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View Full Version : Just got the last KB100 for my TH55+256MS PRO DUO+Krusell Case!!!


dzeisen
08-12-2004, 09:49 PM
Woohoo!!! I have managed to source the last KB100 here in Kuala Lumpur. I called up Sony Malaysia and they told me 1 dealer have the last of it. Called them up and manage to secure it for RM340 (approx 89 USD) It's gorgeous!!!!

I've tried several keyboards and I want to caution TH55 users about getting wireless IR keyboard. I've tried the Palm keyboard and another generic one and both works wonderfully with the TH55. The problem is however with the driver. The driver, if activated will take up a lot of CPU cycles on the TH55. There's an option to enable or disable it but it maybe quite a hassle to do so everytime you want to use the keyboard.

The KB100 however, uses the serial connector and the driver does not have any impact on the TH55's performance.

There are a few limitations on the KB100.
- It does not allow you to change the key press rate (by default, it's painstakingly slow)
- You can't select any text on Wordsmith or DTG6 but you can with DateBK5 and typical Palm apps
- The delete key doesn't work on Wordsmith or DTG6 (darn!)
- You can activate the menu (CRTL-M equivalent to Windows ALT) but you can't use the cursor keys to navigate the menus!!!
- You have to use the stylus for `Done', `OK' and many more buttons! Why can't they just allow that on the keyboard? I heard that KB11 does that! =D (Darn darn!)
- Wouldn't it be nice if there's backlit for this keyboard? =D
- This thing is white in colour. I believe that in time, dust and dirt will stick on the keyboard and thus, will require some cleaning work.
- The price is too steep just for a keyboard but hey, it's a Sony! =D
- The keyboard driver is still ver 1.0 and it's so basic, it allows you only to assign applications to the Command+[number] button
- No way to turn off the TH55 with the keyboard

The good about KB100
- Can attach the TH55 with my Krusell case on
- Slick, slim and light for a full sized keyboard
- Allows the TH55 to be charged via the keyboard
- Feels stable on table or even on the lap (I manage to use it on the lap)
- The keys are spacious and easy to type on (feels like a typical notebook keyboard)
- Pressing any keys on the KB100 will turn on the unit (cool!)
- It's a Sony (haha, it can be a good or bad thing huh!) Therefore, you can expect quality design and components.

Now I'm looking for a nice travelling pouch that will accomodate both of these. I've seen quite a few in the forums but a lot of them are quite out of reach for me (only ships in either UK, US or Europe) Anyone has any sites to which I can acquire the pouch that ships internationally? Thanks!

IsLNdbOi
08-12-2004, 11:02 PM
Those KB100 limitations are just enough to keep me from using it over the IR keyboard. The reason I got my ThinkOutside Stowaway IR was so that I could type reports and such and still be able to use shortcuts to highlight letters and words quickly, copy, cut, paste easily etc., all with they keyboard. Congratulations on getting the last one though! :D It is a very nice looking keyboard though.

dzeisen
08-13-2004, 01:29 AM
Those KB100 limitations are just enough to keep me from using it over the IR keyboard. The reason I got my ThinkOutside Stowaway IR was so that I could type reports and such and still be able to use shortcuts to highlight letters and words quickly, copy, cut, paste easily etc., all with they keyboard. Congratulations on getting the last one though! :D It is a very nice looking keyboard though.

Thanks! That's the thing about Sony products. One can never get the best - Sony has a tendency to leave something out so that users can look forward to a pricey upgrade in the near future. It has the looks and the style but lack the main features... when I read what you said... it makes me think again whether going for the KB100 is the right thing to do :) Let's `hope' that Sony or some geniuses here will come up with some utility or driver to address the shortcomings of the KB100.

IsLNdbOi
08-13-2004, 01:39 AM
I bet someone will release a driver that will make the KB100 FULLY functional. It's already been done for Belkin's G700 keyboard. :)

broadus
08-13-2004, 01:50 PM
Now I'm looking for a nice travelling pouch that will accomodate both of these. I've seen quite a few in the forums but a lot of them are quite out of reach for me (only ships in either UK, US or Europe) Anyone has any sites to which I can acquire the pouch that ships internationally? Thanks!

Please post if and when you choose a case for both the KB100 and TH55. I have both of these also.

Bill

IsLNdbOi
08-13-2004, 02:58 PM
Targus makes two cases that will fit both the TH55 and KB100, but the attachment system for the PDA uses velcro.