The Freedom Mini Bluetooth Keyboard Available for Pre-Order

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=124250' target='_blank'>http://www.expansys-usa.com/product...asp?code=124250</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Ultra compact in design and a wide compatiblity with Bluetooth enabled devices, the Freedom mini Bluetooth keyboard extends the input capability of a PDA or smartphone. Type texts, e-mails or documents quickly and accurately with the metal domed, 39 key standard layout, and navigate using a 4-way 'game pad' control."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/ekkie_b124250.jpg" /><br /><br />There are quite a few keyboard options out on the market now, but this one is unique. It's certainly too small for the touch-typist, but if you're looking for a sturdy, yet portable text input method that is wireless and easy-to-use, this looks like a viable option. The claim is that it's not much bigger than a credit card. I'm not yet sure what to make of the "gamepad". It's only available for pre-order through eXpansys. You can order it via their <a href="http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=124250">UK site</a> for £39.95 or their <a href="http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=124250">US site</a> for $59.95.

[powder2000]

I really think this is a cool idea. I have thought about it and wondered who if anyone would bring something like this forward. I have my answer now.

[whydidnt]

I like the idea as well, but can't figure out how you'll balance your PDA with one hand and hold and type on this with the other. It seems to me that there needs to be a means to attach this securely to your device so you can hold both at the same time and use both thumbs to type on this.

[cmonkey]

I'm still patiently waiting for the day that someone makes a combination screen-cover/fold down thumbboard, essentially making a PocketPC a clamshell PDA like the new Zaurus(s) and the last Sony Palms.

[lapchinj]

Looks cool. I would give it a try. Looks like a nice sized thumboard. I have an HP BT keyboard and love it dearly but sometimes it's size gets in the way. This would seem perfect during a quick ride on a bus or cab where there is no flat space to lay a keyboard on.

Jeff-

[Camp]

"It's only available for pre-order through eXpansys."

I will bring eXpansys to its' knees. Watch out eXpansys...

[joefuture]

I found a cool little clear plexiglass business card holder at Office Max that fits my x50V nicely. I can stand it up with a slight angle using this if I don't have my cradle with me. Of course, I have to remember to bring the little thing along, but it's smaller and easier to cart around than the cradle. I'm seriously considering buying the BT keyboard when it's available.

[Tye]

I think this keyboard looks like a great idea. It's not something that I would use everyday, but when I need it, I'd be glad it was there.

I found a cool little clear plexiglass business card holder at Office Max that fits my x50V nicely. I can stand it up with a slight angle using this if I don't have my cradle with me. Of course, I have to remember to bring the little thing along, but it's smaller and easier to cart around than the cradle. I'm seriously considering buying the BT keyboard when it's available.
I had a similar issue with propping mine up...
http://pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=35477

[mr_Ray]

If this is the size of a credit card, I need to prop my PocketPC up somewhere, somehow, I have to turn on Bluetooth, and then try to mash the teeny tiny keys with my oversized fingers - what does this give me that a decent sized SIP doesn't?

Seriously, I'd find holding and typing on a creditcard-sized keyboard to be an experience to be put through in some bizarre form of torture. Maybe an improvement for a smartphone over keypad input, but for a PocketPC, surely even then built in options are easier to use?

[sheik]

Why would your PPC need to be propped up? A quick test suggests to me that it would be comfortable to look down at a PPC lying on a flat surface (or your lap) and type holding a credit card.

If you need to to data input whilst holding your device at the same time though, this obviously won't be suitable.

I think it could be a useful gadget, and not just for data input - it could also be used as a music remote control for Mortplayer/WMP etc, or a page scroller when reading an e-book.

I'd consider buying it if it were £10 cheaper (and some reviews confirmed it worked OK!).

EDIT: Freedom's website is at http://www.freedominput.com/

/\dam

[Horus]

I'm still patiently waiting for the day that someone makes a combination screen-cover/fold down thumbboard, essentially making a PocketPC a clamshell PDA like the new Zaurus(s) and the last Sony Palms.
Isn't that something like the HTC Universal?

[Steve Jordan]

...Credit-card sized?!? That is small, and I'm used to small keyboards! I don't know how many of you remember the credit-card-sized organizers with embedded keyboards that flooded the market in the 80s or so, but I cut my teeth on those. (For the record, none of them survived... sooner or later, you put one in a pocket and it would always break!)

What I'm waiting for is a device this size dedicated to translating voice and beaming ASCII text to your PPC. That thing should be large enough for voice reco and enough processing and storage to do the job, and not strain your thumbs.

In the meantime, I'm sticking to my Belkin foldable, which has the added advantage of holding my Toshiba as I type, and being just large enough to allow me to work with it on my lap.

[cmonkey]

I'm still patiently waiting for the day that someone makes a combination screen-cover/fold down thumbboard, essentially making a PocketPC a clamshell PDA like the new Zaurus(s) and the last Sony Palms.
Isn't that something like the HTC Universal?
Hmm, yes, essentially. But it would be nice to have a ~$50 keyboard instead of having to buy a new PPC.