Sept 5, 2007

We’ve been using Xbox 360’s Instant Messenger service for some time now, but using the clunky on-screen keyboard becomes a real pain when you’re crafting messages longer than just a couple of words.

While plugging a USB keyboard into Microsoft’s power-house would solve this problem, it’s notideal. After all, we don’t have time to juggle a keyboard and controller in the middle of amultiplayerfirefight. However,from Friday 7 September, all those troubles will disappear, thanks to the release of the new360 Chatpad – amini keyboard that plugs straight into your standard controller.

A minor change of grip allows you tosend mocking, text-based insultsto your opponent as soon as you’ve finished slaughtering them.

We have to say it all works rather well, the keys are slightly bigger than the ones you’d find on any of today’s mobile phones and even our chubby fingers were happily tapping away without making any mistakes.