ThinkOutside Stowaway Wireless Review

[Jordan Rosenwald]

<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/stowaway-wireless.jpg" /> <br /><br /><b>Product Category:</b> Input device<br /><b>Manufacturer:</b> <a href="http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/stowaway-infrared-ppc.html">ThinkOutside</a><br /><b>Where to Buy:</b> <a href="http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/stowaway-infrared-ppc.html">ThinkOutside</a><br /><b>Price:</b> $69.99<br /><b>System Requirements:</b> 244k RAM.<br /><b>Specifications:</b> Works with most current PDAs. Check their site for complete compatibility list.<br /><br /><b>Pros:</b><li>Very compact and well built;<br /><li>Very responsive;<br /><li>Natural ''laptop keyboard" feel.<b>Cons:</b><li>No dedicated number keys;<br /><li>Slight wearing at joint.<b>Summary:</b><br />No one wants to have to buy a new keyboard every time they buy a new PDA. IR keyboards try to save us that expense, but at what cost of convenience? The ThinkOutside IR Keyboard might be the one to overcome this obstacle.<br /><br />Read on for the full review!<!><br /><PAGEBREAK><br /><span><b>Out Of The Box</b></span> <br />I don't know if it was because this was a demonstration unit or not, but there wasn't much to the box to show, just plain and brown. I'm going to guess that the commercially sold units will have something more exciting, but boxes aren't why we're here anyway. Inside the box is the keyboard, an attractive leather zip case, an <i>extremely</i> concise user manual, two AAA batteries, and a CD with the drivers.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jordan-mar04-thinkoutsideir-2.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 1: Pretty simple, right out of the box.</i><br /><br /><span><b>First Impressions</b></span> <br />I've tried other IR keyboards in the past and found them extremely lacking as an input method. They were rather slow, difficult to setup and often lost the correct angle for the IR to communicate. So, some time ago, I decided that the Stowaway keyboard was the best route for me. However, due to the relative size and complexity of setup (why is there an adapter plug for attaching my iPAQ 3955 to a keyboard?) I've found that I use my Stowaway with less and less frequency. <br /><br />Then I saw this new IR offering from the same people that had brought me my reliable, if not a little to bulky, Stowaway. I had high hopes for this IR keyboard, and my first impressions seemed to only confirm these hopes.<br /><br />I popped the batteries into the keyboard and loaded the drivers. As one would expect, especially if they've used a ThinkOutside product before, I was up and running in no time.<br /><br /><span><b>Software</b></span> <br />There isn't too much different here for those that have used ThinkOutside keyboards before. For those that haven't I'll run through the screens. The options screen is broken into tabs. The first is Config, which gives you the ability to enable/disable the driver, show a caps/num lock notification on the top of your screen, show a keyboard icon on your Today screen, and fine tune key repeat rate and key repeat delays. <br />The Hot-Key tab is where you can configure hot-key combinations to quickly launching applications that are not already defined on the keyboard.<br /><br />The IR tab has two checkboxes. One makes the IR keyboard a bit more friendly when you use other IR applications. The other simply activates/deactivates the IR Keyboard.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jordan-mar04-thinkoutsideir-3.gif" /> <br /><i>Figure 2: Familiar software interface.</i> <br /><br /><span><b>Use Over Time</b></span><br />Like all things new, there is an adjustment period. With the ThinkOutside IR keyboard, that adjustment time is rather reduced due to familiarly shaped and spaced keys. Anyone who has ever typed on a laptop before will likely find the tactile feel of the keys to be rather similar. The largest exception to that is the absence of the fourth row of keys, the number row. Instead, the keyboard makes use of not one, but two Fn keys, one blue and one green. The blue function key is held down while hitting a letter in the top row to get a number; Fn + q = 1, Fn + t = 2, etc. The combination of a top row key plus the green Fn key gives you the symbols you'd expect from a typical shift-number combination; Fn + 3 = #, Fn + 7 = &amp;, etc. There's no question this take some getting used to, but for my day to day typing, which involves what I would consider a normal amount of numerical entry, I've found it pretty acceptable. If you are someone who does a decent amount of number entry, there is a numlock function, but there are no keys laid out like a number pad.<br /><br /><b><span>Conclusions</span></b> <br />I've now had the keyboard for a few weeks, using it about once to three times a week for an hour or so at a stretch, and I have to say I love it. This is precisely the level of compromise I'm comfortable with making to have a quick and familiar input method. The keyboard is easy to port around in my laptop bag (work requires the laptop so no way to make the switch to just using a PDA). The setup and breakdown of the keyboard is quick and effective. The feel of the keys allow me to actually type for a long duration if need be. All in all, I think ThinkOutside has a serious winner on their hands.

