Belkin G700 Keyboard NOW WORKS with NX - BETA Drivers

[OcellNuri]

Albert Hon has provided me with a beta driver that allows the Belkin G700 keyboard to work with the Sony Clie NX series of handhelds. As we know, until now there have been no full-size keyboard available for the NX series. This driver allows current G700 keyboards to work with the NX. The drivers are in the early stages of development, but I know that many NX users are desperately waiting for a full size keyboard. Albert’s team is hard at work on improving the driver and making it bug free. This version does work, but it has a couple known bugs. One is that the driver is not up to full speed yet. The second is that you must disable the driver when you want to hotsync.

Because I do not have web hosting ability, I have posted the beta drivers in the Yahoo Group: nXtClieClub in the files section. I believe this link may work.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nXtClieClub/files/Belkin%20Keyboard%20Beta%20Updates/

Remember that this is not the final release of the driver, but it is very functional. Enjoy!

[nevarDeath]

dude! That's cool! sure wish I would've gotten a belkin instead of a stowaway...But that wouldn't work with my zaurus either huh? :D

[MVives]

Great news indeed. This is the last remaining issue that kept me from upgrading my T615 to an NX. Now I am glad I didn't wait for the Sony/Stowaway last summer, and got the Belkin G700 instead (it is a fine keyboard). Please keep us posted!

(Of course, nobody could have predicted that the Sony keyboard would not work with their own NX hardware that was released a few months later!)

[stevejohnson460]

Way cool! The ReadMe file is worth viewing before using the driver.

All in all, I'm impressed, and greatly releaved!

[OcellNuri]

I'm glad the readme works... I threw that in myself ;-)

[n2ifp]

You know the next question that will be asked... does it work with the other keyboards?

The last keyboard I had purchased was for N760C.

In anycase this is great news:), some things are getting done without Sony:mad:!

[OcellNuri]

It has already been tried with the KB11 keyboard. Just as SW Geek said, the KB11 and the G700 are two different keyboards that work two different ways.

The G700 really is an excellent keyboard, and I hope the fact that it is the only keyboard availible for the NX will turn more people onto it.

[n2ifp]

I just went to the Belkin site to look at it. The last Stowaway I got was for my Prism. The Belkin looks nice, I haven't seen one in the flesh yet.

[MVives]

Originally posted by n2ifp
I just went to the Belkin site to look at it. The last Stowaway I got was for my Prism. The Belkin looks nice, I haven't seen one in the flesh yet.

I have been quite happy with mine since I got it last August for my T615. It can be used to charge the PDA, and the folding mechanism is "fascinating." :) It is quite a bit smaller than a Stowaway when folded up, but the keys are a bit smaller as a result. Nevertheless, it works well for me.

[n2ifp]

Thank you for the feedback;)!

[n2ifp]

A refurb from Belkin for the G700 is $39.99.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=125845#

[clieZilla2]

how does this thing work with the NX? does the NX plug into it? at 40 bucks for a refurbished model that's pretty sweet...

[franci miller]

Is this really a favorite? I was looking at all the keyboards since none where available and was wanting to know more about this one how is it with the various positions, Tablet, missionary, etc. I am interested in more feed bag on the chargin? capabilities. Francis

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by franci miller
Is this really a favorite? I was looking at all the keyboards since none where available and was wanting to know more about this one how is it with the various positions, Tablet, missionary, etc. I am interested in more feed bag on the chargin? capabilities. Francis

No, it's the first and only external keyboard out that now works, but still a beta.

[clieZilla2]

does the NX just plug into it propped up w/ the keyboard lying flat? or by cable or what? just want to make sure what i'm getting before i buy... thanks!

[OcellNuri]

It looks just like the picture on the Belkin Website. The NX sits on the keyboard, there is a connector that goes into the hotsync port. You can use it with the NX in tablet mode, or clamshell mode, it does not matter. I like putting it in clamshell mode sometimes, because it puts the screen up at eye level and can be a little easier on your neck.

[stevejohnson460]

does the NX just plug into it propped up w/ the keyboard lying flat? or by cable or what? just want to make sure what i'm getting before i buy... thanks!

The NX plugs into a connector on the keyboard, sort of like the cradle.  It's not as sturdy or stable as a cradle, though.

You can use the Clie with the thumbboard showing, but it's pretty floppy.  When you tap on the screen (still a necessity for some operations), the NX starts acting a little like one of those bobbley-headed dashboard doggies. Kinda scary.

The tablet mode works better.  I think that, overall, the Belkin keyboard does a better job of supporting a handheld than the Think Outside/Targus/Sony Stowaway.  With the extra mass of the NX class machine, that's even more important.

Unlike the Stowaway, the Belkin keyboard is rigid when fully extended.  But the NX is still pretty top-heavy, so using it on your lap may be a bit precarious.  I try to at least put a portfolio-type folder on my lap first.  I think using it in a moving vehicle (as a passenger!) might call for some really quick catches, or a judiciously placed rubber band or two.

BTW, it seems like this beta edition of the driver works best if you connect the pda to the keyboard when it is powered down.

One complaint about the Belkin keyboard is the placement of the right shift key.  There's a handy checkbox on the driver configuration screen for switching its location, but I've ended up hot-gluing some paper labels onto the re-located keys.

[rhart00]

anybody got a pic or a link to one of this keyboard closed up?

[MVives]

Originally posted by rhart00
anybody got a pic or a link to one of this keyboard closed up?

Have a look at the pics in this review:

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/belkin-g7-keyboard-review.html

Note that I never experienced the problems mentioned by the author with my T615. (The review was written when the keyboard was first released.) My experience with the G700 has been MUCH better than that.

[OcellNuri]

I have posted many pictures of the keyboard to my webspace. In these pictures I am using a T615. Also some great comparison shots with the Stowaway.

http://home.earthlink.net/~ocellnuri/g700/


Also, I popped my shift and up arrow keys off and switched them. The result is very easy to use. It is a toss up between whether you want the arrow keys in the classic T configuration, or if you want the right shift key where it feels natural. This is a choice for everyone to make, and it is awesome that we can make this choice by checking off a box in the driver :D The keys are easy to switch if you decide on a layout you want to stick with.

http://home.earthlink.net/~ocellnuri/g700/keyswitch.jpg

[rhart00]

wow, it is quite a bit smaller than the targus keyboards.

[AndyK]

Does it seem like the new Targus Stowaway XT (is that what it's called?) may have taken some tips from the Belkin?

Also: SWGeek, do you know if the upcoming Stowaway for the NX will be in the new, seemingly improved, design?

[rob_squared]

This is going to be good news for a LOT of people.

