Registered: Mar 2000
Location: NC, Indiana
Posts: 465

Greetings-
I'm considering getting a keyboard for my BVD. My friend has a Stowaway which is truly awesome--but it's $100 so I decided to take a look at the GoType, which my friend suggested I check out with a twisted smile. (He had seen it already before he bought his StowAway) I'd heard it's only 85% of the normal keyboard size and it doesn't have the cool factor--but it makes up for it in a 40% reduction in price . I was at my local OfficeMax (where I also bought my Visor conincidently) and tried out a Palm version of the GoType. It was smaller than I thought definitively. I opened it up and tried typing on it. Holy Mackeral! This thing was cramped! I heard if you have regular sized hands it's fine--and if you have large hands it takes a little while to get used to--but it was TERRIBLE! I am only 6' and thought I had somewhat large hands and apparently they're huge. I don't understand this. Also, the keys seemed to be cut in half vertically? I doubt I could have scrunched my fingers enough to type on it at half my normal brisk speed! Anyone else had these problems? My hand isn't that big I thought, if you measure from the very, very top of my wrist to the longest fingers my hand is 1 3/4 Visors (hmmm a Visor based measurement system--I like it! ) So much for the AfterGlow. StowAway here I come for next year US History notetaking!

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-Vinny

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 289

I have the same feeling about the Gotype .. I am also going after a Stowaway to hook up to my Visor for notetaking. Was going to buy one yesterday, but figured I would wait it out (as I don't need it until August) and maybe get a deal on it (sale, rebate, etc..)

Joe

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: DFW Metroplex, TX USA
Posts: 58

I have both a GoType and a Stowaway.

The GoType model (not a pro, not a newer model, it is The Original) I have I bought when I used the Palm IIIx. While it was a great idea and I did make use of it, I rarely used it once I'd tried using it to take notes in a series of meetings. I just couldn't keep up with events in the room, I couldn't type fast enough. My total use time for this extended trial was between eight and ten hours. I never could get used to the smaller keys. For what it is worth, my hands are NOT at all large, neither are my fingers.

The GoType also had one badly misplaced key. I can't remember what it was, since it's been a long time since I used it and the Palm III (six months or so). I do know that the new models of the GoType keyboard changed the location of this key.

I've had my Stowaway for less three days. I had it at work for only half a work day (went home for lunch and it was waiting for me!). Yet because the Stowaway is a full size keyboard, I was able to take notes in a meeting without problems because I was able to type at my full speed, that even being on the afternoon I received it.

-- Michael

[This message has been edited by mcgaw (edited 05-08-2000).]

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Aurora, CO, USA
Posts: 23

Over time, you get used to not moving your fingers forward and back as much on the GoType. I have both, and I use the Stowaway most of the time, but I keep the GoType around for times when the Stowaway doesn't really work (typing on your lap in the car, for example, and not while driving ).

JK

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Columbus, Ohio USA
Posts: 255

My girlfriend has the GoType for her palm and I have the Stowaway for my Visor.. ANd I would never think of getting the GoType (however, she would never get the Stowaway).

While the keys are 85% smaller, I can type about 85 or less % as fast with the GoType I'm just used to typing from a very early age and I can't change that. Plus I use a Microsoft Natural keyboard, so by using the gotype I'd take away EVEN MORE space than I'm used to.. I can make due with a regular sized laptop keyboard.

My gf however I guess has smaller hands than I do (don't know how that's possible.. i'm no basketball player or anything) and she loves how small the GoType is. Actually, she wants me to find her a regular keyboard that's as big as the goType.. So if anyone could help me there, it can look like a damn kid's keyboard for all I care, but she would like that.

Try the gotype in any store that has it on display. If you don't feel comfortable with it, screw it and spend a few extra bucks to have a neato keyboard that you can just fly when typing on (I just wish the visor screen could keep up).

Registered: May 2000
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 49

I want to get my hands on the Stowaway. Targus has them back-ordered. Does anyone know where they can be found?

Cheers,
Bob

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: bright side of the moon.
Posts: 996

hey bob,

They've got them at the CompUSA in Columbia and Glen Burnie and I saw them at the Staples in Bowie. I'm not sure what part of DC you're in, but i'm pretty sure i've seen posts saying they have them in CompUSA in Northern VA.

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

For anyone who plans to order the GoType online sight unseen: don't. I finally bought a Stowaway from CompUSA, but before I did I took a look at the GoType. While I wasn't planning to buy the GoType to begin with, I too was surprised at how small it was compared to what I imagined from looking at photos.

None of this is to say that the GoType is the wrong choice. Just make sure you actually see one first.