[gorkon280]

I don't want IR. Where are all of the little Bluetooth keyboards? BT is the way to go because you could probably also use it with your PC as well! :D

Also confirmed my thoughts on the hinge..it's fragile.

[Jordan Rosenwald]

Let me be very clear on the hinge.
It is not fragile and I am not concerned about it breaking. I only pointed out that it showed some signs of wear after a few uses. Meaning that the plastic rubbed. After using the keyboard, what I would consider "moderately," for serveral weeks, I've seen no additional wearing on the hinge.

[Zack Mahdavi]

Very nice review.

My first keyboard was a Stowaway for my Palm IIIxe. I liked it a lot, but then I upgraded to an m505. Guess what? Different connector on the two handhelds. So I bought a Stowaway XT. Another great keyboard... I loved it as well.

But then I bought an iPaq.. yet another connector. I don't upgrade handhelds frequently, but when I do, I'm always forced to sell my old Stowaway on ebay and buy a new one.

I'm glad Think Outside introduced this IR keyboard, because it will always work with any handheld that has IR. That's what makes it great... you don't have to upgrade every time you buy a new handheld.

However, I'm going to wait for the Bluetooth Stowaway which Think Outside says will come out in May..

[cptpoland]

Great review, which actually got me thinking :wink: and I came up with a couple of questions.... more software based than anything.

1. Does the keyboard driver become an extra input method? Meaning when your keyboard is connected, and you open a new word doc, does the regular soft keyboard pops up on the screen?

2. I would assume that there is no power through connection on the keyboard, since it is for practicaly any pda. Now when you are typing a long doc, does your backlight turn off after a specified time (in settings), which makes you tap the screen to get it back on again?

I had the PocketTop IR keyboard untill they started charging for drivers, and had experienced the issue with the second question which was realy annoing.

Mac

[Wiggster]

1. Does the keyboard driver become an extra input method? Meaning when your keyboard is connected, and you open a new word doc, does the regular soft keyboard pops up on the screen?
If it doesn't, there's a great "External Keyboard" input in PHM PowerToys (http://www.phm.lu/Products/PocketPC/PowerToys/). It keeps any keyboard from appearing on your screen, and still works with the autocomplete.


2. I would assume that there is no power through connection on the keyboard, since it is for practicaly any pda. Now when you are typing a long doc, does your backlight turn off after a specified time (in settings), which makes you tap the screen to get it back on again?

I had the PocketTop IR keyboard untill they started charging for drivers, and had experienced the issue with the second question which was realy annoing.
Yes, I got tired of that with my Targus keyboard... let's see what Jordan has to say :mrgreen:

[Jordan Rosenwald]

Great questions guys. Sorry I missed such simple points.
The keyboard does show up as new input method. So when you bring up a new Word doc, for example, no input method panel pops up to take up screen space. If you look at figure 2 you'll see what the input method icon looks like.

As for the backlight turning off, I believe the constant input over the IR port acts as a "keep alive" for the screen. I typed long documents and the backlight never went off.

I think that answers both questions. Let me know if I missed anything.

[ignar]

Great review. I've had mine for a few months and love it. I've tried many PDA keyboards including original Stowaway, GoType, Targus IR, Stowaway XT (Non-wireless), Pocketop, and more and this is the best keyboard in terms of touch feel as well as portability.

[Kacey Green]

sorry if I repeat anything i haven't read the whole thread yet


1. Does the keyboard driver become an extra input method? Meaning when your keyboard is connected, and you open a new word doc, does the regular soft keyboard pops up on the screen?
Mac

yes, it's a small bar with three or four icons
you can have no bar if you have the free pocket plus installed



2. I would assume that there is no power through connection on the keyboard, since it is for practicaly any pda. Now when you are typing a long doc, does your backlight turn off after a specified time (in settings), which makes you tap the screen to get it back on again?