[Albert Hon]

Thank you all, really long time no see~~~
I hope you guys could provide me the bugs you found in the current (beta) driver for Palm OS5 , so that we could modify that as fast as we can..
if you have any question about the driver, you could send mail to
makodochen@darfon.com.tw or kevinyu@darfon.com.tw, we are the partner of Belkin

ps: Thanks Chris for your distribution of the driver....and post
ps2: if any one would like to become the tester of driver (you could get new update driver once we have one), please send a private mail to the two people above, or you can contact me alberthon@darfon.com.tw(but I am not the in charge of that account now...), I will do my best to provide service.

[rhart00]

Ocell how does the belkin keyboard compare to the targus one? I am familiar with the targus because I have one for my N760c

[clieZilla2]

to get down to the nitty gritty - people who OWN this keyboard (or have used it) would you recommend it? why/why not? thanks!!!!

[OcellNuri]

The Belkin is a lot lighter than the Stowaway, it uses more plastic and less metal. I also feel like the Belkin holds your unit more secure, as the lid has a stand that holds your unit, instead of a little stand that slides out. The keys on the Stowaway feel more like a full laptop because they are just a little bigger. When you first look at the two it may look like the Stowaway has a much larger typing area, but if you look at my picture of the two next to each other, you can see that most of the added area on the Stowaway is extra plastic around the actual keypad. The Belkin has very little extra space around the keys, letting you have about the same typing area with a much smaller foot print.

I really feel that my pictures say quite a bit about how the two units compare in size.

There are two major things I want to point out about the Belkin that make it a great keyboard for me. 1) You can charge through the keyboard. This is excellent for long typing sessions, and the keyboard can also serve as a travel charger on the road. You don't have to carry your cradle around. 2) The Belkin is rigid when it is extended to full size. The Stowaway folds in half. I type a lot on my bed, in my lap, and on a VERY small desk in school. For me, the Stowaway would be folding in half and throwing my NX across the room pretty often.


If there is a Circuit City near you go and pick both up. Make sure that they will honor the 14 day no-question return policy on opened hardware (I know mine does). Try both out and see which works best for you. For me, the Belkin works much better than the Stowaway.

[rhart00]

thanks for that. I did find the stowaway keyboards very annoying when trying to type on anything but a hard flat surface. I am going to be in Raleigh this week so I will probably pick up a belkin at Circuit City.

[MVives]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
For me, the Belkin works much better than the Stowaway.

I will simply say that I agree with OcellNuri on all points, based on my experience with the Belkin for the past seven months that I have owned it.

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
The Belkin is a lot lighter than the Stowaway, it uses more plastic and less metal. I also feel like the Belkin holds your unit more secure, as the lid has a stand that holds your unit, instead of a little stand that slides out. The keys on the Stowaway feel more like a full laptop because they are just a little bigger. When you first look at the two it may look like the Stowaway has a much larger typing area, but if you look at my picture of the two next to each other, you can see that most of the added area on the Stowaway is extra plastic around the actual keypad. The Belkin has very little extra space around the keys, letting you have about the same typing area with a much smaller foot print.

I really feel that my pictures say quite a bit about how the two units compare in size.

There are two major things I want to point out about the Belkin that make it a great keyboard for me. 1) You can charge through the keyboard. This is excellent for long typing sessions, and the keyboard can also serve as a travel charger on the road. You don't have to carry your cradle around. 2) The Belkin is rigid when it is extended to full size. The Stowaway folds in half. I type a lot on my bed, in my lap, and on a VERY small desk in school. For me, the Stowaway would be folding in half and throwing my NX across the room pretty often.


If there is a Circuit City near you go and pick both up. Make sure that they will honor the 14 day no-question return policy on opened hardware (I know mine does). Try both out and see which works best for you. For me, the Belkin works much better than the Stowaway.

I am confused, I thought the Stowaway didn't work?

[stevejohnson460]

I am confused, I thought the Stowaway didn't work?

You're right: it doesn't with the NX.  but clieZilla2, above, asked for a comparison.

Having used them both, I think Stowaway has a slight edge in actual key travel & feel, but the Belkin is the winner in overall design and engineering.

Academic, huh.  :)

[Hollowed_Grief]

Does the beta driver work with Wordsmith? Also, how fast can you type? Ocell, had mentioned it was a little slow for typeing. Thanks for any help. I can't wait to head out to Circuit city for the G700. I like the fact it has number keys. The latest XT removed the number keys so you have to shift/fcn to get them. It's as bad as the thumb pad.
HG

[rhart00]

Originally posted by Hollowed_Grief
Does the beta driver work with Wordsmith? Also, how fast can you type? Ocell, had mentioned it was a little slow for typeing. Thanks for any help. I can't wait to head out to Circuit city for the G700. I like the fact it has number keys. The latest XT removed the number keys so you have to shift/fcn to get them. It's as bad as the thumb pad.
HG

Based on my experience using an external keyboard on my old N760c (I don't see why this would be any different), the keyboard should work anywhere you can enter text. I never had a problem with my keyboard for the N760c not working in an app that graffiti would.

[pusfarm]

EXCELLENT!!!  Thank you to everyone involved!

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by stevejohnson460
I am confused, I thought the Stowaway didn't work?

You're right: it doesn't with the NX.  but clieZilla2, above, asked for a comparison.

Having used them both, I think Stowaway has a slight edge in actual key travel & feel, but the Belkin is the winner in overall design and engineering.

Academic, huh.  :)

Hi Steve,

Very good and Thank you!

I thought so, but then I thought maybe I had missed something. These days some things can change real fast;).

[crzygrl]

Who all has tried this?....just curious....I am seriously thinking about grabbing a keyboard this afternoon 'cause I am WAY too excited about this. (*bangs head on wall chanting "need to get a life...need to get a life"*) I spent time at work entering a paper I was writing by *gulp* grafitti arrrrrgggggg......

[stevejohnson460]

crzygrl, right now the only full-size external keyboard for the NX (& NZ?) series is the Belkin G700.

AND, the drivers it ships with will not work with OS5 (on the NX, etc.). You'll have to download a beta driver from Yahoo (see link near the top of this thread, posted by OcellNuri).

FURTHER AND, there are known issues: principally you must disable the keyboard driver in order to hotsync.

Reading through this thread from top to bottom before buying a NX keyboard would be wise!

[crzygrl]

Ummmm.....thanks, I read it about 3 times prior to posting and have been following the many lack of keyboard threads since I bought my Clie' in November.

My question wasn't clear enough. I was actually wondering how many people have used the Beta driver and what other obvious bugs have been found so far besides the hotsync issue. I didn't want to reinvent the wheel fighting known issues if I got one.

