Pat Logsdon
12-01-2004, 06:30 PM
<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb1.jpg" /> <br /><br /><b>Product Category:</b> Bluetooth Accessories - Keyboard<br /><b>Manufacturer:</b> Freedom Input, Inc.<br /><b>Where to Buy:</b> <a href="http://www.digitaldreaminc.com/freedom/">Digital Dream</a><br /><b>Price:</b> $99<br /><b>System Requirements:</b> The freedom keyboard is certified for the iPAQ 194x, 221x, 415x, 435x, 55xx, 50xx, 39xx, Axim “X” series, ASUS A620 and P505 and O2 XDA II (it should work with any Pocket PC with Bluetooth and the Widcomm stack). The keyboard also works with most Palm devices, including most of the recent Sony Clie line, most recent Symbian phones and Microsoft Smartphone 2003 devices including the O2 X phone, iMate Smartphone 2 and Orange SPV e200. The driver uses 72k of memory, and should be installed in main memory.<br /><b>Specifications:</b> Closed dimensions: 140mm x 94mm x 22mm. Open dimensions: 279mm x 94mm x 12mm. Weight: 202g (7.1 oz).<br /><br /><b>Pros:</b><li>Bluetooth! Can be used with almost anything that has a Bluetooth radio;<br /><li>Includes all five rows, including numbers;<br /><li>Small “folded” size;<br /><li>Decent key size and travel;<br /><li>Good build quality.<b>Cons:</b><li>Keys may be slightly too small for some;<br /><li>Sliders and switches can be difficult to use at first.<b>Summary:</b><br />I’ve been using folding keyboards for my PDAs for years now. I was one of the very few people to have a Cassiopeia-compatible Original Stowaway keyboard, and I’ve had a keyboard for every Pocket PC I’ve purchased since then. Of course, commerce being what it is, this has meant that I need to purchase a new keyboard for every Pocket PC, as the connectors are all different. Fortunately, the rise of Bluetooth keyboards may put this practice to an end, as owners of these devices can use them with any device that has a Bluetooth radio. <br /><br />But how does the keyboard stack up against the serial and IR competitors? Are the ergonomics acceptable? Read on and find out!<!><br /><PAGEBREAK><br /><span><b>Painless Packaging</b></span><br />The packaging of my review unit was of the plastic variety, but it utilized the “tab” method of keeping the packaging closed, rather than the melted/glued/welded-shut-hard-plastic-that-you-need-a-blowtorch-to-open method. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb2.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 1: No need for that table saw - it's easy to open!</i><br /><br />Included with the keyboard is a quick reference sheet, a 23 page manual, a CD with drivers and PDF versions of both manuals, two AAA batteries, and a surprisingly nice “pleather” zip case with decent padding for shock protection. <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb3.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 2: Mmmm...pleather....</i><br /><br /><span><b>The Exterior: Oooh, Shiny!</b></span><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb4.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 3: Measuring up.</i><br /><br />You’ve got your logo on the top, a tasteful silver and black color scheme, and a sliding tab on the end that releases the catch holding the two halves of the keyboard closed. There’s also a sturdy metal bracket that covers the opposite end from the tab - it’s kind of like the spine of a book, and it really seems to add to the durability of the unit.<br /><br />The width of the keyboard is slightly smaller than the standard, Darfon-made serial keyboards available for HP and Dell models. It’s thicker than the Darfon models and longer than the Original Stowaway. Overall, I’d say that the Darfon has the better form factor by a slight margin.<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb5.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 4: Freedom Bluetooth, Original StowAway, HP Serial, Targus IR.</i><br /> <PAGEBREAK> <br /><span><b>The Interior: Time to Get Busy</b></span><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb6.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 5: Hungry for fingers.</i><br /><br />This is what you’ll see when you first open the keyboard. There are a lot of little bits here, so pay close attention. Also, despite the title of this section, NO ONE is to yell "Hammer Time". :mrgreen: <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb7.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 6: Gratuitously arty full frontal shot.</i><br /><br />The batteries are inserted into a raised compartment on the top left of the unit, which fits into a corresponding indentation on the right side when the keyboard is closed. The top middle of the keyboard features a slider that locks the two halves of the keyboard together. After the keyboard is opened, you slide the lock to the left, and then slide the keyboard to the right:<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb8.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 7: Slip sliding away!</i><br /><br />This is the source of the one and only possible design flaw. While they do what they are supposed to do, ALL of the sliders in the device are practically flush with the surface. Because of this, it’s sometimes difficult to move them, and usually requires that I dig my non-existent fingernails into one of the grooves to try to drag the slider/switch over. Raising the surface of these sliders would go a long way to increasing the usability of the keyboard. It’s not a killer, and it does get easier over time, but it’s still annoying.<br /><br />The top right contains a hidden goodie - a pop-out stand. To use it, pull it straight out, and then swivel it to the left. <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb9.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 8: Stand and deliver!</i><br /><br />The left “foot” of the stand will snap into a small slot on the left side of the keyboard. To release it, simply push the slider to the right and reverse the process. You can also detach the stand from the keyboard completely! To do this, move the whole stand to the right instead of pushing it into the slot. <br /><br />The stand is (rather flimsily) spring-loaded, but it gets the job done. There’s a grooved rubber “foot” on the top of the base, which does a decent job of holding your PDA steady at the desired angle. I’ve found that when the stand is detached, I need to lay my 4150 at a pretty steep angle to keep it from falling over backwards. <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb10.