Stowaway Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard FINALLY Here!

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/stowaway-bt.html' target='_blank'>http://www.thinkoutside.com/product...towaway-bt.html</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20040527_btkb.gif" /> <br /><br />"The Stowaway Bluetooth Keyboard is the perfect productivity companion to your smart phone, PDA, Tablet, Media Center PC or notebook – almost any device that has Bluetooth supports this hot new product! With its genuine full-size keyboard with 18 mm spacing, the Stowaway Bluetooth Keyboard allows you to quickly type email, memos, or surf the web in optimum comfort." The keyboard is compatible with most Bluetooth PDAs and Smart Phones, including the following Pocket PCs:<br /><br />• iPAQ 194x, 221x, 415x, 435x (Series 5000 is being tested)<br />• Dell Axim x3<br />• ASUS MyPal A620<br />• Motorola MPx (8) )<br />• XDA, XDA II (MDA, MDA II, iMate, SX56, Qtek 1010 &amp; 2020, etc.)<br />• ANY PPC 2002 or WM2003 device with a Socket Bluetooth SD or CF card<br /><br />The compatible Smart Phones include many from Nokia, the Sony Ericsson P800 &amp; P900, and the Sendo X when it finally comes out. In addition to PPCs and phones, the keyboard is also compatible with most desktop, notebook and tablet computers running XP SP1 or Mac OS X. Both Microsoft and Logitech Bluetooth keyboard systems are supported, as are the Widcomm for Windows stack (version 1.4 or above), and the Drakar (Socket) Bluetooth stack (version 1.4.3). The price is $149 direct from Think Outside, and if you order before July 4th, you'll get free shipping. <br /><br />The lucky Gary Garland managed to get his hands on a review copy, and he just happened to <a href="http://www.gadgetaddict.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=3895#3895">write a few words about it on his site</a>. A choice excerpt: "...a bit heavier than the XT...It weighs 6.7 ounces, and that includes two AAA batteries. It has a lip on the top, made out of cheesiesh feeling plastic, probably a composite, that clicks into place, but isn't necessary to keep the unit closed, like with the IR version. When you unfold that "clamp" you pull the inside up until you have your UNIVERSAL POCKET PC stand. You then open the device in classic XT style, by pressing the subtle button on the left, and continue to unfold in classic style." <br /><br />Pretty cool, but I'm a bit disappointed that the number row is missing. Hopefully Darfon (the maker of the HP/Dell folding keyboard) will feel compelled to release a similar unit that leaves the number row intact. What do you think? Are you going to be first in line, or will you wait to see if something better comes along?

[Paladin27]

I have been waiting for bluetooth keyboards forever! I will probably buy this as soon as it comes out. I'm curious though, they state that it works with the T-Mobile/O2 XDA. The XDA doesn't have bluetooth nor does it have an SDIO slot to support a bluetooth card, so how exactly does it work with the XDA? I don't really care since I have an Ipaq h5555, but my roommate might with his Tmo XDA. :wink:

On a somewhat related note... WHY the heck doesn't someone make a bluetooth ergonomic keyboard!?!?! I prefer the split keyboard with my long fingers because I don't have to cramp up, but I want wireless and I don't want to have multiple receivers on all my computers. I have bluetooth Logitech mice on every PC I own, but I also have to have a freakin corded keyboard because nobody makes bluetooth ergo's. What's the holdup? :?

[huangzhinong]

crazy, no TT,TT2,TT3,ZIRE 72 and Clie support?

[johncruise]

Hmmm... it says on their website that it is compatible with "Any Pocket PC 2002 or Windows Mobile 2003 device with a Socket Bluetooth SD or CF card. "

Any reason why it won't be compatible with any Pocket PC with other brand of CF/SD BT card?

[foldedspace]

Sweet...finally an accessory for my Loox.

