Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 16

Well, I got my Go Type Keyboard in today and really like it. I can type very fast on it and it sits up fine. There is a little lever that you can pull out to help stabilize it but usually you don't need it. I am a student and will be using this primarily for note taking. I am pleased with my investment.
Two things I am not wild about is:
1. the keys are a little hard to press. Not bad but harder than my desktop keyboard and thus maybe I am just not used to it. Also the backspace key is not as sensitive as I would prefer.
2. The overall casing is a little thicker than I like but still not a problem.
Even with these minor annoyances, the durability and price is hard to beat. I can type plenty fast.
If anyone has questions I will try and answer them. By the way, you can sample the keyboard size at stores like office max but to get one for the Handspring you must order.
Jeremy

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Visit at www.southern.edu/~jearnall

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 391

Odd, I found many of the keys hard to press. Possibly I just have a lemon? I also don't like how high the case holds the visor... it makes it hard for me to read when I'm typing in a comfortable position.

The "hack" driver works very well, with none of the glitches reported in the drivers for the Stowaway and Travelboard. It's a pity the hardware isn't as good as the software.

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 38

I just got my Gotype yesterday and i love it!! The keys don't seem too hard to press, but then I only have my current PC keyboard to compare with and it SUCKS. I have not tried a hotsync yet but the cable does have a USB connection to the PC and some other connector to the GoType. I like the look of of the keyboard. The cover looks good while it's up and protects it while its down. The function keys are great. There are even two 'ports' to hold your stylus at the ready while you are typing. Slips right into my briefcase's front pocket.

I was just using it at lunch and the CFO of our hospital (800 bed) sat down and started drooling over it. Not a bad career enhancement investment for $69!! High on the coolness factor.

>>-----> cw

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 391

I think I must have a lemon. I can reliably not get the letter "o" entered by pressing slightly off-center. It feels just like any other key but the letter doesn't show up unless I strike it harder or hit it exactly vertically.

I've emailed them asking for an RMA so I can get it replaced.

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: LA, Boston, MO. its different every 6 months
Posts: 56

i recently purchased the stowaway keyboard for my sister's palm IIIx, and am amazed at the engineering that went into that thing. the keyboard feels just like a laptop, and the keys are full size! talk about a coolness factor, the thing folds up to just larger than the palm pilot itself.

however, it seemed a little fragile. i think a good drop at the wrong angle could really do some damage. dont get me wrong, its a great product. its just that ive already shattered 2 visor screens.

how durable is the gotype keyboard? would a good 3 foot drop finish it off? did it come with any protective slip case for carrying it around?

thanks in advance. i just need to know if i should wait for the handspring stowaway or go for the gotype.

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 105

How soon did you all get yours? I ordered mine Friday the 10th with Ground shipping...the following Monday I got a reply saying my ordered was processed, but have yet to see it. Usualy Ground isn't this slow.

Landware's shipping is similar to Handspring's in that I have no idea if its shipping, the tracking #, or if there are any problems. I've e-mailed them requesting a tracking number, but I highly doubt I'll get a reply since I do not believe they are open on the weekend.

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-Matthew Nichols
[email protected]
http://www.extremebleem.cjb.net

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 16

I have to admit, I would like a softer touch to the keys but you can get used to it. mainly I wish the backspace key was bigger. But I haven't noticed any of the keys not working. Just requires getting used to.
The site at Landware claims they are very durable. I wouldn't want to drop mine becaus I would be afraid the cover could crack or pop off but it is a rather durable looking device. You can purchase cases for it but it doesn't come with one. I am pleased with it overall and it serves my needs for word processing. Someone mentioned a hack? What does that do? I am having to wait for the "Take Note" software to come out that is to come free with the keyboard. looking forward to that. Is there any news someone can share with me regarding this "hack" software.
Thanks
jeremy

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Visit at www.southern.edu/~jearnall

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

arnall,

The "hack" is the HackMaster version of the GoType driver. I believe it comes with a standard app version in addition to the hack.

From what I've read, the hack version allows auto-detection and activation of the keyboard whereas the standard app requires you to manually activate the keyboard driver.


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MarkEagle - Ice is nice!

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 105

Got my GoType today, apparently UPS screwed something up. I still haven't decided wether its worth the money. As people have said, you have to hit the keys head on and they're a little resistant.

What neat thing I noticed, the cover that protects the keyboard itself has a piece the slides up and out so you can use Springboards that hav batteries (Like modem or GPS).

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Mililani, HI, USA
Posts: 256

Good keyboard. I like it very much. But I can't stand the placement of the number keys. Nowhere did I read that the placement of the top row was so funky. If I knew of this before hand I would have made a double-take. I can't say that because of this weirdness the GoType! sucks, but it is a few marks from being perfect, even as an under-sized keyboard.

...well...I guess I can get used to it.

