Stowaway XT or Belkin 700 Keyboard Hfor T665C?

[Dropzone]

Hi guys. Which do you think is better? The stowaway or Belkin model?

Stowaway does away with the numeric numbers to make bigger keypads for the rest. It is based on the foldable mechanism.

Belkin has all the keys in the keyboard, but it has a smaller keypad size as compared to the Stowaway XT. It is based on the sliding mechanism.

So which one would you use? I have gotten a Belkin 700 for my T665C. On seeing this new model ultra slim coming out, I am wondering if I should keep and continue to use my Belkin keyboard or should I switch to the new Stowaway model?

Comments will be much appreaciated. :)

[robmcp]

I'd get one of those little thumb keyboards that clip on. I think belkin has one.

[Dropzone]

I was referring more to a foldable keyboard for long periodsof note taking. :)

[legohead]

there's no way i'd pay that much to switch from one keyboard to another that is basically just as good. switching to wireless kb in case i switch pda in future, maybe. i do think the belkin has a major advantage in that it can be plugged in while doing long periods of typing as you need it for. with regard to the opening and closing method for the belkin, i'm concerned that it might wear out after a while. i don't have one, but it relies on a sort of mechanism (you pull the sides out, then they retract to close) other than simply folding.

[Dropzone]

Oh, you mean that the Stowaway XT does not have the option of being able to charge directly from the keyboard?

[Jayman]

I have the Belkin, but should have got the Stowaway... I had the stowaway for my Palm Vx and thought that it is more comfortable for me than the Belkin (I got big fingers) if you have small fingers the belkin in is a really nice unit, and looks really cool when it is expanded at the meeting table.

[Dropzone]

So you guys think I should stick on to my Belkin (Benq in Singapore) or buy a Stowaway? I dont think it has any point in keeping both, right?

[riversen]

Hey, I bought the Sony Keyboard and love it. I have not tried the other ones... do you have a link or 2, so I can see them? I really like my fully foldable keyboard, since I can type 60 WPM. This is the easiest way for me to enter large amounts of data. I know this is not what you asked, but I thought you might be open to my experience. If not, then just igonre my email.

Have a great day,
Robert

[Dropzone]

This is the link for the new stowaway keyboard, homology of the ultra thin palm keyboard

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/stowaway-xt-review.html

is sony keyboard full size keyboard?

[riversen]

It appears to only fit the Palm devices, though. Maybe I missed something there by the "Universial Connector" thing. I suspect that it does not support the Clie's since I did not see anything that would support them. Perhaps, you can correct me.

In any case, it is very nice and I would have liked to have purchased this in lieu of the one I have now. I like the rigidity because I could use this on my lap.

Thanks for the link.

Robert

[Talula]

"Universal Connector" refers to the Palm Universal Connector. All of the Palm handhelds now use the same connector. Clie's use their own connectors.

The XT keyboard that you can use with Palms is supposedly going to be coming out for Clie's any day now.

[Dropzone]

Yup. they are making the same one for Sony clie series. that is why i am considering if i should keep my belkin one or should i sell and buy a stowaway xt one instead. cheers!

[durufle]

I contacted Stowaway about the XT for the Clie last month, and they responded that the Clie model is going to be marketed by Fellowes. Fellowes told me it was supposed to be out the first week or two of May. I checked the Fellowes site today -- nothing there yet. But of course, their site might not be updated yet.

[legohead]

Dropzone... seems like you're having a tough time getting an answer out of these guys. I'd keep the Belkin as long as I'm satisfied with it. I kind of have an urge for the wireless type though (since it's the only way to have a universal keyboard with all the different connectors these days). I definitely would not buy the XT no matter how nice it looks- unless the price dropped to $10 or so. I'm sure it's great, but unless you don't like your Belkin, I don't see why you would shell out your cash for a different one (that does not even allow you to charge your Clie while typing).

[Dropzone]

hmm... i kinda agree with you too. the only reason why i am getting it is because of the normal keypad size, compared to the belkin one, which is smaller. but it kinda expensive to spend 99 on that keyboard.

i have some reverse about wireless though. i think it will eat up your battery life real fast, and i heard tat it is not very compatible with the sony clies. besides, u cannot type it on a bus, comparing to belkin or stowaway.

[legohead]

I think that if you're using a wireless keyboard which does not use up any connectors, you should still be able to attach an AC adaptor through the connector on the bottom and not waste you're batteries. You might have to boost up the Clie a bit so that the wire doesn't get in the way, though. Where did you hear that Clies don't work too well with wireless kb- i'd be interested to see that? At www.pocketirkeyboard.com (http://www.pocketirkeyboard.com) the wireless keyboard uses no mirrors.

In any case if the problem is button size, wireless is probably not your best option. The main questions are: Does the button size REALLY impede your typing? Would you really be typing on a bus- sounds like an invitation to thieves? Maybe you could use the original Stowaway from Sony if you really need larger keys- Ebay might help.