Taking the Plunge: Think Outside Sierra Bluetooth Keyboard

kultur · 10-08-06, 12:53 PM

I'm going to do it -- probably tomorrow. Can anyone think of a good reason why I shouldn't? Is there some horrible design flaw that's cleverly hidden among forum posts, etc? I certainly need to be able to touch-type, the other keyboards are atrocious, I've used the older, smaller model, and I remember when Targus was making something called ThinkOutside with the exact design as this one (I had one for my iPaq 3765.)

As an esoteric fellow with pretensions of becoming a writer, I really do feel I need this. Even though I'm getting RSI. At age 18.

The Prophet's Peace Be Upon You,
kultur

10-08-06, 01:19 PM

The ThinkOutside keyboards have a strong reputation among the members here; I bought my Stowaway (not Sierra) model based on the positive comments from the experienced users here. You might consider the Stowaway, too. It doesn't have the extra row of keys dedicated to numbers, but if you are an aspiring writer concentrating on text, you might not need that row. The smaller keyboard is about half the thickness of the Sierra, if I've read the reviews correctly. Might make a difference when you're on the move. Both are great; wonderful for writing with a Axim! Enjoy!

kultur · 10-08-06, 01:28 PM

I've used the smaller version and I find it to be totally acceptable; however, the oldest Stowaway keyboards had the Sierra form-factor, which I preferred. I was using the other ThinkOutside about six months ago with my x51v just to fool with it; I had to deploy a few for a customer and figured it would be a good time to see if it'd work with my PDA without too much trouble. The numbers row is useful in that I'll probably find myself reaching for it and not hitting it for a few weeks. I also use a few engineering database programs for work. Administering my websites, etc., ssh, terminal server, and strong passwords. Thickness doesn't really bother me as this is going to replace what's become an all-the-time chore of carrying my notebook and /another/ bag with all my accessories (external hard drive, external keyboard [more on that later], external mouse, cradle for x51v, m500 and cradle, etc.) I already keep my x51v in what seems to equal a gigantic, overstuffed wallet. When I had the iPaq 3765 and the stowaway for that, I carried them both in a camera bag on my hip. Maybe I'll return to that practice.

thanks!

(I carry the external keyboard because I prefer the tactile feedback to my notebook keyboard, but also because Ubuntu still has problems taking my notebook keyboard's inputs exactly right.)

mtgeorge · 10-08-06, 01:31 PM

I ahev been using the ThinkOutside Stowaway BT keyboard for about a month now and its been GREAT. My only regret is not getting it sooner :)

kultur · 10-08-06, 01:42 PM

My only regret is typing so much and so quickly that I have RSI.
And not having one yet, but I'm ordering it on monday (unless someone orders it for me from my amazon wishlist sooner.)

kultur · 10-09-06, 03:10 PM

I've ordered the bad boy from amazon. Let's see how well it pairs with my x51v.
Total for this Order: $109.16
Shipping estimate for these items: October 10, 2006
Delivery estimate: October 13, 2006 - October 17, 2006
13, I hope. I've got some onsite to do the week after. For a month.

edge777 · 10-09-06, 03:19 PM

I'm sure you'll love it. I have the Thinkoutside Bluetooth keyboard and totally love it. I've had many keyboards, and I never used them because they were too small, or had really bad touch/feel/response. The Thinkoutside keyboard, feels just like a notebook keyboard, and the bluetooth is awesome. Mine, unlike the Sierra, doesn't have the 5th row of keys for numbers, and that's the only think I miss, so ya, this is pretty much the perfect PDA keyboard.

kultur · 10-11-06, 10:28 AM

They said it would be here today. It's supposedly in transit now. Hugs!
Praise Allah

ajmatson · 10-11-06, 11:05 AM

I have mine and I love it so much I am getting a mouse for it too and leaving my laptop at home. LOL

kultur · 10-12-06, 08:02 AM

This is a very well-engineered piece of equipment; I can tell (although i already knew from my previous experience with this product line, before the Sierra was released and even when these were targus products,) but I'm extremely impressed with the level of quality and the ease with which i was able to pair my x51v wiith this device. one can use microsoft's built-in drivers and need not load any software onto their pda, butI highly recommend using the ThinkOutside drivers as they give key repeat rate settings, alt-tab functionality (which is a huge plus compared to stylus switching, etc)
I can without question endorse this product. One of my friends was looking to purchase one but wanted me to get some hands-on experience with it first; he's getting my total endrosement on this one.
Praise Allah

kultur · 10-12-06, 08:03 AM

and, yes, the previous post was written from my x51v and the ThinkOutside Sierra Why use my notebook anymore?

10-13-06, 08:45 PM

Damn, I just bought a Stowaway BT Keyboard >.<
I would have prefered this. It reminds me of the old keyboard i use with my Handspring Visor which i liked ALOT.
Oh well...

gadgetnerd · 10-14-06, 02:03 AM

I really couldn't live with the extra thickness, personally. Love the Dell Exec BT Keyboard (ThinkOutside BT Keyboard) though! As it is, I can just about fit that and my wallet in my right pocket, and my Axim in Bullguard in my right pocket.

10-14-06, 09:00 AM

It is great to have the option--both keyboards have advantages depending on user needs.

bill_n_opus · 10-14-06, 10:32 AM

The boys at Mobile Tech Roundup have been talking about this keyboard for a couple of weeks now. Check the last couple of podcasts ...

http://www.mobiletechroundup.com/

Whether the Sierra or the Stowaway (I have the Stowaway) they are both great. Just depends on whether you can live with the extra thickness of the Sierra or if you can adapt to the lack of dedicated number keys of the Stowaway.

I probably would have liked the Sierra better because i'm still adjusting to the Stowaway ... but I do like the slim form factor. Not a huge deal saving the extra space though for me personally. Could have lived with a thicker Sierra.

hope that helps.