Wireless Keyboards for the SMT 5600???

[Bacco]

Anyone come across a wireless keyboard for the SMT 5600??? Ideally it would be BT, but IR is ok too. I've searched and searched and found nothing. I'm hoping someone out there is better at searching than I am :wink: .

I commute and have a nice train ride where I could use a wireless keyboard 8) .

Thanks

[jkovacs]

I wrote to Porporta asking if their BT keyboard will work with the SMT 5600 and here's the response I got.

Hi

Many thanks for your mail.

The Bluetooth Keyboard supports all Microsoft Smartphones, so yes, it
should work with no problems.

Hope this clears things up

With kind regards
Katie Reid, Customer Services Manager- Proporta Ltd.


...Joe K.

[Mike Temporale]

You might also want to check out this one from JAVOedge: http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=46457

jkovacs, Do you have a link the the Porporta one?

[Bacco]

Thanks very much guys.

[Bacco]

Intersting...seems both keyboards are identical (except for price). At least from their pics and some of the descriptions.

Mike here is the link for the Proporta keyboard...
http://www.proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=982&t_mode=des

[Bacco]

Well, I orderd the Proporta keyboard today...I'll post once I get it.
I called them before ordering and was told that it should work with the SMT just fine.

[Mike Temporale]

Cool. Do keep us informed. :)

[Bacco]

Cool. Do keep us informed. :)

Ok...rec'd my keyboard today.

Installation took all of 2 minutes. Phone and keyboard found each other with no problems at all.

The keyboard itself works great with the phone. The shortcut keystrokes allow you to control the phone's functions well. My concern was whether I would be able to control the menu strokes on my phone via the keyboard only, or if I had to press buttons on the phone. And happily, I can do it all via the keyboard 8)

There is a little stand to hold the phone that slides out of the keyboard and locks in place.

I'll try it on the train tonight and let you know how comfortable it is to use that way. Oh, if anyone has specific questions, please feel free to ask me.

[dgage]

Bacco,

I know its the holidays and all but the suspense... :) Oh yeah, got ahead of myself. Happy holidays everyone!

Let us know how well it works as I travel a lot and my Smartphone is replacing my Dell X5 and Dell Folding Keyboard. I need a keyboard for the phone though. :)

How do you like it overall?
Any quirks?
Does it hold the phone in place well?

Thanks!

David

[Bacco]

Happy holidays all!!!

I honestly thought no one was interested, that's why I just stopped posting.

Ok, the stand...the phone just rests on it. But there is a rubber grip that doesn't allow the phone to slide anywhere. I used it on the train with no problems at all.

Like anything, you have to get to used to using it in a tight space (cramped train).

My overall impression is that I am very glad I bought it. Even when I get a new phone, probably the summer of '05, I can use it with that phone too. Thank God for BT.

Oh, I typed this reply from my in-laws on my smartphone of course. :)

[Kris Kumar]

Thanks for the feedback Bacco..

I am very tempted to get one. Even though I am waiting for a manufacturer to come out with a BT based thumb-board. Something that is so small that I can put it in my pocket. :-)

[Bacco]

I understand. But a thumb-board would not work well for me. You see, I have big hands and my fingers are not that small. The only thumb-board I can visualize is the one on a Treo or a Blackberry. I just don't like those at all.

Also, picture youself typing on a thumb-board...generally most people bring that type of input device close to their face. Just force of habit I think. but if it's not connected to your phone, you'll have to retrain yourself to hold it away from face so you can see what it is you're typing (on the phone). With this keyboard, the phone rests on the pullout stand and you're off to the races.

I generally carry it with me most of the time now. while I'm out of the office or on the train, if there is an email that I need to reply to, it takes all of 30-40 seconds to take out the keyboard and have it pair with the phone.

I must admit, the looks I get on the train are entertaining. Some people look and smile, while others almost shake their heads.

I said it before, between the keyboard and the software for the phone, I've spent almost twice as much as I paid for the phone. But I'm so glad I did. I really don't know how I managed with a traditional phone all those years before SmartPhones came along.

Well, that's enough of my rambling. Happy New Year to all!!! I'm so glad I'm off till next year 8).

[Kris Kumar]

Also, picture youself typing on a thumb-board...generally most people bring that type of input device close to their face. Just force of habit I think. but if it's not connected to your phone, you'll have to retrain yourself to hold it away from face so you can see what it is you're typing (on the phone). With this keyboard, the phone rests on the pullout stand and you're off to the races.

Very true. You are right the thumb-board has to be connected to the phone, so that I can type away with ease.

[dgage]

Thanks Bacco!

I will probably look at getting one of those keyboards soon. And I hear you about the cost of the software I bought for this thing! But then again, I didn't have to pay for the phone since it was provided by my new company (at my request). I bought multiple encyclopedias, dictionaries, Flexwallet 2005, SmartphoneNotes, Vnotes Pro, ListPro, and the list goes on and on and on. But I have a mini computer with me. I don't get as good as reception as my old phone (Sprint - new AT&T) but I love the phone and the flexibility. I have almost 500 contacts in there after syncing with the corporate directory and it is still very easy to find the right person. OK, I too am ranting. Oh well, if you can't tell, I like it!

David