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When engineers design new equipment they focus on what the item does and create the user interface as an afterthought. Often this results in a device that only an engineer can understand. Manufacturers who pay more attention to the design of controls such as custom keypads create a better experience for end users. Usability Usability is easy to understand: the ability to use something. Custom keypads should be designed with this concept in mind. It's not enough to create controls. Those controls must be intuitive and easy to operate or users will be frustrated. Well-designed custom keypads allow users to operate the device with less training. Complex controls require a steep learning curve and some...

If you are designing a product that will use the helpful and versatile rubber keypad, it is important to not only pick a useful, functional, and attractive look, it is also essential to select the right type of contact to go under the keypad. Here's a snapshot look at the types that are available: the ultimate success of your product will depend on your choosing the perfect one. The Carbon Pill The most commonly used contact, the carbon pill is - as its name implies - circular shaped and comes in sizes ranging from 2.0 to 8.0 mm in diameter. They are fairly slender in terms of thickness, measuring less than .5 mm. The reason why the carbon pill is so popular is because it enjoys a long life. This...

Because silicone is such a versatile material, companies have a number of options when designing the look of custom silicone keypads. The look and feel of the keys can improve both the functionality of molded keypads as well as their impact on customers. No More Square Keys Move away from the traditional square buttons of a telephone keypad. Custom silicone keypads can be molded into nearly any shape you can imagine. Gentle curves or sharp corners can complement the overall design of your device, maintaining its unique look right down to the control panel. Once you abandon the traditional square buttons, you have more choice in overall key layout. Where should the buttons go on your device? What...

When designing a keypad it is important that you have an understanding of how the production costs of producing the keypad are calculated as this will have an impact on what features you can include. Silicone keypads are typically produced using a compression moulding method in a high temperature 200T press. This method of production is slow compared to injection moulding as the cycle time can be up to 15 minutes per shot. Due to this lengthy cycle time it is important to have as many impressions in the tool as possible. For example a small keypad size of 50 x 50mm could have 49 impressions and produce 196 parts per hour but a larger keypad size of 100 x 150 would only have 6 impressions so only...

Vintage IBM "Clicky" keyboards have a major following both among vintage computer enthusiasts and office professionals. What is the secret for this proclivity with these older keyboard models ? The secret to the click of a keyboard is the key switch technology it uses. The four key switch technologies commonly found inside PC keyboards are mechanical, capacitive, conductive, conductive rubber dome and membrane switches. All but the last are hidden under key caps, but you cannot tell much about a keyboard's switch technology just by popping off the cap. Note: If you try to dissemble a keyboard to inspect it you may damage or destroy the keyboard and of course any warranty you may have on the...

Molded keypads made from silicone rubber offer a variety of features traditional keypads don't have. However there are some important decisions to make to create the best interface for your users. Tactile Feel Lack of tactile feedback is a common complaint when using custom silicone keypads. If an operator doesn't get some kind of response it's hard to tell whether a key press has been accepted. The tactile characteristics of the keys are controlled by actuation force and contact force. Actuation force is the effort required to press the key and make initial contact. Contact force is the effort required to maintain that contact and will always be less than actuation force. The difference between...

Many companies are adding touchscreen to their handheld electronics. This iPhone-driven fad in the world of consumer electronics has many manufacturers considering whether it's time to do the same. However once you get past the gee-whiz factor, custom keypads made from silicone have a lot of advantages over touchscreens. Fingerprints: Have you ever used a touchscreen? Even if your hands are clean the screen is soon full of greasy fingerprints. You have to keep wiping off the screen so you can see what you are doing. If keypads pick up a little oil from your fingers, that doesn't affect your ability to use the device. No Click: Lack of feedback means that it is harder to tell when you have pressed a...

Remember the Good old days of typing on the Model M? Remember back in the good old days when typing was a pleasure? The nostalgic Smith Coronas, Royals, Remingtons, and other manual typewriters allowed the typist to feel what he or she was actually typing. They did not need to see what was being typed on paper to rely on which keys actually registered. Instead, the tactile feedback of the typewriters allowed the writer to feel and hear each key that registered. However, typewriters were not the "end all and be all" technological advancement because formatting was not that easy. It was very tedious for a writer to go back and edit his work. A writer often had to use white out to make changes, and...