Steve----btw, love your signature quote........ ;)

[crzygrl]

BTW:.....found this link in the accessories forum

http://www.belkin.com/discounts/

$51.99 with free shipping...not too shabby

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by crzygrl
Ummmm.....thanks, I read it about 3 times prior to posting and have been following the many lack of keyboard threads since I bought my Clie' in November.

My question wasn't clear enough. I was actually wondering how many people have used the Beta driver and what other obvious bugs have been found so far besides the hotsync issue. I didn't want to reinvent the wheel fighting known issues if I got one.

Steve----btw, love your signature quote........ ;)

I don't know if too many have tried it yet. It only was announced a couple of days ago by OcellNuri. He has been around enough that I think he is a straight shooter:).

[feed_sheep]

Any chance this will work with the Tungsten? Or it the TT driver have to be completely different?

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by feed_sheep
Any chance this will work with the Tungsten? Or it the TT driver have to be completely different?

In another thread, a Belkin employee said there was a TT beta in progress too.

[Kleejam]

I started using the g700 with the nx70 + beta driver today. I love having the option of using a full keyboard (the built in keyboard is essentially useless to me). The g700 has a slick system for opening/closing and works well.

That said, the beta requires refinement (hence, beta):
-An option to prevent autopowerdown after 3min would be nice (typing on the keyboard doesn't seem to be considered 'activity').
-The driver seems to occasionally ignore the first keystroke after a pause in typing.
-The clie resets from time to time (without data loss).
-The right arrow sometimes launches the last used app.
-etc.

Overall, very useful.

[rhart00]

Originally posted by feed_sheep
Any chance this will work with the Tungsten? Or it the TT driver have to be completely different?

I am surprised there aren't a plethora of keyboards working with the TT already. Palm stuff always seems to have the best 3rd party support. The TT driver will most likely need a different driver.

[crzygrl]

Kleejam--

thanks for the update on what you have found. Hopefully I will have time to go buy one before work tonight!

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by Kleejam
I started using the g700 with the nx70 + beta driver today. I love having the option of using a full keyboard (the built in keyboard is essentially useless to me). The g700 has a slick system for opening/closing and works well.

That said, the beta requires refinement (hence, beta):
-An option to prevent autopowerdown after 3min would be nice (typing on the keyboard doesn't seem to be considered 'activity').
-The driver seems to occasionally ignore the first keystroke after a pause in typing.
-The clie resets from time to time (without data loss).
-The right arrow sometimes launches the last used app.
-etc.

Overall, very useful.

There are freeware apps that can disable or vastly increase the 3 minute timeout interval.

[Investa]

Originally posted by crzygrl
BTW:.....found this link in the accessories forum

http://www.belkin.com/discounts/

$51.99 with free shipping...not too shabby


Ordered one this morning after finding the same deal posted at TechBargains.com.


Not a bad price at all, considering they are sold out of the Refurbs and a Nextag.com price search yield a lowball of $59 + $12 shipping.


I am really looking forward to this. I recently sold my Visor Stowaway on eBay. Never thought I would miss it as much as I did.

Mike

[OcellNuri]

Originally posted by Hollowed_Grief
Does the beta driver work with Wordsmith? Also, how fast can you type? Ocell, had mentioned it was a little slow for typeing. Thanks for any help. I can't wait to head out to Circuit city for the G700. I like the fact it has number keys. The latest XT removed the number keys so you have to shift/fcn to get them. It's as bad as the thumb pad.
HG

I just got back from the beach, so I'm trying to catch up here.

Currently the beta driver does not have any "special" support for Wordsmith. It does not currently do things like Ctrl-S for save. The OS4 version of the Belkin driver did, and I am certain it will be added in the future. Right now the team is mainly focusing on fixing the most apparent issues such as speed and hotsyncing.

Right now, becase of the lag of the driver, it is best to try and type in a moderately steady pace. For me, this is about 40 words per minute, trying to keep from hitting a string of keys in quick succession. This is just to let the driver have time to get each keystroke. It is VERY usable. I got a chance to use it some more this weekend, and the driver has been working great for me. I encourage anyone who wants a full size keyboard for the NX to give the Belkin G700 a try. The drivers WILL come around, it is only a matter of time for the team to get everything nailed down. What's so exciting is the fact that there is light at the end of the tunnel. :D

[AndyK]

Do we think that either or both of the Belkin and hopefully upcoming Stowaways will enable shortcuts? I.e., it is hugely valuable to me when I work in Graffiti that I can do a time-stamp in two strokes.

[OcellNuri]

The Belkin supports shortcuts already. Hold down the shift key and hit the command stroke key. It works flawlessly, even in the beat OS5 driver.

[Hollowed_Grief]

Ocell,

Thanks for the detailed reply. Was your read me file mentioned on the first page of these threads in the DL from the yahoo forums? I only saw a short install text. I was wondering what needs to be disabled to hotsync. I turned the driver off, but I am still getting a reset on hotsync. Thanks for any help. HG

[OcellNuri]

That short message is all the "readme" I included. I hadn't had sufficient time to do a complete list of issues.

As far as your hotsync reset, I do not have that issue. All I have to do is disable the driver and hotsync works fine. Try turning the driver off, deleting it, then do a soft reset and see if hotsync will work. If it does, try installing the driver again and see if the problem persists.

[stevejohnson460]

I tried to move the beta driver to the MS using "drag and drop" in LauncherX. I don't recommend it! <grin>

[pusfarm]

I used the beta driver on a flight to Vancouver yesterday and it works pretty well.&nbsp; I experienced the same quirks mentioned earlier [auto shutoff, etc.], but also noticed that the driver seems to be sucking up resources, even when not activated.

With the driver installed, but deactivated, I went into BugMe to write a note and the response time was VERY sluggish.&nbsp; When I uninstalled the driver everything was back to normal.

Otherwise, this is a welcome driver and there is plenty to like about it.&nbsp; So thankful to have my keyboard working again!!

[OcellNuri]

Pusfarm, that reminded me that I had the same issue this weekend. I went to play a game of bejeweled and the game was very sluggish. I put a copy of the driver on the root directory of the MS, so I can keep it uninstalled and just install it when I need to use it. A temporary fix.

[n2ifp]

I am sure it will get better. The idea that a working external keyboard is now a reality, has to leave one feeling thrilled!

[gyffes]

Question:

When shopping for the G700, should I get the one designed for Clie's or does it not matter? What's the diff?

Thanks.

[n2ifp]

There can be a lot of physical differences alone. There are many models of Clies, Visors, Palms, etc. They all don't fit the same mold, so you need to look for a Clie model.

[Kleejam]

The connector socket on the bottom of your clie is different from palms/visors/etc. You have to get the keyboard that fits the clie.

[noniuser]

Great postings about this keyboard!

