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View Full Version : Proporta Rollup Keyboard Available


Ed Hansberry
11-13-2003, 03:00 PM
<a href="http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=601">http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=601</a><br /><br />"This unique and innovative product is extremely simple to install and a pleasure to work with. Whilst being incredibly lightweight and very durable, its flexible body allows the user to store and carry the keyboard in its compact accompanying carrying case. The pack includes 3 different connectors making it compatible with leading Palm and iPAQ handhelds. The keyboard measures 230mm x 80mm (9in x 3.14in) making it a comfortable size to work with."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2003/20031113-proportakeyboard.jpg" /><br /><br />Comes with three connectors? That's very cool. 8) It would be nice if all keyboard makers would use a standard connector then just sell or include adapters for a wide range of devices. The keyboard is also waterproof and priced at $72.95.

PR.
11-13-2003, 03:18 PM
What about a stand for the PPC? Or am I supposed to lean over the device to see the screen?

I half agree on the connector idea but I still dislike the connector on the stowaway to make it compatible with modern ipaqs, its just something nice and small to lose

rob_ocelot
11-13-2003, 03:38 PM
It should be noted that this keyboard is a rebadged Flexis FX-100, with their new changeable connector design.

I'm a bit mixed about the Flexis. It worked well for a time, but I found the driver software to be very clunky and annoying. You still get a popup screen keyboard when the driver should suppress it, and your backlight will time out and shut off (no physical keyboard taps). Both problems are easy fixes yet Flexis hasnt updated thsir PPC drivers since December 2002.

The keyboard just suddenly up and died one day on me for no discernable reason, and I'm SOL because I modified the connector so that it doesn't stick out straight down. Flexis has zero tech support.

The chief competitor for the Flexis is the somewhat larger PocketVIK, and while I haven't used the PocketPC version the USB miniVIK works great.

Oh yeah and the PocketVIK comes with a stand as well, something this keyboard should have!

YMMV

Regards,
Rob S.

Brad Adrian
11-13-2003, 04:06 PM
Wouldn't it be great if these things could work with their retactable USB/sync cables. That way, if you change devices, all you'd need is a new $22 cable.

Jon Westfall
11-13-2003, 04:16 PM
Ya know, we'd make a killing here if we developed a kit with all the different pda connectors for pocket pc and a simple way to connect the pins (a "build-your-own-cable" kit). It probably wouldn't be to expensive - little plastic connector housings can't be that much money to produce.

Ah, I"m dreaming again I think... Bluetooth just has to take off more than it has, then goodbye wires (Execept for charge).

pjtrader
11-13-2003, 04:25 PM
Wouldn't it just be simpler to put a standard USB port in and let the user connect whatever darned keyboard/mouse hit their fancy. This need to constantly have device specific connectors seems archaic in terms of standard connectivity acheived with desktop and laptop devices.

Sigh.

Cheers,
Pam

suhit
11-13-2003, 04:52 PM
I wonder what the tactile feedback is like, usually that is one of the problems (at least for me) with a foldable keyboard (membrane based or not).

Suhit

GreasyP
11-13-2003, 05:48 PM
Wouldn't it just be simpler to put a standard USB port in and let the user connect whatever darned keyboard/mouse hit their fancy. This need to constantly have device specific connectors seems archaic in terms of standard connectivity acheived with desktop and laptop devices.

I'll second that. I've been saying for years companies should just dump the proprietary connections and go with straight USB, even USB 1.1 would be better than what they have now.

GoldKey
11-13-2003, 06:16 PM
Wouldn't it just be simpler to put a standard USB port in and let the user connect whatever darned keyboard/mouse hit their fancy. This need to constantly have device specific connectors seems archaic in terms of standard connectivity acheived with desktop and laptop devices.

I'll second that. I've been saying for years companies should just dump the proprietary connections and go with straight USB, even USB 1.1 would be better than what they have now.

Amen

arebelspy
11-13-2003, 06:21 PM
What about a stand for the PPC? Or am I supposed to lean over the device to see the screen?

It's actually quite easy. I got a cable like this for my Stowaway and iPAQ from gomadic a long time ago to do this, I don't like stands.

The advantage of this: type in landscape mode. Can't do that with a lot of non IR keyboards (and even some IR ones).

-arebelspy

rob_ocelot
11-13-2003, 09:30 PM
Wouldn't it just be simpler to put a standard USB port in and let the user connect whatever darned keyboard/mouse hit their fancy. This need to constantly have device specific connectors seems archaic in terms of standard connectivity acheived with desktop and laptop devices.

I'll second that. I've been saying for years companies should just dump the proprietary connections and go with straight USB, even USB 1.1 would be better than what they have now.

The problem with USB is that Activesync treats the PocketPC as if it were a 'slave' device. If the pocket PC can act as a USB 'host' then it would be possible to hook up keyboards and mice, providing that drivers exist. A few PPC's can do this, but I can't think of them off the top of my head.

With all the bluetooth enabled devices out now you'd think MS would write proper mouse drivers so you could potentially use a mouse with a Pocket PC, at least something that displays a pointer! For that matter, do BT keyboards work with WM2003?

Regards,
Rob S.

Oleander
11-13-2003, 11:57 PM
It would be nice if all keyboard makers would use a standard connector then just sell or include adapters for a wide range of devices.

Oh, but there is!

It's called bluetooth! :twisted:

http://www.flexis.co.kr/web/fxcubebt.htm

theone3
11-14-2003, 01:09 AM
The keyboard is also waterproofJust what I've always wanted :D

Now I can type underwater :) :wink:

Ed Hansberry
11-14-2003, 01:42 AM
The keyboard is also waterproofJust what I've always wanted :D

Now I can type underwater :) :wink:

I'm thinking hot tub.

Kati Compton
11-14-2003, 01:49 AM
The keyboard is also waterproofJust what I've always wanted :D

Now I can type underwater :) :wink:

I'm thinking hot tub.
And I'm thinking spilled beverage.

Ed Hansberry
11-14-2003, 01:52 AM
I'm thinking hot tub.
And I'm thinking spilled beverage.
I sometimes spill beverages in the hot tub too.

tanalasta
11-14-2003, 06:31 AM
Wouldn't it just be simpler to put a standard USB port in and let the user connect whatever darned keyboard/mouse hit their fancy.

I totally agree. I had this thought just yesterday night when I was thinking about the connectors. Wouldn't it be nice if all pocketpc's, cradles, accessories used a USB 2.0 (haha maybe not firewire) port. It'd also meen we can use plug and play devices like flash discs (coz not all PC's/laptops take SD/CF cards without an external reader).

The obvious benefit apart from this is multi-device compatibility.
My two cents :)

needsomehelp
12-19-2006, 06:34 PM
Does anyone know if this is compatible with the Motorola Q phone?