Mac
yes the backlight will turn off but you can turn it back on by pressin any key or key combo except Fn+Backspace

all answers based on the thikoutside keyboard for the ipaq

[Kacey Green]

yes, it's a small bar with three or four icons
you can have no bar if you have the free pocket plus installed


sorry the nome of the prgam is as adwignall said PHM PowerToys
plus is a different program by the same people

[mr_yellow]

Hey guys,

FYI, i emailed stowaway and asked about the BT version of the stowaway...

apparently they're aiming for a late june release date.. I believe the BT version will be setup similar to the stowaway XT so it will be smaller than the IR version(when folded up).

anyways, just thought i'd share the info.

[Vash]

Hey, I was just wondering if anyone in the forums new if the Stowaway IR ThinkOutside keyboard was compatable with the ASUS a716. If you know please post about it. Thanks!!!

[joelevi]

I'm a colllege student in addition to a full-time computer geek and use this keyboard on my iPaq 4155 (or my wife's iPaq 3835 while my iPaq is at HP getting repaired, but don't even get me started about all the CRAP HP has put me through regarding both these devices)...

I type all my class notes using the keyboard and have even had a few classmates buy the same keyboard for either their Pocket PC or Palm (there is a separate keyboard for Palm devices that's in a matte gray plastic color which works just fine on my pocket pcs, and mine on his palm).

Works great. Battery life is fabulous (still running on the same triple-a's; included) for the whole semester.

[echernosky]

I can't decide whether to get the BT or the IR Stowaway.

What's the difference between the two for my 2215?

Ed

[Kacey Green]

you can't currently buy the BT model

[Zack Mahdavi]

I can't decide whether to get the BT or the IR Stowaway.

What's the difference between the two for my 2215?

Ed

No one really knows yet. Think Outside just announced that a Bluetooth version is coming in the form of the "Stowaway XT." I'm not sure if it will be the IR style or the real Stowaway XT keyboard style. We'll have to wait and see, I guess.

[bjornkeizers]

Excellent review Jordan. I bought one two months ago - it's amazing. I can use it with my palm and pocket pc, and it types just like a laptop keyboard; great seperation and travel. I've used it with every app on my Ipaq - Textmaker, word, excel, but also the emulators and the infocom game emulator!!

Regarding the packaging - the commercial units come in a plain brown cardboard box too, just so you know. But, who cares. It's a great keyboard, and I'd rather get a case then a nice plastic blister which takes a chainsaw to open.. :D

[Jordan Rosenwald]

Thanks for the kind words bjornkeizers and everyone else.
I completely agree about desiring a nicer case than a pretty shipping container. I have to say that the case the keyboard comes with is a pretty nice one. Seems to be showing no wear after several weeks of being toted around in my laptop bag.

[rgribbons]

With this keyboard or any other can you connect the power adapter to the ipaq while using the keyboard?
Is there any problems using this on a plane, is it difficult to keep the IR lineup with any moving around?

[erussell]

I have one for my Dell Axim X5. Works fine.

[Jordan Rosenwald]

rgribbons,
No you usually can't hook up your power cord, at least not easily. You could use screen orientation software to switch your PDA to landscape, then you might be able to keep the power cord plugged in at the same time.
As for using it on an airplane, barring any serious turbulence, I don't see why it would be a problem.

[bjornkeizers]

With this keyboard or any other can you connect the power adapter to the ipaq while using the keyboard?


Depends on what kind of device you have. I have an Ipaq 1915, with the IR port on the left side. I can put it in landscape and rotate the arm so my charging port is at the left side. Works pretty good. But, if you have a device with the IR port on top, or a large device, then you're out of luck.


Is there any problems using this on a plane, is it difficult to keep the IR lineup with any moving around?

Because the keyboard hinges in the middle, I wouldn't recommend using it in your lap. If you have a table or surface to put it on, I don't see why not. Remember that your device isn't secured in the keyboard, so if you have a smaller device or one with an odd shape (Ipaq 1915's rounded bottom) it could wobble around a bit.