[claud9999]

I usually use my Mac in my den, sitting in a recliner...My current keyboard works well (a USB Happy Hacker keyboard) but I've been thinking a small Bluetooth keyboard would be even better, not having to constantly deal with the cable. Any idea if this, or any other of the plethora of BT folding keyboards work with a Mac?

[claud9999]

I usually use my Mac in my den, sitting in a recliner...My current keyboard works well (a USB Happy Hacker keyboard) but I've been thinking a small Bluetooth keyboard would be even better, not having to constantly deal with the cable. Any idea if this, or any other of the plethora of BT folding keyboards work with a Mac?

[benn600]

The two brands are virtually the same, but the only difference is the price, that I can see. I did write the review for the Brando and I want to say that PocketPC Thoughts did an excellent job on their review of the similar model! My site is devoted to reviewing products so I should make my reviews more in depth like they did. Anyway, I do have a problem with my keyboard but it is probably apt to happen on the Brando or Chainpus (if that is how you spell it) since they are the same keyboard. After about 2 weeks of use, I find that the left portion of the keyboard is more difficult to slide over and there is resistance. It seems like there is something restricting it and if I "force" it with light force, it will slide but I hear a nasty crunching sound so I basically have stopped sliding it back and forth for not. I did contact the company and they will respond within a few hours because they have excellent support. I am guessing that I could open it up and figure out the problem but I don't want to until I hear from them.

[hamishmacdonald]

I bought one of these, though it was sold under a different brand-name (Cygnet). I'm sending it back today.

This keyboard has tiny keys.

It's like using the Landware GoType I used with my Palm V: a mobile toy with cramped little 3/4- (or less) sized keys.

The construction is nice and solid, and the software is simpler than ThinkOutside's, but I found it unusable as a keyboard. I can type on ThinkOutside's Stowaway with ease as soon as it's out of the box. With this one, my fingers hit all the wrong keys or hit the case because I wasn't holding my hands in tight like mouse-paws. I'd have to readjust my mental 'typing map' to use this keyboard, and I'm not willing to do that.

The OEM specs say "63 full sized keys", and they're just NOT. It's a completely false claim.

My ThinkOutside developed a fault, so I bought this keyboard while hoping my reseller would recognise the fault and offer me a replacement. They did, and it arrived yesterday, so I'm back as a ThinkOutside user. I appreciate their keyboard even more now. It's a professional keyboard, and this is a hobby keyboard (even though it's a bigger unit). If that's what you want, this will do the job, and it's considerably cheaper. But if you write everyday like I do, I would NOT recommend this keyboard for you.

[Phillip Dyson]

I wonder if this will work with the Toshiba e830.
I'm hearing that the Thinkoutside model will not.

I'm a little concerned seeing as my e830 is on the way.

[Bujin]

I have been trying to test the Brando keyboard, which we all know is the same keyboard with a different sticker on the front, for several days now with my Axim X30. I've tried the drivers supplied by Chainpus, Brando and this new FreedomInput.com branded version. The Freedom version gave me the most hope because its driver v. 1.33 is the highest of the bunch, but it still doesn't work.

Brando told me they tested it themselves with an X30 and were unsuccessful. They said it was because the X30 doesn't use the WIDCOMM Bluetooth stack. My X30 actually DOES have the WIDCOMM stack, but I've upgraded to the latest ROM A05, so I don't know if older versions don't stack up, so to speak. Still doesn't work though.

Aside from not working with my Pocket PC, it is a nice little unit, if you don't mind the smaller keys. I don't mind, personally, but my primary computer is a Toshiba Tablet PC, so I'm used to the cramped layout.

[jlp]

Anybody knows if this can work with an OQO or Sony U?

[midtoad]

has anyone tried this keyboard with a Palm, e.g. Tungsten T3? It would be nice to use this thing with both PPC and Palm. I'm especially interested in knowing how the battery life of the T3 is affected - I find that using Bluetooth for GPRS data seriously drains the battery - but maybe a keyboard would be different.

thanks,
S

[phs]

Mine is branded Smart Bluetooth Keyboard, but it's the same keyboard.

The build quality is the same a lot of the cheap serial keyboards, just can't compare with the build quality of my HP Foldable Keyboard, or my Pocketop IR Keyboard. But then my HP Foldable died after a year, and my Pocketop is quirky with my 2210. The Smart Bluetooth is not a looker, but it works.

ALthough I had to hard reset my 2210 before I could get it to work.

[riuster]

does anyone know if this item works for a desktop or laptop as well?