RBradford's Full Review: TARGUS UNIVERSAL PDA/KEYBOARD CASE - BLACK
Having become unnaturally attached to my iPAQ, I recently began a campaign to accessorize a little. Okay, maybe more than a little... All right, I admit it, I'M ADDICTED! Stop pushing will you?! I MUST OWN EVERY ACCESSORY EVER INVENTED!! There, I said it. Feel better? Fine, I'll start going back to the meetings...
Hi, I'm Rick and I'm an iPAQaholic. I haven't purchased an accessory in two weeks...
But let me tell you about one accessory that I can't live without! The Targus Stowaway Portable Keyboard.
First of all, the keyboard reminds me a lot of the one on my IBM Thinkpad notebook computer. The keys are firm and responsive, with good size and spacing. It's a small keyboard, but I really don't consider it a "mini" keyboard like some of the others on the market. Overall, comfortable and easy to use.
In addition to the standard keys, there are also four special keys on the right side of the keyboard. Each key has two functions, the second one being activated when the "Function" (or "Fn" key as it's labelled) is held down while pressing that particular key. From top to bottom, these special keys are Inbox, Notes, Contacts, Word, Calendar, Excel, Tasks, and Money. Each corresponds to a program on the iPAQ, enabling for quick access to some of the more commonly used applications. Additionally, there is another special function key on the lower row of the keyboard marked "Today". For those not familiar with the iPAQ, "Today" is the default screen that shows when the device is turned on, showing a summary of the items scheduled for (you guessed it) today. I find all of these special keys to be well placed and functional(translation - I don't accidentally hit them while trying to type).
The Stowaway connects to the iPAQ by a small connector at the top of the keyboard. This connector flips up and points at about a forty-five degree angle from the desktop. It also has a small wire and plastic device beneath it that slides out from the keyboard and flips up to support the back of the iPAQ. It works fine on a flat surface with the standard iPAQ "sleeve" in use, but it can be a challenge to connect when using an expansion "sleeve" such as the one with dual PCMCIA slots. Usually, I can connect after spending a little time getting the alignment just right. Not a major problem, but definitely an area to consider for future product redesigns. Are you listening Targus and Compaq?
And my favorite thing about the Stowaway Portable Keyboard - the way it folds in four little pieces to about the same dimensions as an iPAQ in its standard sleeve. Simply slide the two outer sections of the keyboard outward and fold, then snap shut. The resulting box is small and solid, sort of resembling a laptop battery. Basically, the keyboard becomes its own case, and a very durable one at that.
Overall, this is one solid, usable, reliable keyboard. It is easy to open and close, and it takes up relatively little space. I usually carry mine in a small digital camera bag that's just big enough for my iPAQ, dual expansion sleeve, and the aptly named Stowaway. On long business trips when I must take along a laptop, I just stick the keyboard into one the the smaller pockets of my computer case where I can reach it during flights. This enables me to use my iPAQ and keyboard to write documents, create e-mail messages, and dozens of other things - All without ever pulling out my bulky laptop. My fellow passengers seem to appreciate this fact, especially after sitting next to some guy with a huge laptop and the need to spread out into the seats next to him.
Regarding the price, I agree with other comments that $100 seems a little steep for a laptop. Luckily, I caught mine on special at CompUSA with a rebate, meaning I paid $70 for it. Still a little pricey for a keyboard, but worth every penny of it to me!
Keeps Your Stowaway & PDA Safe and Sound Easy Access Front Compartment, with Loop Closure, Holds Your PDA and Business Cards Zippered Secondary Compar...More at Amazon Marketplace
You have a Stowaway. You also own a PDA. Now you need a case that will not only hold both of them, but also shield them from the outside world. The Un...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.