TsingTao

Hello all!

The Short version:

Aside from the "Belkin Snap-n-Type" keyboard, is there a snap-on keyboard available for the x50 ? One more more closely matching those available for the x5 and x30 ?

The Long version:

I've had an Axim X50v for about 8 months now, but unfortunately it hasn't seen much use. I originally bought it to replace my Ipaq 2215. Performance and spec wise it trumps the Ipaq hands down. Unfortunately there is one unfortunately major bone of contention.

The keyboard.

I use an Ipaq branded snap-on keyboard with my 2215 that I absolutely love. It's quite necessary, as my primary reason for finally using and carrying a PDA was to use it as an electronic dictionary while I was in Japan (I'm back in the US now, but trust me...I SHALL RETURN!). But in addition to the dictionary usage I, as a gadget freak, wanted all the amenities...VGA, integrated wifi etc. etc. The Axim promised all of this and even had a snap-on keyboard (from Belkin) available ! I placed my order...

Unfortunately the Belkin keyboard has largely proved unsatisfactory. Don't get me wrong, it's a fairly good product, and it's nice that you can line in power through it, but it just makes the whole unit a little too large for casual carry (at least it does for me). The gooshy rubber buttons aren't really my style either. I tend to prefer the Ipaq's hard plastic.

The obvious choice is to switch over to an Ipaq HX4700, as it has pretty much all the same nice features as the axim, but offers a keyboard like the on I use on my 2215. But HX4700s are still expensive, and I already have the Axim.

I've seen Axim snap-on keyboards very similar to those used with the Ipaq series. Smaller, no power jack, hard keys. Unfortunately, they only seem to have been available for X5s and X30s. There was one ebay seller who claimed he had one that worked with the x50/x51 models...but he might have just been trying to make a buck.

So I come to you, those who would know, to ask if such a snap-on keyboard (Small, no power jack, hard keys) is or was ever available for the x50, and if so, where one can be obtained.

Any information is appreciated.

Thanks!