First Look: The Phantom Lapboard
Posted 04/25/08 at 02:00:04 PM by Will Smith
Comments
Print
Email
If you've followed the PC gaming scene for a while, you'll no doubt
remember the vaporous Phantom console. It promised to bring PC gaming
to the living room, but the only thing we were excited about was the
killer lap-friendly keyboard-and-mouse controller that they'd rigged
up--the Lapboard.
The
Lapboard is basically a keyboard that you place on your lap; then you
incline the top part of the keyboard (including the key surface) to
reveal a space underneath suitable for mousing. It's designed for use
anywhere you don't have access to the flat surfaces that are typically
required to play first-person shooters with a mouse and keyboard. When
we first gave it a test spin at E3 2004, we were much more excited by
the awesome potential of the controller than we were by the
underpowered "console."
We've spent a few days playing
multiplayer shooters using the Lapboard, and we can say that the
keyboard rocks. The tilting/pivoting design is comfortable to use
during extended gaming sessions, works fine on your lap, and is even OK
in its standard position on a desktop. With the board pivoted up,
there's plenty of room underneath for mouse movement, and the hard,
black surface is similar to a high-end mousepad. The board uses a
laptop keyboard similar to one you'd find on a high-end desktop
replacement notebook, with good key action and a standard keyboard
layout. When you're ready to flatten the board, push a button on the
side and it collapses back to a normal state.
Because the
keyboard rotates a full 360 degrees, it works the same for both right-
and left-handed mousers, and hands down destroys the typical wireless
gamepad for playing PC games on the couch--when paired with the right
mouse. Unfortunately, the mouse that Phantom ships with the Lapboard
leaves much to be desired. While a bit smaller than we prefer, it isn't
uncomfortable. The problem is worse than a lack of comfort; we
experienced signal dropouts at a distance of about 24 inches from the
sensor, not acceptable. The mouse and keyboard would both be working
fine, then the mouse would drop out while the keyboard continued to
operate. We tested several other wireless mice with the same
configuration, and had no problems with them. A wireless mouse that
drops connections is an unforgivable sin, in our eyes.
The
other thing that left us deeply concerned is the wimpy click on the
left mouse button. The left button didn't rebound sufficiently from a
click to make it easily clickable again, a problem which didn't occur
with the right mouse button. We think this is a manufacturing defect,
but it's definitely a concern.
So
where does that leave the Phantom? We're waiting on the drivers to do a
full review, but even without fancy drivers, the keyboard is extremely
promising. The mouse is another story though, even if it worked
perfectly, we'd still prefer a mouse with more buttons and adjustable
sensitivity. The Phantom Lapboard is scheduled to be available in June
for $130 in limited quantities. The Lapboard would be virtually
guaranteed a Kick Ass award if it were sold by itself, but the included
mouse will almost certainly bring down the final verdict.
Phantom Lapboard Confirmation
Submitted by CraigD on Tue, 07/15/2008 - 6:36pm
Phantom Confirmation On Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 8:16 PM, Phantom Entertainment <lapboard2008@yahoo.com> wrote:Craig, The Lapboard you purchased will be shipped this week. An automated email will be sent to you when the Lapboard is shipped. In addition, since you have also requested the ability to track the shipment, we will also send you an email with the FedEx tracking number. Thanks,Phantom Entertainment, Inc.
My Quantum Computer!
Submitted by CraigD on Tue, 07/08/2008 - 2:37pm
I finally received my lapboard and it is actually pretty cool. I use it in my Home theater with my PS3 on a 145″ screen. Yes, it is compatible with the PS3. I also switch it to my PC which is also connected to my projector and love how comfortable it is playing Team Fortress 2. I tried with a regular wireless mouse and keyboard but they are clumsy. Specially having the mouse so far to the right and trying to balance them both. This has made gaming in my Theater so much better. Thanks Phantom….Finally
YankoDesign.comMy Quantum Computer!