Registered: Dec 1999
Location:
Posts: 5

I just got the Go type! and I like it a lot. I have to echo the small backspace key complaint, but I find that I'm already starting to get used to it.

The Visor was my first PDA, so I went with the Solo (wasn't sure if I was really going to like it). Now I'm glad I killed two birds with one stone, the USB sync works great -- and I love my Visor, I read the Visorcentral.com page like an addict, and I'll probably be turning my 2mb into a "gift" for my wife so I can upgrade!

Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 638

Hey,
It says on the homepage that you can upgrade your 2mb to 8 for only 90 bucks. Sounds like a good deal to me.
BEN

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Posts: 406

A Good Deal?
You buy a 2MB Visor for $170, and upgrade it to 8 MB for $90 = $260. Or you could have just gotten a Deluxe version and saved yourself $10 (plus you get your choice of a color..). But I suppose it's a good deal for people who have had their Standard Visors for months, and they wouldn't sell well on ebay because of small scratches..

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 434

Just got back from my vacation; and I'm happy to report that not only did my new GoType work, but I was surprised by how quickly I got the feel for typing on it. It got stuffed in my daypack along with my VDX, and both survived the trip without any problems.

If you travel with the GoType in a briefcase or daypack, I doubt that you will ever need a special pack for this keyboard. While the cover is alittle bit on the light side, the bottom is more than rugged enough to take the brunt of the bumps from other objects in the case or pack.

HotSyncs worked great on my dad's PowerMac, and I now know what I've been missing (I'm stuck with serial cradles at home and work due to WinNT and Win2k) - - USB really slams the bits around!

[This message has been edited by yucca (edited 03-28-2000).]

Registered: Sep 1999
Location: Seattle, Wa, USA
Posts: 66

I concur on the Gotype. I ordered it the day they sent the notice out, and got it very quickly (I paid extra for express shipping...) I've been very happy with it. I had looked at the Stowaway, but a few things swayed me to the Gotype:

1. Durability. The Stowaway looks like it would be very cool for a while, but would break down a year from now. The flexible circuitry between pieces really made me frown.

2. Prior Experience. I used to have a Gotype for my old Palm Pro, and it was great! I do a lot of writing, and it allowed me to leave me old laptop at home.

3. USB Port. This was the big one for me. I now Hotsync at home every few days as a backup, and Hotsync from the keyboard at work, for new Avantgo stuff. With the keyboard, Visor, and the CD, you could hotsync with any computer in the world that has a USB port.

One thing I'm waiting for is a wireless modem/phone Springboard. With that, you suddenly have a completely portable laptop with real-time Internet access.

Right now I carry one of those infamous "gentleman's bags". In it I can fit my Visor, checkbook, Gotype keyboard, black Post-it notes, keys, pen, pen stylus, business cards, stamps, Sharpie, and two 3.5" disks for Suitcase synchronizing. Talk about a portable office...


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"Scalpel"
Atomic Hyrax Games

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 295

Scalpel, I didn't know that 3m made "black Post-it notes". Is that for real, or a typo? If real, what do you use a black Post-it for?

<><

[This message has been edited by LanMan (edited 04-14-2000).]

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 16

Scalpel, how is the touch on the keyboard? Do you have to press rather hard the delete key and such or does it have a soft touch type? Let me know if you would.
Thanks.
JERemy

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Visit at www.southern.edu/~jearnall

Registered: Oct 1999
Location: Baltimore MD, USA
Posts: 717

quote:

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Originally posted by LanMan:
Scalpel, I didn't know that 3m made "black Post-it notes". Is that for real, or a typo? If real, what do you use a black Post-it for?

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Registered: Feb 2000
Location:
Posts: 41

Wow! I ordered my GoType! keyboard from Landware's site Sunday (3/26) night. I received it this afternoon (3/30). I requested the cheap ($7.50 not THAT cheap) delivery - ground. Not bad! The case is on backorder though. The first problem I had was that it came with a <gasp!> floppy disk. I have an iMac-no floppy drive. I went to their site and dowloaded the software. I tried out the keyboard and I love it! I'm so glad they made this. It's like having a laptop! I'm very happy with my purchase. I didn't have any problems with the keys - maybe they have people reading these threads and fixing the problems! It will take a little to get used to, but my iMac keyboard is smaller than a regular one and I don't have too many problems with it. I think I'll get used to it real fast.

I tried it out on my lap (since that's when I'll be using it most). I extended the keyboard stabilizer and had that rest on my thigh. It was quite stable that way.

Thumbs up for me!!!

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Deb Auld

Registered: Jan 2000
Location:
Posts: 14

Ok, since we have all these keyboard posts going around, does anyone know how you can get a text file off of the visor onto your computer? (Besides entering it into a note)

I plan on getting the Stowaway and would like to be able to do this...

Anyone?
Wes