Circuit City does not advertise matching internet prices, but I copied Belkin's 35% discount offer until the 7th, talked to the manager, and got the keyboard for $52 + tax! I returned my first one-the "O" key would type 3 "O"s per keystroke; this new one works fine.

[SprSaiyan8]

cool

[madmaxmedia]

Thanks for all the pictures and detailed information!! I was leaning against this keyboard (for my SJ33), but from the pics and your description it looks great for the price.

It seems quite touch-typeable. It looks like they shorted the height more than the width, which seems better. I used to have a GoType and would sometimes hit adjacent keys (to the left and right).

[rhart00]

I am assuming that only the belkin G700 for NR series works for our NX and not the belkin G700 for T series. Am I correct? or does either one work?

[OcellNuri]

There is only one Belkin G700. They keyboard works for both the T series and the NR series. And yes, this is the keyboard that works for the NX series.

[crzygrl]

Okay, I am _AT_ Circuit City posting this.......printed out the price match from Belkin and forgot it at home.

Not only did the associate say they would match it, she brought me over to the computer terminal to print out the stuff from Belkin!

Not too shabby huh???

[OcellNuri]

That's awesome crzygrl. That is a steal. I got my Belkin for $60 after the employee discount... and you are still making off better than I did.

[Donkeystyle]

Originally posted by crzygrl
Okay, I am _AT_ Circuit City posting this.......printed out the price match from Belkin and forgot it at home.

Not only did the associate say they would match it, she brought me over to the computer terminal to print out the stuff from Belkin!

Not too shabby huh???

What did you print out to show them? Their website says they dont match internet retailer prices......

[crzygrl]

Went through and put in the discount code for buying the G700 on the Belkin site then printed the "purchase page" that had the price with the discount.

(did this make sense?)

Purchase discount code 48567

[crzygrl]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
I put a copy of the driver on the root directory of the MS, so I can keep it uninstalled and just install it when I need to use it. A temporary fix.

Could you give me more info on how you did this??&nbsp; I have tried to install directly to the MS and then copy it over and it isn't working....arrrrgggg...:confused:

Thanks!

[OcellNuri]

Put the driver files on the MS. Then use a file manager to copy the OS5 driver file and launcher.prc to RAM from the MS. Make sure that right after they are copied over you do a soft reset. They should work fine now.

[mormegil]

I just returned my KB11 at Best Buy (29th day). It use to work with my T665C. Got an NX under the extended warranty (and paid the difference).

Is it just me, or does the response seem a little slower (way slower than I type), with this keyboard.

Was it like this with the Belkin in OS4?

Is it a driver issue, or a hardware limitation?

[OcellNuri]

This is just an issue with the beta driver. There have been several posts in this thread concerning the speed of the current driver.

The OS4 version of the driver could easily keep up with me at 120wpm... and after some bug fixes I am confident the OS5 driver will be up to par.

[rhart00]

Originally posted by mormegil
I just returned my KB11 at Best Buy (29th day). It use to work with my T665C. Got an NX under the extended warranty (and paid the difference).

Is it just me, or does the response seem a little slower (way slower than I type), with this keyboard.

Was it like this with the Belkin in OS4?

Is it a driver issue, or a hardware limitation?


This has already been addressed in this post. It is a driver issue but they say it is being addressed.

[mormegil]

I find that I seem to crash (Clie) whenever I try to hotsync. It happens right when Pocket Quicken is syncing.

I got around it, by loading the driver into the MS, using PowerRun. I still have to select it to off though.

[OcellNuri]

Wow.. so the driver will work loaded into PowerRun?

[mormegil]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
Wow.. so the driver will work loaded into PowerRun?

No it won't. I could just find it easier than using Clie Files to move it to the Memory stick.

Oddly, when the driver is moved to the MS, it still won't hotsync, until the keyboard is set to off. This even though, it won't work in the MS.

[crzygrl]

Ahhhh....finally got it streamlined to work...thanks OcellNuri!

6 classes at UPenn and work just got much better!!!

[Donkeystyle]

What is the launcher.prc for? I copied both it and the os5driver file to the clie, but now i can't find launcher.prc in clie files. If I just delete the keyboard app from the launcher will it uninstall both files cleanly?

[OcellNuri]

I think the launcher.prc file may be what causes a soft reset after the hotsync. I really have no clue though, and this is just a guess.

[flipcap22]

I was using the G700 w/ my T615 using V 1.7. Everything worked fine. Then I got a T665 over the weekend for a good price, and I must say that typing is so much better w/ the faster processor. W/ the T615...I always found that the letters wouldn't come up fast enough to keep up with my typing. This is no longer a problem w/ a T665. I also didn't know that the keys could be swapped that easily. Now there's no confusion in pressing the correct buttons. Thanks for the tip OcellNuri! Overall...I'm satisfied w/ the keyboard....although I still have problems w/ the space bar not registering...oh well, I guess!

[Donkeystyle]

Thanks crzygirl for the Circuit City tip. they matched the price for me with no prob.

I wanted to move this to the bottom again so someone might be able to answer. Ocellnuri guessed at what launcher.prc was for, thanks for that.
"What is the launcher.prc for? I copied both it and the os5driver file to the clie, but now i can't find launcher.prc in clie files. If I just delete the keyboard app from the launcher will it uninstall both files cleanly?"

[johnsonk47]

For your information: Someone is auctioning Belkin G700s for Clie on Ebay. I got one for $37 plus $10 shipping.

[OcellNuri]

Direct link to an auction with a day left and no bids so far.. for anyone interested.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3011487125&category=27968

[stevejohnson460]

OcellNuri, you mentioned somewhere about prying the keycaps off of the Belkin G700, in order to switch around the shift and arrow keys.

PRYING THEM OFF!?!? Can you describe this procedure for the squeamish?

[OcellNuri]

I'll do you one better.. I'll take pictures! Give me a few minutes.

[OcellNuri]

Here are some (blurry) pics of the type of connectors that hold the keys on. It is kind of like the axles on cheap toy cars. A C shaped plastic piece that a round rod snaps into.

http://home.earthlink.net/~ocellnuri/g700/keytab1.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~ocellnuri/g700/keytab2.jpg

Here is a short movie I recorded with the NX, just incase you want to see how much force it takes. I think it's the best indicator I could give you... it's just a case of push until it gives, but don't break it. :-/

http://home.earthlink.net/~ocellnuri/g700/keyremove.mov

Forgive my voice, it's midnight and it's been a long day.

[MVives]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
Here are some (blurry) pics of the type of connectors that hold the keys on.

Yet another excellent use of the NX70V camera! :)

[cambium]

Well my "refurb" from Belkin arrived a few minutes ago - in original packaging! This baby looks BRAND NEW. The keys are spotless and unworn etc...

