Keyboard?

[Lindquist]

This may be a really stupid question, but does HP have a keyboard you can buy for the iPAQ? I know Palm makes those little keyboards that fold up, but does HP have something similar?

If they do, how much do they cost? and where you suggest buying one? (preferably offline)

[Janak Parekh]

Yes, they do offer foldable keyboards and thumbboards for some of their iPAQs. So does ThinkOutside (www.thinkoutside.com) with their Stowaway line. A number of them are even wireless/IR, which means you don't need them to plug into the sync port.

If you need more detail, let us know which iPAQ you have.

--janak

[Lindquist]

I'm not really sure which it is. The box says "hp iPAQ Pocket PC h1940" and then on the box there is a sticker that says "h1945 Inside". So, I guess it's one of the two...

[Darius Wey]

I'm not really sure which it is. The box says "hp iPAQ Pocket PC h1940" and then on the box there is a sticker that says "h1945 Inside". So, I guess it's one of the two...

Hardware-wise, they are the same. So you can essentially use a foldable IR or BT keyboard with it - I'd recommend a Bluetooth one. The link that Janak has provided is a good place to start. :D

[phs]

My two-cents' worth is that if you're getting a keyboard, do get one with a number row. Sooner or later you're gonna type in numbers, and if you don't have a number row, you'll want to throw it out the window.

[Menneisyys]

My two-cents' worth is that if you're getting a keyboard, do get one with a number row. Sooner or later you're gonna type in numbers, and if you don't have a number row, you'll want to throw it out the window.

But, they're considerably larger when folded.

[phs]

But, they're considerably larger when folded.

True, but that small keyboard (no number row) is no use when folded. Sooner or later you're going to unfold it, and lo, it's only half-useful.

[johnnydigit3l]

im very happy with my hp foldable keyboard for the ipaq. ive heard horror stories about the bluetooth keyboards, so id stay away from those. others dont seem to be as durable and as well constructed as the hp version ; )

[phs]

others dont seem to be as durable and as well constructed as the hp version ; )

I agree 100%. I have an older HP serial foldable keyboard (I believe from the same Taiwanese maker of the iPaq BT keyboard). Compared side-by-side with by Chainpus-made BT keyboard, the looks of the HP really stand out, everything's shiny and polished, unlike the Chainpus.

But then, the keys of this HP keyboard started dying one by one after less than one year of use, while the cheapest serial keyboard I have (Er"GO" brand), is still working after four years.

Then again, my Pocketop IR keyboard looks even better than the HP, with brushed aluminum exterior to boot. Of course, the Pocketop never functioned well from the start.

So my point is? Love your wife more as she grows older.