Hardware for Gmail: The 'Gboard' keyboard

[Kari]

Gmail has long had keyboard shortcuts, though learning them can be difficult. Enter the Gboard, a specialized mini-keyboard for Google's e-mail service. It debuts this Friday at an asking price of $19.99.

The Gboard consists of 19 colored keys set in a standard size numpad-only keyboard. Clicking on any one of these performs that particular keyboard shortcut. Included are Gmail-specific features such as starring messages, starting a search, and jumping between message threads. Outside of Gmail they simply act as normal keyboard buttons, and will type in whatever letter or number corresponds with that shortcut.

The device is powered by USB and requires no special software or drivers, however users need to first enable keyboard shortcuts within Gmail's settings before using it. Also worth noting is that it was created not by Google, but by Charlie Mason, a film producer from Venice, Calif. This is his first foray into the computer hardware business.

The Gboard consists of 19 keys, all of which act as shortcuts within Google's Gmail Web mail service.
(Credit: James Martin / CNET)

Read the full article here. Gboard official website here.

Kari

 

[Qdos]

A real boon and useful device for... well, idiots! :huh:

Far better to figure out how to do the same with a few mouseclicks within the GMail interface (it's fairly primitive after all!) and/or get a decent POP/IMAP eMail client to handle your GMail off the server...

 

[Kari]

A real boon and useful device for... well, idiots! :huh:

My thoughts exactly when I saw this. Still, I was thinking it was worth posting. I'm reading my Gmail among other mails with Outlook anyway.

Kari

 

[Qdos]

I'm glad you posted it... my day is more cheerful now...

 

[Gornot]

Now all they need to do is to finally figure out how we can write emails with our minds. Say, building a port in our skulls and connecting them to the PC and then using this Gboard (the name is just lol) to access our accounts (of course, while trying not to confuse this thing with your TV card remote control), and then email our bosses:

Dear boss,
Thank you for letting me participate in the contest, even though i didn't get promoted.
Yours trully,
blah-blah-blah

Hidden thoughts mode ON
You son of a b*tch,
I hope you burn in hell.
Your worst nightmare,
blah-blah-blah
Hidden thoughts mode OFF

 

[Etihtsarom]

Naw...You know how Google likes to do April Fools stuff? Thats this right here, it's gotta be...isn't it? I'm sure it is....

 

[jav]

Naw...You know how Google likes to do April Fools stuff? Thats this right here, it's gotta be...isn't it? I'm sure it is....

It's not Google's product:

Firstly, the Gboard is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google, Inc. It is a product of Gboard.com, designed to work with Gmail™. All third party trademarks, including those belonging to Google, Inc., are property of their respective owners.

The Gboard generates Gmail™ keyboard shortcut functions, and is only as useful as the user's ability to take advantage of these shortcuts. We makes no gaurantees that the Gboard will improve your Gmail™ experience. The Gboard does not add any new functionality to Gmail, it simply reorganizes existing features, we think in a very useful way.

Gboard.com and it's parent and/or subsidiary companies shall not be liable for any claims resulting from the use of the Gboard and/or keyboard shortcuts. The user of the Gboard is responsible for ensuring it's proper use, and is responsible for any unintended results from the use of shortcuts.

Apart from defects, all sales are final.

Funny thing is

We makes no gaurantees that the Gboard will improve your Gmail™ experience

 

[johnwillyums]

No spellcheck on it then

 

[vbkun]

that's a perfect gift to some friends i have that spend 18 hours per day on gmail =D

 

[Win7User512]

Flashcards, kids, flashcards.

Anyway. Do they make one for Thunderbird?