11-18-2003, 11:00 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Think Outside Announces the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard
"SANTA CLARA, Calif., November 18, 2003 - Think Outside Inc., maker of the revolutionary Stowaway� Portable Keyboards for handheld devices, today announced that it has begun selling the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard, the smallest, full-size wireless keyboard available for PDAs and smartphones using the Pocket PC 2002 or Pocket PC 2003 (Windows Mobile 2003) operating systems.
"The new Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is Think Outside's no-compromise solution for Pocket PC users who want to enjoy full-size, portable touch typing with the added flexibility of an infrared connection to the PDA," said Greg van den Dries, Think Outside's vice president of sales and marketing. "We predict that it's going to be a very popular keyboard for the fast-growing population of Pocket PC users who want to get the most from their mobile computing equipment. We are selling this keyboard directly through our website and retailers."
Like all Think Outside's other industry-leading portable keyboards, the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard offers the ANSI-standard keys, key spacing and key travel - comparable to the best laptop computers - that are essential for comfortable touch typing. When these capabilities are combined with its $69.99 price tag and infrared (IR) capabilities, the keyboard breaks new ground in merging full-size functionality, reliable wireless operation and affordable price.
Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard Takes its Place in the Stowaway Lineup The Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is ideal for PDA activities of all kinds: for school, home and work. Like the other members of the Stowaway keyboard family, the new wireless keyboard folds to a size that fits easily in a pocket or briefcase, yet opens to a full-size keyboard. In fact, when closed, the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is the smallest, full size wireless keyboard available for Pocket PC devices.
The Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard uses a folding structure similar to the Stowaway XT, the highest-end member of the Stowaway family. The new wireless keyboard is much thinner and lighter when compared to competitive keyboards and feels the same as the Stowaway XT when typing, which is perfect for touch typing or note taking. A new software driver also enhances access to PDA menus and toolbars from the keyboard, limiting the need to use a stylus with the PDA.
The Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is able to wirelessly connect with a wide range of PDAs running the Pocket PC 2002 or Windows Mobile 2003 operating systems, including devices from Hewlett-Packard (HP), Dell and Toshiba. The keyboard features an integrated cradle for holding the PDA upright for easier viewing while typing; this integrated cradle design eliminates the alignment issues inherent with two-piece designs that use mirrors to reflect IR from the keyboard to the PDA and are tricky to set up. The keyboard also features an adjustable IR wand that accommodates viewing in both portrait and landscape modes, an essential capability since PDAs are increasingly supporting these two viewing orientations. Additionally, the close proximity of the IR wand minimizes latency - i.e., the time between when a key is pressed and when the letter appears on the PDA screen - an important feature for power users who type quickly.
Price and Availability
The Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is available now through Think Outside's website, www.thinkoutside.com, for a suggested retail price of
$69.99 and includes a free keyboard case. The keyboard works with PDAs from Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and Dell, including the HP iPAQ 1900, 2200, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4100, 5100, 5400 and 5500 series; the Toshiba e330, e350/355, e740 and e750/755 models; the Dell Axim X5; and HTC Pocket PC XDA/MDA smartphones. (Note: a Palm OS version of the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard, marketed as the Palm Wireless Keyboard, is also available through PalmOne's distribution channels.)
About Think Outside
Think Outside Inc., founded in 1998, invents, engineers and manufactures mobile devices. Its flagship products, the Stowaway Portable Keyboard and the Stowaway XT Keyboard, are the first and only 100-percent full-size, collapsible keyboards for handheld devices. The Stowaway keyboards allow people on the go to do unrestricted e-mail and word processing, without lugging a laptop. The Stowaway keyboard has received numerous awards for its unique design and functionality and is included in the Design Collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. More information on the company and its products can be found at www.thinkoutside.com.
Stowaway is a trademark of Think Outside Inc. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Photos available upon request."
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11-18-2003, 11:20 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 355
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Finally!!!!
I've been waiting for a decent keyboard solution to show up for the iPaq 1900 Series units - if this keyboard performs as well as the Palm Wireless keyboard that has been extensively reviewed lately (it should, since I suspect that it is the same hardware), then it will be a great addition to my 1945.
My only hesitation is about the fact that this is a four row keyboard instead of a five row keyboard (no number key row) - I think the numbers are accessed from the top keyrow using the "FN" key or something. Has anyone out there used the standard Stowaway XT keyboards? Does the lack of the number keys impact the usability of the keyboard?
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11-18-2003, 11:26 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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Re: Finally!!!!
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Originally Posted by mcsouth
Does the lack of the number keys impact the usability of the keyboard?
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Only if you're an accountant. ;-)
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11-18-2003, 11:39 PM
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Mystic
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,639
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Re: Finally!!!!
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Originally Posted by Jason Dunn
Quote:
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Originally Posted by mcsouth
Does the lack of the number keys impact the usability of the keyboard?
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Only if you're an accountant. ;-) |
I have the PocketopIR keyboard, and I must say that the lack of dedicated number keys is the only thing that spoils it.
To be honest, I would have lived with a slight increase in size in order to get the extra row of keys. Let's face it, everyone needs to use numbers, even just entering contact info always has zip codes and phone numbers.
Actually for an accountant, or someone typing loads of numbers, it's not too bad since there is an embedded number pad as on a regular keyboard. It's when changing from text to numbers for a few seconds that it can be a pain.
__________________
Cheers!
David
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11-19-2003, 12:43 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 183
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Since I haven't seen any of the Stowaway XT keyboards for Pocket PCs in the stores, I wonder if this is the only way we'll be able to get the XT keyboards?
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11-19-2003, 12:45 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 367
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Just FYI, if you own the Palm Wireless keyboard (I do, for my Palm Tungsten T3) you can download the drivers for the Stowaway and the PWK works just fine with a Pocket PC! So, my Palm Wireless Keyboard is working for both my Tungsten T3 and my Toshi e755.
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11-19-2003, 01:17 AM
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Sage
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 810
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They should offer a discount for Pocket PC Thoughts members!!! 
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11-19-2003, 01:42 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 144
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The IR sensor bar thingy is in the wrong place in that photo...
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11-19-2003, 01:54 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 63
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I have a quick question for you guys. How does the keyboard work with the h4150 that has the IR Port at the bottom.
thanks!
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11-19-2003, 02:37 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,398
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by JoshB
The IR sensor bar thingy is in the wrong place in that photo... |
:rotfl:
YOU'RE RIGHT! I didn't notice that! That's almost as bad as an ad I saw that showed a 256MB SD card in a Palm IIxe...
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Linear Mode
