PPCW.net Reviews the Think Outside Bluetooth Keyboard [Archive]

View Full Version : PPCW.net Reviews the Think Outside Bluetooth Keyboard

Mike Temporale

03-07-2005, 04:15 PM

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ppcw.net/?itemid=2281' target='_blank'>http://www.ppcw.net/?itemid=2281</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Altogether I can clearly recommend the keyboard for several reasons: first it comes close to a standard keyboard, second it's small and light enough to be carried, third thanks to its Bluetooth support you can protect your investment if you replace your current Smartphone with a newer one and lust but not least you can use the keyboard across most of your devices - from Smartphone to Pocket PC to your Notebook or Desktop PC!"</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Temporale-20050307-TOReview.gif" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />Arne Hess from PPCW.net has posted a really nice review of Think Outsides Stowaway Universal Bluetooth Keyboard. This keyboard is getting a lot of attention lately, and honestly, who can blame it. The more I read about this thing, the more I want one. In case you decide to pick one of these up, don't forget that you can save $49 buy purchasing it from <a href="http://www.SmartphoneThoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7780">Amazon.</a> 8)

vincenzosi

03-07-2005, 05:45 PM

If you want a review I'll write one... Mine gets here today...

vincenzosi

03-07-2005, 08:20 PM

I have to say... Initial impressions: AWESOME.

Does exactly what it says it does, and it's very responsive (something I was worried about).

This is indeed a keeper. I'll play more later and let you guys know what I find.

supbro

03-07-2005, 09:19 PM

What bluetooth profile is this keyboard? Probably Serial (SPP) or Human Interface (HID)?

It would be pretty nice to be able to use my current bluetooth keyboard (MS Wireless Desktop for BT) with my phone, using this software driver. But my keyboard is only HID profile, and I don't think my phone supports that profile. Does the driver somehow get around the lack of HID profile support?

Can this keyboard connect to multiple devices? If so, how do you switch between them?

vincenzosi

03-07-2005, 09:33 PM

It's HID, but since the PPC and SP don't natively support HID, you need the software. I have it connecting to my Pocket PC and my MPX 220 with not one single problem. It's brilliant. Really.

supbro

03-07-2005, 09:38 PM

Is it easy to switch between being connected to the PPC and being connected to the SP? How do you switch?

vincenzosi

03-07-2005, 09:45 PM

Enable it on the PPC or enable it on the SP. I haven't needed to "switch" per se... No problems so far... I have to play with it more later... Full report when I get home :)

Spatulator

03-08-2005, 12:50 AM

Ive had mine for about a week now and I might have to return it. Some keys stick and repppppppppeatedly input a single keystroke. I think this is a side effect from all the keys being smooshed together when the keyboard is closed up. Too bad, other than this glaring flaw...this device is terrific.

vincenzosi

03-08-2005, 04:06 AM

And back it goes.

Seriously... I don't know who they're trying to kid by calling it a full-sized keyboard. Not even close guys. I knew it would be small, but I had no idea how small.

I'll stick to FITALY on the PPC and iTap on the SP.

Blech :roll:

intastella

03-08-2005, 09:48 PM

Mike Temporale

03-09-2005, 02:23 AM

I don't know who they're trying to kid by calling it a full-sized keyboard. Not even close guys. I knew it would be small, but I had no idea how small.

Really? The pictures in this review combined with the quoted ISO spec seems to indicate that it's a standard size. :?

Mike Temporale

03-09-2005, 02:25 AM

So the ThinkOutside driver comes out and works on just about every Smartphone except for Orange branded spv c500s!

Is this true? Anyone out there using their bluetooth keyboard on an Orange spv c500?

The ThinkOutside website says the driver isn't available yet. And yet it is available for the i-mate sp3! Which is an identical phone I thought.

i

I'm guessing the difference is the lock on the Orange phone. I think the SP3 is fully application unlocked. Where as the C500 wouldn't be. Just a guess.

vincenzosi

03-09-2005, 02:29 AM

Really? The pictures in this review combined with the quoted ISO spec seems to indicate that it's a standard size. :?

I bought it based on the pictures. I returned it based on experience. It was a total let down. Very short key spacing, and very "cramped." I'm sure I could get used to it with time, but I'm not sure it's even practical to try.

The pictures are very deceiving. When you look at it, and you go "Oh, it's pretty close," and then you type on it, there's no way you would even think it's close. I miss the old days and the old stowaway keyboard. That thing was full sized.

Oh well. I'm pretty good with FITALY anyway. Guess I'll be carrying the PPC for a bit longer :wink:

03-09-2005, 04:53 AM

One major drawback of this KB. It has no number row, you have to type function-key combinations to type a number. To me, that's fine for one of the micro thumb keyboards, but for what is supposed to be a full-size keyboard, it's a major drawback.

There are other brands out there of foldable PDA bluetooth keyboards, like the HP model, and I think one called "Freedom". I think there are others in the works. Anyone reading tried one of these?

Really? The pictures in this review combined with the quoted ISO spec seems to indicate that it's a standard size. :?

I bought it based on the pictures. I returned it based on experience. It was a total let down. Very short key spacing, and very "cramped." I'm sure I could get used to it with time, but I'm not sure it's even practical to try.

The pictures are very deceiving. When you look at it, and you go "Oh, it's pretty close," and then you type on it, there's no way you would even think it's close. I miss the old days and the old stowaway keyboard. That thing was full sized.

Oh well. I'm pretty good with FITALY anyway. Guess I'll be carrying the PPC for a bit longer :wink: