Update for Stowaway Bluetooth Keyboard

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=2937' target='_blank'>http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.a...?contentid=2937</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Think Outside has just released updated drivers that allow the use of its keyboard with devices like XDAII, MDAII and i-mate Pocket PC Phone Edition. At the time we published <a href="http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=2903">our review</a> the available drivers were compatible with Widcomm and Socket Bluetooth stacks for Pocket PC. Since then, Think Outside has released a minor version, adding full support to devices using the Windows Mobile 2003 Phone Edition OS. This includes, as listed before, the XDAII, MDAII and i-mate Pocket PC Phone Edition."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20040620_btkeyboard.jpg" /> <br /><br />Great news! Now they just need to add that pesky number row and everyone will be happy! :| Seriously, is it just me, or do people just not want a number row these days?

[Stephen Beesley]

Sorry completley OT but does anybody know what the bottom today plug in is? The one with times for Sydney, New York and Wellington.

[ctmagnus]

That would be WorldMate (http://www.mobimate.com/worldmate/index2.shtml) :)

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

Great news! Now they just need to add that pesky number row and everyone will be happy! :| Seriously, is it just me, or do people just not want a number row these days?
I still own the original Stowaway for the iPaq. Think Outside could have sold me their keyboards at least a couple of times since then if they had included a number row...

As it is, I'm considering this BT version, but if it had a # row, I wouldn't think twice!

Of course, Targus has one with a miniature # row and a cursor pad, which I'm considering as well, but it's just not as cool!

[axe]

I'm considering this BT version, but if it had a # row, I wouldn't think twice!

While I think the price is a little high for the kybd, the fact that it is without a number row is an immediate VETO. I would buy in a sec an $80 BT kybd with the number row.

AXE

[ricksfiona]

I want my number key row!!!

[jfreiman]

I currently have a "Compaq" foldable keyboard with a number row and would not think of replacing it with a keyboard which doesn't have one.

I don't use numbers any more than the next guy/gal, but it's not just numbers were talking about, it's the $, @, %, *, ( ), &, some of out most loved non-alpha-numberic glyphs.

It's weird, people buy keyboards for their handheld devices to make input fast, easy and familiar - removing the number row defeats the purpose ALL of use purchased the keyboard for.

I want to iput EASIER and not have to "worry" or change my writing habilts because my keyboard is missing 13 keys.

[yankeejeep]

I think they may have opted to leave off the number row in order to acheive the smaller footprint without reducing key size. The compromise solution (having a key lock that converts the top row to numeric) probably works fine for someone who does minimal number work on their PPC. For those of us who do spreadsheet work, though, it is a pain in the butt. Instead of a num-lock for the top row, they should have designed in an embedded keypad that tied to num-lock like our notebooks have. It wouldn't have made things any bigger but would have made it more usable.

That aside, though, I prefer the Stowaway IR to the Targus IR for my e805. In portrait mode, the Targus wand does not swing down quite far enough to get a good line with the Toshiba's IR port and I have to carry something with me to goose the PPC up about half an inch in the brackets. I have no problem with the Stowaway in either landscape or portrait. And it is smaller, so when space is a consideration, the Stowaway always goes along for the ride.

[Phoenix]

See, for me, I guess I'll be playing the DA, but I don't mind not having the number row. On a laptop I would never go for that, of course, but on a portable keyboard like this, not having it doesn't bother me. I'm not going to be doing a lot of number crunching anyway, otherwise I'd rather have a numeric keypad added instead.

Not having the number row keeps the keyboard that much more compact, which I like.

[intastella]

Does anyone know if the Bluetooth keyboard would work on a Toshiba e800 wifi with a Toshiba SDIO bluetooth card?

Can't find any information on that specific card one way or the other.

:?:

[Paul]

Having a number row on a BT keyboard means instant purchase for me.

[ctmagnus]

The lack of a dedicated number row is the only thing holding me back, as well.

[Stephen Beesley]

That would be WorldMate (http://www.mobimate.com/worldmate/index2.shtml) :)

Thanks - looks like an interesting piece of software. So many today plug-ins so little screen space...

Just to bring my response back on topic :D

I think what is most interesting about this keyboard is not the keyboard itself, but that it will probably be the first of many bluetooth keyboards!

[Pony99CA]

I think they may have opted to leave off the number row in order to acheive the smaller footprint without reducing key size. The compromise solution (having a key lock that converts the top row to numeric) probably works fine for someone who does minimal number work on their PPC.
The extra number row should only add a little extra space to one dimension of the keyboard. Is the added difficulty really worth the small savings in space (and cost)?

See my thoughts about small keyboards (http://thoughts.svpocketpc.com#THOUGHT_THUMBBOARD_ROWS) on my Web site. It explains why I want a number row.

Steve

[Pony99CA]

Having a number row on a BT keyboard means instant purchase for me.
Seek and ye shall find! In case you missed the home page post (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=256808), HP may be releasing a Bluetooth keyboard with a number row. :clap:

Steve