Review: Hewlett-Packard Slim Keyboard [Archive]

View Full Version : Review: Hewlett-Packard Slim Keyboard

Dave Beauvais

07-23-2003, 05:00 PM

Ever since photos of the Hewlett-Packard Slim Keyboard leaked out many months ago, there has been a great deal of hype and mystery surrounding it. Does it work with expansion sleeves? Can you use it without the cover? Do those red and green markings mean you can use it to make and end phone calls? Fitting 3800, 3900, and h5000 series iPAQs like a glove, this keyboard would seem to be a dream come true for many iPAQ users in search of a way to quickly type e-mails or use instant messaging on the go. Does it live up to the hype? <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-00.gif" /><!> Although screen-based input methods have improved over the last few years, a keyboard is often the most efficient method of entering data into a device. While folding keyboards that try to emulate the experience of typing on a notebook are often the easiest to use, they aren't exactly convenient while you're walking around, riding a bus, or riding in a car. Enter the thumb keyboard. These tiny devices give you the ease of use of a keyboard while sacrificing very little in terms of mobility. There are several thumb keyboards available for iPAQs, but the new HP Slim Keyboard has garnered the most interest. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-00.gif" /> Description and Features The first thing that struck me when I received this keyboard for review was how incredibly well-designed it seemed to be. It's built to accommodate at least three generations of iPAQs along with their varied features. The h5000 series, for example, has a headphone jack and microphone on the bottom and a removable battery in the back. This keyboard was designed with those features in mind while still permitting use with previous models. Below the X key, there's a small slit for the h5000 series' microphone. There's even a hole in the end to slip a stylus into to press the reset button. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-01.jpg" /> Figure 1: The HP Slim Keyboard. (Note that I switched the cover to open on the other side.) <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-02.jpg" /> Figure 2: Bottom of the Slim Keyboard. Here you can see the opening for the h5000 series' headphone jack, the pass-through sync connector, and reset button hole. The silver paint that covers the underlying gray plastic makes the keyboard almost perfectly match the iPAQ it's attached to. The assembled pair actually looks very attractive. Unlike most sleeves and the CoverPAQ included with recent sleeve-capable iPAQs, the Slim Keyboard does not have four distinct "arms." Instead, the entire left and right sides of the iPAQ are covered by the sides of this keyboard. This makes the keyboard look even more integrated with the iPAQ when it's attached, giving it a very unified appearance. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-03.jpg" /> Figure 3: The back of the Slim Keyboard with an iPAQ h5455 inserted. Notice that you can not only swap batteries, but also use the extended battery for the h5000 series. One of the most important and most appealing characteristics of this keyboard is that you can still dock your iPAQ in its cradle with the keyboard attached! Just for the heck of it, I even attached the combination of the iPAQ and Slim Keyboard to my Stowaway keyboard. (<a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7144">W?BIC!</a> :D) Curiously, the Stowaway keyboard didn't work even with the HP driver disabled. I had assumed this was mostly a pass-through port, but perhaps some accessories or cables may not work. ActiveSync and charging via cradle worked just fine, however, which is what would concern most users. General Observations Typing on something this small is obviously something one needs to get used to. The keys are spaced very close to each other, as you'd expect for something that packs so many things into such a small space. Because of their convex shape, however, it's relatively easy for your fingers to find and press the keys. I doubt anyone would ever come close to the typing speed and accuracy they can reach using a traditional keyboard, but this keyboard allows you to enter relatively large amounts of data quickly and easily without having to tap on the on-screen keyboard or deal with handwriting recognition issues. I prefer to use this keyboard over on-screen input methods when typing e-mails or using MSN Messenger on my h5455, because I am much faster this way. I do have some complaints about the key layout, however, which I will address later. I did notice that some keys seem to require slightly more pressure than others, but overall they seem very responsive. <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-04_large.jpg"><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-04.jpg" /></a> Figure 4: Close-up of the keys on the Slim Keyboard. Though hard to see in this photo, the four shiny silver buttons along the bottom edge duplicate the application buttons on the iPAQ. Click the image for a larger view