Hahahahahahha that looks so horrendous what was sony thinking off

which idiot would say ps3 copied 360?

http://forums.n4g.com/fb.as...

PS2 had it

http://forums.n4g.com/fb.as...

The above proves MS ones again copies Sony

This article is stupid, and the chatpad is a gimmick in general. Of all the games I've played online on the 360, BFBC, Halo, Gears, COD4, etc, I have only used the mic, not a stupid chat pad. You'd probably get banned if you keep on sending text messages to people thru out the game and you won't get replies either. So by default, using the chatpad already slows down the flow of the game. The chatpad is for Live messenger, and for text chat in game rooms, just like what this PS3 chatpad is for. The chatpad is not designed to play games while texting because there are no games currently that support such stupid functions beside MMOs and neither consoles got any except for FF11.

Which idiot would say they didn't?

um from what ive seen you dont have to move you whole and up to type unless you have really really tiny hand you should be able to still move your thumbs up instead of down to type. I think the mouse idea is kool, but wont get used like they might want it to be used. i mean instead of plugging a mouce into your ps3 and using up another USB port you can put it into the controller. its really saving space thats all.

I questioned why it was up there but now I see its because of the mouse, you can use that pad with only one hand while gripping the controller with another, I think the mouse being there is just cool. Now we're in a world were more features is a bad thing. apparently.

guys a good idea is a good idea and everyone is gonna copy the other

but hey,first trophies,now this? a bit more creative sony

in need of some hits on ur site?

on-topic: these things are just weird, they might have a market for it, but i am in no way interested in attaching a "keyboard" to my 360 gamepad, dualshock 3 or wiimote for that matter. might as well release a themed keyboard and mouse wired or not that matches the console. that's what i think.

LOl funny article since both arent good so much when in the heat of a game . Both are just small keyboard (and mouse now) and an extra ..... no one is playing at much ease when texting with the MS keyboard neither ...

both just beat having a big keyboard around , with many users in their living room and not their bedroom .

Whoever thinks that everybody is just copying off of each other, think about it: that's how some of the better innovations stay in the industry. They get widely accepted and viewed as what to shoot for when designing something similar, or something based off the original idea.

Gaming is for the future, driven by progression as determined by customer feed-back and good analysis of the customers you intend to serve, as well as of the market you intend to penetrate.

Where Sony got it so right is you can use any cheapo keyboard mouse with your PS3. I guess Microsoft got that so wrong?

Who cares if it's on the top? Who uses their freaking thumbs for the 360 one? Nobody. It's faster and easier to use your index finger.

Not to mention, I don't even thing the PS3 keypad needs to be plugged into the top of the controller, it's a standalone bluetooth device.

I'd rather use a keyboard and mouse for the ps3 I mean that new chat pad is goofy looking, don't get me wrong its a nice concept and a good idea. But i would have redesigned it to plug via the mini usb port oin the controller to sit on the bottom by your hands. And there are ways to get around patents.

seriously... ok, first off, the Mini USB being at the top or bottom of the controller has nothing to do with the design at all. For starters, notice that the PS3 keypad sits over the center portion of the controller entirely. I'm sure it wouldn't have been to reverse engineer the keybad to be placed at the bottom of the keypad and have the top part connect to the Mini USB. However, this was more of a design choice by Sony on purpose I'm sure so as not look like the 360 one.

Second of all, the PS3 now has 3 options for chatting with friends (do people even type of these consoles anyway) or inputting your name/details into all these games (I'm betting this is what most people use anyway since it makes more sense to just, I don't know, talk to your friends). These three options include a nice little PS3 attachment, a USB keyboard or a wireless Bluetooth keyboard.

So, wtf are you all crying about? At least for PS3 you're not forced into buying overly expensive attachments. Most of the crap that you can connect to your PC can be used on your PS3 and for MS EVERYTHING is an overpriced attachment ($100 wifi, $200 120gb HD, etc.).

So stfu please and learn to read between the lines.

