UK firm rolls out fabric keyboard

A UK company is targeting mobile professionals with a high-tech fabric keyboard that can be used with PDAs and smart phones.

Eleksen, which is based at Pinewood Studios, launched the Wireless Fabric Keyboard on Monday. It contains a 63-key Qwerty layout, and can be rolled up to form a compact bundle measuring just 48 by 126 by 32mm when not in use.

The company hopes the washable device, which connects over Bluetooth, will appeal to people who struggle to type quickly on their existing mobile devices. The fabric keyboard will be marketed as a corporate IT product.

CNET.co.uk's sister site, ZDNet UK, got its hands on the keyboard last week. After being put through its paces it was found to work well -- although a firm typing manner was needed, and the keyboard could slip around the desk when in use.

You can see a full preview on ZDNET's Reviews channel.