Time To Get A New Keyboard

[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.<br /><br />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:

[thadrool]

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:

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?

[CESkins]

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. :(

[sponge]

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.

[Jason Dunn]

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?

Not specifically designed, but 100% compatible. I have one and it works GREAT. :D

[beyondallcom]

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.

[David C]

That is why someone need to come out with a folding bluetooth keyboard. It would make everyone's life so much easier.

[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.

[Gator5000e]

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.

[Christian]

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.

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).

[apextwin]

I already got a Stowaway XT keyboard for the Ipaq about two weeks ago. I ordered it through Provantage.com. They charge a very reasonable $74 for it, plus shipping. I had it within 2 days.

It works fine with my Ipaq 2215, by the way. The connector fits comfortably, though not 100% snug.

[Jerry Raia]

That is why someone need to come out with a folding bluetooth keyboard. It would make everyone's life so much easier.

Now that would be exellent :mrgreen:

[beq]

Thanks I just checked Provantage. So it's under Fellowes brand instead of Targus now? And there is just one model of Stowaway XT for the iPAQ, correct?

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

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.
That should be exactly right!

My next question though is whether Targus plans on releasing updated drivers that allow the legacy Stowaway to work with PPC2k3.

I tried to install the drivers a couple of times and it caused my 2215 to become extremely unstable.

If they do release updated drivers, then I was contemplating purchasing one of the Gomadic 36/3700-to-38/3900 cabled adapters which runs for $20.

[apextwin]

Yes, Fellowes is now the official distributor of the Stowaway XT keyboard. There is only one kind of keyboard for the Ipaq PocketPC series. I think it only supports the 3900 series connector type, which is also compatible with the connector on the new 2215 model. I am not sure if the keyboard will work with any 5400 or 5500 series model. It definitely will not work with a 1900 series.

[Jeff Kirvin]

What about those of use that *liked* the old Stowaway design? The XT may be thinner, but it lacks a true number row and the darn thing wobbles. That's right, wobbles! Unlike the original Stowaway, the XT doesn't lie completely flat. The sides come out like "wings" off a central pedestal and if you're a fairly ham-handed typist (as I am -- I have ham hands), you'll end up tilting the keyboard to the right every time you hit the Enter key.

Grrr... Another point for passing on the 2215 and keeping my Zire 71... I can use a Classic Stowaway with the Palm...

[Ed Hansberry]

What about those of use that *liked* the old Stowaway design? The XT may be thinner, but it lacks a true number row and the darn thing wobbles. That's right, wobbles! Unlike the original Stowaway, the XT doesn't lie completely flat. The sides come out like "wings" off a central pedestal and if you're a fairly ham-handed typist (as I am -- I have ham hands), you'll end up tilting the keyboard to the right every time you hit the Enter key.
Ugh. Maybe I will keep my current stowaway and try filing down the old 3600-3800 adapter. :evil:

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Ugh. Maybe I will keep my current stowaway and try filing down the old 3600-3800 adapter. :evil:
Yeah, but we still need PPC2k3 drivers... the legacy v1.6 drivers do not play nice on the 2215.

Anyone know Targus'/Fellowes' plan for this?

[Dave Beauvais]

Driver v1.7 has been on the Think Outside Web site (http://www.thinkoutside.com/support/ipaq/driver7410.html) for at least four weeks now. When you install it asks if you're using a Stowaway or Stowaway XT. I've had zero problems with it and my "classic" Stowaway. There's no mention of WM2003 compatability, though, so use at your own risk. :)

--Dave

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Driver v1.7 has been on the Think Outside Web site (http://www.thinkoutside.com/support/ipaq/driver7410.html) for at least four weeks now. When you install it asks if you're using a Stowaway or Stowaway XT. I've had zero problems with it and my "classic" Stowaway. There's no mention of WM2003 compatability, though, so use at your own risk. :)
Thanks... I kept checking with the Targus website...

[Dave Beauvais]

Please let us know how the v1.7 drivers work with 2003. I'm sure many people will be interested in that, since it's likely to be the version included with the Stowaway XTs in the future.

--Dave

[Vincent M Ferrari]

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.

