bosstazz

I am thinking of getting a portable keyboard for my Ax...has anyone tried the one Dell sells? is it any good? are there better infrared ones available?

i do plenty of email and re-writes while on the plane and just can't write as fast as i can type.

smeg36

I haven't used it extensivly, but I have seen the Dell keyboard, and they look really nice. I just traded a SD card for a pocket top IR keyboard, so I will know how they are in a few days. The IR ones cost a lot less to.

NMkiD

I'm selling a PocketTop IR keyboard, practically new, cheap!

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nmkid@aximsite.com Aximsite members get discounts! ->click here<-
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bosstazz

How practically new and how cheap????

MichaelE

Quote:

Originally posted by smeg36 I haven't used it extensivly, but I have seen the Dell keyboard, and they look really nice. I just traded a SD card for a pocket top IR keyboard, so I will know how they are in a few days. The IR ones cost a lot less to.

You can see the Dell keyboard here...



I like it. Good typeability and nice feel.

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+--------------------------------+ MichaelE | CTO | Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard | http://www.phillyshipyard.com | The 9 Day Project +--------------------------------+ Dell Axim X5 400MHz +--------------------------------+

bosstazz

MichaelE

Great pictures...thanks

have you tried using it on a plane?

Dion

Does it fit in your pocket?

MichaelE

On a plane?

Yes. It works but I still struggle because I don't type in the 'conventional' typing style. My elbows tend to radiate outwards and the width of your 'personal space' tends to be constrictive. Other than that it works just fine. Also I don't tend to format when I write on my Axe. I'll do all of the formatting after I move the doc into full Word format.


Fit in your pocket?

Yeup. I usually have it in my vest pocket when I know I might need it or when I go to long meetings or seminars.

__________________

Code:

+--------------------------------+ MichaelE | CTO | Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard | http://www.phillyshipyard.com | The 9 Day Project +--------------------------------+ Dell Axim X5 400MHz +--------------------------------+

dellacroix

I have the Dell and use it in-transit on a regular basis (air, train, boats). I have not tried the wireless units with the Ax, but have with the palm.

The main advantage to the Dell kb is that the axim is attached so it works in small places with minimal setup and it stays put when the ride isn't smooth. I usually use it on a hard surface, but you can type on your lap--use a magazine or book as a base to get better keyboard feedback. Other advantage--no batteries.

The main advantage is also the main disadvantage, you can't flip the axim sideways to use landscape mode as you can with wireless units. If I can find connectors, I will build a little 4" extension cable and support arms to flip it sideways (or buy a second kb). For general writing and reading, I have not found the need for landscape mode a show stopper, but it is a pain for terminal emulation if you need to type for a while.

Conscruction in decent and the feel of the kb is ok. Layout is reasonable, but I often find myself hitting the up arrow key instead of the shift. If you type fast, you will need to slow down to get accurate key hits consistently.

Size-wise it is a bit bigger than the ax, but thinner. It is solid, so no need to pack it carefully.

Get the NoKeyboard driver from www.ZePocketforge.com to stop the built-in input screen pop-ups when using the keyboard.

tjdmobile

I just picked up the Iconcepts Wireless PDA keyboard at the local CompUSA on Friday. It was the Universal model, went for $60 and works quite well, even touch typing. I got it because when I travel, I don't take my laptop, and the Dell (though serves me well) needed a keyboard.

Likes:

Very nice feel. I was actually touch typing after a little practice.
Works great IF you have something like NYDITOT or other screen landscape program. That brought the IR ports closer together, and actually made it work quite briliantly.
Cheap. Universal, so it works just as well with my Ipaq and Aero.

Dislikes:

I bit large folded up. Worth the size though for usability
Uses a Li 3V battery. Could get expensive if I have to replace very often.

I wouldn't want to try to use it on the plane though. I have to fly coach, and there is barely enough room to turn my head...

TJD

webbahboy

I just purchased the new Targus Wireless Universal Keyboard (model PA870U) at Best Buy for $79.99. [Details at Targus.com]
This is a terrific keyboard!

Check out the links above for screen shots and other details at the Targus site. This is not the leanest keyboard. In fact it is rather hefty. I had the original Stowaway Keyboard, and would say that this one is a bit thicker and perhaps 30% heavier than that one. However, its features more than make up for its bulk.

It uses infrared technology, so it can be used with most Palms and Pocket PCs. It has a unique arm with the infrared at the end, which brings infrared right up to your IR port. I tried the Pocketop keyboard, but did not like its cramped space, and strangely placed keys. By contrast, this is a full size keyboard, with the look and feel of a notebook computer.

It seems to be very well made. My secretary, who touch types, hated the Pocketop, but gave this one a resounding thumbs up.

Oh - and another amazing feature - they keyboard includes an 8 direction mouse pad! I didn't expect that to amount to much, but found I can use it to eliminate about 70% of my stylus use while I am typing. It has great programmable function keys as well.

If you are looking for a reliable, "notebook replacement" type of keyboard, this is the one.

sdasmith

The Pocketop wireless is fantastic. Very small, keyboard layout is great. The Axim rests nicely in the cradle

PDA_designer40

I have one that I like. It is by Micro Innovations. I got it from Office Depot on sale. It said it worked on all PDA's , only to find out there were no drivers for the Dell. I went to the web site and BOOM, there they were, installed it and BANG it works really nice. I like it because it folds to the size of the dell, it has a stand that can hold it very nicely and it uses a battery so it does not power down the Axim. Check it out, you might like it.

tanidayne

Quote:

Originally posted by webbahboy I just purchased the new Targus Wireless Universal Keyboard (model PA870U) at Best Buy for $79.99. [Details at Targus.com] This is a terrific keyboard! Check out the links above for screen shots and other details at the Targus site. This is not the leanest keyboard. In fact it is rather hefty. I had the original Stowaway Keyboard, and would say that this one is a bit thicker and perhaps 30% heavier than that one. However, its features more than make up for its bulk. <snip> If you are looking for a reliable, "notebook replacement" type of keyboard, this is the one.

I have this keyboard as well and I *love* it. I could type at full speed on it (70-80 words a minute) after only a few minutes of getting adjusted to it. The keys are very responsive, and the lock function keeps the the keyboard straight enough for decent lap typing.

I was worried that the ir arm would interfere with my Wifi card, but it works just perfectly.

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~chris

Gokuu_Elemental

You said you found that keyboard at Best Buy?? I wonder if I will be able to purchase one too. I saw them and they are really nice and I can type around 70-80 wpm, but I just got a $75 gift certificate for Best Buy. Thanks for the suggestion