of the keys. (104 KB JPEG) Depending on your backlight settings, it's possible that the backlight could turn off while you're using this keyboard. If that happens, pressing a key will not turn it back on; you'd actually have to tap the screen or press the record button, which is the only visible hardware button once the keyboard is attached. Apparently key presses are not considered activity which would reset the inactivity timer that switches the backlight off. While I'm not a software developer, I'm pretty certain this could be addressed in a driver update. Speaking of the driver, it's a very good first release. Using my iPAQ h5455 and a friend's 3955, I tested this keyboard using driver version 1.18, which shipped on the CD included in the package. At this time, no driver is available on the HP Web site. The CD contains the manual in Adobe Acrobat PDF format in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish languages and the driver is provided in those same languages, as well. The only printed material included in the package is HP's absurdly long warranty novel, printed in approximately 327 different languages. Everything else you'd need is on the CD. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-05.gif" /> Figure 5: An animated image showing the two pages of the HP Slim Keyboard's Settings program. I had no problems installing the driver or using the installed Slim Keyboard control panel. The directions in the PDF file said to remove any existing keyboard drivers, but I ignored that and installed the Slim Keyboard driver with my Stowaway Keyboard's driver still installed. Both drivers cannot be active at the same time, but you can disable one and enable the other at will without so much as a soft reset. I did notice, however, that the unofficial Ctrl-Q key combination that's been around since the days of the Palm-Size PC to close an application does not work with this keyboard. (It does with the on-screen keyboard and the Stowaway.) Instead, HP's driver has you press Fn and Ctrl to close an app. As these keys are located on opposite sides of the keyboard, it's unlikely that you'd accidentally press them both. Also regarding the driver, I did notice that in certain applications such as Pocket Word and Notes, when you create a new document, one of the standard input panels still pops up even though you're using the keyboard. This was only a small annoyance, and is something else I'm sure could be addressed in a future driver release. Because this will no doubt be the first question asked by many readers, no, I do not know if the driver supports Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC. I have had a support request in to HP for two weeks about this, but have yet to receive a useful response. If or when I do receive a reply, I will update this review. Unlike the photos that leaked before release, the actual production keyboard does not have the red and green markings over two of the keys. Many theorized that this would be for use with some future phone-enabled iPAQ model. Another observation about those buttons, it seems that if some of the "useless" empty space around the iPAQ logo were eliminated and some buttons rearranged, an actual directional pad could have been added to this keyboard, making it the first such keyboard to include one. The built-in D-pad of the h5000 series is certainly small enough to fit into that space if a little rearranging were done. <PAGEBREAK> Gotchas As with just about every product in existence, the Slim Keyboard is not without its share of deficiencies. The most obvious problem for users of the h5400 (and the new h5500) series iPAQs is that the fingerprint scanner is completely obscured when this keyboard is installed. While the four application keys and -- to a point -- the direction pad are duplicated, there is obviously no way to put a BioSwipe scanner on the keyboard. If you actually use the BioSwipe feature of these iPAQ models, the keyboard will irritate you to no end if you prefer to leave it attached all the time. I had a great deal of trouble figuring out how to get my h5455 inserted properly into the keyboard. I was expecting it to slide on as easily as any other expansion sleeve, but it just didn't work. Turns out, I have to press the iPAQ in toward the front of the keyboard through the open back of the sleeve in order to get the connectors inside to line up properly. I tried the keyboard on a friend's 3955 and it slid in as easy as you please with no problems whatsoever. Because of this, I had assumed this was a problem with my h5455's sync port. However, <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=14413">a recent thread</a> in the forums here at Pocket PC Thoughts indicates that I may not be the only one with this problem. While the keyboard seems to be very well designed overall, there is clearly something just a little out of alignment somewhere when dealing with some h5400 series iPAQs. I took the keyboard to CompUSA to try it out on the h5455 display model, but because of the way their security cables are mounted, it wouldn't slide on. