Registered: May 2000
Location: Highland
Posts: 4

To all you Stowaway owners,

I'm not seeing very many comments on the laptop-ability of the Stowaway. How goes it? Can you really type with it on your lap? This marvelous piece of engineering intrigues me. But I'm skeptical that a folding design can be sturdy on one's lap.

Share your experiences, anyone?

Brad

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Redwood City CA
Posts: 472

I would say you can't lap a Stowaway at all, and personally, I wouldn't try with mine as it would put stress on the central hinge in the wrong direction. I think you really need a flat surface to use it.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

I have used the Stowaway in my lap with the aid of a magazine or newspaper for support. It's not an ideal situation but in a pinch it can be done.

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MarkEagle - Ice is nice!

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

You can use the Stowaway in your lap, but whether you find it acceptable is pretty subjective. I find it acceptable. The balance is a little awkard at first -- it wobbles when you strike the keys -- but it's definitely usable as long as you keep your thighs level.

Registered: May 2000
Location: Highland
Posts: 4

Appreciate your comments! They answered my question.

Hmnnnn, that's what I was afraid of, though. I guess I'll hold off on my purchase of one for awhile. I'm very pleased with my GoType! keyboard. I'll wait and see what improvements are made.

Brad

Registered: Apr 2000
Location:
Posts: 266

I just used my Stowaway for the first time in my lap yesterday. Had no problems using it, and I didn't feel like it was putting any 'pressure' on the center hinge.

But.....good idea about using a magazine underneath to steady it. It did wobble a bit, but not enough to bother me.....

Ryan

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Metro Station, Hollywood and Highland
Posts: 1018

bwoods:

I have to agree with rclayton: I don't notice any strain on the center hinges when I type. The wobbling can be eliminated simply be placing a flat surface, e.g. a notebook, beneath the Stowaway. I find this arrangement very comfortable.

I'm glad you're enjoying the GoType, but try to find someone with a Stowaway to check out. I find the Stowaway way more comfortable to type on, and would prefer it even if it wasn't collapsible (then again, it's a great bonus).

Some people have expressed reservations about the Stowaway's moving parts, assuming that it's not built to last. It seems very solid to me: it certainly looks like will remain intact for a few years. I'm more concerned with the GoType's cramped keyboard which, with my large hands at least, looks like a case of RSI waiting to happen. You can always replace a broken keyboard, but you've only got two hands. Take care of them.

Registered: May 2000
Location: Highland
Posts: 4

Gameboy70,

That actually would be the best, to find someone that has a Stowaway, especially since there certainly aren't any demo's in the stores.

For my average hands, though, the GoType! isn't cramped at all. I found that I required little time to adjust to the keyboard at all. I know that you've got to be correct on the Stowaway being more comfortable, though. I mean, how can you beat a full sized keyboard, afterall?

How stable is the Visor on the keyboard?

Brad

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

quote:

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Originally posted by bwoods:
How stable is the Visor on the keyboard?

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Registered: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 165

I would say that it is "lappable"... just be extra careful. I've tried it a couple of times and I haven't noticed any undue stress on specific areas of the assembly. A little bit wobbly around the center hinge at first, but you start to get a feel for it. I agree, a notebook underneath would provide good support if you have to use it on your lap.

I've never tried the Go-type, but I know that I would never trade lap-top rigidity for my full-size keys!

It's definitely something you need to see for yourself, though... The flash presentation on the thinkoutside and targus web sites is nice, but nothing prepared me for the first time I actually opened my Stowaway up. Just amazing! And well-built.. it really feels solid. It probably wouldn't like being dropped on the floor too much, but that's no different than my Visor.