PDA Keyboards

[legohead]

1) Why do all PDA keyboards need to "specialize" for a specific PDA? Why can't they all use a simple USB format (Type Mini-B- a port for this is actually my Clie SL10). That way the only thing that you need to buy for your new PDA is a connector and maybe a new driver!!!

The same goes for the cables. All cables should be regular USB cables. All you need when switching PDAs is change your adapter. Sony has done this with their Clie hotsync and AC cables - (Unfortunately, they separated their cables instead of making a simple Sync&Charge cable...what a pain, more wires!!!)

2) Would it be possible to connect a regular USB PC keyboard to a PDA with the appropriate adapter (i've seen such adapters that convert to various available USB types). Are drivers the only things that would be necessary? This would make PDA keyboards a heck of a lot cheaper. It's not like there aren't portable sized keyboards for the PC!

[smallpop]

Not really an answer to your question but I recently bought the Micro Inovations <sp> IR keyboard for my 665. Once upgrading the driver to the latest and learning where to place the keyboard in line with the clie it works great!

I wasn't sure if the IR was the best related to other people posting that they are not that good, but I also have a Palm III and IIIx and it works on those to without different drivers.

Hoping that it will work with any other palm OS PDR I move to in the future?!?!

[madkins007]

This gets posted every so often, so you might want to search for previous posts on the topic.

As I understand it, PC keyboards take a LOT more power than the Clie can offer.

As for standardization- I suspect it will become more commonplace as the technology matures- IF it matures and is not absorbed by, say, smart phones, mico-mini PCs, etc.