Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)My system details: Sony Clié TJ37 with PalmOS 5.2, used constantly at Dartmouth College for all my note-taking, MP3 player, camera, and out-of-dorm internet needs; Debian Linux OS desktop computer used for HotSyncing;
Positives:
-I have to say that the keyboard portion itself is excellent. I am normally a desktop user, and switching to using this keyboard took absolutely no effort. The only keys that are in unusual places are the delete, slash, and backslash keys. Reviews for other IR keyboards had said the spacebars were weird - on this, the keyboard is split down the center, and is natural whether you normally hit it with your right or left thumb (I use both).
-The keyboard is also designed so that you should never have to use the stylus while it is connected. It takes a little getting used to be, but there are 'Fn+[whatever]' key combinations for almost every operation (from replicating the standard hard keys, to selecting text, to 'Done' and 'New' buttons).
-The connection to the PDA itself is excellent. I was able to move the infrared transmitter all over the place, and the PDA was still able to receive a very reliable signal. The transmitter itself is on a piece of plastic that rotates (no sliding, but you can just slide the PDA itself on the stand). None of those dumb mirrors to deal with.
-The software driver that you painlessly install also ads an application called 'Keyboard'. In it, you can tune absolutely everything - from how long the PDA should search for the keyboard when it first turns on, to how the repeat rate for if you hold down a key, to 10 customizable 'Cmd+[number]' keys. Also, those of you internationals will be pleased that you can also choose different keyboard layouts. US English, French, and German come installed by default, and it has the capability to have new layouts installed (I didn't investigate where you can get them or how many are available, though).
-The keys respond very quickly (you could certainly type at least 80 words per minute speed on it). The repeat speed (if you hold down a button) is somewhat slow but not much to complain about, in my opinion though.
-The stand to hold the PDA is very sturdy and holds the PDA well and securely. It does have a negative with the metal bar though (see below).
-There is a Windows .exe installer that should auto-run and be no hassle if you use Windoze. I, however, use Linux. I was very impressed, as I am with any company that does this, that the CD actually had documentation for installing the driver under a Linux system. The installation is simple for Linux (or Mac OS for that matter) users. Just install one little Keyboard.prc file.
Negatives:
-This keyboard does not have a lock to hold it flat, thereby making it somewhat difficult to type with the keyboard on your lap (the thing folds if you put much weight on it). You have to play a little balancing act to use it on any uneven surface. It is designed to be used on a flat surface.
-I like how this has a metal bar to hold the PDA on the built-in stand (more secure in my opinion than rubber strips, etc). However, the bar is situated somewhat too close (at least for my TJ37). It just fits in without any case or anything on it. The TJ37 is about 1.3 cm or 0.55 inches deep, so you can gauge you PDA accordingly. Being just a metal bar, you can just bend it out with some pliers, though. Not a particularly neat solution, but it works.
Notes:
-The installation instructions for Mac/Linux say to download the driver from their website. I have no idea why they say that as the most recent version of the .prc file is right there on the CD.
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Think Outside Stowaway IR Wireless Keyboard for Pocket PC and Palm OS"Universal Wireless IR Keyboard The Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is the perfect universal productivity companion to your handheld. The compact, foldable design is unique to the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard and allows it to fold easily to become the smallest full-size Infrared keyboard on the market so you can take it everywhere. An integrated cradle and adjustable IR wand ensure consistent alignment with your PDA’s infrared port even in landscape view mode. Because it uses Infrared instead of a physical connection with the PDA, the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is universally compatible with a wide range of current and future handheld devices. With its genuine full-size 18 mm spacing between keys, the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard allows you to quickly type email, memos, and reports in optimal comfort. Punctuation, symbols, and international characters are easier to find and type than with handwriting recognition software.User programmable shortcut andcommand keys for fast access to favorite applications. Compatible with: Pocket PC devices: iPAQ 1900, 2200, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4100, 4300, 5100, 5400 and 5500 series models; Dell Axim x5 and x3 series models; Toshiba e300, e400, e700 and e800 series models Smart phones:Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 devices such as XDA/MDA; Samsung i300/i500, Nokia Series 60 (3650 & 6600), Sony Ericsson P800/P900 (each requires software download) Palm OS devices: Palm Tungsten, Zire, i705, M125, M130 and M500 series models, Sony Clie TJ, TG, NX, NR, SJ, SL, UX, T400 and T600 Series., Garmin GPS units & most devices running Palm OS 4.0 or greater "
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