I agree. I loved my Palm Folding Keyboard and have been waiting for one desperately for the Axim. Apparently if your PPC isn't made by HP, you're kinda screwed these days.

[Janak Parekh]

I agree. I loved my Palm Folding Keyboard and have been waiting for one desperately for the Axim. Apparently if your PPC isn't made by HP, you're kinda screwed these days.
These days, yes. But if Dell keeps on selling those Axims, I'd expect to see a Stowaway for it too. Think Outside is fairly conservative about which PDAs it sells for; it waits for the unit to establish some market share.

--janak

[Pony99CA]

I agree. I loved my Palm Folding Keyboard and have been waiting for one desperately for the Axim. Apparently if your PPC isn't made by HP, you're kinda screwed these days.
These days, yes. But if Dell keeps on selling those Axims, I'd expect to see a Stowaway for it too. Think Outside is fairly conservative about which PDAs it sells for; it waits for the unit to establish some market share.

If they do produce an Axim keyboard, I bet it will be a Stowaway XT, though. If they aren't even going to produce an adapter for iPAQ 2215 users, what are the odds they'll produce an old school keyboard for the Axim?

It sounds to me like the old school keyboard is going to be discontinued. :-(

Steve

[Janak Parekh]

It sounds to me like the old school keyboard is going to be discontinued. :-(
That is very likely going to be the case -- good news for some, bad news for others.

--janak

[Pony99CA]

It sounds to me like the old school keyboard is going to be discontinued. :-(
That is very likely going to be the case -- good news for some, bad news for others.
It's certainly bad news for some, but who is it good news for? ;-) The XT may be good news from some, but I can't imagine getting rid of a product is good news for anyone (except maybe Think Outside).

Steve

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I just ordered the Gomadic 37/36xx-to-38/39xx adapter. This should allow me to hold onto my legacy Stowaway for a bit longer until a nice BT Keyboard comes along!

I'm going to have to find a way to prop up my PPC though so it sits at an angle, but one nice benefit of this is that my keyboard should lay a bit flatter now in the middle whereas before the weight of my 38xx sitting on the stand would pull the middle up slightly.

[Ed Hansberry]

I just ordered the Gomadic 37/36xx-to-38/39xx adapter. This should allow me to hold onto my legacy Stowaway for a bit longer until a nice BT Keyboard comes along!Got l link?

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I just ordered the Gomadic 37/36xx-to-38/39xx adapter. This should allow me to hold onto my legacy Stowaway for a bit longer until a nice BT Keyboard comes along!Got l link?
I probably should have included this in my original post. Oh well! Enjoy!

http://www.gomadic.com/ip31to38inad.html

[Ed Hansberry]

I probably should have included this in my original post. Oh well! Enjoy!

http://www.gomadic.com/ip31to38inad.html
Ugh. Thanks but no thanks. I was hoping for a rigid adapter, not a flexible one like that. :|

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I probably should have included this in my original post. Oh well! Enjoy!

http://www.gomadic.com/ip31to38inad.html
Ugh. Thanks but no thanks. I was hoping for a rigid adapter, not a flexible one like that. :|
Yeah, I'll have to think of a way to prop up the device... on the plus side, I know that I won't have any issues with my keyboard staying flat on the table. The adapter combined with my old 3870 would always pull the middle sections slightly upwards.

[ctmagnus]

I just ordered the Gomadic 37/36xx-to-38/39xx adapter. This should allow me to hold onto my legacy Stowaway for a bit longer until a nice BT Keyboard comes along!Got l link?
I probably should have included this in my original post. Oh well! Enjoy!

http://www.gomadic.com/ip31to38inad.html

When you get it, post back. I still use the short RS232 cable for the original iPaqs and if I can still use it with a new iPaq (ie, not have to switch to the longer synch cables and use a null modem adapter and gender changer) I'll be happy.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I probably should have included this in my original post. Oh well! Enjoy!

http://www.gomadic.com/ip31to38inad.html

When you get it, post back. I still use the short RS232 cable for the original iPaqs and if I can still use it with a new iPaq (ie, not have to switch to the longer synch cables and use a null modem adapter and gender changer) I'll be happy.
No problem. I won't be able to use it until next weekend as I'll be on the east coast during the weekday and then at home (west coast) during the weekend, but I'll let you know at that time.

