Think Outside Stowaway Sierra BT Keyboard

Alamento · 02-10-07, 02:49 PM

After becoming quite frustrated with my IR keyboard for my Axim x50v, I decided to order a BT keyboard. I decided on the Think Outside Stowaway Sierra BT keyboard as I wanted something full sized.

I snapped a few pics when it arrived and decided to post them here in case others are interested in this keyboard and wanted a bit of a preview.

The package included the keyboard (folded), intruction manual, a cloth (chrome finish of the keyboard picks up fingerprints like crazy), a neoprene zip up case, and a CD.

Note: keyboard finish is smooth chrome. The textured appearance you see in the pictures is the reflection of the ceiling.

Size as compared to Axim:

Integrated into the back of the unit is a stand for your pocket pc:

It looks like this:

Setup:

So far i'm really happy with the keyboard. It outperforms my IR keyboard by a mile. Setup was a snap, and it is very easy to use.

I only have two complaints so far. The keyboard tends to slip around a bit on a smooth surface. A few little rubber stops on the bottom would really help. Also, the keyboard doesn't lay completely flat on a table. The middle part sticks up a tiny bit along the fold line. Perhaps this will resolved itself with use.

Overall I am very happy with my purchase.

02-10-07, 03:11 PM

thanks for the work. i have the BT version and am a bit surprised how different they are. did you buy it on ebay?

Alamento · 02-10-07, 03:36 PM

This keyboard is Bluetooth. Can you explain what you mean by "i have the BT version"?

I got it from www.expansys.ca. I had a hard time finding retailers that would ship to Canada, and I didn't find any sellers on ebay that I wanted to do business with.

jpp · 02-10-07, 03:48 PM

It looks like my BT version!

Alamento · 02-10-07, 04:44 PM

No surprise there since this is the BT version.

runnr548 · 02-10-07, 04:47 PM

It looks sweet! I have 2 ThinkOutside Stowaway BT keyboards, and 1 mouse & I LOVE THEM!!! If yours operate like mine you'll be happy.

stevenator65 · 02-10-07, 05:11 PM

BT kbs are schweet. I have the dell version and it's a joy to use.

runnr548 · 02-10-07, 05:26 PM

I actually have one ThinkOutside, and one Dell branded keyboard, along with the black mouse.

02-10-07, 11:57 PM

i got the sierra keyboard too.
its pretty good, but the key layout and distance is slightly different to the older thinkoutside keyboard, so it took awhile to get used to the layout, especially the tiny button for spacebar

02-11-07, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Alamento

This keyboard is Bluetooth. Can you explain what you mean by "i have the BT version"?

I got it from www.expansys.ca. I had a hard time finding retailers that would ship to Canada, and I didn't find any sellers on ebay that I wanted to do business with.

Oh, I have have a keyboard from TO also but it's a different model. Sorry about the confusion.

jeepjon · 02-11-07, 01:39 PM

How long does it take to set up? I have been toying with the idea of a plug in thumboard. I am a third year medical student and I want to take more notes during lectures and grand rounds in the hospital, but I don't know if a larger BT keyboard would take too long to set up. I know it would be easier to type with, but I didn't know if I could just sit down in Grand Rounds, pop it out, and be ready. How long does the battery last?
Thanks,
Jon

mtgeorge · 02-11-07, 02:16 PM

jeepjon - it may take up to 45-60 seconds to get the keayboard unfolded, and paired to your Axim so its ready to use and you would definitely need to be sitting somehere with a desk/table to be able to use it. Battery is supposed to last a long time, but I am sure that will depend on how much you use it. If you will be taking notes "on the fly" a thumboard may be your best bet.

cravaus · 02-11-07, 03:34 PM

It is not very convienient for a situation like Grand Rounds, Bluetooth pairing takes about a minute. You need to be able to jot on the spot. I think a better solution in that situation is to use PhatPad to jot the ideas down with stylus and then translate the script to type. That works for me. I keep running notes on PhatPad and hit translate for the things I want to keep in a archive to use for research so I can do a quick search on those topics. Some times at the end of a day I will sort through my PhatNotes and use the TO keyboard to help edit them. I also use the TO Keyboard in trainings all the time. I rarely take my lap top to meetings, trainings, or lectures. I take an extra batery (I rarely need it) and I can run all day with power to spare. I type lecture notes in TextMaker and make extensive use of the custom shortcuts in that program. I also use PhatPad to draw items illustrated by presenters. I can convert those items ot JPG and can insert them into my TextMaker Notes. Then, I just fold everything up and put it in my sport coat.

Alamento · 02-11-07, 04:32 PM

Why not record your voice onto the pocketpc and then use a text-to-speech program to transcribe when you get home?

GohanmachuX · 02-13-07, 09:34 PM

I have the smaller 4 row Think Outside BT Keyboard. The design is so slim and innovative. It just plain looks cool to me. The 4 row keyboard thing takes a little getting used to. The top QWERTY row triples as the numbers and symbols with two different function keys.

I agree, pairing is a little funky. Most of the time it only takes a few seconds, but then sometimes it takes almost 30. The frustrating part is not knowing when it will actually connect. The software is supposed to buffer the characters while you type so that it catches up _eventually_ but it's still a little :rolling: .

I do freelance writing on the side and the TO KB works great for me, overall. I just wish it had a spot to store my stylus like the Sierra version?

I could do a full review like Alamento's on the 4 row version. Would you guys find that useful?