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iGo Stowaway Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard for Blackberry and other PDA/ Handhelds | List Price: $149.99
Discount Price: $98.00
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Brand: Think Outside
Binding: Wireless Phone Accessory
Features: - Foldable, full-size QWERTY keyboard wirelessly connects to Bluetooth-enabled smartphones and PDAs
- Weighs less than 6 ounces; folds to 5.5 x 3.9 x 0.5 inches
- User-programmable shortcut and command keys for fast access to other applications
- Download drivers automatically from your smartphone/PDA--no PC needed
- Includes carrying case and detachable PDA/phone stand
Product discontinued - Does not support BlackBerry Curve 8330 [Posted on 2008-10-03]
This keyboard has been discontinued, so be sure to check compatibility with your SmartPhone / PDA. Does not work with BB Curve 8330 with OS 4.3 or above. iGo shows no concern for this and says there will be no further updates.
Allows you to enter data using a real keyboard [Posted on 2008-10-19]
Installation was easy. Remembering the key combo to sync is the only draw back. Typing was just like a desktop keyboard. cursor navigation was easy using the arrow keys. Also the special function keys made using the PDA easy. Would recommend to anyone as a great buy.
Excellent keyboard, but dwindling support for new devices [Posted on 2008-10-21]
This little keyboard has turned my PocketPC into a very powerful messaging device. It has excellent keyfeel, it's reasonably easy to set up, the stand works quite well, and it has respectable battery life.
It's good from a hardware perspective, but I can't say the same about the software. The included software requires you to perpetually leave your Bluetooth radio on, or repeat the pairing operation every time you wish to reconnect the keyboard- a significant inconvenience or a significant drain on your battery life, take your pick. The built-in keyboard drivers in Windows Mobile don't have this problem.
Users of Windows Mobile 6 (or above) will get used to the behavior of the default keyboard drivers; many of the hotkeys won't work as printed (BlueFN+A and BlueFN+S become Left Softkey and Right Softkey, respectively, instead of parts of the spacebar doing the job) without the software, but the manufacturer doesn't support WM6 with this device.
The hardware would be 5 stars, but the total lack of software support means I have to rate it on how WM6 handles the device natively- it does quite well, except for the mismatched hot keys, so this goes down a notch. Still recommended, although list price would be steep.
Slim Keyboard [Posted on 2008-10-21]
This is the third keyboard I've purchased, and it's the one most comfortable to use out of the packaging. The first two I purchased were the HP and Nokia BT keyboards, and this is the first one of the three that has worked perfectly with both PDA and smartphone.
I'll focus on the aspects that mattered most to me, as most of the other reviews here already say what convinced me to buy this keyboard initially. So this is from my perspective, if you want more general reviews there are plenty of good ones, especially those labeled most useful:
As you open this keyboard up, the "crease" of the keyboard is supported by a back panel, so the keyboard is held quite firm down the center. Also, packed up, this keyboard can fit into a large pocket, and can be carried around effortlessly. Finally, this is a 4 row keyboard (there is a 5 row version that I didn't know about) so all the numbers overlap the top row (qwert-) and a function (fn) key is needed to put in numbers, with numlock available, and a second function key for symbols. It takes some getting used to, but once you have the hang of the two function keys they are indispensable and used as often as shift is.
With my other two keyboards, I had to "retrain" my hand positions along the keyboard to type "normally". That is, without accidentally hitting some of the oddly placed keys (shift, /, ', \, etc.) While this keyboard does not eliminate that problem, it does feel most closely to the layout and size of a full keyboard.
Overall, it's a great keyboard, I can't comment on the battery life as I've had it for just over a month, and I haven't had to change the batteries yet. And I've been expecting them to day any day now at 15-32 hours/week use.
If I had to change something I would: 1) Add a USB rechargeable built-in lithium battery. 2) Make the tray removable, as often I use the keyboard without the tray holding either phone or PDA. 3) Make the tray size changeable, currently, it can't hold my phone (Nokia E51) very stable, and not at all if I have the phone "portrait".
In the design of the keyboard, once the keyboard is closed, the tray clasps onto the back of the keyboard. When open, the tray stays sticking out. It's really this issue, as well as my hopes of a rechargeable bt keyboard, that make me give this a four star. Really, though, it deserves a 5 or a 4.5.
If you're looking for a BT keyboard and are constantly on the move or travelling, this is probably the best bet out there. I use it in my office at work, when traveling, in the car/subway, and anywhere else I have it with me that I have to wait for someone or something.
I use it to send emails, text messages, browse the internet, make calendar appointments, for IM chatting, and writing notes. On both HP Ipaq Hx4700 and Nokia E51, but mostly on my phone.
Good ROI [Posted on 2008-11-11]
Setting up initial partnership between the keyboard and my pda was pretty simple. The keyboard size and key-spacing are decent...a little smaller but comparable to laptop keyboards.
Numbers and some punctuations are awkward to type but other than that, I am able to type at my normal typing speed.
The size of the keyboard when stored is conveniently small. I keep it in my glovebox in my car in case I need it while I'm out.
I frequently meet clients at restaurants, coffee shops and other places. I pull my keyboard and pda out of my purse and I'm ready to take notes.
I'm not sure what the battery life is but I've been using it approximately 4 hours per week for about 3 weeks on the same 2 aaa batteries so far.
The convenience, simplicity, portability and ease of use make this a great investment.
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