If you type in enough while browsing the internet, naming game folders or IM'ing people.
You can type a sentence just by pressing the X button, just like that, no joke. The built in predicable text dictionary is far better than I have witnessed and used on any technology.

This really isn't needed unless people who already own a 360 and buying a PS3 are encountering nasty flashbacks whilst messaging during sessions.

hey, it almost looks like the 360 pad only on top. funny....

Hrm.. At least if you are going to rip-off MS make it as nice and ergonomic as the 360 chatpad.

The picture has been edited to removed what was written at the bottom of the offcial Sony picture where it states:

"This is a prototype. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice."

And on the topic of copying Microsoft, I suppose you could look at it that way, or you could look at it like, before 2.4, there was no real need for a keypad to type messages quicker, now that you can send messages during games, your going to want to do it quicker, it reflects how MS didn't release thier chatpad until the update which brought the messenger along.

Im gettin one... why you ask? Well for one i'm a PS3 whore, i want everything for my PS3. I already have a keyboard so i don't need it but it might come in handy some day. I think it might make my controller a little to heavy but it will work wonders on my extra sixaxis. Its better then the one i saw at gamestop, i think it was made by mad catz or something.

I actually don't mind having to move my hand position to type unlike the author of this story. Its easier then setting down the controller and pulling out the keyboard drawer... A very weak argument.

am i the only one who is interested this keypad?

Accept it..

Bring it on Sony, though I would rather have that pad at the bottom. That way you can game and type without interference.

Maybe one day MS will have a mouse and keyboard...

Why make a big deal about a chatpad? Would of been nice if Sony included headsets.

It's just another optional attachment for those who might want one. This article is pure flamebait in disguise. I mean really...criticizing an attachable chat pad? How ergonomic and feature packed do you want it? IT'S A F%$CKING CHAT PAD!

...which these guys have not...they should stfu imo.

Do a proper evaluation when it comes out.

I see the PlayStation 3 key-pad being used more than the XBOX 360 key-pad because simply the support. In almost every game on the PlayStation 3 supports an on-screen keyboard; how often is this allowed in XBOX 360 games?

With the article it makes sense to think that way but I'll be waiting until everything is official/released. Sony usually makes better business decisions than Microsoft in my opinion. Plus I usually have a mic to communicate and just used my PC mic. What I'm really waiting for is the SOCOM: Confrontation Sony official headset that will be bundled/sold separately is my main concern.

lmfao at the link.. are you for real? would you like for sony to come out with a pad like that?

when are you ppl gana realize it's not who makes it first now a day's it's, who makes it better.

get real....

@cajun

you do know sony didn't actualy make that right? maybe that's why it sais samy and not sony?

I can't front, I love the PS3, but man, the article made a lot of good points that I didn't realize.

if this is a gimmick what is the 360 version of singstar and there version of wii avatar called -_-

a tiny accessary that isnt necessary which some people might like to buy WHAT A GIMICK AM I RITE GUYZ?

WIFI ADAPTER FOR 360, A GIMICK RIGHT? VOICE HEADSET A GIMMICK RIGHT GUYS? REMOTE CONTROL FOR VIDEO PLAY BACK!?!?!? A GIMMICK!?!?!?

stop with the sensational headlines you dont even make sense.

i agree.. but the 360's still looks better and it came out first i know that if it was the other way around sony fanatics would cry how micro isn't inovative.

@ ffx

hell yea it's good. keyboard you gata put the controler down to type this pad you dont i just think it would be better in the bottom but hey i never tried it on top so who knows

This design is ergonomically correct, the way the thumbs are positioned on the gamepad (controller) they are pointing upwards. If you simulate trying to type with your thumbs downwards versus upwards you'll find you have a more difficult time doing so.

Also, the top of the controller is angled straight versus the bottom which is angled downwards which would've rendered a downward keyboard pretty uncomfortable and unusable.

Personally, I would prefer the keyboard/pointing device to be on the top of the controller versus the bottom, it seems more correct than if it were at the bottom. On top of that, it is detachable and always an option.

There was already a 3rd party version of this out for more than a YEAR!!!. Now Sony makes their own and they copying. Grow up people its a keypad.

