View Full Version : Keyboards.... REAL Keyboards
One thing I really miss about my HandEra 330 was being able to use my GoType generic-Palm III-form keyboard. The "keyboard" included with the NR70 isn't exactly useable for fast typing believe it or not :D.
I've checked eBay for some keyboard options (not a good idea) and found some stupid ones that require a cable :rolleyes: and one that uses IR (maybe, but not real good on battery life I'd think). I need something more.
Anyone have any recommendations? Like a Stowaway XT or something- if there is such a thing for the NR series?
aaronchow
02-04-2003, 10:19 PM
Stowaway does have a keyboard for the NR series, Pretty good stuff.
I just noticed it over at sony's site. but for $90?! I was spoiled with my $45 Landware job... :) I guess what I'm really wanting to know, is what are the quality options, we at least can know that the stowaways are good, but is that it?
rob_squared
02-04-2003, 10:35 PM
Yeah, basically. Sure they cost more, but I love the design and portability. I wouldn't use any other kind. With the possible exception of the fourthcoming XT series.
Shamrock
02-04-2003, 10:50 PM
Uh, not to complicate things but I have the Pocketop IR keyboard with UNROTATE so that the NR doesn't need a stand to function with it. LOOK MA, NO WIRES!
I love it. Their first driver really sucked but the the new one seems to be stable (at least for me). The space bar causes you to hit your thumb on the edge of the case (you have to experience it to understand it) but I just took a Dremel to the edge and the problem went away. Got it for 79$ at Rad Shack. It has a very good feel to my way of thinking. You might have a look at it.
Cool, thanks guys, that helps.
Oh, and Shamrock, I'll look into the other as well, but for $10 difference, it almost seems like the folding keyboard would work better.
>Noah
Vidge
02-05-2003, 06:30 PM
I'm on my 3rd Stowaway (Palm III series, m505, NR) and I have been extremely happy with them. (Of course, I wish they could settle on a connector so that I don't have to have a new keyboard every time I change PDAs. Or at least make an adapter.)
Shamrock
02-05-2003, 09:18 PM
I don't work for Pocketop or anything but to set the record straight, that keyboard folds into a packet about the size of the NR70 but a little more square. I have a Stowaway for my N760C and I like it very much but I am happier with the Pocketop for my NR70 because I don't have to set it in the keyboard. Go with what ya like!
Ok, I was looking at the Pocketop, and it really is kewl. Question though- If I'm going to ever be typing on my lap or anything, how would that work with the Pocketop?
rob_squared
02-05-2003, 10:19 PM
Yeah, but the thing about IR keyboards is that they, well, uhm, kinda suck.
Shamrock
02-05-2003, 11:08 PM
NOAH, you'd have to use a notebook or some common surface. Might not be what you need. How do you keep one of those foldup keyboards flat if its in your lap?
rob_squared, "sucks" is kinda well, uhm, general. Anything specific to say? I am interested, even if I do own one. I certainly don't think ANY of these products are perfect. You sure you don't work for stowaway.
Well that's the thing, with a stowaway, I'd have to use somekind of a book or something anyway, but it seem's much more stable to have a "physical connection". With my GoType, I liked being able to set the thing down or whatever if I needed to.
I did a quick search again on eBay last night and there's a ton of "wireless keyboards" from the same seller for the Clie, but it looks a bit different than than the Pocketop. Anyone fimilar with those?
PDH LA
02-06-2003, 07:58 AM
Originally posted by rob_squared
Yeah, but the thing about IR keyboards is that they, well, uhm, kinda suck.
Well, uhm, they kinda DON"t!
I just stopped by Radio Shack yesterday to pick up the Micro Innovations Wireless Link keyboard - basically a re-branded Pocketop.
I was prepared to not like it and return it, which is why I bought it at Radio Shack - easy to return locally. Well, it works amazingly well, it's really small, and I love it. No way I'm returning this baby. I'm using it with my NR70V and along with the Unrotate program and it rocks!
kstuart
02-06-2003, 12:13 PM
I'm surprised that no one mentioned the Belkin keyboard:
- Smaller than the Stowaway (slightly smaller key spacking), yet still touch-typable (and fits better on airplane seat tray table).
- Flat and solid on the bottom, so can use it on a lap.
- Connector for the Sony AC adapter that is included with all rechargeable Clies, so you can charge your Clie while typing (if there is an AC outlet, of course).
One minor disadvantage is that the Belkin Keyboard Driver cannot be resident at the same time as PageDownHack (so I keep my driver on MS card until I need it).
One major advantage is that it is on sale right now for 50% off, ie only $40 ! Go to:
http://www.belkin.com/discounts/
Now that's more like it! Anyone else use these? This looks like a great option! :cool:
Hey kstuart, does the AC adaptor from the NR's plug into the keyboard? That little odd-shaped plug? That's what it sounds like but just wanted to make sure. :D
spradlinb
02-06-2003, 01:06 PM
Originally posted by Noah
Now that's more like it! Anyone else use these? This looks like a great option! :cool:
You mentioned wanting to type on any surface, even your lap, so you might consider waiting a while for the Stowaway XT keyboard, if you aren't in a hurry. The XT is the newest version of the foldable keyboard from ThinkOutside, and they're giving the pattern to "Fellowes" to manufacture and sell a version of it that will work with ALL Clies that have the T-series connector at the bottom. This keyboard, unlike the original Stowaway, only folds in the middle, and then locks firmly in place so that you can type while it's on your lap without having it fold up on you. Here's the site where you can see some great photos of it:
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/stowaway-xt-review.html
It won't be available until "Spring" of 2003 though, so May looks like the earliest these will be out for the Clie line... they're cool enough, and from a very respected company, that I'm going to wait and pay the ~$95 for it when it finally is released.
Cheers.
RichInKC
02-06-2003, 02:40 PM
I picked up the Micro Innovation Foldaway Keyboard from a local retailer when I had the N710C. It was very compact, and I believe I got it for under $30. The action on the keyboard wasn't as crisp as others since it used rubber keys rather than a hard plastic ones. However, it traveled well and worked fine once I got used to it. I don't know if they make one for the NR series or not, but it may be worth checking out.
OcellNuri
02-06-2003, 03:08 PM
Noah, the Belkin G700 is my keyboard of choice for the T/SJ/NR series Clies. I used the G700 with my T615 and my NR70V a lot. It is a great keyboard.
The stowaway XT looks like it'd be the best option. But for the price, the Belkin looks mysteriously fimilar, and costs half as much as the stowaway. I think I'm leaning that direction.
The Belkin's keys are just like the Stowaway right? No cheezy rubber keys
Doh! That half-off deal from Belkin expired Tuesday... :mad:
Oh well, back to the drawing board. Now the race begins yet again, who will cut their price first? :D
rclui10
02-07-2003, 12:46 AM
check this out
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=296866&pfp=SEARCH
I bought yesterday it works great
Unregistered
02-13-2003, 08:24 PM
too bad you missed it by 2 days (at time of your post)
OcellNuri
02-13-2003, 08:33 PM
Originally posted by Noah
The stowaway XT looks like it'd be the best option. But for the price, the Belkin looks mysteriously fimilar, and costs half as much as the stowaway. I think I'm leaning that direction.
The Belkin's keys are just like the Stowaway right? No cheezy rubber keys
The Belkin is great. I highly recommend it. You are right, the keys on the Belkin are laptop quality. No rubber at all.
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