[omikron.sk]

Very sweet. 've been waiting for this gadget soooooooo long. Now if there only were a possibility to order it to Slovakia :mecry:

[freitasm]

Hmmm... it says on their website that it is compatible with "Any Pocket PC 2002 or Windows Mobile 2003 device with a Socket Bluetooth SD or CF card. "

Any reason why it won't be compatible with any Pocket PC with other brand of CF/SD BT card?

It also lists iPAQ and Dell.

[Craig Horlacher]

I can't understand why they keep using that new design for their keyboards. I liked the old design with a real full keyboard (including numbers) much better. The new one is thinner, that's it. How about a bluetooth adapter that works with my old $100.00 stowaway.

Oh well. I guess I'll have to get used to not having a real keyboard to type on. What annoyes me is they keep calling the new design "full sized". That is *false advertising*.

[JonnoB]

I am too lazy to look into it myself.... has anyone tried using a HID device like this with an iPaq and BT for lan at the same time?

[adamz]

I wonder how many devices you can pair it with and I wonder how you can switch between those multiple devices if such functionality is possible. If I could use it for my Media Center as well as Himalaya phone, but not both at the same time... then that would be cool.

[ricksfiona]

I can't understand why they keep using that new design for their keyboards. I liked the old design with a real full keyboard (including numbers) much better. The new one is thinner, that's it. How about a bluetooth adapter that works with my old $100.00 stowaway.

Oh well. I guess I'll have to get used to not having a real keyboard to type on. What annoyes me is they keep calling the new design "full sized". That is *false advertising*.

I totally agree. This is a sweet keyboard, but I hate 3-function keys. It totally slows me down when I type. Let's hope they have a full-size, foldable keyboard with BT in the near future.

[Zack Mahdavi]

I am too lazy to look into it myself.... has anyone tried using a HID device like this with an iPaq and BT for lan at the same time?

No, because no HID bluetooth driver is available for the Pocket PC yet. This Stowaway comes with its own driver. I'm also curious to know if they designed the driver so that it allows bluetooth to maintain connections with other bluetooth devices.

crazy, no TT,TT2,TT3,ZIRE 72 and Clie support?

My guess that they will be releasing a Palm branded one as usual. I'm not sure about the CLIE portion, though. Maybe their bluetooth driver isn't finished yet? [/quote]

[christak]

Did I read this right? $150.00??

Can't be... 8O

[surur]

This is why everyone should love bluetooth

• iPAQ 194x, 221x, 415x, 435x (Series 5000 is being tested)
• Dell Axim x3
• ASUS MyPal A620
• Motorola MPx ( )
• XDA, XDA II (MDA, MDA II, iMate, SX56, Qtek 1010 & 2020, etc.)
• ANY PPC 2002 or WM2003 device with a Socket Bluetooth SD or CF card
The compatible Smart Phones include many from Nokia, the Sony Ericsson P800 & P900, and the Sendo X when it finally comes out. In addition to PPCs and phones, the keyboard is also compatible with most desktop, notebook and tablet computers running XP SP1 or Mac OS X. Both Microsoft and Logitech Bluetooth keyboard systems are supported, as are the Widcomm for Windows stack (version 1.4 or above), and the Drakar (Socket) Bluetooth stack (version 1.4.3).

No other solution will have such a wide range of compatible devices, not just for connection, but also for form factor. It finally frees people from the vendor lock-in which is so rife if the pocketpc peripheral market. Why is it exactly that every pocketpc made by HTC has a different electrical pin-out, even when the physical pin-out is the same?

So hallelujah bluetooth-- you have finally arrived.

Surur

[LaserProUSA]

Mines on order, I can hardly wait.

I currently have and successfully use my Palm Wireless Keyboard with my TMobile MDAII/XDAII but choose to rarely use it due to there is no way to place the PDA/Phone into its cradle or even attach the power cable to allow for continued typing sessions. Without power the PDA/Phone simply drains to quickly. Not good for my line of work.

