This is my first Review, I tried to submit it for the front page contest but the email has been down for awhile now. I will just go ahead and post it:
Belkin Universal Infrared keyboard
By Matt Thomas(
w3iner)
tallmidget81@hotmail.com
Belkin Wireless PDA Keyboard
Developed by
Belkin, Sold to me by
Dell.
It is sold by Belkin for 60$ a keyboard but it is cheaper elsewhere. It is 40$ from Dell(if you like ordering from them). I am sure you could find it from ebay for <30$(Which is much cheaper then other options.)
I broke my keyboard rankings down to 3 categories:
Convenience (How easy is it to carry, how bulky, ease of use and setup, etc):28/30
Battery Life:40/40
Comfort (How easy is it to type on it, does it make your hands hurt, etc):25/30
Total:98/100(+5 bonus points for its low price and high quality)
History
I had been interested in getting a keyboard since I first learned they existed for PDA's back in around April 06. I had my Axim x51(416mHz) for a few months and I was starting college soon. I could not really afford a laptop so I looked into other options. I figured since I use my PDA a lot anyway I might as well get a keyboard and put off buying a laptop for awhile. When I first went to order a keyboard I decided on a Dell Executive BT keyboard(a rebranded Think Outside keyboard). I made the order before I had done a lot of research. I started looking at what I would be using the keyboard for, typing notes in class and the occasional email. I didn't want to order a bigger battery because of BlueTooth's fast drain, and I would be able to get a car charger, a Rhino skin case and a infrared keyboard for the price of just a bluetooth one. I started asking around Axim site and surprisingly I found that a lot of people recommended a Infrared keyboard. After careful though I canceled my Dell order and got my infrared keyboard, a Rhino Case, and a car charger from Dell for the price of the BT keyboard. The three items shipped out the next day, and I got the keyboard in about 3 business days.
Receiving and Start up
I received the keyboard in a large box, about 1'x8"x6". It was large because the keyboard comes in one of those very tough plastic packages that are very hard to open(I assume to prevent theft). I cut into it with my knife(as seen in the picture below). The package came with:
Items in the Package:
-Keyboard
-Stand
-Driver CD
-Piece of paper with information on installation of the keyboard
I got the keyboard out and unfolded it, I then put my PDA on the stand, I flipped the little mirror up(needed to reflect the IR beams). I then realized that I needed to install some drivers. The drivers that work with WM5 are not on the CD(bummer). I had to go to the Belkin website to download them, which is
here. After I installed the drivers I was off like a crack fiend! The keyboard was working great! The keyboard is a lot smaller then I thought keyboards could be, but big enough to type easily as long as you type with correct key fingers. I did not type with proper technique before I had this keyboard and found it difficult at first, but now after learning the right technique I can type so fast I can actually outpace the PDA and keyboard(which is somewhere around 80-90 words per minute, which could be a problem, but doesn't seem like it really limits anyone anymore then other keyboards). I am not sure if the keyboard can only send so many beams or my PDA can only process so many keystrokes.
Everyday Use
I have had my keyboard for over a month now, and type on it maybe 1-2 hours a day 5 days a week. So far I have had to change the battery once (it uses 1 AAA at a time). I never have any problems lining up the port(near is good enough, it can be a inch or 2 off and be fine).
Over all I am very pleased with my purchase and would recommend it to any and all looking for a cost efficient(remember that even though this keyboard is cheap, it delivers top dollar quality and performance) or easier input method.
Points of Interest
#1 Handy Hardware Buttons
On the left of the keyboard is a set of 4 buttons, they all correspond to the hardware buttons on the front of the Axim. They are extremely useful if you map your calculators and typing software on them, so all you have to do is turn on the Axim and you can get right to typing without having to tap the screen at all. With A12 Rom you can even type in your password at the start screen, so no need to pick up your Axim to type in the password if you turn it off and back on with the keyboard. I combine the buttons on the keyboard with a freeware program that has a mouse on the screen that is controlled from the D-Pad(or the arrow keys when the keyboard is unfolded). This gives me the ability to click things on the screen without having to pick the Axim up. This is a rough equivalent to having a mouse.
EDIT: After receiving a few emails I have decided to post a link about this mouse software, grab it at:
http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=116073
#2 Sturdy Strong build
This keyboard has tough plastic keys on the top, and solid metal construction on the outside. I really like the feel, it doesn't feel all flimsy
or cheap.
#3 Lack of Drivers for WM5 on the CD
This is not really a problem, but if you are someone without internet access this could be a stickler. I pointed a link earlier in this review to
the required driver, but if you don't have internet for a reason this might not be for you(if you have WM5 of course, but if you are reading this
then you have internet and it doesn't matter).
#4 Smaller keys
This keyboard is very comfortable, as long as you type with the correct keys, some are larger then others(I don't know why, I guess to make sure there are no gaps on the keyboard).
I have grown very accustomed to it, but it took me about 2 hours to get used to the smaller key size(which meant 2 hours at 25 wpm). I can see if you have larger hands or wide fingers it could be difficult to type.
#5 A Steal of a Deal
I think cost to quality this is the best deal on the market right now. It is cheap, and it does everything it says it will, only better then can be expected.
#6 A nice full set of keys
This keyboard does not suffer from a setback some others have(say the TO BT keyboard). It has all the keys you would expect to find on a normal keyboard outside of the F keys and a number pad. This is a real bonus for me because I don't like the idea of having to hold down a button, and then pressing some other keys to get numbers, I really enjoy having them on the keyboard.
#7 Convenient "Fn" key
This key allows to hold it down and access all the buttons on the keyboard there are not room for(such as page down, page up, esc, and the español characters), even access to a smiley face box that allows to input tons of different similes for text messaging or add flare to your e-mails. This even allows you to turn off your PDA when you are done typing(Hit "Fn" and then the backspace key to turn off your PDA).
Overview
Overall this keyboard was well worth the money, and a solid buy for anyone looking for a keyboard.
Pros:
-Great battery life
-Very Cheap
-Good sturdy Feel
-Full set of keys
-Plenty of features to make it easy to use
-You may use this in landcape or portrait mode
Cons:
-You have to keep the ports aligned, which means you have to type on relatively stable surfaces(I can manage laying in bed but it is easier on a desk, even though the only time this limits anyone is when they are typing during a earth quake, or on a trampoline).
-Have to download the correct drivers for WM5.
-Can be hard to type on if you are not used to typing with correct fingers.
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