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-06.jpg" /> Figure 6: The "inside" of the keyboard showing the connector. You can also see the reset hole and headphone jack access in this photo. During regular use, the single most annoying issue with this keyboard is the layout of punctuation. All punctuation -- even common things like the period, comma, exclamation point, and question mark -- require the use of the Fn key. To make matters worse, with the exception of the period and comma, none of the punctuation characters are even remotely close to where they'd be on a standard keyboard. The @ symbol, for example, which is the shifted state of the 2 key on a traditional QWERTY keyboard, is all the way on the other side of this keyboard on the L key. Likewise, the asterisk, normally on the 8 key, is on the extreme left side of the keyboard on the A key. Can it get worse? Why yes, yes it can! Some punctuation has been omitted entirely! Want to use a semicolon? You can't. What about an ampersand? Nope. Believe it or not, some people actually do use a semicolon in normal, everyday writing; it's not that uncommon. ;) And what about the ampersand? Many people would be using this keyboard for instant messaging where it's common practice to abbreviate words and phrases. What better way to cut out some characters than by replacing all the "ands" with "&"? :? I realize there are many sacrifices which must be made when designing a device of this size, but it seems as though some designer closed his or her eyes, pointed to a key, and assigned a random character to it. The only characters which have any logical grouping at all are the math-related *, /, +, -, and = keys. Additionally, the hyphen (-) and underscore (_) characters look identical on the keys, so new users will no doubt enter the wrong one at least a couple times while getting acquainted with this keyboard. I also realized that there's a Ctrl key that allows you to access exactly one character -- the British Pound symbol. Why they couldn't have made the "missing" punctuation characters available using this key is a mystery. Although the keyboard does have cursor control keys, they do not perfectly replicate the function of the directional pad which is hidden under the keyboard. The keys did not move the paddle in Bust-Em! and didn't pan the map in Pocket EverQuest II as the D-pad does. The keys aren't in a good layout for gaming, anyway, so while this will likely frustrate gamers, it probably will not come as much of a surprise to them, either. I also noticed a severe lag in touchscreen response in Pocket EQ II while the driver was active, whether the keyboard was attached or not. Exiting the game and disabling the driver made this problem go away. I should note that the Stowaway driver does not do this. Finally, as has been noted by other people writing about this keyboard, there is one particular set of circumstances which lead to an infuriating Catch-22. What do you do if you use the BioSwipe security feature along with an extended battery? To get to the BioSwipe scanner, you must remove the keyboard, but to remove the keyboard, you must first remove the extended battery! D'oh! This likely won't be an issue for the majority of users, but is certainly something to be aware of. Where To Buy The Hewlett-Packard Slim Keyboard can be purchased from <a href="http://www.dpcomputerstore.com/banner_img/?click-1055536082-1054922824">Dream Pages</a> (affiliate link) for a price of US$59.95. Specifications The keyboard itself measures approximately 5.75 inches by 3.5 inches by 0.5 inch. (14.6 cm x 8.89 cm x 1.27 cm) Except for length, it is the same size as the CoverPAQ which ships with the newer iPAQs. When attached, it adds approximately .25 inch (.6 cm) to the bottom of the iPAQ and approximately 1 ounce to the weight. This keyboard can be used with the iPAQ 3800, 3900, and h5000 series. It cannot be used with the 1900 series or the new h2200 series iPAQs as neither of these can accept expansion packs. Because it slides onto an iPAQ like an expansion sleeve does, you cannot use this keyboard in conjunction with a sleeve of any kind. <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-07.jpg" /> Figure 7: This photo shows how little the keyboard adds to the thickness of the iPAQ. It's the same thickness as a CoverPAQ. Conclusions Aside from my complaints about key layout and minor gripes about the driver, I am very pleased with this keyboard. I find myself using it much more than I thought I would. I don't use it much while I'm away from the house, though, since I can't use my Vaja case with it. Download this Review If you'd like to download this review for reading offline, <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/HP_Slim_Kb_Review.rgo">here it is in RepliGo format</a> (File size: 183 KB)! You can view the RepliGo file on your Pocket PC or Windows PC using Cerience's free <a href="http://www.repligo.com/">RepliGo viewers</a>. For reading in "Flowed" view on your Pocket PC, I recommend a font size of "Smaller" or "Smallest." <a href="http://www.repligo.com/"><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/repligo_button.gif" /></a>

