Registered: Jul 2002
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 5

Keyboard question

I am trying to decide whether to buy a Visor with a separate keyboard, or something called an AlphaSmart (word processor... looks like a keyboard with a 5 line screen. It links to a Mac or PC). I have an iMac.

I only need this for writing when I'm not at my computer, and the AlphaSmart seems perfect, but I've never tried a Visor, and thought someone here might be able to give me their experience of using a Visor with a keyboard.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
Leslie Godwin

Registered: Apr 2000
Location: St Petersburg Fla
Posts: 224

Stowaway and Wordsmith or other WP

I'm not using a keyboard or word processor with my visor.

However, other users have had success and I'm sure would highly recommend the combination.

You can also search this board for previous discussions on this subject.

Registered: Jul 2002
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 5

Thanks for quick response!

Bud,
Thanks for your post. I will do a search and see if other writers are using the Visor. It looks as if the Stowaway keyboard is a good option, too.

Other advice welcome!
Leslie

Registered: Feb 2001
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 216

I have used my Visor Platinum and StowAway keyboard to write a number of manuscripts. I usually have done so when on long flights or when I am sitting in the back yard keeping an eye on my kids. I have been very pleased with this combination. It has worked very well for me and allowed me to be productive at times when I would usually not be so.

In order to do this, you will need to purchase a word processing program. I use Documents-to-Go but WordSmith appears to be the preferred word processor among the posters on these boards. I use DTG because I bought it before I knew WordSmith existed. Another program is Quick Office. All three allow you to synchronize your document with Word (I think all support Macs but you had best verify this). All three also allow you to download trial versions to try before you buy.

A Visor/Stowaway combo would be far more flexible than the other option you mentioned. Soon after you got it, you would be using your Visor for other important things like playing games!

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Registered: Jul 2002
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 5

Thanks PathDoc

Thanks for your comments, and it's good to hear from another writer!
Leslie

Registered: Dec 2000
Location: Elkins Park, Pa
Posts: 577

You! I order you to get a Stowaway! And they're REALLY cheap this week at Best Buy. I use a Stowaway and VDx to take notes in school. Also get Wordsmith (software) for your Palm for a VERY good word processing program, and if you plan on printing to an infrared printer, Printboy.

I can't recommend the Stowaway enough.

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Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Nebraska- the Good life
Posts: 695

PDA choice- any Palm OS PDA would work well for you- the Neo, for example, combines several great features with a low price (although the newest Sony B&W unit looks pretty sweet in this price range also)

Software choice- I LOVE Wordsmith, but Documents to Go and QuickOffice are also good choices for word processors (and most of these offer a lot of other capabilities as well).

Keyboard- The Stowaway (especially on sale at Best Buy this weeek) is a GREAT device... but to use it you pretty much have to be at a desk or have a steady flat surface available. If this is pretty much the case, go with this option!

If, however, you'll need to type in less-hospitable situations, there are some other options, such as:

- On-screen keyboards (SilkyBoard, Fitaly Stamp, whatever the new one is called), etc. These generally provide some alternative version of typing right on the screen- not great for longer works, but many people love them.

- 'Thumbboards', like Seiko's, Targus's, etc. These are small boards that clip onto the PDA and allow you to 'type' with your thumbs or a couple of fingers pretty much anywhere.

- Rigid keyboards, like the Landware GoType.

If you need this sort of flexibility, check out the keyboard reviews in the reviews section of this site.

By the way- I also think that once you 'get the hang' of using a PDA, you'll love it and use it for a lot more than you ever dreamed of!

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Registered: Apr 2001
Location: 'braska
Posts: 211

If you are a writer, you definitly want to visit Jeff Kirvin's WritingOnYourPalm.net site. (even though Jeff has gone PPC IIRC)

FYI - I have been using WordSmith, Visor Platinum and Stowaway for about 2 years and love it. I curently write all of my college papers and take notes in class using this setup. The only time I do anything on the PC is when I need to print out assignments.

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Last edited by flips13 on 07-25-2002 at 04:11 PM

Registered: Aug 2001
Location:
Posts: 143

Another Stowaway Recommendation

I love my stowaway and Prism combo. They are great for taking notes. The only problem I have is when I go to a meeting that takes place in an auditorium with no tables or writing surfaces on the chairs. Then I have to peck along on my ATOMIK sticker or go grafiti. However, when I do have a table or writing surface, the feel of the stowaway can't be beat. I have fun blowing away fitaly-tetris using a keyboard!

I have used both Documents-to-Go and QuickOffice. I like the power of QuickSheet and the html of QuickWord, but I also need to sync locked PDA files from time to time. For that I like to use DtG's PDA abilities (AcrobatReader for PalmOS can't sync the file unless it is unlocked and official documents at work are locked for version control). I would love to use DtG's mail and attachment synching capabilities, but it does not work with Eudora, my company's adopted standard. DtG also has PowerPoint syncing which QO is supposed to be adding soon (an ability that is necessary because Margi will NOT upgrade the Presenter-to-Go for Visor to include slide-preview).

Where is all this rambling going? I like both QuickWord and Word-to-Go. I own both QO and DtG and flip flop between intalling one or the other depending on my needs at the time. Neither one has created a perfect match with my requirements yet.

Registered: Jul 2002
Location: So. Cal
Posts: 5

Thanks for the great input!

I'm really grateful to everyone who's posted here. I'll continue to check for posts. Thanks to all of you who've taken the trouble to share your experiences.

Registered: Oct 2000
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 334

You can get a legal sized clipboard and clip the (left side of the)
Stowaway to it. This makes using it in your lap or an uneven/soft
surface much easier.

Rick

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