11-13-2003, 03:00 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,228
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Proporta Rollup Keyboard Available
http://www.proporta.com/detail.asp?id=601
"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."
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.
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11-13-2003, 03:18 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 291
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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
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11-13-2003, 03:38 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 109
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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.
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11-13-2003, 04:06 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,060
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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.
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11-13-2003, 04:16 PM
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Executive Editor, Android Thoughts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,233
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Universal Connector Kit
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).
__________________
Dr. Jon Westfall, MCSE, MS-MVP
Executive Editor - Android Thoughts
News Editor - Windows Phone Thoughts
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11-13-2003, 04:25 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 56
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Standard USB
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
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11-13-2003, 04:52 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 95
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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
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11-13-2003, 05:48 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 13
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Re: Standard USB
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Originally Posted by PJTrader
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.
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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.
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11-13-2003, 06:16 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,264
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Re: Standard USB
Quote:
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Originally Posted by GreasyP
Quote:
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Originally Posted by PJTrader
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.
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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
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11-13-2003, 06:21 PM
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Theorist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 268
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by PR.
What about a stand for the PPC? Or am I supposed to lean over the device to see the screen?
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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
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Linear Mode