Ed Hansberry

07-23-2003, 05:12 PM

Download this Review
If you'd like to download this review for reading offline, here it is in RepliGo format (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/HP_Slim_Kb_Review.rgo) (File size: 182 KB)! You can view the RepliGo file on your Pocket PC or Windows PC using Cerience's free RepliGo viewers (http://www.repligo.com/). For reading in "Flowed" view on your Pocket PC, I recommend a font size of "Smaller" or "Smallest."
Now that is awesome. Repligoed and will read it at lunch today. :way to go:

Jeff Rutledge

07-23-2003, 05:19 PM

Paul P

07-23-2003, 05:29 PM

Great review, thanks. Quick question for you, have you encountered instances where after turning ipaq off the keyboard would stop working? I have had that happen sometimes and it usually requires a reset for the keyboard to start working again. Thanks.

Dave Beauvais

07-23-2003, 05:40 PM

... have you encountered instances where after turning ipaq off the keyboard would stop working? ...
I have had that happen a few times, but simply disconnecting and reattaching the keyboard fixed it without requiring a soft reset. You'd just have to lift the keyboard off the connector just enough to disconnect them, then pop it back in. This also seems like a driver-related thing. It would be nice if HP would put up a page on their site for this keyboard so at least we'd have some hope that a driver update could be made available... :roll:

Also, as of today, I still have received no reply from HP regarding Windows Mobile 2003 compatibility. Since I don't have the update for my h5455 yet, I cannot test this myself at this time.

--Dave

David Prahl

07-23-2003, 06:15 PM

Wonderful job, Dave! :way to go:

Has anyone heard of a similar solution for the Axim X5? I don't want to de-rail this "comments" board, so please direct me to another discussion if one is already in progress.

Why is it we hardly ever hear any rumors from Dell? :cry:

mpovolo2

07-23-2003, 06:24 PM

Any ideas on how to carry the combined package, or is it too large to carry everywhere?

thanks

jeremyweisser

07-23-2003, 06:34 PM

Still does not work with WM 2003 and the hp rep i spoke with yesterday says he has no idea when a new driver will be released that supports 2k3.

SHoTTa35

07-23-2003, 06:53 PM

awww, that sux.... no .lit format? Hey Jason, can i make it in .LIT format for all those who want it cuz i have reader works pro (still learning it) as well as the reader plugin for Word that can convert all this to .LIT on the fly! I'd much rather .LIT for the simple fact that i refuse to use anything non-MS :D (don't know don't ask!) I know i could do it without your consent for my own personal use but figured i'd ask anyways :-D (or can you do it and make it available for all of us who only read in .LIT :D

Dave Beauvais

07-23-2003, 06:53 PM

Any ideas on how to carry the combined package, or is it too large to carry everywhere?
I'm not aware of any actual Pocket PC cases that could easily fit the iPAQ/keyboard combo due to the extra length that it adds. However, I'm sure you could find a slim case for a camera that might work. As I said at the end of the review, though, I don't often use the keyboard while I'm out because I have no convenient way to carry it. I suppose you could get an adhesive clip from The Clip (http://www.theclip.com/) and attach it to the back, but I've never liked the idea of my equipment being that exposed to the world.

Still does not work with WM 2003 and the hp rep i spoke with yesterday says he has no idea when a new driver will be released that supports 2k3.
Thanks for mentioning that. At least they're talking to somebody. ;)

--Dave

Dave Beauvais

07-23-2003, 07:01 PM

awww, that sux.... no .lit format? ...
Actually, there is a Reader format, but I removed the link from the review because I personally think RepliGo works much better for things like this. If you want the Reader file, however, it's here (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/HP_Slim_Kb_Review.lit).