Tried the driver - works great with the few bugs that have been described earlier. I'm happy. :-)

My questions to OcellNuri -
1) How do we describe bugs to the developers? Do they want us to describe bugs?

2) How will we know when new versions of the driver are available? Is there a place to register email addresses to be notified of updates?

Many thanks to everyone!!! I love having a keyboard again. I had almost forgotten how nice it was to have one.

Cambium

[stevejohnson460]

Thanks, OcellNuri. The pics are great! Now, if I can just get the paper labels "un-hotglued" from the top of my keys . . . . :)

[AndyK]

Woo hoo! Just for the record:

I ordered my Belkin keyboard at about 11pm Tuesday night. I got a shipping notice at 6pm Wednesday. It arrived at 3pm Thursday.

Of course it helps that I'm in the LA area, I guess. I didn't realize Belkin was in Compton.

It's a great design. It will take me a while to get used to the slight difference in size from a standard keyboard, but I don't think it'll take TOO long. I installed the Beta driver and had several of the same issues other people have mentioned: sluggishness, inability to HotSync, etc.

I probably won't use it much until the final driver comes out, but this is all very exciting. Also: now that I've actually played with one, it's pretty clear to me that the Stowaway XT basically took two-thirds of its design changes from the Belkin.

[OcellNuri]

Originally posted by cambium

My questions to OcellNuri -
1) How do we describe bugs to the developers? Do they want us to describe bugs?

2) How will we know when new versions of the driver are available? Is there a place to register email addresses to be notified of updates?



Start at the front of this thread and look through. At some point Albert Hon posted a message explaining how to contribute beta reports to his team.

[Instigator]

is it just me or does this driver slow down the whole device i don't think that it is worth having on your clie while it is still in the beta stages

[OcellNuri]

It does indeed slow down the device for certain apps. I keep a copy on my MS, and delete the driver when I am not using it. I install it when I need to use it.

This driver IS a beta, but it is out there for people who MUST HAVE a keyboard. I am one of those people.

[Instigator]

good idea!!

[mux1]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
Albert Hon has provided me with a beta driver that allows the Belkin G700 keyboard to work with the Sony Clie NX series of handhelds. As we know, until now there have been no full-size keyboard available for the NX series. This driver allows current G700 keyboards to work with the NX. The drivers are in the early stages of development, but I know that many NX users are desperately waiting for a full size keyboard. Albert’s team is hard at work on improving the driver and making it bug free. This version does work, but it has a couple known bugs. One is that the driver is not up to full speed yet. The second is that you must disable the driver when you want to hotsync.

Because I do not have web hosting ability, I have posted the beta drivers in the Yahoo Group: nXtClieClub in the files section. I believe this link may work.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nXtClieClub/files/Belkin%20Keyboard%20Beta%20Updates/


Remember that this is not the final release of the driver, but it is very functional. Enjoy!


I just have to ask, is Albert Hon a Belkin employee or is he an independent programmer. I am considering picking up the G700 keyboard, and would like that peace of mind knowing that the driver's development will not stop before it's completed :)

[mux1]

Update to the above...

I just went to Circuit City to try out the G700. I think the design is very unique, but the keys are much too small and close together for me. I could probably adapt, but the lack of an evenly centered/sized space bar bothers me as well.

I asked if they would do a price match for me (had everything printed out from Belkin's sight), but they said no, even after telling them I know of many people who made this purchase. Their ignorance was stating something about it having to be an advertisement (I guess the checkout page from the website didnt fit the bill). Luckily, after this I opened the package and tried out the keyboard... I probably would have bought it without even trying it if they matched the price...now I'm glad they didn't.

This isn't a flame Circuit City thread..but my experiences with them have never been good. Sales people don't know a PC from a Mac, and the act is if they are only out to make their commissions on sales.

[AndyK]

What's interesting about the keys is that the difference between them and those of a laptop is less than 10% (I think), which doesn't seem like much. But I can see that 10% making a huge difference for some people. As it is, it's going to take me some time to adjust.

[timothybronson]

After getting my G700 today, and getting it all installed and running, I'm glad to see (in reading this thread) that the spotty driver performance isn't just me (or my T665).

I installed the beta driver (v. 1.7), but I notice that if I stop typing for a moment, the keyboard won't work again until I shut the Clie off and turn it back on. I don't need to disconnect it from the keyboard, just cycle the power for a second or so.

Has anyone found a way around this?

Thanks for all the collective wisdom in this thread... thanks to OcellNuri, I already have my Up arrow and right Shift key switched out!

[cambium]

timothybronson, where did you get the v. 1.7 driver from? The ones at the Belkin site look old and the one on nXt's yahoo site seem to be the 1.0 version I already have.

[timothybronson]

It's further up the thread:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nXtClieClub/files/Belkin%20Keyboard%20Beta%20Updates/

[OcellNuri]

That is the "sleep" problem. There are two versions of the driver... Sleep and No Sleep. Load the other version and it should fix your problem.

[timothybronson]

A-HA!

Thank you-- I'll try it out right now.

Tim

[passer-by]

I just received an e-mail from Belkin.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for the e-mail. I have just confirmed that the drivers will be available by the end of the month. Please feel free to contact me with anything that you may need.

Jonathan Hawkes
Senior Sales Representative

Belkin Corporation
Sales Department
800-223-5546 x2360
310-604-4771 fax
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Investa]

Yesterday I received a new copy of the G700 driver from Makodo Chen.

He sent it compressed in the rar format, and I have been unable to unzip it with winzip, stuffit, powerdesk.

Ideas?


Here is the text of the email:

Hi All:
Attached file is the new driver for Sony keyboard.

In this version, it was modified as following:

1. Supporting WordSmith for following shortcut:
1. Left Align (Ctrl-L)
2. Center Align (Ctrl-E)
3. Right Align (Ctrl-R)
4. Find (Ctrl-F)
5. Select All (Ctrl-A)
6. Save/Save as (ctrl-s)

2. "shift + [directional arrows] " repeat faster for WordSmith.

3. "shift + [directional arrows]" support for Document to Go.

4. "Clie will go to stand by situation while u typing" was fixed.

5. " pasting in the driver TestKeyboard field does 2 paste " was fixed.

6. When you working in "DocumentToGo",
Press[ fn + "Done/Cancel" ] will freeze the Clie was fixed.


Please install DriverOS5.prc and Launcher.prc to your Clie.


Best regards,

Makodo.

[Investa]

Forgot to sign in for that last post.

Mike

[franci miller]

with all the praise I don't want to be a party pooper but does anyone think that Micro or other such Keyboards will become available in the future. I have the g700 and like it but don't do tons of keybaord typing and like the idea of a smaller keyboard. Do many companies write drivers like this? I need to make a desicion in 29 days so it's kind of an emergency. Francis

[Clemenza]

Originally posted by Investa
Yesterday I received a new copy of the G700 driver from Makodo Chen.

