Historically, the two big challenges with making computers smaller and more portable have been the input (keyboard, mouse, etc) and the output (video). One manufacturer may have found a way to get a big keyboard into a small package by use of laser and infra-red technology. The laser keyboard works by shining a laser on a desktop or any flat surface. IR sensors detect keystrokes.

There are two models of the keyboard, one that connects via a USB cable and as second the connects via a wireless Bluetooth connection. The Bluetooth model is ideal for a PDA or smart phone.

This virtual keyboard works well and is easy to get used to. The biggest downside is there is no tactile feedback, so you have to rely on an audio "click" to know when you've pushed a key.

For Macintosh users, there is no driver but you can connect the Bluetooth model via the default Bluetooth driver in Mac OS X. The default driver doesn't allow you to control things like the brightness of the keyboard, but keyboard input works just fine.

It runs about $150 and the kit includes the basic device, a case, AC Adapter and international pin adapter (to let the AC Adapter work in U.S. and other locations).

You turn the device on with a switch located on the side and it immediately scans and calibrates the surface in front of it. It's good to go within a few seconds. Just pick up the device and it will turn itself of before you put it back into its case.