Is it easier to use or not? I don't know, cause I have a USB keyboard and a bluetooth keyboard, so I probably won't get it. But if you ask me how it looks...it looks 10times better than the 360(all 360 accessories, systems have cheap plastic looking and tend to break a lot)

After all, it is the only selling point of this article.

Um...if you don't want to use it, you don't have to buy it?
I wouldn't go so far as to call this a gimmick when...I don't know it was just introduced?

The microsoft chat pad is friggin useless, people only use it if they chat with friends or msn via xbox live. The sony pad would be used more cause sony has the web surfing capability like a pc as with xbox you do not. Sony should sit down actually see how messed up this design is. I am sure with new dual shock 3 controllers coming out there batteries can handle a redesigned chat pad that plugs in via the mini usb port ontop of the remote and bring it so it clips to the bottom of the controller by your hands. If anything all sony has to do is relase more firmware to correct the mistake like they always do. The microsoft chatpad drains battery life to when u have it plugged in via the headphone jack on the conrtoller. Like some people say you do have the option of buying a usb keyboard and mouse. This thing is a nice idea but it has been braught out to late when they things hit the shelves people will buy them cause it is a new toy. But when people buy them and a new shipment comes in howlong will these things sit on store shelves before they sell down again a month or half a year. If sony does make these things I am not buying it save the cash and use a keyboard and a mouse. My chatpad for my 360 sits more than it used to me that was a waste of money.

IM NOT FORCED TO BUY SONYS PRODUCT

I have a dozen USB keyboards around the house i can plug in and use RIGHT AWAY.

MS and their xbutts get OWNED everytime.

the guy at the press conference didn't even know how to put on that horrendous object

IT IS THE SAME DAMN THING AS THE 360 PAD!!!! YET NO ONE CALLED THAT A GIMMICK! BULLSH!T PRESS, IT IS SOMETHING THAT THE PS3 NEEDED HOW IS THIS A GIMMICK??

I like the design because it is "REMOVABLE". Kiss my ass if you don't like my opinion. Also, PM me if you don't like my opinion, so I can know to let the hair on my ass grow long before kissing it. :D

Looks really sweet but I'm fine typing and clicking the letters to get my point across.
None the less a good option to add if you want to.

...is VERY, VERY anti-PS3, pro-Microsoft, and, like GameDaily, they seem to be really not be in a hurry to hide that point.

I hope that tells you about a possible agenda behind this article. If MS put theirs on the top like this or made it small (which it is), do you think Binge Gamer would be b!tching?

This article Fails. The writer hasn't used the keyboard so how does he know how good or lame it is? Just flame bait trying to drum up some traffic.

both systems chatpads suck until they are used for games. That is why pc gamers are always talking shiznit. They can use keyboards as well as controllers in their games why can't console gamers. The chatpads on either system serve no real purpose, if you have money to buy a chatpad, then you can buy a headset! these types of add-ons defeat their own purpose. it is kinda like the idiots that text on phones for hours for something they could've said to someone in a 2 minute phone call.

I've gotten pretty fast with just my controller but I don't see the porblem with this attachment. My thumbs are long enough to reach the keypad without shifting my hands, why that would even matter is beyond me because you have stop playing to send a message.

I'll just stick to my MediaBoard by Logitech ...found it at Walmart on clearance for $25

http://reviews.cnet.com/key...

Yeah the 360 one is more convenient, but I dont care, I dont own one for my 360 because I dont use messenger on it (why would i when i have a pc) and I dont online game on the 360 (free on PS3) :)

We get some form of it on the PS3 and it will be extremly useful. I will deffinatly be getting it for browsing, & writing quick e-mails. Online gaming I normally use a headset.

ill show you a gimmick

did everyone forget about the motion controller newton already?

Lots of lame excuses + blatant lying going on in here =)

who needs to use it while they are playing games. anyways. i'm sure it's going to be mainly used for web surfing and sending messages through the e mail system. so who cares if it's on the top or bottom.

i'm not going to start text chatting with somebody in the middle of my gaming. so who cares how close to the sticks it is.

so even though this one offers way more functionality than the 360s it fails because it's on the top of the controller........... uh yeah.