He sent it compressed in the rar format, and I have been unable to unzip it with winzip, stuffit, powerdesk.

Ideas?




Hi Mike:

Try WinRAR. You can get a trial version of it here:

http://www.winrar-rog.de/edownload/winrar.html

Also, could you perhaps send a copy of the latest driver to OcellNuri (he started this thread) so he can upload it to the Yahoo group files area? This way we can all try it out.

Thanks--

Mike

[gyffes]

Can anyone post the YahooGroups link where this driver's available?

Many thanks.

[SHaque]

Please do upload the latest driver! :)

Btw, there are like 5 drivers on the yahoo site... I have an Nx70v...do I just install the OS 5 one and thats all? I am confused by the Sleep files.

[Investa]

Originally posted by Clemenza



Hi Mike:

Try WinRAR. You can get a trial version of it here:

http://www.winrar-rog.de/edownload/winrar.html

Also, could you perhaps send a copy of the latest driver to OcellNuri (he started this thread) so he can upload it to the Yahoo group files area? This way we can all try it out.

Thanks--

Mike

Thanks, WinRAR did the trick. I will foward the file to OcellNuri.


Mike

[SHaque]

I'm a little confused... Can I install the OS5 beta drivers from the yahoo group, and then install one of the "No Sleep" files as well, in order to avoid the sleep glitch?

Or is it one or the other? I am holding off until someone can explain this to me...I don't want to really screw up the Clie...

[franci miller]

I have downloaded the no-sleep and the first beta driver for the belki g700. The first beta worked OK but now the no-sleep version has no keyboard response at all. I have the Prc. and the app. icon but the app. does not work. I did turn the keyboard on in the app. I unzipped my pc and tried the winrar. nothing. I would go back to the orig. beta but it slows up my handheld too much. What is wrong with the no-sleep version? I should restate what am I doing wrong? is it a addition to the original? should I install both? I have tried to be as detailed as possible, any suggestions before I return the keybaord and wait for more keyboards to become available. Thank You, Francis

[Clemenza]

Okay, I don't know why it's taking so long to distribute the March version of the driver Makodo Chen has sent out to certain people. I'd REALLY like to get my hands on a copy, and I'm sure many others would, too.

So in lieu of someone posting it to the Yahoo group where the other drivers are located, if whoever has a copy (Investa or anyone else) will email it to me, I'll post it on one of my webspaces ASAP.

My email address is: epperson@lumenchristi.org

Thanks--

Mike

[Albert Hon]

Originally posted by Clemenza
Okay, I don't know why it's taking so long to distribute the March version of the driver Makodo Chen has sent out to certain people. I'd REALLY like to get my hands on a copy, and I'm sure many others would, too.

So in lieu of someone posting it to the Yahoo group where the other drivers are located, if whoever has a copy (Investa or anyone else) will email it to me, I'll post it on one of my webspaces ASAP.

My email address is: epperson@lumenchristi.org

Thanks--

Mike

Mike, I have forward this to Makodo, you will get driver by tomorrow (beta 2 version)

[Clemenza]

Thanks Albert, Makodo, and Investa.

I've posted the drivers here:

http://home.uchicago.edu/~epperson/courses/Loyola_Theo_192/G700.html

[SHaque]

Since I won't have time to do any real testing for a while, I would appreciate any comments you guys may have on these latest drivers!

-SHaque

[stevejohnson460]

I installed the drivers this afternoon, and for me it was good news/bad news.

The good: I can hotsync without disabling the driver.

The bad: The driver is still slow. I can type much faster than it displays characters.

All in all, it's a nice improvement, and makes me hungry for the next release.

[joelmhrrt]

I have purchased the G700 and have installed the most recent drivers, but when I attempt to type anything at all. my HotSync application runs and I receive this message:

"Unable to initiate HotSync operation because the port is in use by another application."

Has anyone run into this problem?
I have reset my sony and have attached the unit while it was turned off, but still run into this issue.

[OcellNuri]

What unit are you using and what version of the driver did you install?

[joelmhrrt]

I have the Sony Clie PEG-NX70V/U with the latest Sony update and the March Belkin drivers. I tried the earlier driver from February and had the same problem.

[joelmhrrt]

I resolved my own problem! After writing, I remembered a similar situation I experienced using "Afterburner" on my old Palm Pilot III and the Palm Portable Keyboard. If I set my overclocking too high, my HotSync application would come up.

While I do not have Afterburner or any hacks for the matter running on my Sony Clie, I did have a program called "SysInfo" v2.4 OS5 compatible running which provides support for overclocking on the DragonBall family processors. Once I removed this application, I was able to type.

Thank you OcellNuri for responding so quickly to my initial post. This keyboard and driver information has been a godsend for me.

[OcellNuri]

I'm glad to see you resolved the issue. I would have never guessed SysInfo could have caused that. Havn't played with the OS5 version yet.

[johnsonk47]

Originally posted by Clemenza
Thanks Albert, Makodo, and Investa.

I've posted the drivers here:

http://home.uchicago.edu/~epperson/courses/Loyola_Theo_192/G700.html

This verison is identified as 1.0. Is it different from the earlier version which is still on the Yahoo site?

[LucretiaClie]

I am so happy that I found this source. I have had my NX 70V since Christmas Eve and have been trying to find a keyboard. I found this website yesterday, downloaded the Bekin Beta program for the keyboard, went to Circuit City bought the keyboard and presto I'm in business. Thanks for the posting and information. I use my Clie Constantly and when I saw that Sony change the game controller I was hoping that they would change the keyboard so I went from site to site hoping someone would make a keyboard. Thank you thank you thank you.

[davel]

I just hope they fix the speed soon. With the driver installed (on or off), all user input is significantly slower; including graffiti input, jog dial scrolling, and short cut expansion.

I remove the driver until I know I will be using the keyboard.

Dave

[gyffes]

Newbie Question:

How does one "remove the driver" yet leave it ready to be used as needed? That is, what 'zactly are the steps involved?

Danke.

[poisonberry]

My guess would be that people are storing it on a memorystick and copying it across to the interior store when they need to use it (using Clie Files or similar). When not needed, this copy can be deleted: the copy on the stick remains in place, and can be copied over again later.

[davel]

You keep the driver and the launcher app on a memory stick. When you want to use the driver, copy both to ram and do a soft reset.

To remove the driver, turn it off, delete it from ram, and do a soft reset.

Dave

[OcellNuri]

Actually, you only need to have the OS5.prc file on the memory stick. The Launcher.prc file is a program that detects what operating system you have, and then deletes the un-needed driver. This way you can hotsync OS5, OS4, and Launcher. Depending on whether you have OS4 or 5, it will delete the driver you don't need.