Phantom online store
Submitted by pheadbaq on Sat, 06/21/2008 - 8:21pm
Looks like they're finally shipping it. Their online store is back up and taking orders. Shipment is by Fedex ground (5 business days):
http://www.store.phantom.net/
Submitted by CraigD on Sat, 06/21/2008 - 11:56am
It's apparent that the Phantom is now taking orders directly from their online store. There are changes to that site page. And so it appears that the Lapboards are here!
My Quantum Computer!
Submitted by pheadbaq on Wed, 05/28/2008 - 6:31pm
I just hope it gets out the door. Here are some links for info:
From ione Europe (they licensed the board from phantom)
A blog by one of the (claimed) inventors of the lapboard
Submitted by CraigD on Wed, 05/21/2008 - 3:59pm
I see you've followed me over to Maximum PC from Ragingbull.
RU here to "set" the record "straight"?My Quantum Computer!
Submitted by CraigD on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 4:00pm
From a source,
June is supposedly the month. I'm certain. I've checked. certain enough to send a bank card number in an email to them.
I'll keep you posted.My Quantum Computer!
Submitted by DRAGONWEEZEL on Mon, 04/28/2008 - 10:57am
If this company manages to actually sell more than 10000 of these I'll buy a lifetime subscription. However I think that somehow they will delay again, and then for a promised november "christmas time" release, which they fail to meet, and finally fold to the feds.
But if it doesn't happen, then I'll take that keyboard, and continue to use my MX1000 the best mouse I have ever tried!
If only I could rig up something like this for my G15...
THERE ARE ONLY 11 TYPES OF PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD. Those that think binary jokes are funny, those that don't, and those that don't know binary
HardOCP
Submitted by Keith E. Whisman on Mon, 04/28/2008 - 2:31am
Hey... HardOCP reported the whole story about Nvidia's and ATI's driver optimizations to show higher Futurmark 3dmark scores the same time everyone else did. The same time as MaxPC, TomsHardware.com, Anandtech.com, CPU magazine and all the other tech sites. I also remember HardOCP leading the way with a new benchmarking standard. Completely banning synthetic benchmarks that was very hard for them. But they did it and they were the first.
Somehow I knew this would agrivate the hornets nest the moment I read the Phantom article.
rockinalienware
Submitted by willsmith on Sat, 04/26/2008 - 7:58pm
Several of rockinalienware's posts were reported as spam by the general userbase. Upon review, I've issued a temporary ban. It's against our rules for company representatives to post on our forums/messageboards as if they were ordinary users (commonly known as astroturfing) and discuss their company's products (company reps who declare their allegiances, or who don't comment on their own products are welcome as always). The posts by this user, rockinalienware, look suspiciously like astroturf posts, especially recommending the company as a good stock tip.
Submitted by whereisphantom on Fri, 04/25/2008 - 10:36pm
I'm one of the inventors and I haven't even seen one of this round of prototypes yet.
By publishing this review you are aiding PHEI in their scheme to drive up share price, raise funds, finish development and ship. They are now in a Tinkerbelle mode of product dev.; if you believe hard enough they might come back to life.
The only member of the product team remaining left a few months ago. PHEI has walked away from the lapboard patents. The share price, the sole mode to pay employees and vendors is now so low it's listed with scientific notation. (no joke)
The lapboard is cool, but these guys are extremely unlikely to ever finish and ship. My only hope is that since the IP is completely unprotected, that someone else will take the idea and run with it. Logitech, anyone?!
Submitted by rockinalienware on Sat, 04/26/2008 - 6:51pm
The first one with the idea on paper owns the patent in the USA. It has nothing to do with when its prosecuted. International patents are a little diffent, from what I have read in the public filings they have filed the right documents, it always goes to who filed first internationally in the event of a judgement.Therefore if they can keep the company going then they still own the patent. As far as the stock being low, looks like it could be a great buying opportunity if the company ships in June like they mentioned in this article.