--Dave

SHoTTa35

07-23-2003, 07:15 PM

well.. i got mine down to 300KB with Word and then using readerworks it was down to 266KB :D oh well, lemme see which looks better ;)

Dave Beauvais

07-23-2003, 07:30 PM

Ed Hansberry

07-23-2003, 07:43 PM

I'd really like to try to keep the discussion centered on the HP Slim Keyboard, not the file formats the review is available in... :) Though I'm thrilled that you folks like the RepliGo version!
Great review. SOrry about the format issue. I started it. ;) I agree - Repligo is the way to go here - it works on so many platforms, not just the Pocket PC. :D Oh, and it is so much faster. Ok, end of that. Any subsequent format discussion gets moved. :idontthinkso:

That aside, this whole thing about the keyboard missing the "&" key and a few others? That is a major deal breaker for me. How many here use symbols in their network passwords? If you didn't raise your hand, shame on you (http://news.com.com/2100-1009_3-5053063.html?tag=fd_lede2_hed). If I have to reach for a stylus to log in, to my VPN server, terminal server or file shares, I'd just as soon stick with the stylus. And putting other symbols in non-standard places? Ugh.

hopeful797

07-23-2003, 08:57 PM

will it work with the 3600 series upgraded to pocket pc 2002 or is there something different in the connectors?

thanks,
ic

lonesniper

07-23-2003, 08:58 PM

It cannot be used with the 1900 series or the new h2200 series iPAQs as neither of these can accept expansion packs.
Anyone know if HP are going to release a thumb keyboard for the 2200 series??? I posted this question on the forum yesterday night but have got no responses yet :cry:
A thumb keyboard is the deciding factor in getting a 2200 series unit, as I love the size and BT. Would be great for email on the bus.

Thanks.
Colin

Dave Beauvais

07-23-2003, 09:22 PM

will it work with the 3600 series upgraded to pocket pc 2002 or is there something different in the connectors?
No, it will not work with a 3600 series iPAQ. The sync connector is wider on the 3800, 3900, and h5000 series iPAQs, so it won't physically fit a 3600/3700 series iPAQ.

--Dave

kagayaki1

07-23-2003, 10:29 PM

kagayaki1

07-23-2003, 10:33 PM

Jimmy Dodd

07-23-2003, 10:56 PM

How many here use symbols in their network passwords? If you didn't raise your hand, shame on you (http://news.com.com/2100-1009_3-5053063.html?tag=fd_lede2_hed).

Well, maybe I do, and maybe I don't, but I'm certainly not telling you!:idontthinkso:

lonesniper

07-23-2003, 10:56 PM

It cannot be used with the 1900 series or the new h2200 series iPAQs
Anyone know if HP are going to release a thumb keyboard for the 2200 series??? ........... Would be great for email on the bus.

I believe the dual slots and size tradeoff is well worth it to justify propping my new Stowaway XT on my lap and making it work. Don't forget - the new one doesn't bend in the middle!
I know the Stowaway XT is a good solution, but on London Buses (where I spend my winters :cry:) we are packed in like cattle and do not have the room. I also want something that I can move around with easily when changing buses etc.

kevhead

07-24-2003, 04:01 AM

Im have a strange problem. Seems the Slim Keyboard has caused a hard reset of my iPAQ 5455 three times today (Just bought it today).

Just removed the keyboard and the damn thing resets and im back to factory settings.

Any ideas?

Kevin

Pony99CA

07-24-2003, 06:10 AM

That aside, this whole thing about the keyboard missing the "&" key and a few others? That is a major deal breaker for me. How many here use symbols in their network passwords? If you didn't raise your hand, shame on you (http://news.com.com/2100-1009_3-5053063.html?tag=fd_lede2_hed). If I have to reach for a stylus to log in, to my VPN server, terminal server or file shares, I'd just as soon stick with the stylus. And putting other symbols in non-standard places? Ugh.
All of the four-row keyboards, including the Stowaway XT, suffer from these problems. I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- why don't any thumb boards have five rows of keys?

In fact, I've said it enough that I just wrote a rant about rethinking small keyboard design (http://thoughts.svpocketpc.com/#THOUGHT_THUMBBOARD_ROWS).

Yes, the keyboard would be a little taller, but I think the tradeoff would be more than worthwhile.