[beq]

Hold the phone, the new XT is both longer and wider when closed, than the original Stowaway? I don't know about this...

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Hold the phone, the new XT is both longer and wider when closed, than the original Stowaway? I don't know about this...
Really?!? That keyboard sacrificed a number row though... I would have thought... hmmm...

I know the wireless edition of the Stowaway is certainly larger in all dimensions when folded up.

That legacy Stowaway is not such a bad device IMO. The only thing that would convince me to change would be a BT version with a smaller foldup size.

[beq]

Original: http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/ipaq-specs.html

XT: http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/palmxt-specs.html

Original
Closed: 5.1" x 3.6" x 0.8"
Open: 13.8" x 5.1" x 0.44"

XT
Closed: 5.5” x 3.9” x .5”
Open: 9.9” x 5.8” x .5”

When open the XT is still wider (and thicker) but not as long...?

[Ed Hansberry]

Two words: Dre mel. :lol:

Filed the adapter down on the edges, installed the new 1.7 driver (pretty cool) from Think Outside's site and booyaa! I have my good old Stowaway ready to do. No rocking that Jeff Kirvin was complaining about and most important to me, I get to keep my number row!

And it only cost me $50 for a dremel tool. :rotfl: But I actually have some other things I can use it for around the house.

[Janak Parekh]

Two words: Dre mel. :lol:
Ed, it's time for you to go into a side business: buy lots and lots of Think Outside 39xx adapters for $10 a pop, file 'em down, and sell it for $20. :pimp:

--janak

[Ed Hansberry]

Hey, you can ship me yours and for the cost of shipping + $10, I'll file 'em down for you. :mrgreen:

[Ed Hansberry]

Sigh... I may have spoken too soon. With the 1.7 drivers from www.thinkoutside.com installed, my iPAQ 2215 goes into a coma and won't wake up. It is being powered too because the battery was down about 15-20% while in this coma. A soft reset wakes it up just fine, but that is annoying.

When I uninstall the ThinkOutside 1.7 Stowaway driver, all works ok. :? Anyone else?

[Dave Beauvais]

Just out of curiosity, when does this happen? Is the keyboard attached or not? Do you have the "Hot-dock" feature turned on? What about the Caps lock notification? I have Hot-dock on and Caps lock notification off, but I never have this problem with my h5455 (still PPC 2002). Just trying to find common factors.

--Dave

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Sigh... I may have spoken too soon. With the 1.7 drivers from www.thinkoutside.com installed, my iPAQ 2215 goes into a coma and won't wake up. It is being powered too because the battery was down about 15-20% while in this coma. A soft reset wakes it up just fine, but that is annoying.

When I uninstall the ThinkOutside 1.7 Stowaway driver, all works ok. :? Anyone else?
Those were my EXACT same experiences with the 1.6 drivers... I do beleive this is only an issue with PPC2k3 (or at least the iPaq2215).

[ctmagnus]

And it only cost me $50 for a dremel tool. :rotfl: But I actually have some other things I can use it for around the house.

Got any old style packs lying around? Make 'em look like cover packs!

(a word of warning: the plactic these things are made of stinks somewhat when it gets hot, and it appears to be of the same material that those magic snakes you light on Hallowe'en are. It grows and it grows and it grows...)

[Ed Hansberry]

Just out of curiosity, when does this happen? Is the keyboard attached or not? Do you have the "Hot-dock" feature turned on? What about the Caps lock notification? I have Hot-dock on and Caps lock notification off, but I never have this problem with my h5455 (still PPC 2002). Just trying to find common factors.

--Dave
I'll have to reinstall later and give it another try. The keyboard was NOT connected, but both hotdock an caps lock notification were ON.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

I'll have to reinstall later and give it another try. The keyboard was NOT connected, but both hotdock an caps lock notification were ON.
Yeah, when I initially installed my v1.6 drivers, I had no way of physically connecting the Targus keyboard yet, I just wanted to verify that it would install with no issues.

What I found was that even with it installed on my barebones iPaq2215 (I went through a few hard-resets to isolate certain apps), once I turned off my machine, I couldn't turn it back on without a hard-reset.