If you want to store the driver on the MS all you need is the 0S5 file. Launcher is un-needed.

[gyffes]

Ok (thanks for your patience).. lemme get this straight:

1) I PowerRun the DriverOS5.prc and Launcher.prc to my MS, then
2) when I wish to use my (totally *****in') Belkin700, I merely... activate PowerRun,
3) select DRIVEROS5.prc
4) Soft-reset
5) Type away until done then
6) PowerRun to delete DRIVERos5.prc
7) Soft-reset again

??

[gyffes]

Man, what a bummer that I use primarily my right thumb for SPACEkey action, n'eh?

Still, this is verynice. I must say, I'm not noticing a major slowdown (or even any slowdown -- perhaps I'm used to PowerRun's delay?

Good work, DriverDudes!

[OcellNuri]

You don't need to use PowerRun. I use Zlaucncher's built in file mover, or McPhile. Remember, you are not actually running the driver off of the MS, you are just storing an extra copy there so you can uninstall and reinstall the driver without having to get to your PC.

[poisonberry]

I'm still (impatiently) waiting for a G700 to limp in from an Ebay seller (you can't seem to get them in the UK, or I can't, at least). In the meantime I wondered if there was anywhere in particular one could go to make sure one always had the latest version of the driver - or is it likely to turn up here as early as anywhere? Thanks...

* Bonus second question: if anyone knows of a mail order firm in the UK that will definitely deliver the G700, I'd be interested to hear. Someone previously pointed me to Ebuyer, and I ordered it from them, but all they did was auto-send me three emails a day telling me it wasn't in stock, without any indication of when, or even if, it ever would be. So I cancelled.

[mux1]

Originally posted by OcellNuri
You don't need to use PowerRun. I use Zlaucncher's built in file mover, or McPhile. Remember, you are not actually running the driver off of the MS, you are just storing an extra copy there so you can uninstall and reinstall the driver without having to get to your PC.

I believe ZLauncher only moves the application, and creates a shortcut in RAM which points to the new location. This works well, but I don't think it moves databases and related files....(correct me if I'm wrong).

[gyffes]

S'ok, the question is moot. This latest driver does not seem to inhibit my NX in any way, so I just installed it in RAM and left it there. No worries, as it were!

I have a problem when typing in that the Belkin' doesn't register my space-key-taps very often. This is irritating. I hope 't'will improve with practice. Or, perhaps, it's a driver issue and improvements in the driver will address it.

[OcellNuri]

Originally posted by mux1


I believe ZLauncher only moves the application, and creates a shortcut in RAM which points to the new location. This works well, but I don't think it moves databases and related files....(correct me if I'm wrong).

I don't use ZLauncher to make a shortcut for the driver or anything. You can copy files to the MS into any directory with ZLauncher. I just copy the driver file to the root directory of my MS. It does not show up in my launcher, there is no shortcut made. It is just stored there. Later, I can go in and copy it back to ram if I want to use the driver. This is a manual operation. It's just like moving it to the MS with McPhile or Filez... I just use Zlauncher instead. I'm not trying to run the driver off of the MS, I am only storing it there.

[mboltcocacola]

I have downloaded the latest driver and I have no problems with hotsync when the driver is left on. However, I did notice that I am not able to record movies. I get the following error: Due to the temporary limitation of loading process, recording is ended. It does work when I turn the driver off. Does anyone else have the same problem?

[Unregistered]

Thank you mboltcocacola

for the post, I had not made the connection between the driver and the movie record. I have been having the same problem and this explains everthing. to think I was blaming my memory stick an it didn't do anything to deserve my anger.
I have had similar problems with Preference/connections. when trying to use wireless connections. (fatal exceptions.) anyone else experience this.

[YJChen]

Hi All:
I am Albert's colleague, Makodo. And I charge with the bug of the driver.

About "Movie Record",
It's really our bug of driver, we are now coding that to solve this
problem. Schedule will be updated soon.

About "Preference/connections"
Sorry, I can't reproduce it. Could you please describe more
detail for me

If there is any questions about the driver, no matter OS4 or OS5,
please feel free to let me know, thanks.

[gyffes]

Mr. Chen, Lovely work!!

[AndyK]

Well, I tried the new version of the driver, and the problem wasn't just on Movie Record. When I tried to play back films, I'd get the audio, but just a still of the first frame.

[Donkeystyle]

did that video work previously? i had that problem before, but unrelated to the keyboard driver. that happens when a compressed video like divx is converted to clie format.

[YJChen]

Originally posted by AndyK
Well, I tried the new version of the driver, and the problem wasn't just on Movie Record. When I tried to play back films, I'd get the audio, but just a still of the first frame.

"Movie Player"
I can reproduce this too.
Hmm... Mabey it's the same pqoblem with the "Movie Record".
I'll try to sloved these problem together.

[Banshee]

Originally posted by poisonberry
* Bonus second question: if anyone knows of a mail order firm in the UK that will definitely deliver the G700, I'd be interested to hear. Someone previously pointed me to Ebuyer, and I ordered it from them, but all they did was auto-send me three emails a day telling me it wasn't in stock, without any indication of when, or even if, it ever would be. So I cancelled. [/B]

Had the same problem as you. Chris Veerabadran (over at CliePlanet) is sourcing me a Belkin keyboard at the mo' for £60. You can email him on cgull8@yahoo.com

[chelton25]

Hi,
Recieved my belkin keyboard today. Happy with it so far. I have a question concering the ability to charge the NX70 while connected to the keyboard. The instructinos say that i can use the supplied adapter and my cradle charging wire to do this but the one that i have is not compatiable. How does one go about utilizing the charging feature?

[YJChen]

Hi chelton25:
There is a connector attached with the keyborad. You could connect the Sony's charging wire and the keyboard by the connector.

[OcellNuri]

There is a small adaptor that came with the keyboard that fits on the end of the power supply that came with your Clie.

[OcellNuri]

Posted at the same time... Sorry.

[chelton25]

The only adapter i have does not fit the clie power supply. it has a round hole and the clie has three small holes. also the one i have says it for the palm 505. i think the guy i got it from ripped me off. The one i have is not even for the clie. my NX70 wont even fit the keyboard. first this guy is late dilevering the product and now he sent me the wrong one.

[OcellNuri]

Oh yea.. that would be your problem right there. That's not cool at all.

[Albert Hon]

Chelton,

The charging adapter should have a "G730" symbols marked on the surface ...please check that, if the one is marked as "G770" , it's wrong.

Albert

[franci miller]

YJChen
the network problem is datamgr .c, Line:3718,Null dbh passed and then it requires a harrd reset. this happens when trying to go preg network, >francis

[poisonberry]

Banshee - thanks for the tip.

chelton25 - you didn't buy yours from a guy on eBay, did you? Only I've got one supposed to be on its way, and I'm beginning to have my doubts...

