Tonewiz2k
Member

Registered: Dec 2001
Location: Holly Springs, NC
Posts: 124 |
quote: How well can you type with it? I like the stowaway because it is a full keyboard. I didn't have to get used to a different typing concept. The aritcles I've read about the halfkeyboard say it's very nice for leasure typing but its hard to touch type.
I don't know what they define "leasure typing" as, but in order to use the Halfkeyboard at all you have to be able to touch type. You can't hunt and peck and get any kind of speed out of it. I havn't measured lately, but I am guessing I am getting 35 to 40 wpm using the halfkeyboard. I think I do about an average of 80 on a full keyboard. I have only been typing with it for a month, and I have been using it everyday for journal entries for the past week. I love the thing! I don't have to unfold it, or set it on a desk... I can set it on my thigh if I want. It feels great. I also like having the cable instead of having to dock the Visor in a cradle. Of course, one of the biggest things I like about it is the wow factor. If you can touch type you can get used to the Halfkeyboard. It takes time, but if you stick with it you will get faster. I still love the leather Case Logic case it comes with!
My only gripe is the lag time. I have not used a stowaway, so I don't know if it is an issue with the Halfkeyboard or just the serial interface in general, but a lag develops between the unit and the keyboard whenever you get above 20wpm or so. It doens't bother me at all, but it may bother some people. I am ever-watching the halfkeyboard.com website for driver updates. I suggest ordering one and trying it out for a week. I am pretty sure Matias (the maker) has a 30 or 90 day return policy. These things arn't in stores... and getting your hands on the unit is the only real way to see if it is right for you. Something that isn't very apparent in the pictures on the website is the build quality of the device. I have messed with the GoType and I thought it felt very very cheap, but the Halfkeyboard feels like your typing away on a high quality laptop.
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