Keyboard

[Joelacrane]

I'd like to find a foldable keyboard for my x51v. Bluetooth or wired, doesnt matter, but it needs to hold the Axim in either portrait or landscape modes firmly.

I have used a Thinkoutside keyboard and i really liked it, but using IR sucks and it was very generic feeling, my pocket pc fell off easily and i didnt like that.

post some links and pictures!

[Darius Wey]

ThinkOutside has Bluetooth Stowaway keyboards. They've always received good reviews.

http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/stwbbbt/stowawaybbbt_product.html

http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/xtbtue/stowawaybt_product.html

http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/sbt5e/sbt5e_product.html

[Joelacrane]

Doesn't Dell make one specifically for the device?

I mainly want one that secures the handheld firmly. I don't think the iGo (Why did they change their name?) keyboards would work well because they are for a wide array of PDA's.

[Darius Wey]

The ones that Dell sells are simply branded versions of the ThinkOutside range.

[Brad Adrian]

None of the keyboards I'm aware of have any kind of holding system customized for specific devices, e.g., "snapping" them into place. They're all pretty much the same and won't keep your device from sliding around if you're on a boat, bumpy car, fast train, etc.

It's pretty easy to strategically place a rubber band or two on the stand to hold your device more firmly. In place of that, you can always use the device's cradle (not connected to anything) and use it to hold it more firmly. With your device, it's a pretty heavy cradle. Plus, you can easily take the device holder OFF of the ThinkOutside Bluetooth keyboard if it gets in the way of you using your device's cradle to hold it.

[Joelacrane]

Well, I've got an IR Thinkoutside keyboard in my desk, but i just hate the way it holds the device.

If i get a keyboard, it has to firmly hold my device, and i need to be able to get it out of my backpack on running in seconds during classes.

[Brad Adrian]

One thing that I've found that KEEPS me from getting my Bluetooth keyboard up and running in a few seconds is establishing a secure connection between it and my device. You need to carefully consider your situations and needs, but it takes my device much longer to connect securely (as you would expect). With a "regular" connection, all I have to do is turn on my Pocket PC, hit the keys on the keyboard to wake it up (It has no power button), and I'm off and running.

[PPCApache]

Hi All

I have just received my Axim X51v (only 6 months old excellent cond.) It came with a Dell Bluetooth keyboard, see photo below

http://ppc.apache.googlepages.com/Axim__Keyboard.jpg

I use it a lot now sending emails (via wifi) or surfing forums but most of all I use it for my Business (Marriage Celebrant) its great just place the Axim on the keyboard stand plug in the power cable (landscape mode) and wham I m away laughing... my clients are just blown away from the set up... just need a bluetooth mouse now and printer and I'm set...

Cheers

Jace

[Joelacrane]

Could you give me some pictures of what it looks like sitting on the keyboard stand, both hooked onto the keyboard and not? Thanks!

[PPCApache]

Hey Joelacrane

Here are some pics requested

CONNECTED TO KEYBOARD

http://ppc.apache.googlepages.com/Axim_Port_Connected.jpg

http://ppc.apache.googlepages.com/Axim_Landscape_Connected.jpg

NOT CONNECTED TO THE KEYBOARD

http://ppc.apache.googlepages.com/Axim_Port_not-connected.jpg/Axim_Port_not-connected-full;init:.jpg

http://ppc.apache.googlepages.com/Axim_Landscape_not-connected.jpg/Axim_Landscape_not-connected-full;init:.jpg

Hope this helps, just a great little keyboard, I no longer have the plastic connector attached as I found the other day it had a crack so keep it separate and just use a strap to keep the holder closed...

Cheers

Jace

[Joelacrane]

Thanks for the pics! That is exactly what I wanted, i really appriciate you taking the time to post them.

I think the Dell keyboard would be great. Where's the best deal?

[PPCApache]

Have a look at the following websites, problem is I bought mine as a package deal with the Axim and bought it 2nd hand...

http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/5153.html

http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/4991.html

This one is better than mine as it is the slim line version, it is basically the same...

http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/xtbtue/stowawaybt_product.html

You might want to check Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/BLUETOOTH-WIRELESS-KEYBOARD-FOR-PDA-PPC-FOLDABLE-NEW_W0QQitemZ160079675063QQihZ006QQcategoryZ48676QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Cheers, Good luck...

Jace

upd: I didn't have the drivers for the keyboard but was able to get them from Thinkoutside's website worked a charm

[boyetc]

the BT Thinkoutside Stowaway keyboards are the same, I think it is the same one that Dell uses.

i have been using it for 4 months now and have no problems with it.

[renako]

i saw pppapache's comment on how easily he connected his keyboard! :(
i cant get it done,should i keep the mobile on the cradle to do that?

[renako]

the pda i meant... :roll:

[powder2000]

If anyone is still reading this thread, amazon has the iGo stowaway bluetooth keyboard for only $30. I got one for my Nokia 770 and it works great. I haven't tried it with my x50v but it should work.

[rookcnu]

Thanks for the hot tip,... I bought it from Amazon yesterday.