Chexd its your opinion and i got no problem with that.
But dont forget that PS3 pad is much smaller than the 360 controller and it will not be a problem reaching to the chat pad.

People these days are upset with everything.. this small keyboard isnt even released yet, no one has tried it and he says its a fuking gimmick.

SONY isnt MS that it will copy everything from their competitors..

The stuff that fanboys argue over. Nobody copied anyone with this idea. Qwerty keyboard addons have been around for a long time. It's not like either Microsoft or Sony invented them.

I have a keypad such as this for my PS3 controller. It's almost a year or so old now, perhaps more I'm not exactly sure (can't be bothered to check my order history on play.com) and is made by MadCatz I believe. It attaches on the top of the PS3 controller just like Sony's upcoming device. What I can tell you is that the positioning of it is just fine. It's not uncomfortable or a stretch to use it and it won't bother you at all unless you are incredibly and unreasonably fussy.

Sony's device looks to be an improvement on the device I have had for seemingly so long now and depending on the price when released I will definitely consider getting the Sony one simply because it is Bluetooth where as the MadCatz one is not and the Sony one is rechatgeable whereas the MadCatz one is not.

You people complaining and commenting about it's positioning, unless you have actually tried the device really don't know what you're talking about or are just so incredibly fussy you probably suffer from some degree of OCD. I have a device like this as do a few friends, no complaints whatsoever on how it is positioned.

Oh and one more point, the MadCatz version of this device I have is very light, it doesn't make the controller top heavy by any means. I'd imagine Sony will have achieved a similar weight as it in order to achieve a balanced feel when it is attached.

I think it looks good. I'm getting one.

Wireless keyboard. That's all I'm going to say.

SONY crack me up! When are they gonna learn and realize that a 3 gen old pad just doesn't cut it anymore. I complete redesign is required in order to fix basic issues with analogue placement and now chatpad orientation.

We'll just have to see, now won't we?

oh come on stop hating. The whole purpose of this is to text quicker which is clearly faster then using the sixaxis and the in-game keyboard.

Also the fact that you need to move your hand up to type insted of just moving your thumbs is a ridiculous arguement. I think its safe to say that you are not going to be using ur keyboard in the middle of an FPS battle agianst 3 other guys. "Oh they are rushing at me!, wait let me send a quick text to my buddy telling him im too busy to join his game." So the amount of time it takes to move your hand upwards insted of moving ur thumbs downward wont make a difference b/c you will be texting when you are free from any intense gameplay. I think it looks awesome and i want one.

Lets just stick to the BLue tooth Keyboard folks!!!!

This pad Idea is not cool it never will be !!!
Chatting is for homos so lets play games and that that!!

"hmph" very comfortable, lol.

i think they should just stick to a usb setup, it isn't portable but if you want to type you can do it without hurting your thumbs.

Jesus "#%/@ Christ just move a LITTLE more up your hand and you can type in the freaking keypad:

"this keypad will destroy our hands! boo hoo!!"

bunch of lazy pansies, no wonder why so many fat people around.

Im glad its getting one.. I use my 360 one all the time. BUT.. do any of you use the MSN features of the chat pad on the 360? You can have multiple IM conversations going on at any time.. it pops up quickly this little gray box, you can type and hit enter in a split second. This is how my friends and I communicate.. you do not have to bring up the blade. So anyone that has not seen this and say its not practical in game needs to check it out. That feature along with backlight are key.. and it does not sound like the sony version will have back lit buttons.

I have the madcatz thumb pad and the xbox one dont come close!!!!!!!!

seriously guys i aint just talking crap its so much better having it at the top and heres why!

putting it at the bottom alters how you hold your pad.
alot of people hold their pads different
(my bro holds it in an insane way) but i need to have the end of my fingers right underneath going around the two side holders of the controller.

Its simple moving your hand to the top and is very easy plus it never gets in the way.

