Preview Of The Stowaway IR Keyboard

[Ed Hansberry]

<a href="http://www.gadgetaddict.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=629">http://www.gadgetaddict.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=629</a><br /><br />"I just got my brand new Stowaway IR keyboard about 6 minutes ago. Here are some first impressions while I'm waiting for the drivers to install to my iPAQ."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/hansberry/2003/20031125-stowawayir.jpg" /><br /><br />You can read more at the Gadget Addict site.

[David Prahl]

(Hopefully) we'll be getting a review of the keyboard here at PPCT, too.

[toxostoma]

I want to see a bluetooth keyboard. It seems like the perfect use of the technology!

I know that bluetooth is a relatively power-conservative wireless connectivity technology (compared to WI-FI for example), but does anyone know how it would compare to IR? Would Bluetooth use more, less, or the same amount of power that IR would?

[24va]

Was about to complain about this company, still not too happy with them but just got shipment confirmation.

[kagayaki1]

I've had the same kind of frustration when dealing directly with ThinkOutside on a purchase (remember the old 3800 connectors?), but I had to remember that their main function is as a manufacturer, not a retailer. That's why they enter licensing agreements with people like Targus and Fellowes. So, if you're dealing direct, be patient! They do come through!

I'm a little disappointed that this review doesn't touch on the primary PPC users of this keyboard - they long orphaned 1900 series HPs! Anyone have any comments on operation with it? I know the IR is on the side of these, which shouldn't affect anything - just curious how the end result came out.

It is the time to be watching for gift ideas, you know :wink:

[Gary Garland, Esq.]

Since I "trashed" them a bit, I thought I should be fair and point out the keyboard will work the PPC AND Palm - just load the appropriate driver - that's nice value.
I also wrote up a piece on the Gadget Addict site about how manufacturers are having a tough time with pricing - dropping PPC prices mean peripherals have to be cheap or they won't get sold - long gone are the days of spending $100 for a keyboard when your PPC is $149...