HP intros new photo frames, mice/keyboards
updated 12:00 am EDT, Tue September 16, 2008
HP 10in Frame and Input
As part of its larger introduction of devices tonight, HP today updated both its Digital Picture Frame and its options for mice and keyboards. The photo frames get both larger and smaller with a new 10.4-inch model, the df1000, and the 3.5-inch df300a1; choosing the df1000 nets a 800x600 resolution as well as 512MB of permanent memory to store a rotating set of photos without needing a memory card in the multi-format reader. It also brings video playback support for common video formats from still cameras, such as MPEG-1/4 and Motion JPEG. PictBridge hooks also let the frame print to any supporting printer without involving a PC.
The df300a1 is focused on photos and drops the video support along with permanent storage of its own; a black mirror-finish bezel gears the 320x240 frame to more modern houses. SD and MMC are the only options for card-based storage. Both frames have USB for either a direct PC link or for removable drives.
With input, HP is extending its lineup beyond the simpler choices it has today: the HDX Laser Mouse is HP's first gaming-oriented input in recent memory and has a quick DPI button to change sensitivity along four steps from a casual 400DPI to a 2,400DPI suitable to first-person shooters. It also touts the ability to store five different profiles that reassign the five buttons to different tasks in games.
More mainstream users are served by the Wireless Comfort Desktop, an ergonomic and RF-based mouse and keyboard combo; the key layout is curved for a more natural fit and comes with shortcuts for media and Windows-specific tasks like Flip 3D or launching Microsoft Office apps. The mouse is a stock 800DPI optical mouse with five buttons.
HP is pricing the two digital frames at $59 and $219 respectively. Opting for an HDX Laser Mouse costs $40, while the keyboard pairing is set for $80. A separate VoodooPC Laser Gaming Mouse has also been announced but has received few details other than its $60 cost.
df1000
df300a1
HDX Laser Mouse
Wireless Comfort Desktop
