Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

My Stowaway keyboard arrived today. Before even taking my coat off, I had the box opened and the keyboard unfolded on the kitchen table. I sat there in total awe... this thing is cool. My wife and kids walked in and were mesmerized by it as well.

Anyway, after taking the coat off and wolfing down some dinner, I sat at the PC, loaded the keyboard.prc file, set the Visor in the keyboard docking connector and went crazy!

The key layout is very nice due to the "full size" of the Stowaway and the feel of the keys while typing is very good.

I'll admit that I'm not a very good typist... those of us that use two fingers and a thumb usually aren't. But I seem to be as good on the Stowaway as I am on the desktop. Not bad since I've only had this thing in my posession for 2-1/2 hours!

I haven't yet explored all the features of the keyboard but like what I see so far. As I get more accustomed to it, I'll play with some of the key assignments and adjust it to my style and preferences.

One thing (already mentioned in another thread) to all the Slipper case users... the Slipper works with the Stowaway! No need to take the Visor out of the case. A very nice plus if you asked me.

The construction of the keyboard seems very good. The keys are all properly aligned and it sits nicely on the smooth desktop. There are little rubber "feet" on the outer casing to prevent it from sliding around.

One thing that does take some getting used to is actually docking the Visor to the Stowaway. It takes firm, steady downward pressure to seat the Visor. The connector has two "locking" tabs at each end that hold the Visor in place. Hopefully, these will "break in" (NO pun intended!) over time making the process easier but for now I'll just exercise caution to be safe.

As for the ability to use it in your lap... it's awkward but can be done. Personally, I'm afraid that the whole thing will slip and fall onto the floor but maybe that will pass as I get more comfortable (I didn't use a magazine or book like the manual suggests - yes, I DID read the manual first ).

In conclusion, my first impressions are very good! As the saying goes, you cant judge a book by its cover... well, now the same is now true of the Stowaway... you need to open this baby up to truly appreciate it!!!

Oh... by the way... this entire review was written on my new Stowaway!

Happy typing


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MarkEagle - Ice is nice!