Review: Celluon Laserkey CL800BT laser keyboard

Laser keyboards use a combination of lasers and an infra-red sensor to project a small Qwerty display onto a flat surface that functions just like a standard keyboard.

In August 2005 we reviewed the latest Bluetooth VKB from I-Tech.

Now a very similar device from Celluon is being sold in the UK by Falco Enterprises.

Unsurprisingly, there are various legal wranglings as to which company officially owns the technology.

Celluon's version uses the same basic system (a decent overview can be found on the Falco Enterprises site), but has a couple of additional features.

These include extra shortcut keys such as email, web and address book buttons, as well as an impressive mouse function that turns the entire projection into a touchpad complete with left and right mouse buttons.

Palm, Pocket PC and Windows Mobile 2003 Smartphones are supported, as are Symbian and Blackberry devices.

You can see the full compatibility list on Celluon's website.

We also had trouble setting up the Laserkey, although it eventually transpired this was more of a Bluetooth issue than a problem with the Laserkey itself.

Many frustrating hours were spent trying to use it with a Dell Axim, while it paired and worked flawlessly with a Treo 600.

You have to change your typing style with the Laserkey, adopting a more precise method, but after about 10 minutes of use you do start to get the hang of it.

However, just as with the VKB from I-Tech, the Laserkey feels like more of a gimmick than a tool that will be put to good use.

The manufacturer is apparently in talks with hospitals (where it would remove the danger of contamination building up on a standard keyboard) as well as Nokia - although we doubt Nokia would want to bulk up its handsets or accept the drain on battery life to accommodate the Laserkey technology.

If you want to be gawped at on the train or plane, and have a compatible device, the Laserkey certainly has its plus points.

It's more expensive than the VKB from I-Tech, which currently sells for £99.99 but the Celluon version has a more compact and sturdy design, and more features.

However, the price, fiddly nature of Bluetooth and enforced change in typing style will put many off.