From the Vault — originally published January 13, 2009. Some links, videos or prices may be out of date.
The Playstation 3 wireless chat pad attaches to any Sixaxis or Dualshock 3 controller and aims to provide a faster texting experience on the PS3. The chatpad currently retails between $41-$49.
Verdict:
The chatpad snaps on Sixaxis or Dualshock 3 controllers fairly easy. The attaching mechanism is executed well making it easy to remove from a controller and it is very secure when attached. The XMB shortcut keys are a nice touch. To open your friends list you simply press the friends list button. There is no need to press the PS button and then scroll to the friends list. I found the touchpad feature pretty cool though useless as the d-pad or analog sticks suffices for XMB or web browser navigation.
Unfortunately The biggest letdown of the chatpad are QWERTY keyboard buttons. The buttons themselves are too small and close together. They are also rounded which causes my fingers to slide off of the buttons hitting adjacent buttons. Think Blackberry. The PS3 chatpad has great added features but for TEXTING which is the primary function it lacks because of the small packed together close buttons. Also the buttons are not back lit which also sucks. The top mounted design is not ideal since thumbs are short making the bottom more ideal place to have a chatpad. If it were mounted lower it would be easier to reach the keys with your thumbs. Microsoft got it right with the Xbox 360 chatpad in that regards.
Compared to the XBOX 360 chatpad that retails for $29 the PS3 chatpad is more expensive at $45 or more and for TEXTING its primary purpose it is not as easy to type on as compared to the cheaper Xbox 360 chat device. The Xbox 360 version has flat buttons that are larger and back lit. The verdict is that at the current $45+ dollar price point it is hard to recommend the chatpad unless you have really small fingers or money to burn. Buy this item when on sale or after a price drop.
Features:
– QWERTY keyboard provides familiar letter arrangement
– Touchpad mode turns keys into touchpad
– XMB shortcut keys
– Internal battery
– Bluetooth 2.0 with operating range up to 33 feet (10 meters).
– Pair with system and charge by pluging in usb cable
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