Geekzone Reviews the Freedom Bluetooth Keyboard

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=5236' target='_blank'>http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.a...?ContentId=5236</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Proporta has sent us the Freedom Bluetooth Keyboard for a review. This is small Bluetooth folding keyboard fits into a pouch a bit larger than most PDAs, and unfolded it expands out into a sub-notebook size keyboard. It is quite useful with smartphones and PDAs, and includes software drivers for Windows Mobile devices (including Pocket PC and Smartphones), Palm OS, RIM Blackberry and Symbian smartphones. The keyboard has a full row of number keys, and arrow keys. There are a few printed alternate characters for some european languages, as well as symbols such as €,¥,©,® and a number of other visual symbols for various other functions."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050923-FBTKB.jpg" /><br /><br />If you've been out hunting for a Bluetooth keyboard for your Pocket PC, but haven't the slightest clue where to start, then this <a href="http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=5236">Freedom Bluetooth Keyboard review</a> at Geekzone may help you out.

[phs]

I've seen the same keyboard sporting other names, e.g, Chainpus, Brando, and lately Omiz. For some reason, the Omiz is cheaper.

[hamishmacdonald]

I bought one of these when my ThinkOutside keyboard broke, but I really didn't like it (though its software was nice and simple). I found the key-spacing very awkward (and the keys not full-sized, as claimed). I returned it and bought another ThinkOutside Bluetooth keyboard, and I'm happy I did.

...Well, except that the grey plastic in my one seems to be degrading, and its housing and flip-stand are cracking. ThinkOutside have kindly said they'll send me another stand, but I'm worried about the housing on the keyboard itself (which I've been layering in crazy-glue).

Anyone else have this issue?

[ppc_md2b]

I'd have to agree with hamish. The keyboard is very disappointing for those of us with big fingers. The keys are flimsy, too close together, and it's easy to mistype. Furthermore, I found that I had to basically smash the keys hard for a keystroke to register.

I bought one and returned it within 24 hours. I'm going to try the Targus next.

JG

[maikii]

I bought one of these when my ThinkOutside keyboard broke, but I really didn't like it (though its software was nice and simple). I found the key-spacing very awkward (and the keys not full-sized, as claimed). I returned it and bought another ThinkOutside Bluetooth keyboard, and I'm happy I did.



The Think Outside keyboard also does not have full-sized keys, as it also claims (and is missing the number row). Are the Freedom's keys still smaller and more awkward than the TO?

[maikii]

I'm going to try the Targus next.

JG

Targus? I've seen wired (connected) keyboards from them, and an IR keyboard, but no bluetooth keyboard. Did they just come out with one?

If so, it is quite likely a re-branding of one of the other two mentioned, TO or Freedom (which is sold under several names). Or it could be the one HP is selling, rebranded as Targus.

[hamishmacdonald]

Actually, the ThinkOutside keys -- well, I'm not going to get into metrics; I don't know if they have the same measurement. What's important is that they feel like using a proper keyboard. In fact, that keyboard is much more comfortable than the one that came with my PC.

I'd use it as my PC keyboard, too, except that there are some hiccups around entering special characters, and I need my keyboard active as soon as the PC comes on. Having to pair or find the keyboard -- without a keyboard! -- is awkward.

But I have no hesitations about recommending the ThinkOutside keyboard to someone. I think a lot of people lug around laptops who could get by with a Windows Mobile device and ThinkOutside keyboard.

[hamishmacdonald]

Okay, a VERY happy addendum to my 'cracking grey plastic' problem with the ThinkOutside keyboard. I received this e-mail from the company today:

"I will send your replacement tomorrow via DHL."

I didn't even ask! I just asked if they'd addressed the problem 'cause I'd consider buying another one.

WOW. Customer service, or what?!

[Darius Wey]

Okay, a VERY happy addendum to my 'cracking grey plastic' problem with the ThinkOutside keyboard. I received this e-mail from the company today:

"I will send your replacement tomorrow via DHL."

I didn't even ask! I just asked if they'd addressed the problem 'cause I'd consider buying another one.

WOW. Customer service, or what?!

8O

Geez, if all companies were like that, I'd be in heaven. :lol: