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.

Elecom has a new notebook lock coming out that isn't o­ne of those junky o­nes that just sticks in the side of the notebook. It actually prevents people from opening the notebook. Well, it's supposed to prevent them from doing so...I guess it wouldn't stand up to a crowbar for too long.

Elecom Corporation will release the folding portable "PSP-CS500" speakers in May for the price of 2,520 yen.

The PSP-CS500 are portable passive speakers intended for portable audio devices. They are bass reflex style, and have a 50mm diameter cone unit. The maximum input is 2W + 2W, though they are rated for an input of 1W + 1W. The frequency response is 300Hz ~ 20kHz, and the impedance 8 ohms. Blue (BUD), pink (PN), silver (SV) and white (WH) colors will be available.

The external dimensions, when in use, are 156 x 38.5 x 77mm (W x D x H). When closed, they measure 83.5 x 77 x 77mm (same). The weight including the cable is 163g. In addition to having a stereo mini plug itself, the speakers can store the cable and plug as well. The cable length is 16cm.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050428/elecom.htm

News Release:
http://www.elecom.co.jp/news/200504/psp-cs500/

Elecom now introduces their own fingerprint verification device, the "CR-FP1." Also on the table is the "CR-UK1," a portable USB security key. More information on each inside.

Elecom has decided to enter the digital AV market and their first product is a standalone CD recorder, the "PLEO-01". It will go on-sale from mid November at a price of 25,200 yen. The PLEO-01 makes it extremely simple to create a copy of a music or data CD for backup purposes. As an added bonus, the recorder also conforms to the SCMS (Serial Copy Management System) standard so you can't inadvertently make multiple copies of your music collection. Isn't that a relief?!

Please note that "Logitec" is a Japanese company. "Logitech" is an American company.

Bust out the champagne, because Elecom announced today they would be purchasing Logitec.

If you're tired of those boring ass router colors such as "black" and "blue," look no further than Elecom's latest offerings. Now all you need is some colorful network cable and you'll be all set.