Today's electronic equipment has a wide range of interface options. Custom keypads allow engineers nearly unlimited possibilities in control design, however those possibilities can lead to problems if the interface is not carefully examined. Simple Example: 10-Digit Keypad Even the basic 10-digit keypad is actually an example of custom keypads. Why? Look at your phone then look at your computer. Both of them use 10-digit keypads and yet they are upside down in relation to each other. People who use both are almost never confused. In fact most people who regularly use both telephones and computer numeric keypads are surprised when someone points out they are different. That is because we learn very...

ign="center"> The video matrix undoubtedly constitutes the central part of most traditional analog CCTV systems. This matrix is usually an electronics rack positioned close to the management area. It is basically a switch that redirects video inputs from cameras to video outputs that are sent to screens and DVRs/VCRs for recording as needed. This is essentially attained by security managers utilizing desk-mounted keyboard switches. The respond to growing present, analog matrix systems is to insert an IP video system for the supplementary cameras and apparatus. This entirely converged; hybrid system sustains the original financial venture in CCTV apparatus while supplying an expansion pathway for...

Give the touch and the feel which you always craved for your mobile phone. And in this desire of yours, the new Sony Ericsson K800i definitely fulfills you. The Sony Ericsson product K800i, a truly international phone is the first handsets carrying the Cyber-shot brand, a true mark of imaging quality. This highly capable mobile phone comes with array of features, among them is the integrated 3.2 Megapixel digital camera, Autofocus, Xenon flash and BestPic(TM) - Sony Ericsson's unique imaging technology that allows you to capture exactly the moment you desire, that exudes the confidence in you to go click-spree. The K800i model of the Sony Ericsson conglomerate, beautifully combines the advanced...

Sony Ericsson in its K series portfolio has once again added a classic phone, the Sony Ericsson K800i . Known for uncompromising camera features, K series mobile devices live up to the expectations. This is the first handset in the K series that comes equipped with Cyber-shot technology. Boasting a 3.2 mega-pixel camera with Autofocus, Xenon flash and BestPic - it ensures perfect picture quality. Capture some wonderful moments and share with friends and family. Packed with advanced imaging features and high speed data transfer capability - the Sony Ericsson K800i is an excellent device for shooting pictures and images and for sharing multimedia files in no time. Sony Ericsson has brought digital...

Sony Ericsson's K series phones are well known for their excellent camera features. Each phone in the series comes packed with unique features and offer superb picture quality. With the introduction of the first 3G camera phone from the company, consumers expectations were obviously very high. With the release of the Sony Ericsson K800i, the company delivered the best that were expected by the consumers. With the incorporation of the Cyber shot technology, you can definitely expect quality pictures from the Sony Ericsson K800i. The candy bar designed phone comes with a large 262k colours TFT screen plus a tactile keypad - simply push the button and capture the world. Watching videos is a real...

The mobile phone market is flooded with a plethora of handsets that come embedded with user-friendly and technically well equipped features. To give a manifestation, the latest Nokia 6500 classic is no more restricted to communication. As a matter of fact, this innovative candy-bar styled phone allows users to click jolly moments, listen to music as well as connect to other compatible devices quite easily. The Nokia 6500 classic is sleek phone that is admired for its easy functionality and an elongated battery life. The 6500 Classic is a super slim 3G enabled phone that measures 109.8x45x9.5 mm and weighs 94 grams. The phone is available in black coloured casing that comes with a smooth aluminum...

The secret of remaining in contention in any field is to constantly improving and relentlessly working towards perfection. Motorola is no exception. Their new offering, the Motorola E550, is based on their earlier model Motorola V300 and its specification is almost the same as the Motorola V550. However, it is the drive to improve and rectify their earlier shortcomings that defines the E550. Basic improvements include the improved, tactile keypad which is a pleasure to use. Appearance-wise it is not so different from the Motorola V550, but have the soft touch finish in the outside. Still photograph and video recording is an added feature when compared to the earlier models with the VGA digital...

Although, the other leading handsets manufacturers are trying their best by introducing highly equipped handsets, but no one can do much harm to the ever-increasing popularity of the Nokia. Hence, Nokia has very well managed to stay ahead in this fierce competition by introducing some of the most dynamic and powerful handsets. On the other hand, these handsets are not only good in features, but they do take a very good care of your pocket limit. Thus, you get a good handset in a reasonable price to take a very good care of your mobile life. While considering the overall looks of the Nokia 6300, you would find that it has been very well wrapped in a tough stainless steel cover, which not only...

The Nokia 6300 phone is an excellent all rounder in a slim and tall frame. The handset is mere 11.7 mm thick which makes the Nokia 6300 one of the slimmest Nokia mobile phone. The handset is equally lightweight at just a shed over 90 grams. An all stainless steel body with black elements gives the handset a simple yet sophisticated look. Silver shine with mysterious black exudes the highest level of style without being loud and flashy. This is one of the main reasons for the Nokia 6300's rapid climb in the charts. Its highly tactile keypad is placed beneath the rectangular frame of the screen. The handset's display is about 2 inches, capable for producing more than 16.7 million colours across...