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 9: Not TOO laid back...</i><br /><br />Fortunately, I could still see the screen just fine, but this may be a problem if you work under particularly bright lights, as you may get a reflection. <br /><br />The power switch and indicator LED is located on the bottom left of the device. <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb11.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 10: Power switch. Exciting!</i><br /><br />When it’s first switched on, it will blink orange, then change to a slow green blink.<br /><br />Now we’re almost ready to type!<br /> <PAGEBREAK> <br /><span><b>Driver Installation: Stupid Easy</b></span><br />I have a confession to make. I’m allergic to manuals, and I rarely take the time to read them. That being the case, I assumed that I’d need to pair the device with the keyboard first. As it turns out, I could have saved myself a lot of time if I’d just read the instructions. A Bluetooth keyboard is a different beast than a GPS or phone, and the pairing and connection is handled ENTIRELY by the keyboard driver. In fact, you will not be able to use the keyboard if you’ve already paired it in the usual way. <br /><br />Installing the driver is pretty straightforward - just pop the CD in your drive, make sure your device is cradled and you’ve got an ActiveSync connection, and you’ll be good to go. <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb12.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 11: An installation screen that Prince would approve of.</i> <br /><br />Select the “Install Software” option, and follow the steps. To pair the device, simply turn it on, and tap the BTKeyBd icon in the Start Menu:<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb13.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 12: Don't pair - just click here!</i><br /><br />Tap the “Active Keyboard” checkbox, and the driver will automatically turn on the Bluetooth radio, search for the keyboard, and pair with it. That's literally all you have to do.<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb14.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 13: Activate!</i><br /><br /><span><b>Driver Options (Sit down, Miss Daisy)</b></span><br />The BTKeyBd application features several different user configurable options. On the main screen, you can select the “Reconnection” checkbox, which will speed up the reconnection time, you can set the repeat rate and delay times via convenient sliders, and you can test the keyboard.<br /><br />The Function tab allows you to map any function key to any application on your Programs list: <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb15.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 14: Function key fun!</i><br /><br />The About tab will tell you what version and language you’re using. <br /> <PAGEBREAK> <br /><span><b>The Typing Experience</b></span><br />I’m a touch typist, and I’m able to tap away at my normal speed with no problems. The driver was able to keep up with me with no delays, and I was able to momentarily freak people out at work with my “Magically Updating PDA Screen.” In the course of my practical jokery, I discovered that I could reliably use the keyboard from up to 25 feet away. Normally I’d just put the thing on the stand a few inches away, but those of you who are REALLY far sighted may find this a useful feature. ;)<br /><br />The keys themselves are slightly smaller than the standard laptop keys; the surfaces measure 13mm wide and 11mm high, with key travel approximately 2mm with excellent tactile feedback. I tend to type with my fingertips at an almost perpendicular angle (no fingernails :)), so the smaller size is not a problem for me. However, those of you who type at more of an acute or “relaxed” angle may find that you’re not able to get up to full speed. Hunting and pecking will be just as fast as it ever was. ;)<br /><br /><span><b>The Amazing 123 Key Keyboard</b></span><br />Each key on this keyboard has up to 4 different functions. <br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20041129_btkb16.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 15: Cryptic markings.</i><br /><br />These are accessable via the Ctrl, alt gr and fn keys. While most of the keys are fairly straightforward, there are a few that left me scratching my head. Thankfully, there are 10 pages worth of explanatory tables in the manual. These cover all of the possible key combinations for all supported operating systems. Generally speaking, the blue symbols are device shortcuts, the grey symbols are accessible via the number lock, and the orange symbols signify special characters.<br /><br /><span><b>Bluetooth: Easy on the Batteries</b></span><br />All I can say about battery life is that I’ve been using the keyboard quite a bit over the last two weeks, and the batteries are doing just fine. Bluetooth does a good job of being stingy with power, so I wouldn’t expect to have to change the batteries very often. It’s sort of a “leave it and forget about it” situation. The battery drain to the Pocket PC is slight as well, and is significantly less than what you’d experience with a Bluetooth GPS. In short, battery life does not seem to be an issue on either side of the equation.<br /><br /><span><b>Interoperability: Network with your Cat! (Not really)</b></span><br />As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the killer features of the Freedom Keyboard. It can be used with just about any Pocket PC that has a Bluetooth radio and uses the Widcomm (now Broadcomm) stack. This means that you won’t have to buy a new keyboard every time you buy a new device, and you won’t have to worry about lining up a fiddly little mirror/wand with an IR port. You’ll also be able to use the keyboard with your Smartphone (as long as it has the Smartphone 2003 OS), most Palms, and a good chunk of the Symbian phones. No, you really can't network this keyboard with your cat, so don't even try.<br /><br /><span><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />This may be the last portable keyboard you’ll need to buy. It works as advertised, looks great, and sips battery power. It’s also reasonably priced at $119, a full $30 less than the number row-less ThinkOutside keyboard. Highly recommended!