Opinions needed: Palm universal keyboard

[StoneRyno]

I was thinking today about getting it. Here is what I'm wondering about it. And what I'd like opinions on.

Size: How much space does it take up in pockets? I have my T5 in a krussel leather case with the credit card flipout opens to the side not top of the case. Is the keyboard as small as the palm when not being used. I assume it fold up.

How prone is it to damage? Will I need a case for it too?

Does typing with the keyboard make any sound? Will it be disruptive to use it to take notes say in a church service or at a bible study?

Can it be used in your lap or is it only useable on a hard surface like a table?

I guess aside from that any pros or cons to using it you would like to mention feel free to do so or if there is any general opinions that don't address the specific questions feel free.

I'd like to be able to decide in the next few days. Palm is offering 20% off accesories while suplies last. I'm in need of a replacement charger and thought if I decide to get the keyboard I'd do so at the same time. Sale ends march 2nd.

[oz-nom]

StoneRyno,

I have mixed feelings about the Palm Universal Wireless Keyboard (PUWK). Overall, I think it's wonderful: it's small, sturdy, nearly full size and the keyboard is responsive. Plus the function keys and programmable command keys add significantly to it's usefulness. A delight to use.

But...

I have gone through 3 (yes 3!) of them. The keys on the right hand end have, on each my keyboards, begun failing after 3-4 months of use. Note that this is heavy use, I use my keyboard a LOT. To it's credit, Palm have been terrific. They have replaced each one without issue and at no cost to me (other than downtime). Even though technically I'm now out of warranty, they have replaced the current one also (I'm waiting for it's replacement now & expect it early next week). I've only come across one other person with a similar issue, so it could just be my bad luck that I've had 3 fail.

I have tried other wireless keyboards and my thoughts about them can be summed up by "yecchh!". I find them almost unusable after using the PUWK.

My recommendation is: buy it. But keep all the receipts/proof of purchase handy and if you're given the option to extend the warranty, take it.

In response to your specific questions...
Size: when folded, it's a little larger than the T5 in all dimensions, but still fits easily into a jacket pocket. When open, it's *almost* full size.

Damage: apart from the failing keys mentioned above, I haven't seen any signs of damage. It folds into it's own "case". It's a very neat design.

Lap: It locks into position, so it *can* be used on your lap, but I wouldn't recommend it. The T5 just rests there, so it's possible for it to fall off if you move.

Sound: very quiet. It does, like all mechanical keyboards, make some noise, but not much. You could use it in church or bible study no problems :) . Do make sure that "key click" sound on the T5 is turned off though (via the keyboard preferences panel).

Other things:
As noted above, I use it all the time. One of the things I love about it is that it naturally takes the T5 in landscape mode, with the 5-way to the left. you don't even need to move the IR arm, just open the keyboard, place your handheld on it and start typing. I find landscape easier for typing. In fact, after using the keyboard for a while, I began using my T5 almost exclusively in landsacpe - I now very rarely use portrait mode.

As you can see, I really like the keyboard. It transformed my T5 from "merely" an organiser into a mini-laptop (well, you get the idea). The only thing preventing me from unreserved gushing is that I have gone through 3 and am waiting for my 4th. :( But then again, I like it so much, I'm waiting for my 4th... :rolleyes:

Hope this helps,
Tim

[broth]

I have the keyboard withthe T5 and agree with above using the keyboard. I don't use it a lot so I don't have any breakdown issues. My only issue with it is the size of the keyboard and the splitting of the space bar.

My natural typing puts my right thumb right where the break is in the space bar so I need to adapt my typing from what I naturally do on a regular keyboard. To me the keyboard is probably too small; I was used to the original Palm folding keyboard that was full size. Still I find it useful, espically in landscape you don't have to flip up the IR arm.

[StoneRyno]

ok I bought it but I can't seem to get it working. I put the batteries in it. I installed the .prc. The getting started says to follow the instection on the screen on the device after hotsyncing to finish install but nothing shows up after the hot sync. There is a keyboard app I can click on in unfiled. I did so and its set to enabled and my IR is on.

I'm doing a hard reset for my power issue. I will try reinstalling at that time but in case that doesn't work I'm going to need advice from those who have installed.

[StoneRyno]

its working fine now

[oz-nom]

Glad to know it's working for you. Let us know what you think of it.

Cheers,
Tim

[StoneRyno]

I worked with it for about 20 minutes so far. Much better for when you have alot of text to input vs using the stylus expecially with all the problems with graffiti. I have no idea why the T5 vs my T|E is having so much trouble in recognition. i had no problem on the T|E but the T5 no matter what form I use t, p , and y it gets them wrong. t 99.9% of the time it thinks I want <space> + L or L + <space>. p 99.9% of the time it thinks I want a d. y 99.9% it just guesses at any letter other than y. Definately the best thing so far about having the keyboard.