Monty Gibson
07-17-2003, 04:21 PM
I speak a lot on keyboards; they interest me. But now there seems to be a couple coming to market that have great potential. Which do you prefer?
(A.) This keyboard is from Targus (http://www.targus.com) and features the following:
http://www.targus.com/product_images/pa870u_accessories_b.jpg
Unique from competitors- No mirrors required! Direct-link IR arm insures constant connection
Feels like a standard keyboard
Full-size, wireless infrared (IR)keyboard- Folds out in seconds, adjusts to ideal viewing angle, then folds to fit in your pocket or purse
IR adjustable arm- Transmitter is flexible enough to target any IR part
Universal holders for device in portrait and landscape mode
Flexible IR transmitter works with Palm & Pocket PC PDAs, PDA/cell phones and Smartphones
Memory module holder and stylus pen well
Battery powered; needs no for cables
Lock button keeps keyboard flat for typing on your lap
Dedicated programmable hot keys
Snap out guides hold PDA securely
Thin, compact and lightweight
Integrated "mouse"
Note: What really interests me about this keyboard is the fact that the number keys have their own dedicated buttons. You do not have to push a FN button to use them. A big plus for me. Also, the mouse option is really neat. I haven't seen this on any other keyboard. And finally the adjustable IR arm is great.
I don't like the bulkiness of this keyboard as compared to the thinner ones coming out for the iPAQ's from Stowaway. But upon emailing them they stated that they have no designs at this time for any Pocket PC Phone Edition.
I also do not like the fact that this keyboard runs on batteries that are not as common as "A" or "AA." They use the flat CR2032 which isn't a big deal since you can pick these up at any local electronic shop i.e., Radio Shack, Best Buy, some supermarkets, etc. But I think it would have been better to use a "standard" battery.
Also, no case. I think it would be nice to have some type of case to protect the keyboard from scratches and possible dings when being mobile.
(B.) This keyboard is from Pocketop (http://www.pocketop.net) and the drivers have finally been unofficially released for the T-Mobile PPCPE and features the following:
http://www.pocketop.net/images/beauty-reverse-det2.jpg
Dimensions Folded .57 x 3.28 x 4.68 in. (1.43 x 8.2 x 11.7 cm)
Dimensions Open .38 x 3.28 x 9.2 in. (.95 x 8.2 x 23.0 cm)
Weight 4.2 ounces (120 grams)
Keyboard Format Standard QWERTY layout
Key Switch Scissor type
Key travel 2.1 mm
Key Spacing 17 mm (east-west)
Battery One 1.5V "AAA" battery
Battery Life Approximately 3 months
Short Cut Keys 4 keys covering 8 short cuts: Date, Address, To Do, Memo, Apps, Menu, Calc, Find
Note: What I love about this keyboard is the form factor, the fact that it's so thin and uses a standard "AAA" battery. It's lighter, it's adds the least amount of bulk. This also comes with a carrying case from what I've been told
What I dislike about this keyboard is the fact that it has a mirror that you have to adjust to get it to work properly. Mirrors would frighten me if I depended on this since; as we all know, glass breaks. Also, the number keys are not independent and rely on a FN key to be depressed in order to use them. If you want to use the stand that's a separate piece of equipment which I believe when totaled is almost the same size as the keyboard (A.) above. I don't know who would want to lay their Pocket PC flat and try to type, you couldn't see it due to glare in my opinion.
So, which do you prefer, and why do you like one over the other. Or, if I've missed one, please include it and give a brief review.
(A.) This keyboard is from Targus (http://www.targus.com) and features the following:
http://www.targus.com/product_images/pa870u_accessories_b.jpg
Unique from competitors- No mirrors required! Direct-link IR arm insures constant connection
Feels like a standard keyboard
Full-size, wireless infrared (IR)keyboard- Folds out in seconds, adjusts to ideal viewing angle, then folds to fit in your pocket or purse
IR adjustable arm- Transmitter is flexible enough to target any IR part
Universal holders for device in portrait and landscape mode
Flexible IR transmitter works with Palm & Pocket PC PDAs, PDA/cell phones and Smartphones
Memory module holder and stylus pen well
Battery powered; needs no for cables
Lock button keeps keyboard flat for typing on your lap
Dedicated programmable hot keys
Snap out guides hold PDA securely
Thin, compact and lightweight
Integrated "mouse"
Note: What really interests me about this keyboard is the fact that the number keys have their own dedicated buttons. You do not have to push a FN button to use them. A big plus for me. Also, the mouse option is really neat. I haven't seen this on any other keyboard. And finally the adjustable IR arm is great.
I don't like the bulkiness of this keyboard as compared to the thinner ones coming out for the iPAQ's from Stowaway. But upon emailing them they stated that they have no designs at this time for any Pocket PC Phone Edition.
I also do not like the fact that this keyboard runs on batteries that are not as common as "A" or "AA." They use the flat CR2032 which isn't a big deal since you can pick these up at any local electronic shop i.e., Radio Shack, Best Buy, some supermarkets, etc. But I think it would have been better to use a "standard" battery.
Also, no case. I think it would be nice to have some type of case to protect the keyboard from scratches and possible dings when being mobile.
(B.) This keyboard is from Pocketop (http://www.pocketop.net) and the drivers have finally been unofficially released for the T-Mobile PPCPE and features the following:
http://www.pocketop.net/images/beauty-reverse-det2.jpg
Dimensions Folded .57 x 3.28 x 4.68 in. (1.43 x 8.2 x 11.7 cm)
Dimensions Open .38 x 3.28 x 9.2 in. (.95 x 8.2 x 23.0 cm)
Weight 4.2 ounces (120 grams)
Keyboard Format Standard QWERTY layout
Key Switch Scissor type
Key travel 2.1 mm
Key Spacing 17 mm (east-west)
Battery One 1.5V "AAA" battery
Battery Life Approximately 3 months
Short Cut Keys 4 keys covering 8 short cuts: Date, Address, To Do, Memo, Apps, Menu, Calc, Find
Note: What I love about this keyboard is the form factor, the fact that it's so thin and uses a standard "AAA" battery. It's lighter, it's adds the least amount of bulk. This also comes with a carrying case from what I've been told
What I dislike about this keyboard is the fact that it has a mirror that you have to adjust to get it to work properly. Mirrors would frighten me if I depended on this since; as we all know, glass breaks. Also, the number keys are not independent and rely on a FN key to be depressed in order to use them. If you want to use the stand that's a separate piece of equipment which I believe when totaled is almost the same size as the keyboard (A.) above. I don't know who would want to lay their Pocket PC flat and try to type, you couldn't see it due to glare in my opinion.
So, which do you prefer, and why do you like one over the other. Or, if I've missed one, please include it and give a brief review.