This will allow me to leave the PDA/Phone in its cradle and type to my hearts content. AWESOME!

Hurry up and ship my keyboard!

[palmsolo]

This ENRTech (http://www.enrtech.com/btkey.php) universal Bluetooth keyboard that I posted about a couple weeks ago on PDAgeek looks to have a dedicated number row and is listed in the latest Mobile Planet catalog as $129.99. I should be getting a review sample in June and look forward to seeing these keyboards finally hit the market, although I am still concerned about the ability to use the keyboard and get a connection to a Bluetooth phone at the same time.[/url]

[LaserProUSA]

All I could locate on Mobile Planet was the Bluetooth PDA Keyboard due for release in 4 weeks: http://www.mobileplanet.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=3715&pf%5Fid=MP600953&listing=1.

I would be interested in a keyboard that had the number keys but your posting gives no URL on Mobile Planet and the ENRTech site had very little itself with no release date or pricing.

More information would be apprecaited.

Louie.

[szamot]

Did I read this right? $150.00??

Can't be... 8O

Yep, considering there is a $199.00 devices on the horizon, $150 for a keyboard is truly a crime. It looks nice though.

[johncruise]

Hmmm... it says on their website that it is compatible with "Any Pocket PC 2002 or Windows Mobile 2003 device with a Socket Bluetooth SD or CF card. "

Any reason why it won't be compatible with any Pocket PC with other brand of CF/SD BT card?

It also lists iPAQ and Dell.

Maybe I should highlight the "with" on my previous text....

Any reason why it won't be compatible with any Pocket PC with other brand of CF/SD BT card? :)

[bdegroodt]

Did I read this right? $150.00??

Can't be... 8O

I found that to be a bit on the pricey side as well. Considering Apple sells their BT keyboard for $69, I have to wonder where the market research comes out on $150. Granted Apple's doesn't fold up into a cute little package like this one (and I don't even know if it works on a PPC, never tried), but they must be trying to make up in margin what they don't think they'll get in volume.

Cool that it's available though.

[intastella]

Anyone have any theories about whether or not this would work on a Toshiba e800 wifi that has a Toshiba Bluetooth SD card (version 2)?
8O

[joelevi]

...What annoyes me is they keep calling the new design "full sized". That is *false advertising*.

Yes and no... they've done a good job of explaining what they mean by the term "full sized" on their website.

To sum up, they have full-sized keys, per the general keyboard specifications.

I find typing on it (I've had the original StowAway and now the IR version) easy, but a bit frustrating to press (what I call) the blue or green "shift" keys to get special characters and numbers. It's easy to do, just different.

I'd also like to see an ergo BT keyboard, sure it's unfolded footprint would be bigger, but folded up it could be made about the same. That's what I'll hold out for. (just my two bits)

[palmsolo]

I only saw the ENR Tech one in the print magazine and not online. I contacted the company directly for the release info. Sorry, I don't have anymore info.

[Brad Adrian]

crazy, no TT,TT2,TT3,ZIRE 72 and Clie support?
And that bothers you? ;)

[huangzhinong]

crazy, no TT,TT2,TT3,ZIRE 72 and Clie support?
And that bothers you? ;)

Not at all.

[Stik]

" Axim Executive Keyboard. "

Owners manual anyone? :mrgreen:

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=423473&native_or_pdf=pdf

[Pony99CA]

I can't understand why they keep using that new design for their keyboards. I liked the old design with a real full keyboard (including numbers) much better. The new one is thinner, that's it.
I've said the same thing since they came out with the XT. In fact, I even wrote an editorial (http://thoughts.svpocketpc.com#THOUGHT_THUMBBOARD_ROWS) about it.

Let's make it clear to Think Outside -- WE WANT OUR NUMBER KEYS. In fact, if you agree, E-mail Think Outside &lt;[email protected]> a link to the editorial above.

Steve

[jimski]

Did I read this right? $150.00??

