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-- Any thoughts on the GoType Pro Keyboard? (http://discussion.visorcentral.com/vcforum/showthread.php?threadid=3881)

Any thoughts on the GoType! Pro for Handspring? I'm considering buying one. It's cheaper, and I hear it's sturdier than the Stowaway (although I here the Stowaway is full size and smaller when folded.) And it comes with the: TakeNote! / WordSleuth Bundle for PalmOS which usually costs $39.95_. So, the price of the keyboard is $69.95 with the software. (The software looks pretty good, better than most I've seen on PalmGear.com . I don't want to buy a Stowaway and then worry about spending even more on shareware quality editors.)

So, how is the keyboard? What's wrong with it? I'm kinda on a tight budget, so should I buy it, stick with the stylus, or go the full-mile with the Stowaway. (The price really makes me not want to purchase the Stowaway.)
http://www.landware.com/gotype/visor.html

I considered the GoType because I was tight on cash too. I tried it though and you should know this. The keys are half-height and they are very crammed together. I have somewhat large hands and there was no way I could touch type on it. I highly urge you actually use it in person before you buy it.

By the way, you could get a Stowaway for $74. Just get a $10 off of $30 coupon floating around (e-mail me and I can direct you to one) and you have a $74 Stowaway. The software part is something to think about though. But make sure you try it out in person before purchasing it.

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-Vincent
All these guys have no game, I wish I would have stayed

I have a gotype pro keyboard and like it. I bought it for the same reason- the price and the included software. I really like the software. It is smaller and if i had bigger hands or was a faster typist I probably would not like it. But I usually peck on a regular keyboard so it works just fine for me. I also carry a briefcase so the size is fine with me. If I did not carry a briefcase anyway I might want the stowaway because of easier storage.
Another point i like- I can use the gotype on my lap if needed. The stowaway looks like you need a flat surface to unfold onto, but I may be wrong.

The question of which keyboard has been debated extensively in the peditors online forum. To summarize briefly:

GoType! pros:
- less expensive
- more rugged
- can be used on your lap or in tight spaces
- software included

GoType! cons:
- compressed key layout makes it hard for some to touch type
- doesn't fit in your pocket
- doesn't make people go "oooh!" when you unfold it

Stowaway pros:
- full size key layout makes touch typing easy
- fits in (big) pockets
- "coolness" factor

Stowaway cons:
- needs keyboard size flat surface to work well
- less rugged design
- expensive

For what it's worth, I have the GoType! and am very happy with it. But unless you know you can adapt to the compressed layout, I'd make sure to try before you buy.

I love my Go-Type keyboard. I am not an accomplished typist, so the compressed layout doesn't bother me. If I were accomplished at typing, I may consider the Stowaway. The Go-Type does come with more software for the money, making the deal even better. There is a comparrison article elsewhere on VisorCentral. Sorry I have no link, but you should read it.

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"It isn't easy bein' green"

Concerning the Stowaway on your lap: You can type with it on your lap but you need a hard surface like a book or something like that. I still don't like doing it even with that though. I have large hands and am a pretty fast touch-typist so that's probably why I couldn't use the GoType very well.

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-Vincent
All these guys have no game, I wish I would have stayed

I haven't actually bought a keyboard yet, but I know that I will be buying a GoType. The price isn't the selling point; rather, its the construction and durability of Stowaway seems poor. The display model I looked at in my local CompUSA had its locking latch broken, so that the unit didn't stay closed when folded up. I myself am a pretty clumsy person, and not a big fan of accessories with a lot of moving parts.

The size of the GoType keyboard is a big drawback, though. I already had to adjust my typing style when I moved to a laptop.

I have both the GoType and the Stowaway. I find myself using the GoType more.

I like the larger size of the Stowaway but I actually type a bit faster on the GoType. My personal quirk/unscientific reason - I prefer the slight tilt of the GoType keyboard - it's more like a PC keyboard. I don't have a laptop so I'm not as accustomed to the flatness of the keyboard.

quote:

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Originally posted by virgilio:
I know that I will be buying a GoType. The price isn't the selling point; rather, its the construction and durability of Stowaway seems poor. The display model I looked at in my local CompUSA had its locking latch broken, so that the unit didn't stay closed when folded up. I myself am a pretty clumsy person, and not a big fan of accessories with a lot of moving parts.

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Can your GoType fit in your pocket? Can your GoType amaze others? Can your GoType give you a nice fast ride?

What would your friends say if they see you carrying around a keyboard much bigger than your PDA? Can you imagine yourself carrying a Big Fat keyboard to a date?

I think I would feel pretty embarrassed if I start talking about small PDA's having a big fat keyboard on my other hand.

Al

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Stowaway is the Visor way to go..!

[This message has been edited by acajigas (edited 08-03-2000).]

I agree 100% with Vinny's first post. I have pretty large hands, and found the GoType extremely uncomfortable. Saving a measely $30 isn't worth risking RSI. For women and others with small hands, the GoType might be a better experience. Whatever you decide, be sure to try them both out first hand. Don't rely on our testimonials. For me, the GoType is a better value on paper, but experientially, it's no match for the Stowaway.

I don't necessarily agree with the claims that the Stowaway can't be used in your lap. In the rare events that I don't have access to a flat surface, I actually do use it in my lap. However, the keyboard does oscillate back and forth a tiny bit as you strike the keys. Some people can live with that, some people can't.

Of course, the foldability of the Stowaway is the killer feature, and I can't evangelize about it enough.

quote:

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Originally posted by acajigas:


What would your friends say if they see you carrying around a keyboard much bigger than your PDA? Can you imagine yourself carrying a Big Fat keyboard to a date?

Al

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Agree 100% on the "try before you buy advice." However . . . . I purchased my GoType back in early March (before the Stowaway was available), and it took several hours of use before I began to get comfortable with it. So trying before you buy may be harder to do than it might seem.

GoType pros not previously mentioned:<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>WordSleuth - great thesaurus - best available for the Palm OS in my opinion.
<LI>Doubles as a USB docking cradle.
<LI>Supports more hot-key to app mappings.
<LI>Includes NumLock - numeric key pad.
<LI>You can type on an airline tray, even when seated between other passengers and even when flying economy.
</UL>

GoType cons not previously mentioned:<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>The included DOC editor, TakeNote!, is not all that great; and sucks big time if you have lots of DOC files on your Visor (loads really slow!!). In fact, were it not for its integration with WordSleuth, I wouldn't use it at all.
<LI>Finger disorientation when switching between the GoType and full size keyboards.
<LI>The Visor is not as securely attached to the keyboard as with the Stowaway.
<LI>Weird cursor control layout.
<LI>No Home or End keys.
</UL>

So. If I had it to do over, would I get the GoType? Yep. Does this mean that I want to sell my Stowaway? Nope. Why? For me, the GoType is the way to go when traveling (when transitioning between the GoType and a desktop is not an issue); but the Stowaway is my around town Visor keyboard of choice. If I could have only one keyboard, I would keep the GoType; but, if I wrote for a living, it would have to be the Stowaway.