FrogPad's Bluetooth iFrog Reviewed

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=reviews&id=543' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketnow.com/index.php?...=reviews&id=543</a><br /><br /></div><i>"While no one person can be said to invented the typewriter (Wikipedia entry), in 1867, Christopher Sholes, Carlos Glidden, and Samuel W. Soule introduced a device that later became one of the most popular tools of our age. This new technological marvel, in the end, also brought the world of QWERTY, Dvorak, and even FARWP (FrogPad's top right-hand row) to our fingertips. But ever in need of smaller and more efficient capabilities, the keys either have to get smaller (and more difficult for my sausage-sized fingers to hit) or we have to change technologies to fit the same amount of functions into a more compact area. Which brings us back to FrogPad's Bluetooth iFrog (or FrogPad). A small device that seems to be packed with features. But can it keep up with the QWERTY world? Could this be the next revolution in our input capabilities (especially for those interested in wearable computers)?"</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20050110_frogpad.jpg" /><br /><br />Anything that has the guts to call itself the iFrog gets points in my book. Does moxy alone make a useful device, though? You'll have to read the review to find out. Personal observation: Interesting, but I'd wait for the iFrog2, or perhaps the iToad. :mrgreen:

[johncruise]

+ pricey
+ they should have made a thumbpad instead
+ I don't think I'm the only saying this but relearning another keyboard layout is not on my book.
+ I agree with the USB connection comment at the end for those who doesn't have BT interface.

Anyway.... I gave it a 7 out of 10 for ingenuity.

[Wiggster]

This thing is still top on my list of keyboards to buy if I develop a need to type on the go. Frankly, I just love the idea of putting that on a holster on my belt, so that I can hold the PDA in one hand and type with my other hand on my waist. Heck, if I do that, I might even use the Cursor mode on my 4700 for a complete PDA experience on the move!

My only problem is, I don't know why I'd have to be walking someplace and writing a memo on my PDA at the same time.

[SteveHoward999]

My only problem is, I don't know why I'd have to be walking someplace and writing a memo on my PDA at the same time.


Change your job. It could be invaluable if you were a spy :-)

[Pat Logsdon]

My only problem is, I don't know why I'd have to be walking someplace and writing a memo on my PDA at the same time.
Change your job. It could be invaluable if you were a spy :-)
Not particularly inconspicuous, though. ;)

[wjlyerly]

This announcement during CES was mostly under the radar. The folks at scottevest are going to start making a fabric version of the frogpad integrated into their e-clothes.

Could be very good, or very bad.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/1/prwebxml194319.php

[SteveHoward999]

Not particularly inconspicuous, though. ;)

I was going to say "stick it in your pocket" but it seems Scott beat me to it :-O

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Most of us seem to be looking at this strictly as a portability device but this was originally designed as a keyboard replacement.

One of the major draws to this device is the ability to type with one hand while keeping the other on your mouse (no constant switching required). I'm actually quite curious about this product and if it weren't for the buggy drivers and the inability to connect via USB, I'd be tempted to try this.

[Wiggster]

I'm actually quite curious about this product and if it weren't for the buggy drivers and the inability to connect via USB, I'd be tempted to try this.

They DO have a USB-only version, you can see their various models on their store (https://store.frogpad.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&amp;Store_Code=FrogStore&amp;Category_Code=ALL). If you want a right-handed model, you can snag it for $100.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I'm actually quite curious about this product and if it weren't for the buggy drivers and the inability to connect via USB, I'd be tempted to try this.

They DO have a USB-only version, you can see their various models on their store (https://store.frogpad.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&amp;Store_Code=FrogStore&amp;Category_Code=ALL). If you want a right-handed model, you can snag it for $100.
I should have been more specific. I meant if they had a BT model that could also connect via USB. I'd like to have both options if it were possible... though in the end, the buggy drivers probably bother me more than the lack of USB.