while (still on the originals after about 6 months), but your mileage may vary, as they say. Can't say I've used the keyboard a whole lot though; just an occasional convenience.
If you burn through at lot of AA's, then you could always get rechargeable AA's and use a recharger.
AltCtrlPwn @ Dec 22nd 2008 5:01PM
whitespy: "anyone know of a quick way to switch between bluetooth devices?"
Was just wondering if there was a way to switch without having to go through the entire process, having to enter some code and hit enter blah blah . . . ah well.
Actually, my bluetooth headset is a good example (I think). I have it paired to my computer, my phone, and my PS3; if I turn on my headset with all three of these things on, it will pair with the PS3 first. I can then go to the Accessories menu and DISCONNECT my headset, then hit 2 buttons on my phone and pair it with that instead. THAT'S what I'm talking about, and that's infinitely better than actually repairing the thing every single time I want to switch between devices.
HAAS599 @ Dec 22nd 2008 5:03PM
Can you change the button confgiuration?
Having X on the esc key and O on the enter seems backwards.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Dec 22nd 2008 7:35PM
My Apple Bluetooth keyboard unpairs constantly. However, I have the white plastic one, not the aluminum one.
I wondered if the aluminum one would work any better. Sounds like not.
Bill$ @ Dec 23rd 2008 1:44AM
thanks again carney.. i also found it on newegg.com for $60.. great price.. now all i need is to add some funds to my debit. hope to get it before next year :).
Peter @ Dec 23rd 2008 5:53AM
Yes, bluefrog, it's an annoying part of that keyboard, it doesn't bother me since it's quick and painless to re-pair.
Used to be worse and better, used to pair for ages, but then pairing would fail half the time until they updated the bluetooth stack in an undocumented update (which is why I'm annoyed by the lack of release notes).
Hopefully they'll update again at some point, in the meantime I'm not so bothered.
Lars @ Dec 23rd 2008 5:40PM
"Having X on the esc key and O on the enter seems backwards."
Must have been designed in Japan. If you ever play import games you'll notice that O is always OK and X is cancel, completely opposite of the way we like it. And I guess it makes sense character-wise. X is generally used for delete, cancel, close, etc. in the west too.
jax sedrin @ Dec 22nd 2008 2:59PM
The jaguar controller really wasn't that bad - it was essentially just a genesis controller. Most games didn't even use the numpad, and when they did it was just for functions that you would toggle periodically during gameplay (camera settings, turn radar on/off, etc). And most of those games came with a little plastic overlay so you wouldn't even have to memorize the buttons.
The only exceptions were the FPSs (like AvP) that mapped strafe left & right to the numpad. Man, was that annoying.
Syn @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:40PM
I have an unopened one sitting on the floor.
A Christmas present from the wife, who decided not to wrap it because I knew what she was getting me.
Devin @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:43PM
Way to spoil the moment.....
MetiQluzZ @ Dec 22nd 2008 8:22PM
I am pretty sure I'll have one under the tree from my wife too. With a second Dual shock. I told her about the $29 radio shack deal and she's all over Black Friday shopping. It is more exciting not knowing though, don't you think? *fingers crossed*
Michael Gustie @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:54PM
My wired USB keyboard will serve much better than an undersized and overpriced peripheral, thank you!
Invisible Robot Meat @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:05PM
Youre welcome! and I agree
baby sea tuna @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:11PM
Seriously. Plus it works with the 360 and the Wii too. Oh, and my computer.
HAAS599 @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:52PM
Undersized? What do you expect a full-sized keyboard hanging off the controller?
Overpriced? $50 is a fair price but definitely not a bargain. Pre-orders on amazon were only $40 and the price will surely go down by next summer or fall.
a wired keyboard gets the job done, but I have only 2 wires ever attached to my PS3 (hdmi & power). A wire running across my living room hooked to a big keyboard laying on the couch next to me would just cramp my SonyStyle.
Levi @ Dec 23rd 2008 7:20PM
Some of us like the idea of typing on a full qwerty without the added bulk of a full keyboard to deal with. It's the couch factor, dude, the couch factor.
And you're welcome. :P
Hala Madrid!! (Somebody get me a tie! And it sure as hell better be red!) @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:57PM
Just get a USB Zboard for $14.99 at gamestop or spend those $50 on a game.
Levi @ Dec 23rd 2008 7:25PM
Or not, because a keyboard kills the comfort of a small controller and this thing doesn't.
Mo @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:59PM
I had mine from day one, love it love it love it... if you think its stupid or overpriced you know where you can go, and where you can put it
rgoff31 @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:59PM
You could buy Wireless PC keyboard and a couple USB keyboards for that price. I don't text, I don't even have cell phone, but I can't imagine getting used to that keypad.
Levi @ Dec 23rd 2008 7:29PM
all you need is a few friends who like to text and a smart phone. I used to think texting was stupid, but once you get a qwerty keyboard on your phone, it becomes so useful. Asking yes/no questions, communicating when you can't talk, like at work, etc. That smart phone will get you used to thumb typing in no time.
