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At the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, PDA accessory vendor iBIZ Technology announced that its Virtual Laser Keyboard will ship shortly. The Virtual Laser Keyboard is compatible with Palm OS and Pocket PC handhelds, as well as laptops and desktop PCs.

This cool new device, which has no moving parts, attaches to a handheld and projects the image of a full-size keyboard onto the surface of the desk where a PDA is placed. The keyboard image is that of a full-size QWERTY keyboard. And because it is virtual, it should be more convenient to use than folding-type keyboards. Of course, those who enjoy the feedback that real keyboards offer may find typing on the hard surface of a desk a little tiring after a while.

The keyboard employs a USB/serial cable connection to communicate with the PDA or PC. IBIZ said future models would incorporate Bluetooth and IR Wireless Connections. The device weighs two ounces and is similar in size to a disposable cigarette lighter.

The $100 Virtual Laser Keyboard includes a self-contained, rechargeable lithium ion battery, which provides the Virtual Laser Keyboard with its own internal power supply, so it doesn't drain any power from the PDA. The company said the battery lasts three to four hours. This is less than what you’d expect to get out of a standard foldable keyboard.