Keyboard Useability

[macattack]

I'm thinking about getting an NX80 at the great current prices, but I have a concern about the keyboard.

The two greatest assets of the NX80 to me are the large screen and the keyboard. I enter a great deal of text during the course of a work day, and I was hoping to actually use the keyboard for this. The reviews I have read are mixed, with many saying the keyboard is merely eye candy, but I want to hear from everyday users who have given the keyboard a chance, trying to work with it longer than the typical week the reviewers look at any one unit.

[madmaxmedia]

I am switching to a NX80 from a TG50 which has a similar keyboard. It is actually very usable for me- significantly faster and less error-prone than Graffiti, but of course slower than a full size keyboard.

For me Graffiti 20-25 WPM (but more errors)
Thumbboard- 30-35 WPM
Full-size keyboard- 70-80 WPM or so

You should find a store a do a test yourself. The best way is to have system sounds on, and then enter text. With the PDA beeping after every character input, the difference in speed is made really obvious (I wasn't really aware of it before).

I write down a lot of ideas and various stuff on my PDA, so the better input method is really worth it. I tried a T3 but didn't like it, even though it had a lot of great other features.

[madmaxmedia]

Also the Pocket Touch bumpy stickers are good for keyboard users. You stick them on top of the keys (they're transparent), so they have raised surfaces for better tactile feel. Just search this forum.

[khakiman]

I love the keyboard on my NX80. I vary raley hit the wrong key.

[Unregistered]

LITEBULB: Well, it is really up to an individual on how the keyboard should be used, or how usefull would it be to you. Me myself, is a student, and i need the keyboard as i used it to get my assignment typed out or edited whenever the computers in my lab are all taken. I am also using the keyboard to reply this thread as i am in starbucks cafe, hehehehe. I am using NX70, altho there is a thumbboard, it is only meant for short messaging and such. I cant rely on the thimbboard to to punch out 800-1000 words!!!!. Not even 500. Well, that is me. Can anyone please tell me how can i login or sign in from a mobile site?? I am not unreistered, but dont know how to login. aving the keyboard is a fantastic thing for me, but that is if u dun mind carrying an extra stuff around. I have it in y backpack, so, it does not really bother me much But it really feels great typing around!!!

[macattack]

Thanks for input madmaxmedia & khakiman. Anyone else have any comments?

[inomad]

its keyboard is better than one may think

[Edlin]

It took me a little while of use, but I find the thumboard really useful. Espically with 'keyquick' which lets you answer those OK/Cancel prompts with keyboard.
I reguraily write my emails with the thumbboard - and find it way faster than graffti/decuma.
I`ve done a few long writen texts (ie typing/thumbing for over an hour), and though a little painful it was still a lot easier.

Never used a fold out keyboard.

[dtxx]

I'm using NX70V with a similar keyboard as NX80. I think if you'll use plenty of time in keyboard input to the CLIE, I suggest you buy a wireless keyboard. Indeed, the keyboard of CLIE is much better than Graffiti input for moderate and continous no. of letters input, say one or few short sentences (which are already in your mind and just inputted to the CLIE with your eyes frequently shifting between the display and the little keyboard). However, if you're going to work with it like a word processor and try to copy a paragraph from a book to the CLIE, or try to take minutes in a meeting to record immediately what a someone said in the CLIE, I'm sure you'll be in trouble.

[rhinoman]

I really use my keyboard a lot. Over the last 7 months with my nx80, my speed and accuracy have improved tremendously. Of course, it is not a replacement for a full keyboard , but it is very good for even long memos.

rhinoman

[PBM808]

i can type a bajillion* times faster on a UX keyboard than an NX








*slightly exaggerated

[dspguy]

I find that I use the keyboard on my nx70 when I am putting in someones phone number, and when entering appointments and the like. I also have the fellowes (thinkoutside) folding keyboard. When I take notes at a meeting or are entering a bunch of stuff at once, I use it. I find having the builtin keyboard a big help, but not an abosolute requirement. Once you have one of the folding keyboards, it is hard to be without one. I had on with my palmiii and handera330 and just had to buy one for the nx70, even with the builtin. I like both the builtin and the folding keyboards for different things. I still use graffiti as well, having the keyboard doesn't make me not need to use graffiti.

[macattack]

Your positive comments regarding the usefulness of the keyboard answered my final concerns and I just ordered a new NX80 from Newegg 10 minutes ago! let the wait begin.