07-04-2003, 07:00 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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Time To Get A New Keyboard
I just got an email from ThinkOutside that they have no plans to produce another adapter for the original iPAQ Stowaway Keyboard to work with the new iPAQ 2200 series. In late 2001, they made an adapter that would convert the smaller 3100/3600 connector to the larger 3800 connector that also works well with the 3900 and 5000 series devices. However, that adapter was curved to fit the base of the 3800+ devices and the 2200 is almost flat. So while the connector itself is identical, it won't go in all of the way.
So that makes the 2215 a $500 Pocket PC for me. $400 for the iPAQ and $100 for the new XT, whenever it is finally released. It is really a shame. I'd happily give up another $10 for a new adapter. My current keyboard is in perfect shape and I really don't want to switch, however, I cannot do without a full size keyboard for long. I guess I'll have to do the eBay route and recoup some of my costs. :grumble:
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07-04-2003, 07:21 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 30
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Re: Time To Get A New Keyboard
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Originally Posted by Ed Hansberry
I just got an email from ThinkOutside that they have no plans to produce another adapter for the original iPAQ Stowaway Keyboard to work with the new iPAQ 2200 series. In late 2001, they made an adapter that would convert the smaller 3100/3600 connector to the larger 3800 connector that also works well with the 3900 and 5000 series devices. However, that adapter was curved to fit the base of the 3800+ devices and the 2200 is almost flat. So while the connector itself is identical, it won't go in all of the way.
So that makes the 2215 a $500 Pocket PC for me. $400 for the iPAQ and $100 for the new XT, whenever it is finally released. It is really a shame. I'd happily give up another $10 for a new adapter. My current keyboard is in perfect shape and I really don't want to switch, however, I cannot do without a full size keyboard for long. I guess I'll have to do the eBay route and recoup some of my costs. :grumble:
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Excuse me for my ignorance, but you're implying that the "new XT" will be specifically designed for the 2215? So, we 2215 owners won't be completely left out in the cold?
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07-04-2003, 07:24 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 284
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The difficulty with migrating the peripherals that one buys for a PDA like keyboards to a new device is the reason why I just bought an IR keyboard. All the company has to do is update the driver(s) and the keyboard should work with any future PDA. I eagerly await a Bluetooth keyboard for much the same reasons. MS needs to make all the manufacturers standardize on a particular adapter (say USB2). If I buy a new computer, I don't have to run out and buy a new keyboard...why should my PDA be any different. This changing the port at the bottom is simply another way to keep people shelling out their hard earned money. 
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07-04-2003, 07:40 PM
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Philosopher
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 541
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You said it, that's why they won't standarize. It's been the subject of many rants and articles in the past. Essentially, there's not much you can do besides bend over and take it.
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07-04-2003, 07:41 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Re: Time To Get A New Keyboard
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Originally Posted by thadrool
Excuse me for my ignorance, but you're implying that the "new XT" will be specifically designed for the 2215? So, we 2215 owners won't be completely left out in the cold?
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Not specifically designed, but 100% compatible. I have one and it works GREAT. 
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07-04-2003, 07:43 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 31
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I'm pretty sure you can all just email TO to send you the adapters and shout out to GM to make a mod  the curvy portions if I remember correctly when I opened mine up was just empty, the part that contains the wiring is really small.
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07-04-2003, 07:48 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 157
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That is why someone need to come out with a folding bluetooth keyboard. It would make everyone's life so much easier.
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07-04-2003, 07:50 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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I read a rumour somewhere saying that if you filed down the corners of the adaptor, it would fit. It's not a pin incompatability, it's a physical problem because the bottom of previous iPAQs were rounded and the 2215 is flat.
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07-04-2003, 08:19 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 184
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Well at least you iPAQ owners harve hope. I have been hoping for a Stowaway for my Axim. Doesn't look promising . The Dell keyboard is too small for me.
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07-04-2003, 08:20 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 174
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Jason Dunn
I read a rumour somewhere saying that if you filed down the corners of the adaptor, it would fit. It's not a pin incompatability, it's a physical problem because the bottom of previous iPAQs were rounded and the 2215 is flat.
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Just a couple of days ago, I ordered what claimed to be a Stowaway XT for iPaq (model number 90189). Does this mean the keyboard won't be compatible with the 221x? (It is still in the mail as we speak).
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