Elecom is geared up to release the "TK-U09FG" keyboards in late October that feature the company's new "Gear Drive" mechanism. Slated to cost about 5,040 yen, the new keyboards use a system of gears underneath the keys so that when pressed on even a corner, the key

will be depressed evenly. This is said to prevent "miss-types," which I suspect are caused by keypresses not registering correctly if they're not made in the exact middle of the key. I can't really say I've had that problem, but perhaps I do and don't even realize it. Either way, the keyboard is a Japanese 109-key layout, and will be available in silver, white, and black models.



Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/0919/elecom.htm

Press Release:
http://www.elecom.co.jp/news/200609/tk_u09fg/

Here's a new card reader from Elecom, supporting as many as 22 different types of media, including the new SDHC (SD High Capacity) cards. It is retailing for 2,520 yen, and connects with your PC via USB 2.0. It will work under modern Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. The following media types are supported: SD card/MMC, Memory Stick (PRO/High Speed), xD-Picture Card (type M/H), and CF/Microdrive. Yeah, I suppose there are 22 media types in there somewhere.



Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/0824/elecom.htm

Press Release:
http://www.elecom.co.jp/news/200608/mr-a13hsv/

Here's a new round of Gundam-themed USB memory devices from Elecom.

One of the problems I've seen with USB hubs is that they're difficult to use if you have USB devices that take up too much space. In other words, the actual "device" portion of the USB device is too wide, and prevents you from using all of the USB ports of your USB hub. To address this problem, Elecom has introduced a new line of USB hubs that feature "separate" connectors.

I haven't really played enough video games to understand the importance of this feature (nor can I tell if it's just marketing hype), but Elecom's new "GAME COMMANDER" mouse has a switch that enables users to choose between 800dpi and 1600dpi o­n the fly.

Elecom is releasing a number of products for "Francfranc" stores throughout Japan. There are earphones, speakers, a mouse, and a mousepad.

A bit slow o­n the news tonight, but here is a new series of USB hubs from Elecom that feature a compact body and LED illumination.

A new mousepad intended for use with your wireless mouse, by Elecom. It also floats (or so I assume)!

Elecom will be releasing a mousepad made of recycled PET in early August, entitled the "MP-065ECO Series." They will cost 945 yen each.

The series uses recycled PET, making it a mousepad that takes the environment into consideration. It can be washed should it get dirty.

The surface features a special protection layer to allow the mouse to operate smoothly. It has a thickness of o­nly 0.5mm, and measures 180 x 150mm. Blue, black, silver, and snow colors will be available. Both optical mice and wheel mice can be used o­n it.

Inspired by:
http://www.itmedia.co.jp/pcupdate/articles/0507/21/news054.html

Press Release:
http://www.elecom.co.jp/news/200507/mp_065eco/index.html

Elecom seems to be getting less and less serious with every product they announce. Their "Shippo Brush" ('Tail Brush') are little brushes, where the brush itself is shaped like the corresponding animal's tail. Riiiiiight.