Steve

Dave Beauvais

07-24-2003, 07:36 AM

Cyberjoy

07-24-2003, 10:04 AM

I have an iPAQ 5550 (ofcourse with Windows Mobile 2003) and this keyboard works great. Is it only the upgraded 3970's on which this keyboard does not work?

Wouter.

kevhead

07-24-2003, 02:14 PM

... Just removed the keyboard and the damn thing resets and im back to factory settings. ...
Wow... never saw that happen. Have you tried just installing the keyboard driver after one of the hard resets, or do you install other stuff, too? Whatever the case, that obviously shouldn't be happening. If it happens after a hard reset with no other software installed besides the driver, I would not hesitate to return or exchange it for another one. Sorry about your bad experience.

--Dave

Looks like I may have solved the reset issue. Seems it "MAY" have been caused by a piece of software (Ras monitor) and the fact I was trying to use the data port.

After the last reset I didnt install the ras monitor and no more problems.

BUT... It looks like this slim keyboard does NOT allow for pass-through Data when the keyboard is activated. Or at least it doesnt allow for my cell phone cable to work when the keyboard is activated (a real deal breaker!!!).

K

Dave Beauvais

07-24-2003, 06:25 PM

I have an iPAQ 5550 (ofcourse with Windows Mobile 2003) and this keyboard works great. ...
Nice to know; thanks for the report! BTW, did yours come with driver version 1.18, as well?

... After the last reset I didnt install the ras monitor and no more problems. ... BUT... It looks like this slim keyboard does NOT allow for pass-through Data when the keyboard is activated. ...
That's too bad, but I kinda figured that was the case. I alluded to that in the review when I mentioned that my Stowaway keyboard didn't work when the iPAQ and Slim Keyboard were plugged into it. Seems they only allow charging and ActiveSync through the connector even when the keyboard is disabled, which is really too bad.

--Dave

Cyberjoy

07-24-2003, 08:18 PM

ctmagnus

07-24-2003, 08:38 PM

Great review. SOrry about the format issue. I started it. ;) I agree - Repligo is the way to go here - it works on so many platforms, not just the Pocket PC. :D Oh, and it is so much faster. Ok, end of that. Any subsequent format discussion gets moved. :idontthinkso:

What about the format of the keyboard? :twak:

Seriously, though: Would it be possible to have the picture of the keyboard layout linked to a higher-res, clearer picture?

Dave Beauvais

07-24-2003, 09:33 PM

Tom_Gilheany

07-25-2003, 01:53 AM

A few additional notes after playing with this the last few weeks:

Pro: Includes keyboard cover.
Includes an Esc key (Can generate full set of keystrokes, including Euro-sign, dollar-sign, & UK Pound-Sign).
Works with h5555 (contrary to accessory guide).
Very friendly flash/install program.
Fairly decent styling
Allows access to battery for changing, and can use extended battery.
Small hole near 'Z' and 'X' allows built-in microphone pass-through.
Holes in bottom allow for use of headphone jack and system-reset button by stylus.
Cover can be changed from left-hand to right-hand.
h5555 with keyboard still fits in factory belt-clip/case.
You can re-map the applications buttons.
Adobe PDF format manual supplied (readable via Pocket Acrobat reader, though probably sub-optimal).
Con: Alignment not great on sleeve (doesn't just click in place, you have to push bottom down so connectors meet).
Install CD-ROM didn't work with my Win 2000 SP1 laptop (worked okay with Win XP at home).
Not recognized as an expansion pack (Uses serial connector, rather than expansion-pack connector).
Cannot be used with expansion packs (unlike previous, larger keyboard that only snapped on front).
Need to manually start the driver (similar to other serial-keypads).
Key layout, especially arrow-keys & symbol-keys might be improved.
Covers up fingerprint reader. (probably can't be helped).
Overall Rating:
8) 8) 8) 8) (4 out of 5 smileys).

-->Tom

Stephen Beesley

07-25-2003, 03:35 PM

Very very nice looking keyboard solution. In another thread I lamented the fact that nobody seemed to have come up with a solution as integrated as the old Jornada pocket keyboard - well now it seem that HP has come through again. I particularly like that it combines the keyboard with a screen cover - again like on the Jornada keyboard.

