Registered: Mar 2001
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 71

I'm not sure if this accessory has been commented on yet, but:

I just picked up the PDA Pocket Keyboard from Fellowes & I thought I should send out a quick review for those interested in Input Alternatives.

It's a solid little device, just 3 7/8" wide by 2 5/8" tall with 55 "Glidepoint" keys, including a Ctrl & 4 direction keys. It runs on two lithium batteries, but powering the connection is still the PDA's job so there is still a slight, unnoticable draw on the Visor's batteries. Connecting the Pocket Keyboard to your Visor requires only a few carefully taken second to complete.

The software features control of audio feedback, an auto-off alarm & timeout setting, touch sensitivity, key repeat rate & repeat delay settings as well. However, you have to turn on & off the keyboard from the software before moving on to your e-mail or word processor (disconnecting the keyboard automatically disables it.)

The Visor/Pocket Keyboard combination works well on a flat surface, on your lap or held in both hands. I quickly found that held in your lap two-handed you can almost type full speed, but it's a cross between hunt-and-peck & normal typing.

If you hate Blackberry-sized keyboards, this one probably isn't for you. But, if you would rather have a smaller, sturdy alternative to Stowaway & GoType keyboards, this is a cheaper alternative. It doesn't come with a cover or case, but the stock Handspring leather sleeve cover holds the Pocket Keyboard quite nicely (if you already have a case for your Visor). I found mine today at OfficeMax for $50, in fact this store had a decent variety of Visors & Visor-specific accessories, including a half-dozen Springboard modules.

If anyone else has the Pocket Keyboard, please port your opinions here...I'd like to know if anyone has put one of these to heavy road use yet...

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"This world is totally Fugazi." -Fish (Marillion)

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Posts: 790

Orange, thanks for the review. I wanted to look at it, so I tracked it down to their website, here, in case anyone else wants to look at it.

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Jeff

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: June 10, 2001 San Clemente Pier , CA
Posts: 211

Hey OrangeDeluxe,

Just thought you'd like to know....

I went to Comdex2000 in Las Vegas and at the Handspring booth, someone from HS noticed my Orange Deluxe, and told me that it was the color that most of Handspring employees have because it was only available online and not thru retail. You're in an elite group it seems!

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"I cannot live without books." Thomas Jefferson

Registered: Jul 2000
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 415

I've got an orange one too. It cost me 40$can extra to buy it online. Stupid exchange rate. Later I found out that the local electronics chain sells them online as well, but at the regular price. bummer. My only hope is that the rebate will be increased because of the very same exchange rate...

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-thorin

I have a webcomic. You should read it, or I may do something rash. <b><a href=http://driveby.keenspace.com/>Drive-by Loitering</a></b> is updated every monday, wednesday and friday.

<!img src=http://www.frontfly.com/myrouter/vcsig2.gif alt="Soundsgood is too elite for the punks."><img src=http://www.frontfly.com/vcsig.gif ><!img src=http://www.frontfly.com/myrouter/vcsig2.gif alt="Soundsgood is too elite for the punks.">

Registered: Jul 2000
Location:
Posts: 3034

quote:

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Originally posted by gbgood
I went to Comdex2000 in Las Vegas and at the Handspring booth, someone from HS noticed my Orange Deluxe, and told me that it was the color that most of Handspring employees have because it was only available online and not thru retail. You're in an elite group it seems!

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Nah...the product development guy (he was running the VisorPhone kiosk when I passed by) with the transparent Prism was in an elite group. His was a one of a kind.

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: June 10, 2001 San Clemente Pier , CA
Posts: 211

Hey,
I remember that one too.

kewl!

I can't wait to see what this year's Comdex brings!

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"I cannot live without books." Thomas Jefferson

Registered: Mar 2000
Location: Fl
Posts: 67

Does it work with the Edge?

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 71

quote:

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Originally posted by Mich
Does it work with the Edge?

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"This world is totally Fugazi." -Fish (Marillion)

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 71

The Fellowes' website just says "Handspring or Palm" devices...It fits my VDX, so I'm not sure about the Prism or Edge serial ports.

Oh, the accurate product dimentions (according to Fellowes) are:
3 1/5" x 3 9/10" x 1/2"

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"This world is totally Fugazi." -Fish (Marillion)

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 70

I purchased mine online from Cirque, and recieved the adaptors for the Vx, III, and Visor. Not sure if the connector works on any other models, but it works fine on my platinum and my wife's deluxe. Will have a chance to check it on my brother-in-law's Edge this weekend, and I'll report back with the results. So far I am very impressed with this device. Glidepoint recognition is flawless (although my thumbs are sometimes a bit large for trying to type too fast on it). I highly recomend buying it from Cirque, as my cost was only $42 including shipping.

Drew

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"Whoever said bigger isn't better...Lied!"

Registered: Nov 2000
Location:
Posts: 714

The Edge has a totally different connector, from the way people describe it though...is the keyboard the same for every PDA and then you have "adapters" between it and the correct HotSynch style port for each PDA? Seems it wouldn't take them long to come out with one styled for the Edge.

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Matt Nichols
[email protected]

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 70

yes, there are "adaptors" that connect to the back of the keyboard with pin-outs for the serial connectors on the PDA. I would expect that even if one of the current connectors doesn't work, one will be available soon.

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"Whoever said bigger isn't better...Lied!"