bluetooth keyboard

[snowsquirrel]

Does anyone know if the ps3 can use a bluetooth keyboard/thumboard without a dongle? There is a lot of conflicting information. Most of the stuff I have read, has indicated that you need the dongle.

I just fee that the redundancy of the dongle, would likely cause me to use an old usb keyboard. I know that makes no sense, and proves nothing, but thats how I feel.

~S

[VipFREAK]

Bluetooth is built in so I assumed you didn't need a dongle...

[_scott]

Do you have a specific make and model in mind?

[Darknyss]

You don't need a dongle with a BT keyboard.

Logitech's new PS3 keyboard looks really nice.

http://www.ubergizmo.com/photos/2007/9/logitech-mediaboard-pro-kb_large.jpg

Link (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/playstation_3/devices/3616&cl=us,en)

[shrike4242]

I knew there was a reason why I didn't jump on the MediaBoard (non-Pro) when GS was selling it for $50 a month ago.

This is a much better option, plus I can use it on a MCE PC w/BT. :D

[snowsquirrel]

I am pretty sure that this media board uses a dongle, but I could be wrong. I am sure you need one originally. But maybe one of the firmware updates fixed this. I have seen posts all over the web saying "you don't need a dongle, it has bluetooth". But I have not seen a post saying "I have a BT keyboard, and I don't use a dongle."

From Amazon.com:
The keyboard works on USB technology, not Bluetooth. It communicates seamlessly with the PS3 via a small USB dongle that plugs right into one of the 4 ports on the front of the console.

From Gizmodo:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/wireless/logitech-mediaboard-lets-you-ditch-your-ps3-controller-226007.php
It works up to 30 feet away from your console and uses RF technology instead of the PS3's built-in Bluetooth (it comes with a USB dongle).

From CNet review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/keyboards/logitech-cordless-mediaboard-for/4505-3134_7-32319140.html
Perhaps you take a moment a key in the words "PS3 Bluetooth keyboard" into the Google search box and discover Sony hasn't made one--yet. You might also discover that Sony hasn't enabled the Bluetooth profile for keyboards in the PS3 Bluetooth settings menu, which means you can't just plug in any old Bluetooth keyboard and use it with the PS3. Of course, this should all change when Sony eventually puts out a Bluetooth keyboard, but as of this writing, Logitech is the only manufacturer making a Sony-certified cordless keyboard for the PS3 that's been deemed completely compatible. Alas, it doesn't use Bluetooth wireless technology, opting instead for 2.4GHz RF (radio frequency) technology. That begs the question: why shouldn't other USB cordless keyboards work with the PS3? Well, they might, but Logitech says it's tweaked the drivers on its Logitech Cordless MediaBoard for PlayStation 3 ($80) to make sure the keyboard works flawlessly with the PS3. And in a nutshell, that's what's special about the keyboard.

I guess I have kind of answered my own question. Sure seems bizarre, that this wouldn't just work out of the box. Oh well, here's to hoping for the magical 2.0 firmware to fix this.

As for what model I have in mind? What ever is cheap and preferably small (even thumboard), as I will only use it once in a while for sending messages. I don't use my PS3 for surfing, or linux.

~S

[shnizzle66]

Not only is it BT now, but it looks damn nice!

[snowsquirrel]

oops sorry. You were talking about the 'Pro', which I didn't know about. I was posting info about the non-pro which is not Bluetooth.

It appears you are right, the Pro is BT. I might pick one up, thought $80 is a little more than I am interested in paying. I really don't need that nice of a keyboard to type a couple sentences a week. Hopefully the knockoffs are on the way.

~S

[opterasis]

I like that keyboard..but im not a big fan of touchpads, they ever going to release a mouse? I don't think I've seen one yet.

[Vanigan]

Any usb or bluetooth mouse will work with the PS3.

[opterasis]

Nice. With all the big name FPS's coming out over the next few months, a kb and mouse would make them hella more fun.

[jonlubbe]

I have a BT keyboard, and I don't use a dongle.

[Vanigan]

The developer has to choose to support it though, but Sony does not prevent developers from choosing it. Then the devs have to address the imbalance between controller and mouse users, but lately devs have started to address this on a whole, so we'll see some fair balance mechanics.

Despite Sony's bad rep, that's partially why I like the PS3 more, it's a slightly more open system. And I mean very slightly, but just enough to do stuff like this.

[snowsquirrel]

JonLubbe,

What keyboard do you use? Would you recomend it? How is battery life?

~S

[jonlubbe]

JonLubbe,

What keyboard do you use? Would you recomend it? How is battery life?

~S

batery life is good, I honestly have only had it for a few weeks now though.

I have the logitech diNovo keyboard

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-DiNovo-Cordless-Bluetooth-Desktop/dp/B0000UV0JA

have not yet put batteries in the mouse or num pad

I like the feel of this one though.. mainly use it for tinkering in linux though