I personally think that this pad looks like **** thanks to the sides going too close to the dpad and x buttons but i've had my matcatz one for ages and it lasts over a month without charging (via usb).

Having the Thumb pad on top is alot better then the bottom and you'll know what i mean if you have both.

I'm getting it.
I don't care if its hard to use which I doubt that it is but I've been
Waiting on this for a while.
next, I would like some official chat headphones with 7.1 true Dolby sound.
turtle beach I'm looking at you!

Sony made this Keypad or Chatpad what ever u wanna call it to be used with Home. Because in home u will be talking alot when ur not playing ur games and u just wanna chill in ur Summer House with ur friends on the PSN. This has already been done way before MS did one it was done for the PS2.

No but seriously. I think the keypad on top makes more sense. You dont type more than you game. So why would you want it in the way of your analog controls. ..IDK, whatever, Ijust got back from 2 for 1's at Chilis and I really dont care.

PS3 FTW !!!

oops, this was meant for the OPEN ZONE. N4G please don't put your g@y little restritions. Im copying the comment to OPEN ZONE right now.

2 for 1 !!!

Damn that thing is ugly... I would just get a keyboard. =/

my question is how will you use the TriggerS?

Gimmick is one of those words that are tossed around a lot...It's good that maybe you don't want to talk but type, or you're a mute.

Sony should just have included it in the dual shock 3.

Oh well another useless add on that Sony copied and will force others to buy it. Hey if you fanboys can add every Wii accessory up as must buy then why cant others do the same? I mean you guys already were forced to pay 130.00 for controllers for the PS3. 60 for Sixaxis then another 60 for DS. All it added was rumble but cost you the price of a whole new controller.
Oh no another negative Sony comment.. I'm sure the Sony fanboys that mod here will be laong any second to make sure its deleted. This site is such BS. Anything negative to Sony =ban but anything negative to Nintendo or MS is welcome in the gamer zone..

Horny Melon

32 - That thing is horrendous.
Sony should just have included it in the dual shock 3.

I agree, looks sh1t.

Do these journalist not realise that noone cares about such trivial matters! Really WHO CARES WHERE THE PAD IS PLACED! IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT DON'T BUY IT! SERIOUSLY!

obviously it would be a bit easier to use on the bottom of the controller, but its not a big deal for it to be at the top... thats the only place they could put it anyways because the usb port is up there. top or bottom, it doesnt change the fact that a full keyboard is better. i dont think id buy it either way, unless the price is really low.

..i like the idea of having on top then i can just use the fingers i would use to type on a ormal keyboard.......but anyway i would just get a real mouse and keyboard in the 1st place lol

shouldve been UNDER the controller.

what a dumb idea. if you wanna message, use a messaging program.

how would you stand playing with that hunk of crap

they should have just made a keyboard attach ment through a usb port

Yup, kinda sucks compared to MS´s approach to the same concept. You gotta give it to MS here.

For sony to make this thing is a loss of money this little add on probably cost more than a keyboard and a mouse. Cost of materials cost of labor and shipment, and for it to sit on store shelves. When a cutomers goes into a store to try and find an easy add on they look at this goofy thing see the price and go holy s**t i am paying this price for this then he walks down the computer isle and what does he see a keyboard and a mouse for half the price who wins the customer cause of sonys price for the goofiest add on every. This add on is nothing more but a over priced paper wieght with the words sony on it .

is the best out there. it suggests the next possible few words after you typed a word. it remembers every slang you type in and it auto spaces if you use predictive.

360 on the other hand forces u to use analoge or spend money. d pad REALLLLLYYYY fustrating. Left is the worst d

it obviously sucks...let alone just use chat instead of text...its faster...anyways this keypad still sucks

the xmb was developed before Windows Media Center. Sorry dude.

this thing looks stupid, and isnt needed since ps3 supports keyboards. am i the only one that doesnt mind typin with the onscreen keyboard?

Wow, that sure is an abomination! Lots of really small buttons over the controller itself.. :| Well I don't want to mock it but it just isn't for me.