Can't be... 8O

I found that to be a bit on the pricey side as well................ but they must be trying to make up in margin what they don't think they'll get in volume.

Cool that it's available though.

I don't think so. Until someone comes out with a foldable kyeboard that includes a number row, my guess is this will be the best selling PDA keyboard of all time. One piece of hardware that can be made to be compatable with ever other piece of hardware using a driver.

I think the $150 price reflects their perception of what the market will bear. And unfortunately I think they are right. Most people will pay whatever it costs for a foldable Bluetooth keyboard.

He Dell, how about it. Want to try your hand a portable Bluetooth keyboards. $69.95 sounds about right.

[christak]

I'm happy it's available, but it's about twice what I will pay... I won't be buying one anytime soon -- You folks that really need 'em can have at it!!! And more power to you...
8)

[cmlpreston]

No iPAQ 3xxx support (sleeve or builtin BT)? (where XXX > 700, presumably).

Is that a hardware limitation??

cmlp

[Snail]

At last - the beginning of the end for manufacturer-specific peripherals!

Not for me yet though... add a number row, and drop the price below $100, and I'll be there!

[Pony99CA]

At last - the beginning of the end for manufacturer-specific peripherals!
Dream on! :lol: Items like batteries, styli, cradles, sync cables, screen protectors and power adapters will still be manufacturer-specific. Those accessories probably generate too much revenue to standardize them. :-(

Steve

[fmcpherson]

Did I read this right? $150.00??

Can't be... 8O

I found that to be a bit on the pricey side as well. Considering Apple sells their BT keyboard for $69, I have to wonder where the market research comes out on $150. Granted Apple's doesn't fold up into a cute little package like this one (and I don't even know if it works on a PPC, never tried), but they must be trying to make up in margin what they don't think they'll get in volume.

Cool that it's available though.

Because they know there will be people like me that will fork over the $150 because they are the only ones with this type of keyboard. If you factor in that it folds up into a really small size and that you will be able to use this with most Bluetooth-capable PDAs and cell phones, I will be able to use this keyboard much longer than the original Stowaway that I bought for the original iPAQ.

[christak]

Did I read this right? $150.00??

Can't be... 8O

I found that to be a bit on the pricey side as well. Considering Apple sells their BT keyboard for $69, I have to wonder where the market research comes out on $150. Granted Apple's doesn't fold up into a cute little package like this one (and I don't even know if it works on a PPC, never tried), but they must be trying to make up in margin what they don't think they'll get in volume.

Cool that it's available though.

Because they know there will be people like me that will fork over the $150 because they are the only ones with this type of keyboard. If you factor in that it folds up into a really small size and that you will be able to use this with most Bluetooth-capable PDAs and cell phones, I will be able to use this keyboard much longer than the original Stowaway that I bought for the original iPAQ.

...and I truly hope you enjoy using it!!

I don't need/want one that bad... I had the old Stowaway with my 3630 and 3950, but really only used it when I traveled and found I could really do without it.

People have different needs...
8)

[silentmuse]

So my question is - does the keyboard come with that little PDA stand that is shown in the picture?

[bdegroodt]

So my question is - does the keyboard come with that little PDA stand that is shown in the picture?

Says it does in the specs.

[huangzhinong]

I paid $27(shipping fee included) in ebay for thinkoutside ipaq XT keyboard. I don't know how can they sell me so cheap, it is brand new in sealed orginal package with the orginal warranty.

I hope I can find the same deal in ebay soon for this keyboard. :D

Yes, forget to mention, XT keyboard has no number key, which is really pain to me.

[ctmagnus]

Yes, forget to mention, XT keyboard has no number key, which is really pain to me.

That's what's holding me back. :(

[Zack Mahdavi]

Looks like Gary over at gadgetaddict.com has added a bunch of photos of the device. It's beginning to look better and better..

I think I'll wait for the price to drop below $100 before I buy.