Archon @ Dec 23rd 2008 8:49AM
What?! "A tip from the PS Nation about calibration"
It says so in the damn manual! What kind of a tip is that? The same goes to the reviewers. The pointer works great after calibration. Why won't you start reading instruction booklets before you pass judgment. Duh.
Also, it's NOT OVERPRICED. It is a miniature BLUETOOTH, rechargable keyboard/mouse combo that also works with other non-PS3 devices. For $50 that's pretty damn sweet if you ask me. Just think about what you are buying, not how big the item is...
tmontana213 @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:04PM
I would buy this if it wasn't $50. Maybe if it was like $30 I would.
HAAS599 @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:25PM
I think there are two version of this thing floating around.
One has the word shift typed out on the button while another just has the up arrow.
The one engaget reviewed looks like it has shift on the buttons. Anyone have the one with the up arrows?
Tim Parsons @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:54PM
mines identical to the one in those pics. Never heard of another version
HAAS599 @ Dec 22nd 2008 5:10PM
Amazon features pictures of both here.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001ENPDJA/sr=8-1/qid=1229983667/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=468642&s=videogames&qid=1229983667&sr=8-1
Tim Parsons @ Dec 22nd 2008 4:36PM
I've had this for a Week now I love it.
the touchpad works well even b4 calibration which I havent actually done yet lol,. and I've only used it on the XMB, havent bothered trying it on a webpage as I rarely use the Browser as it is
Ves @ Dec 22nd 2008 5:07PM
The calibration 'tip' was in the manual
Tim Parsons @ Dec 22nd 2008 5:12PM
some tip huh? LOL
yeah was one of the first things I read when I opened mine up,. still haven't done it yet, it's pretty good even for XMB navigation ( wouldn't recommend it though) I guess I should do the Calibration a see the difference for the hell of it
Nick @ Dec 22nd 2008 5:59PM
Manuwaht?
I haven't read a manual for a game system/video game since... frick, Super Street Fighter on the SNES.
There's just no point now ;)
HAAS599 @ Dec 22nd 2008 5:09PM
Amazon features pictures of both here.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B001ENPDJA/sr=8-1/qid=1229983667/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=468642&s=videogames&qid=1229983667&sr=8-1
Brian @ Dec 22nd 2008 6:46PM
the review seemed a little hard, looking at the ps3 controller it wont fit well at the bottom, there are some difference between the two systems (ps3 & 360). sure the button are small ........ the whole thing is small and light, it was made that way so you wouldn¯t have to take it off when playing a game. The pad has an auto off feature so you dont run the battery all the time and it easy to tell when it on. Sure the buttons could be improved to have a better feel, but they work find and get the job done. The calibration tip comes in handy it you haven't done it yet give it a try.Sure you can get a usb, or other wireless keyboard, but the chatpad is a nice accessary that really fits the ps3 well.
Darlaten @ Dec 22nd 2008 7:07PM
Good lord people, it's only $50.00. The way some of you make it out to be, you'd think that Sony was asking you to sacrifice your first born in order to purchase the damn thing.
crackp1pe @ Dec 23rd 2008 8:49AM
People aren't just being cheap here. A dual shock 3 is $50, a BluRay remote is $25, and a Bluetooth headset is $50. So $50 for the chatpad doesn't just seem high. It's high by direct comparison.
I have no problem paying reasonable prices for stuff, and I want this. But I'm waiting for the first Amazon deal because $50 is a rip off.
iBirch @ Dec 23rd 2008 12:19AM
I will be getting the official chatpad it's not that expensive in UK well from what I've seen so far anyways.
gavin gary finneran @ Oct 15th 2009 5:06PM
you lot are very wrong about the ps3 chatpad what an apalling reveiw i have had it for a month and its amazing pice of kit . 29.99 english import normally 24.99 in game on ?? 50$ muh go check your facts ps3fanboy and blows the xbox one , i mean it , bad review give it to a ps3 fan next time not an xbox one
Dan Rabot @ Dec 23rd 2008 6:09AM
Damnit! The chat pad turned up on play.com for £17.99 and I DIDN'T BUY IT!
The price has gone now and I'm thinking it'll be back up at £30 / £40.
Really should have got one cheap.
Might just get a keyboard with a built in mouse. Shame this is so expensive, reckon it'll be a bit of a flop at that price.
HAAS599 @ Dec 23rd 2008 9:53AM
they raised the price because everyone wants one! Its simple supply and demand, not a flop.
Dan Rabot @ Dec 23rd 2008 10:23AM
Actually Play.com had it cheap as a mistake.
They didn't raise the price due to demand! They raised it because Sony / their supplier corrected them. If you think people are rushing to the stores to buy this chatpad for £40 / $50 you're crazy.
For £20 would be awesome, I wouldn't rush but I would go to the shop to get one.