Still I think I would prefer the solution used in the Sharp Linux PDA with the retractable thumboard.

Goldtee

Dave Beauvais

07-26-2003, 11:25 PM

... Would it be possible to have the picture of the keyboard layout linked to a higher-res, clearer picture?
After I get Photoshop installed tonignt, I'll edit to review to link to a larger image. (Had to rebuild my damn laptop a couple days ago... :grumble:)
Review edited to include a larger close-up of the keys. The image in the review is now a link to this larger photo (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/beauvais-jul03-hp_slim_kb-04_large.jpg). Hope that helps!

--Dave

ChristopherTD

07-28-2003, 08:52 AM

Thanks for the review, Dave.

I took my keyboard on a trip for two weeks where I mostly used the 5450 to read books. I had mapped the Calendar key to be "Next Page" and I notice that the ink has worn off that key already. Probably because of my finger remaining poised on it for long periods! No real problem for that key, but I wonder if you used it extensively whether the other keys would become invisible?

Anyone else noticed wear?

Dave Beauvais

07-28-2003, 09:31 PM

Hmm... I haven't had that happen with mine yet, though I apparently don't use it in quite the same way as you. It would be a shame if the paint wears off that easily from the letter keys. (Especially since the punctuation is so scattered about!) ;)

--Dave

rtrueman

07-30-2003, 08:51 PM

I have an iPAQ 5550 (ofcourse with Windows Mobile 2003) and this keyboard works great. Is it only the upgraded 3970's on which this keyboard does not work?

Wouter.

Who reported that it doesn't work with an upgraded 3970? I assume upgraded means to Windows Mobile 2003...

Rob

dhettel

08-05-2003, 01:26 PM

Seems to be a serious problem with this keyboard driver. Try plugging in your GPS, with the driver **disabled** and an upgraded 5455 to WM2003. No Keyboard attached, driver disabled, and an active GPS. The driver opens calendar, and starts setting up appointment for you. This driver does not shut down when disabled.

--
David

ctmagnus

08-05-2003, 05:47 PM

Try plugging in your GPS, with the driver **disabled** and an upgraded 5455 to WM2003. No Keyboard attached, driver disabled, and an active GPS. The driver opens calendar, and starts setting up appointment for you. This driver does not shut down when disabled.

Well, that's one shortcut to create a new appointment. ;)

cgavula

08-22-2003, 05:35 PM

Here's what I've seen so far:

The keyboard basically works with my 5555 too, but the GPS problem is because the keyboard uses serial port COM1: as do most serial connection GPS solutions. The driver for the keyboard usually does NOT disable even when you tell it to. I have this same problem with my 5455 running PPC 2002 so I don't believe it's a WM 2003 problem. The driver simply has issues.

Also - under WM 2003 (on the 5555) if you power the PPC off and then back on, it doesn't seem to see the keyboard about half the time. Entering the keyboard software and exiting it seems to trip it into seeing the keyboard again.

--Chris

Dave Beauvais

11-24-2003, 03:36 AM

Just to let anyone know who may be interested, HP has just released driver v1.26 (http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/HandheldiPAQ/us/download/19779.html) for this keyboard. It adds support for Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC as well as correcting some bugs in the original release on the CD that I used during the review. According to the release notes, this driver resolves one of the problems I noted in the review. Namely, key presses are not interpreted as activity which means the screen backlight or even the entire iPAQ could turn off if you didn't tap the screen occasionally.

I'm glad they finally released a WM2003-compatible driver, but am very annoyed that it took so long to do so.

Wyzard

11-25-2003, 04:16 AM

Well, I recently upgraded from my Jornada 575 to an Ipaq 5555. I used my Pocket Keyboard with my Jornada all the time, especially late at night in bed. Which meant, I needed to see the keys. It's too bad the Slim Keyboard does not provide a backlight for it's keys.
Oh well. Guess it's a good tradeoff with having a brighter screen on the Ipaq.
Cheers!