Thumb Pad News

Tuba · 07-13-05, 02:44 PM

I have been looking for a Axim x50v Thumbpad ever since I realized Dell wasn’t going to be forthcoming with one, despite a CSR telling me Dell would be releasing a an x50v snap-on thumb keypad in March or April 2005.

So far it looks like there are only 2 options:
1) eXpansys Universal PDA Thumb Board (infrared)
Available at http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=119440
More info - http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showp...0&postcount=25

2) iFROG BlueTooth
Available at http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=118018
Review - http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showt...ighlight=iFrog
Manufacturer - http://www.frogpad.com/information/bluefroginfo.asp

Since the eXpansys is now in-stock in the US (as opposed to a several month wait time) I jumped on it. I decided against the iFROG because it is not QUERTY (it requires you to learn how to type on it) and it’s really expensive in comparison.

I’ll let you know what I think when it arrives early next week.

Darth Gates · 07-13-05, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by Tuba

I have been looking for a Axim x50v Thumbpad ever since I realized Dell wasn’t going to be forthcoming with one, despite a CSR telling me Dell would be releasing a an x50v snap-on thumb keypad in March or April 2005.

So far it looks like there are only 2 options:
1) eXpansys Universal PDA Thumb Board (infrared)
Available at http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=119440
More info - http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showp...0&postcount=25

2) iFROG BlueTooth
Available at http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=118018
Review - http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showt...ighlight=iFrog
Manufacturer - http://www.frogpad.com/information/bluefroginfo.asp

Since the eXpansys is now in-stock in the US (as opposed to a several month wait time) I jumped on it. I decided against the iFROG because it is not QUERTY (it requires you to learn how to type on it) and it’s really expensive in comparison.

I’ll let you know what I think when it arrives early next week.

I've been really wanting a thumboard myself (and can't understand why dell won't release one!).

Please let us know what you think!

silentknight · 07-13-05, 08:10 PM

I am also looking forward to what you have to say about that thumb board.. I've seen it around but never had the guts to actually purchase it.

Quboid · 07-13-05, 08:47 PM

That looks very similar to one I had (see MyPDA). Long story short, I dislike it and will probably put it on ebay.

Tuba · 07-14-05, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Quboid

That looks very similar to one I had (see MyPDA). Long story short, I dislike it and will probably put it on ebay.

Yup, the Yondwin PKB-800 is the same one. eXpansis repackages it. You said you couldn't get used to the layout and now don't use it.

Can you make the short version of the long story a little longer and expound a little more on why you didn't like it?

tancerman · 07-14-05, 02:56 PM

I have no need for this, but I know lots of people hear have been waiting for something like this.

Quboid · 07-15-05, 07:33 AM

Well, it's a bit fiddly to put the Axim in - no problem with a normal battery, but with an extended battery it's nearly impossible. Also, there is no support for landscape mode. You can move the IR transmitter, but the PDA has to just sit on the keyboard without any grip, so it will slide around unless the whole lot is on a desk or something.

Also, the keys are very small and they need pressed very hard. I found this slowed down my typing a lot and I frequently missed letters as I didn't press the key hard enough.

The final problem is that, when closed, it's not actually any smaller than the Bluetooth keyboard I got so the main reason I bought it is voided. It is more convient when opened if you don't have a surface around - you can hold it like a Gameboy for example, whereas the BT keyboard needs to be balanced on your knee.

If you are prepared to give it some time to get used to the keys, and you only ever use portrait with a normal battery, it could do the job for you. Personally, I found it flawed to the point where I ended up using the SIP keyboard in preference.

Tuba · 07-22-05, 10:15 AM

Thanks Qubiod.
I received the keypad and have played with it a little. When I get a chance I'll post my thoughts/review.

Tuba · 07-22-05, 10:26 AM

faithjy just posted about this mini BlueTooth keypad: http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=124250

http://www.expansys-usa.com/zoompic....em&code=124250

Wow. Looks very nice. No number keys but looks good and seems to be Axim x50v compatible. I think I'll pre-order.

Too bad the people at eXpansus didn't mention this to me when I was buying my Thumbpad. They probably didn't know it was coming out because the person I spoke with was helpful and nice.

Namuna · 08-01-05, 11:48 PM

Tuba,

Big thanks for the info on that BT keypad! I think I'm definitely going to get one of these as well!

There ARE actually number keys, but they're mapped to the letters...Hard to see, but if you look hard you'll see 1,2,3 across Y, U, I. 4,5,6 across H, I, K. 7,8,9 across B, N, M. And finally 0 is on the spacebar.

Tuba · 08-03-05, 02:00 PM

You're welcome Namuna.
FYI, when people say a keyboard doesn’t have number keys, they really mean no separate number keys. So I should have been more precise.

I just called eXpansis and was told the expected delivery date for the Freedom BT Mini Keyboard to their Manchester, England warehouse was July 28 (it is 6 days overdue). When it arrives there, it then takes 4 business days to ship it to their Illinois, USA warehouse. Then it gets shipped to me (I’m the 2nd person on the waiting list and the 1st person in the US).

santos · 08-03-05, 02:28 PM

I'm thinking of getting one of those BT keyboards... question though, as I'm not that a BT expert .. can I have this keyboard and another BT device connected at the same time?

Quboid · 08-03-05, 02:42 PM

Yes you can. BT devices typically allow usage of either 1 or 7 devices: simple devices like keyboards, headsets, etc have one, whereas complex devices like PDAs or PCs can connect to 7. I've used a BT keybaord and BT headphones at the same time no problem.

santos · 08-03-05, 03:29 PM

Awesome... Thanks. I'm gonna reserve this badboy.

Tuba · 08-11-05, 02:04 PM

DANG! Still on pre-order.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password

X50 / X51 Accessories - Axim X50 / X51 Accessory Discussions