I'll try the same test with v1.7. I just need to backup all my stuff first... but to repeat, I don't think this would be an issue with the HP5455 w/ PPC2k2.

[Ed Hansberry]

Well drat. I disabled hotdocking and caps lock notification. No good. :( Then I disabled the keyboard entirely and that still put the device into a power consuming coma when it turned itself off with or without the keyboard physically connected, which requires a soft reset to wake up. The only fix is to uninstall. I know this 2215 on a filed down 3800 adapter isn't officially supported, but I am thinking upgraded 3800/3900 users may face similar issues so hopefully Think Outside will look into this. They have been good about this kind of thing in the past.

Meanwhile, I am looking for other things to file with my new Dremel, and it has my wife nervous. :shocked!:

[Janak Parekh]

I think they will have to release an update anyway to support the 22xx users using the XT. I wonder why Jason didn't have this problem...

--janak

[Ed Hansberry]

I think they will have to release an update anyway to support the 22xx users using the XT. I wonder why Jason didn't have this problem...
Well, I don't have the XT so during the install, I was picking the normal Stowaway keyboard, which worked perfectly. There were a lot of StowawayXT*.* files on \Windows\ though. I don't know if the installer glitched or if they share some of the same files.

[beq]

Just curious, you're saying Jason has both the original and XT and he personally prefers the XT? OK, good enough for me...

[Ed Hansberry]

Just curious, you're saying Jason has both the original and XT and he personally prefers the XT? OK, good enough for me...
Uhm... recall that Jason is happy with the PPC built in PIM apps and shuns the super-PIMs. {shudder}

:lol:

[beq]

Oh, my mistake. So you're actually saying he's a loony. Never mind then :D

[ctmagnus]

Uhm... recall that Jason is happy with the PPC built in PIM apps and shuns the super-PIMs. {shudder}

:lol:

:twak: [&lt;- picture of Jason here]

He needs some working-on. ;)

[Christian]

I think they will have to release an update anyway to support the 22xx users using the XT. I wonder why Jason didn't have this problem...
Well, I don't have the XT so during the install, I was picking the normal Stowaway keyboard, which worked perfectly. There were a lot of StowawayXT*.* files on \Windows\ though. I don't know if the installer glitched or if they share some of the same files.

I have the 221x and the Stowaway XT and have the exact same problem - whenever driver 1.7 is installed, regardless of anything else including whether the keyboard is connected, the device can't be turned on without a soft reset. Highly irritating. :evil: Has there been any word on a new driver?

[Ed Hansberry]

I have the 221x and the Stowaway XT and have the exact same problem - whenever driver 1.7 is installed, regardless of anything else including whether the keyboard is connected, the device can't be turned on without a soft reset. Highly irritating. :evil: Has there been any word on a new driver?
No, but please go to www.thinkoutside.com and email their support department.

[Christian]

I have the 221x and the Stowaway XT and have the exact same problem - whenever driver 1.7 is installed, regardless of anything else including whether the keyboard is connected, the device can't be turned on without a soft reset. Highly irritating. :evil: Has there been any word on a new driver?
No, but please go to www.thinkoutside.com and email their support department.

Already did. I'll post here if they send a response.

[timjakubowski]

I recently sold my Ipaq 5400 series and purchased the Ipaq 2215. I love the Think Outside Stowaway Keyboard sold by Targus (PA840). I had to have that adapter piece so it would work with my 5400 Ipaq. Now with the 2215 I will have to file the edges so it will fit. I think I can do that. But what about a softward driver that will work? Is one available?

My mindset is that the infrared keyboards out today are not very good, and that I really like my old PA840, Targus, Stowaway keyboard. I will wait for a good bluetooth keyboard to come out that has the same form factor as my current old keyboard.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Now with the 2215 I will have to file the edges so it will fit. I think I can do that. But what about a softward driver that will work? Is one available?
If you do a search on "Stowaway", you'll see that there was a recent post on updated drivers for that keyboard:

Stowaway Keyboard 2.0 Drivers Finally Released - Windows Mobile 2003 Compatible
(http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=18561&highlight=stowaway)