What's Newin Hardware

It seems like there isn't anything new anymore in CAD hardware, what with computers, printers, et al pretty much stalled in capabilities. Engaget this week reported on a couple of items:

Wacom shipping Bamboo tablets in the US

Digitizing tablets still get made? Yup, although these new ones are for the consumer market. But there are some "new" things about these:

- Mouse.
- 4 function keys named ExpressKeys.
- Rollerball-like Touch Ring for zoom-pan control.
- Textured surface that makes the pen feel like its on paper.

Prices range from $80 to $200 for these tiny digitizers. That pricing gives you another reason they've never very popular.

Desktop Factory's cheapo 3D printer is coming

Desktop Factory plans to soon ship a $5000 3D printer that prints objects up to 5x5x5" (127mm cubed). It'll cost about $125 to produce each 3D object.

Razer cranks out Pro|Click Mobile Bluetooth mouse

Just the other day I was thinking, a BlueTooth mouse would make sense, becuase that would be one less USB port to occupy. (New notebook computers include BlueTooth transmitters.) This week, Razer and Microsoft announced just such models. Now, I just need to wait on Logitech, the approved brand for my household.

Comments

[Tony]

Your wait was over a long time ago - Logitech has had Bluetooth mice (and keyboards) for a while (unless they don't ship them to Canada).
I found two:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/3287&cl=us,en
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/174&cl=us,en

BTW, Wacom also sells Bluetooth tablets. Tables are very useful for re-touching in Photoshop (that's what I use mine for), but don't work well as a mouse replacement. Maybe Wacom's Cinq tablet/LCD would, but they're a little pricey.