[chelton25]

Yes i di get it from a guy on ebay. seller name is b2bawzum. he said i could send it back for a refund but it's a hassle when they offer one thing and then you get another. that's the problem with a lot of the seller's on ebay. they have no clue when it comes to selling computer equipment and related materials. hope you get the right one.

[YJChen]

Originally posted by franci miller
YJChen
the network problem is datamgr .c, Line:3718,Null dbh passed and then it requires a harrd reset. this happens when trying to go preg network, >francis

Did you mean "preferences\network"?
Sorry, I can't reproduce this....
Did you attach any other device to the Clie, like network card?
Please describe more detail for me, thanks.

[francis]

Did you mean "preferences\network"?
Sorry, I can't reproduce this....
Did you attach any other device to the Clie, like network card?
Please describe more detail for me, thanks.Did you mean "preferences\network"?


YChen, Yes I did buy the sony wifi card and installed the driver on the sameee day so I allways assumed it was my card and returned the card. I jusst started to wonder after having porblems with the movie loading process and the osw5 driver if there might be a connection, (no pun intended) here. The problem happens when I press the preferences button all the other variations in preferences are stable and working fine but the networrk option on the dropdown menu instantly upon tap causes the clie nx to crash and I get the following message

is datamgr .c, Line:3718,Null dbh passed

I also have a runtime error in hotsync. It hotsyncs fine and then about 5 seconds after I dismiss the view log dialogue box on my desktop Runtime erroe Programsc/program files sony handheld hotsync Exe R6025 pure virtual funtion call

I hope this is a result of the Driver and I am not loaning you my problems. I have tried to reset and want to avoid a hard reset. If it is my fault I apologize for wasting your time and appreciate you prompt responce to my posts. I love thgis keyboard and will tell others it's unique design and Belkins excellent customer service. You are from Belkin right? Thank you, Francis Miller

[stevejohnson460]

I just downloaded the new driver Makodo delivered to my email address. It works, though it took a second warm reset to get it to activate. I was careful to delete the old driver before installing (as per instructions).

Here's what the new driver addresses (from the text of Makodo's email):
1. Solved the problem that when the driver is enable, "movie record" and "movie player" can't perform in Sony NX70R.
2. Support shortcut list in the Word Smith &gt; Menu &gt; Options &gt; Keyboard Help...

I don't have any of the problem applications this release aimed to address, but downloaded it just to stay current. It still is very slow, but a wonderful fix for external keyboarding.

[gyffes]

Thanks for the update, Steve.

Now, is there a central location one can go to find the "latest and greatest" on a regular basis or should we all appeal for personalized emails?

[johnsonk47]

I installed this latest version and am having the same problem with earlier ones. If the driver is on the handheld I get a fatal error at the end of a synch. I've had to delete it from handheld when I want to sync and then copy it back on from the MS when I want to use the keyboard. Is this a common bug or is it specific to my NX60? Any info would be helpful.

[johnsonk47]

Originally posted by johnsonk47
I installed this latest version and am having the same problem with earlier ones. If the driver is on the handheld I get a fatal error at the end of a synch. I've had to delete it from handheld when I want to sync and then copy it back on from the MS when I want to use the keyboard. Is this a common bug or is it specific to my NX60? Any info would be helpful.

To be more precise, it's a Fatal Alert "Preferences.c, Line:266, PrefDB Open Error"

[Banshee]

Yup, I still get this error with my NX70 :(

[AndyK]

Hmmm. I just installed the new version, synched, checked it out, and then re-synched, and I got no error message.

The space bar is still a problem, however.

[Clemenza]

I'm getting the Fatal Alert, too. Don't know what's causing it, but the fact that not everyone's getting it is certainly a clue. Other than lubak's latest Fonts4NX, my NX70 is running very Zen--i.e., no launchers, hacks, etc.

[poisonberry]

Weirdly, I was getting that alert, but only after installing Documents to Go (Mac OSX version). I turned off the conduit, and it didn't happen. Make any sense, or just random variables coliding?

And can I reiterate gyffes' enquiry as to whether theyre's a way of always getting the hot-off-the-press version of the driver?

[Clemenza]

I'm posting them here as I get them from Makodo:

http://home.uchicago.edu/~epperson/courses/Loyola_Theo_192/G700

Interesting about Docs to Go... I'll have to noodle with that a bit.

[johnsonk47]

Originally posted by poisonberry
Weirdly, I was getting that alert, but only after installing Documents to Go (Mac OSX version). I turned off the conduit, and it didn't happen. Make any sense, or just random variables coliding?

And can I reiterate gyffes' enquiry as to whether theyre's a way of always getting the hot-off-the-press version of the driver?

I just deleted Documents to Go from the Clie, uninstalled it from the desktop (PC) and reset everything; I still get the Fatal Alert.

[stevejohnson460]

Come to think of it, I've had a similar error message on hotsync occasionally.&nbsp; I've not been able to trace it to a particular usage pattern.

I use Doc to Go, but the conduit is "off" by default, since I save a number of docs to the MS, and it's SO SLOW.&nbsp; I just did a sync with the conduit on; no prob.&nbsp;

BTW, I have a NX60.

[francis]

I think I love this new driver, in fact I am going t0o keep it and blame it for all my errors. clie and otherwise. that driver screwed up my first marraige. Francis

[poisonberry]

Point taken, Francis... ;-)

Well, the evidence from the two johnsons above appears to show it *isn't* the DTG conduit that's doing it - or at least, not that alone, because it lodoes look pretty causal on my machine (an NX70). Maybe there's something else in the mix...

[Clemenza]

Originally posted by stevejohnson460
Come to think of it, I've had a similar error message on hotsync occasionally.&nbsp; I've not been able to trace it to a particular usage pattern.

I use Doc to Go, but the conduit is "off" by default, since I save a number of docs to the MS, and it's SO SLOW.&nbsp; I just did a sync with the conduit on; no prob.&nbsp;

BTW, I have a NX60.

I did a bit more testing, and have concluded that the problem is indeed caused by using the G700 with Documents to Go. Uninstalling and reinstalling the driver will eliminate the Fatal Alert, allowing you to use the keyboard with any application OTHER THAN Docs to Go.

Docs to Go can remain installed with the conduit fucntional so that you one can use Docs to Go with grafitti, sync documents, etc, and still use the G700 with other applications (Memo Pad, etc), without generating the Fatal Alert. In other words, there is no passive conflict between the G700 driver and Docs to Go; the Fatal Alert is generated only when USING the G700 with Docs to Go.

Hope this helps.

--Mike