Submitted by whereisphantom on Sat, 04/26/2008 - 8:13pm
WRT lapboard patents. Here's what's going on. No international filings have ever been made, the company was too broke to ever follow through and complete the work. Some US filings have been made but the company has never responded to any patent office communication. The patent attorneys involved have all withdrawn to avoid getting left holding the bag. These are patents that will never be granted.
Phantom Entertainment is a ghost ship. All of us formerly involved are just amazed that it can keep generating press and the tease of a product one day.
Submitted by CraigD on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 3:53pm
Say, that setup was only a prototype. The eventual shipments from the manufacturer shouldn't have those problems.
From a source.My Quantum Computer!
PC or Console?
Submitted by Darth Ninja on Fri, 04/25/2008 - 10:30pm
Just to be sure, is this for the PC or a console?
I dont really see much point for PC.. but for consoles it would be a HUGE market.
Submitted by kylejn on Fri, 04/25/2008 - 7:32pm
I'd be curious to try one of these out at Fry's Electronics or someplace. Seems like a really interesting piece of hardware, and with my computer hooked up to my TV, it might be interesting to try playing some games on there with one of these.
Still, if they dropped the mouse and knocked the price down to $50 or $60, I think it would sell a lot more than I anticipate it's going to.
Submitted by Keith E. Whisman on Fri, 04/25/2008 - 10:48pm
I remember back in 2003/2004 HardOCP.com did a scathing report on the guy Tim Roberts that invented the phantom.Infinium Labs. He threatened to sue if HardOCP.com didn't remove information about his cons. He is responsible for ripping off alot of investers from numerous companies. HardOCP was able to find him with ease because he lived with his mom. I would'nt buy this. The guy that will profit from the sale of this is a crook. HardOCP actually did a few stories on this character. Now that you know about this guys crappy character would you trust him to honor a waranty? Would you trust him to offer a refund? Would you trust his to offer tech support for his divice? I don't. This guy has alot work to prove he's nolonger crooked.
Check out the Story here http://tinyurl.com/4jwqbk
Submitted by rockinalienware on Sat, 04/26/2008 - 1:32pm
Isnt HardOCP the magazine which was sued for manipulating speed reports on processors? I remember HARDOCPs scandal which they were getting paid by hardware companies to make their competitors look bad. As I recall Kyle Bennet the owner of HARDOCP was sued and lost and had to print retractions and all. I am sure hes doing the same thing here to the Phantom, that was my gut anyway as a manager at Intel.
I have known him Tim for years as a business relationship and he is a nice guy. I read Roberts background on linkedin.com and it seemed to be pretty impressive to me. In fact, Roberts first company www.savvis.com has done tremendous, funny thing is they even bought our Intel Data centers. Seems his companies survive and turn into cash cows. Looks like the early investors are not holding their stock long enough... Average ROI is 15 years in many of these industries. Everyone expects miracles these days, we see the same thing even in large corps where there is a lack of patience.
Hardocp is a laughing stock internet blog, I wouldnt listen to a word they write, been following them and know their antics, many large companies have reported many problems with them also with lies and deciept. In fact here is one of the old posts from a forum to see Kyles style:
_______________________________________________So what you're telling me Kyle is that you have no ill feelings for Futuremark back from the days of Nvidia's blatant cheating. If I remember correctly, you were the last one on the whole web to admit Nvidia's wrongdoing. Time after time you stated that the cheats would be removed in the next set of drivers. Time after time you were wrong. This was all according to your sources at Nvidia. Then you finally posted that anti-Nvidia editorial ripping into them about their bullshit. And to top it all off, after that Futuremark bent over for Nvidia, further making you look like a fool.
Nvidia is much more to blame for your change of heart than Futuremark ever will be. Be thankfull you still have an audience after that switcheroo you pulled.