The Motorola M800 mobile phone is a sophisticated multimedia communication device that offers plenty of fun personalization features along with outstanding productivity assets. Personalization features include multiple language options, multiple ring tones and radio mute. The two-way navigation and generously spaced tactile keypad make entering data and operating the M800 quick and easy. The 8mm character height promises excellent quality on the high resolution display. Adjustable blue backlight and contrast display setting allow for extra visual clarity. Data connectivity is reliable with the unit’s Packet data Max BR support 13.6 kbps. Messaging features include short messaging services (SMS...

ign="center"> The Nokia E65 is a member of the E series business phone by the Finnish mobile phone manufactures. The business centric smartphone retains the same simplicity of Nokia mobile phones despite a feature list comparable to any PDA. The Nokia E65 has the convenience of One Touch keys for quick and easy access to conference calls, mute/unmute, and contacts – so that you don't have to cut short your conversation if you have to use any tool while on call. This kinds of sensibilities of Nokia phones has been the key factor in creating such a huge loyal followers across the world. The handset comes with a smooth sliding action that softly slides up to reveal the tactile keypad. The Nokia...

This stylish phone, it offers ground breaking features which capture the imagination of mobile users. This well designed handset has all that you need in a hi-tech mobile phone. The unique features of Nokia N76 include a 2 megapixel camera with 20x digital zoom and integrated flash, video calling, video sharing and video streaming. The handset allows you to play music and take pictures without even opening the phone. Browse the web with ease with the large screen of the handset. The inbuilt memory of up to 26 MB can be expanded up to 2 GB with Micro SD card. The integrated music player offers a unique equaliser and playlist feature. View the recorded video clips in large size and enhance your...

The Samsung g800 is latest camera phone launched by Samsung in the current hot camera phone market. The device features a 5 megapixel camera sensor which is becoming fairly common these days and best of all it has 3 times optical zoom which is quite a novelty. The back of the phone hides the camera and the xenon flash under a metallic cover which slides to expose the big sensor of the camera. The camera unit has auto focus with a resolution of 2560x1920 pixels. The pictures taken by it are vivid and bright with the most possible retention of natural colors. The optical zoom is highly effective as it allows for taking close-ups without risk of loosing detail. At a glance the camera seems to be very...

The Nokia N95 is a smartphone produced by Nokia as a part of the company's N Series line of smartphones. The Nokia N95 is the direct result of Nokia's ceaseless efforts to create the ultimate multimedia computer, worthy enough to lead a family of as high repute as the Nokia N Series. Everything about the Nokia N95 has set standard of sorts - from imagining to connectivity. Even the smartphone's form is a pioneering 2-way slide concept - one for the normal keypad and the other for a set of dedicated media keys. The Nokia N95 represents the coming together of functions of all major devices a modern day man carries with him. Whether it's your music player, your digital camera, PDA or your costly...

The Nokia 6300 is Nokia's first attempt on slim phone. On their first go, the manufacturers have managed to keep its thickness to a bare 11.7 mm. This is quite impressive considering the fact that the Nokia 6300 manages to maintain the same simplicity of usage as any other Nokia handset. This comes in as a nice contrast to other fiddly slim phones available in the market. The handset sports a simple and elegant mono block form in a sophisticated stainless steel casing. Usage of metal not only gives the much needed strength to the slim phone, but also gives an old school charm to the handset. Despite such extensive use of metal, the Nokia 6300 is surprisingly light weight, clocking a miserly 91 grams...

In the crowed of smart phones, there is one that is although not tagged 'smart' but includes almost all the specialities of one such 'smartphones'; burning a huge hole in the pocket. Coming in a slider form factor, the phone is smartly designed in silver and black hues. With a dimension of 100 x 46 x 21 mm and weight of 115 gm, Nokia 6280 appears as a compact and comfortable handset ready to fit many a needs. The phone comes with a 45 mm TFT display, reproducing images of resolution 240 x 320 pixels. Slide up to feel the tactile keypad beneath the front fascia. A VGA camera on the left corner of the phone aids in video calling across WCDMA network. A superior 2.0 mega pixel camera equipped with...

Cell phones are more common today than any other form of modern technology. There are people that have cell phones that don't have cars or televisions, but this has become a way of life. Being able to get in contact at any time with other people is the reason why most people own and use a cell phone, they are simply more convenient. Most of us cannot even fathom the way we lived before we had phones that could go anywhere with us! We definitely live in the cell phone age, where people young and old have them on their person day and night! There are a lot of cell phone accessories that you can buy that will allow you to get the most out of your phone. One of the most beneficial accessories is a...

