salmonito

Looking to buy IR keyboard. Is it possible to use x51v with Think Outside IR keyboard in landscape mode while charging, or connected to a presentation VGA out cable? I've found no info, no pictures on the subject. Does anyone have any experience, and is it really good choise for an x51v? You would probably suggest BT keyboard, but I think IR would be best power wise. Also any experiences with: New Model# IR503 ebay sold IR keyboard, do search for "axim IR keyboard"...?
Thanks a lot from first time PDA and Axim user!

Enragin_Angel

salmonito: The short answer is no. It is possible, but you would lose line of sight quite often.

salmonito

Well, I couldn't pass the great deal on Palm Universal IR Keyboard on Ebay. I will let you know how it works with x51v while charging or VGA out, or I WILL make it work!

bobtheman

Originally Posted by Enragin_Angel

salmonito: The short answer is no. It is possible, but you would lose line of sight quite often.

I'm going to have to disagree. I use the ThinkOutside IR keyboard with my X30, and have done so several times while it is plugged in. It works just fine. You can't bump it or it might slip out, but that's true regardless. You do have operate it in landscape mode, so make sure whatever program you're using still looks fine in that orientation.

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FrinkTL

I have the ThinkOutside IR keyboard and can tell you that it is possible to situate the Axim in the keyboard stand with the device in landscape mode and still have it plugged into power. However, it is a precarious balancing act keeping it there. You can work it OK if you are at a hard, flat surface, but I wouldn't try it with the keyboard on your lap. BTW, you have to use it in landscape mode if you're connected to power.

The problem really comes down to Dell's large connector dongle mis-matching to the right-hand "wall" on the keyboard PDA stand. It would work a lot better with an "L" shaped connector, but I'm not aware of such a connector being available from Dell or anyone else.

That said, I have been able to continuously use my IR keyboard (consistently taking minutes for a meeting) for about 4 hours without the (standard) battery dropping below 45% with the processor in "Power Saving" mode.

Side Note: I keep my X51v in a Rhinoskin Aluminum case and the post on the back of the unit (by a sheer stroke of luck) is located in exactly the right place to fit into a hole in the PDA stand for the IR Keyboard. This effectively "locks" the PDA into place when it is in landscape mode.

As you consider a Bluetooth keyboard, keep in mind that the battery consumption is a bit higher so you won't be able to use it disconnected from power as long as you will with the IR keyboard. This is because you have to turn on the Bluetooth radio on the Axim (which burns a lot more power than the IR port does).

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Tim
New iPAQ 211
2GB SanDisk SD
ThinkOutside Sierra Bluetooth Keyboard
Pharos GPS w/ Bluetooth Dock

Kid's Pocket PC (to make homework fun):
Axim X30 (High)
ThinkOutside IR Keyboard

PLUS the following RETIRED (but still functional) devices:
1. Sharp Mobilon 4100
2. iPAQ 3150