Epox 8KDA3+
Athlon 64 3000 (240*10)
1gig Crucial Ballistix at 240, 2.5-2-2-8
120GB WD SATA HD
120GB WD IDE HD
BBA x800xt AIW
_______________________________________________Maximum is a credible source of content who follows the ethics of fair and balanced stories like the everyone in the print media world. I wouldnt believe everything you read, especially know that they bias low end wannabe newsites and blogs are construing the truth to try and get people to look at their lame websites. I am sure many competitors dont want this product to come to market...
We all think this is a awesome product and obviously from the looks of things the general market does as well. Following the curve of HDTV and Broadband its a natural for video games to be in the living room. Take a look at the Windows Media Center On Intel® Viiv™ Technology
download.microsoft.com/download/5/b/9/5b97017b-e28a-4bae-ba48-174cf47d23cd/SPN053_WH06.ppt
Submitted by Izzu on Sat, 04/26/2008 - 7:46pm
Sorry, can't let that one go without comment.
[H]ardOCP were sued for dishonest reporting and accepting bribes? They were forced to print a retraction?
And yet, the only evidence you've provided of this is a context-free quotation from a forum post, that's clearly been made by someone with a chip on their shoulder?
Fine, I'll accept what you say about [H]ardOCP, if you can point me towards any evidence: the retraction you mentioned, for example. Said retraction must still be available to view; after all, the internet preserves such things like flies in amber.
Here, I'll start the ball rolling.
Wikipedia's article on Phantom Entertainment, formerly Infinium Labs, giving a summary of the [H]ardOCP suit along with other controversies, including irregularities reported by the SEC:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phantom_Entertainment
Summary of the court's September 2004 ruling, including demands that Infinium Labs produce supporting documentation:
http://games.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=122123&cid=10273115
Copy of the order under which Infinium Labs admitted they had neither been libelled nor suffered violation of copyright:
http://www.hardocp.com/image.html?image=MTEwNDg3NjUxMEVmbXUwTVdKRHZfMV8xX2wuZ2lm
The original [H]ardOCP article which prompted Infinium Labs to launch their lawsuit:
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NTEyLDE=
And, on a subject that's unrelated but clearly close to your heart, a joint nVidia/Futuremark statement regarding the 2003 3DMark mini-scandal referenced in the forum post you quoted:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/06/03/futuremark_nvidia_didnt_cheat/
Your turn.
Wimpy click...
Submitted by bicyclist on Fri, 04/25/2008 - 11:36am
I think it's user ERROR. I believe this mouse is meant to held using the middle finger(left click) & ring finger (right click)...
Hope this helps.
Submitted by mediaphile on Wed, 04/30/2008 - 4:46pm
I believe this mouse is meant to be held using the same configuration of fingers as any other generic mouse. Regardless, the left button's physical ability to rebound should be no different than that of the right button. The computer mouse has been around for almost thirty years. It's not rocket science.
Submitted by willsmith on Fri, 04/25/2008 - 1:42pm
I'm pretty certain that it's not a user error. Even if you click it with the middle button, it's not going to work quite right.
Must Read Articles
Feature
Review
Feature
Feature
Feature
Most Popular Articles
This Month's Issue
FEATURE Windows XP/Vista/7 Tips!FEATURE Monitor Roundup: 7 LCDs ReviewedHOW TOMaster PhotoshopFEATUREAMD's Awesome New GPUWHITE PAPEROrganic LEDs
Technology News
Computer Cooling Fans
Computer Cases
PC Game Controllers
PC Games
Computer Hardware
Headphones
MP3 Players
Stream Video
Computer Mouse
Monitors
Motherboards
NAS Storage
Networking
Laptop Computers
DVD Burner
Digital Cameras
Portable Storage
Computer Accessories
Smartphone
Antivirus Software
Sound Cards
Speakers
Computer Systems
Thumb Drives
Video Cameras
Video Card Reviews
Water Cooling
Gadgets
- Keyboards
© 2009 Future US, Inc. All Rights Reserved.