In today's world, technology changes so fast that it's impossible to keep up. Every single night, there are new television commercials promoting computer upgrades and new technology for your electronics. But, more than any other industry, cellphones are the wave of the future. Almost as soon as you purchase a new cellphone, a better version of the same phone will come out! Keeping on top of upgrades and new cellphone equipment can be a tiring chore as cellphone suppliers try to outdo each other with smaller, more complex phones and expensive equipment upgrades. Once you have the phone, you have to have an entire collection of accessories - car chargers, wall chargers, devices designed to hold...

Designing familiar and easy to use controls is an important step in creating a piece of equipment. With the capabilities of modern custom keypads, engineers have the flexibility to create control systems to make device operation simple for users. Gathering Information The first step in the design of custom keypads is to figure out what functions are needed. Much of this process will be dictated by the device itself. Obviously each function needs a control. If the user will need to enter numbers or text, then a 10-key or QWERTY keyboard will be needed. Designers must decide whether multiple functions should be tied to a key or whether each task should be separate. However design considerations should...

Call them for instance gamepads, joy pads or control pads. Children simply love it. Gamepads are the game controllers which are often hand held whilst playing action games. Even though while controlling gaming pads, thumbs are used to give inputs, a set of action buttons are controlled by the right thumb while direction controllers are handled with the left. But since its inception a set of four-way digital cross action buttons known as joypads are mostly commonly used. Now-a-days however, analog sticks are also being used as modern controllers. Gamepads are often used as an input device on most of the video game consoles; these are also available for use in personal computers as well. A combination...

White BlackBerry Pearl T-Mobile in USA and Research in Motion have launched the white BlackBerry Pearl. The lustrous phone is designed to charm the general consumer as well as to charm the young mobile users who seek a full featured smart phone in a sleek and sophisticated package. This phone incorporates all the features of the popular BlackBerry. The BlackBerry white is the first BlackBerry phone to offer expandable media, a camera and integrated media player. It is available in Pearl white and piano black colors. Complementary white accessories including a stereo headset, travel charger and a USB cable form part of the package. Features White BlackBerry Pearl has functions such as personal e...

It in fact is as simple as dialing a number on a phone. It is one of the first to offer a built in camera. The new white Blackberry Pearl could charm the socks of you. It comes in a lustrous, pearl white finish. It has all the easy-to-use phone, personal e-mail, and web browsing features. The Blackberry Pearl has redefined the art of sending an e-mail or chatting through instant messaging. Design The super sleek white mobile phone has a glossy finish that adds to the stylish look of the phone. The stunning color and the cell phone like dimension is something that that will capture your imagination. Display You will just love the 2.25-inch TFT screen that displays 65,000 colors at a 240x260-pixel...

r is the second-largest computer company in Europe - Germany FTS technology to solve under the Center's technical cooperation, and employ the world's top design firms - die: haptiker GmbH company's well-designed computer outside the established brand. "Fuller" in German is "feeling sense" means, with English as the "feel" agreed to "perception now, and create the future." The exquisitely crafted products to the world's PC users with a rich personal experience: fashion, confidence, taste, elegance, quality, strength. All along, Fuller to strict quality control standards to mass-produce products and provide global coverage of the distribution and logistics services, demand for ever-changing...

Communication has become an art with the BlackBerry 7130e mobile phone. This unit is smooth and chic and brimming with outstanding features that are certain to turn heads. The system offers reliability and the form is aesthetically pleasing. This phone offers a wireless experience that can not be matched. Connectivity is all-important for many individuals who have busy lifestyles and many projects. The BlackBerry 7130e delivers through a number of different vehicles. The phone offers outstanding sound quality and reliable connections and there are plenty more connectivity features built into the system. The Web browsers put the Internet in the palm of the hand. The unit has BlackBerry Internet...

Damir is the new modern architect against conformity and commercialism and at the same time free spirited to be categorized, crossing over from the stage to the podium and back to the stage. Black and White is Damir's most accomplished release to date, an album that is inspired; inventive, ambitious and cutting edge lyrically. Having spent time in Tokyo, Japan, Damir accomplished a track giving respect to Japanese Culture as well as introducing himself to his new audience. Crossing all barriers, when moving to a non-English speaking country this artist put his best foot forward and put together White Boy Gaijin, where Damir raps in Japanese. Typically, Black and White is an English album, with an...

The LG GW620 InTouch Max is an impressively stylish mobile phone that comes with a raft of useful functions and features. The handset offers a large TFT display screen as well as internet access and a full QWERTY keyboard, all of which is housed with the confines of a casing which is 109mm x 54mm in size. Currently the handset is available in several colour variants including blue, black and grey. Connectivity is provided by a multitude of options within the handset, with web access available via its HSDPA and Wi Fi connections. These connections offer access speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps, in conjunction with the means to hook up to widely available hotspots. Alternative connection options include GPRS...