keyboard / keypad idea

[Paul Bohme]

Derek Pressnall wrote:
> Since devices like the neo 1973 and the iphone don't have a keypad, I
> thought of an idea that could provide a close substitute.
> How about making a screen protector type of overlay that is
> transparent at the top, but the bottom section would have raised bumps
> in a keypad layout?  I'm thinking of maybe a rubbery neoprene type of
> material or something.  Then you would still be using the touch screen
> for input (pressure applied to the bumps would transfer through the
> overlay to the touch screen), but the keypad pattern would show up
> through the bottom part of the overlay (with the "bumps") where you
> could still "blind dial".
>
> Add in a hinged connection at the top of the overlay, and possibly a
> sensor that could switch the phone's screen between normal mode and
> "phone only" mode when the overlay is in use, and you could have a
> very cheap method of obtainin a keypad similar to a Motorola A780.  So
> what does everyone think?

They've had various kinds of these for Palm devices for some time.  
Probably depends on the type of touchscreen, I'd think.  Interesting 
add-on idea, but not something that seems easy to homebrew a few of to 
see if they'd work..

  -P