Why I got this
I needed a solution for easily typing text documents that did not require a $ 2000 lap top. This was it. I actually had a keyboard to a very old palm pilot of mine called "go type" but it was not compatible with my Sony Clie. This seemed like my only option.
Setup
This was incredibly easy. First I inserted the disk into my PC and did a single click to install the software and hit the enter key to exit the installer. I then hit the Sync button on the palm pilot holster and the software installed. I then turned on my PDA, accessed the installed program and turned it on. I then installed the two watch batteries in the device and inserted the PDA in he keyboard. The program immediately started to work, which recognized commands from the keyboard.
How the keyboard unfolds
The keyboard unfolds into three pieces. You first unfold the PDA stand. This is actually two pieces, first you have the base that contacts the desk and you fold up another piece that holds the PDA at an angle. It kind of acts like a book holder that holds a book/document at an angle so you can read it and type on your computer at the same time.
Included on the PDA stand is an arm that transmits the infrared signal to the PDA. This arm can be held at 330 degrees to 0, 0 degrees to 210 degrees. Basically any angle from the palm pilot would need as long as the infrared sensor is not on the bottom of the device.
The keyboard then flips out showing a keyboard with mostly full-sized keys. There is a sliding knob that locks the keyboard in place. Once you have set the keyboard in the lock position and the infrared arm is in the right place, then it is ready to go.
Is the keyboard fullsized?
The majority of the keys are full-sized. Any computer geek will be able to handle the adjustment to a new keyboard. The space bar is the only major key that is not full-sized. Where my thumb hit the board naturally is the gap between the two space bar buttons.
All of the number keys are not full-sized. Neither is the control, fn, alt, cmd, space, done, today, delete, backspace, equal, dash, or escape keys. This is annoying to someone that types without looking at a keyboard.
What surfaces can I type on?
I did some of my typing on my lap but it is quite difficult. I prefer to type on a desk or a table because the keyboard slightly collapses on me, even in the locked position.
In summary, the best place for this is a table or some object that supports the spine of the keyboard. Otherwise it will make typing a little more difficult but not impossible.
What are the functions
There are four function keys on the side.
-Apps/date/inbox/notes
-Menu/phone/contacts/word
-Calc/todo/calendar/excel
-Find/memo/tasks/money
There is also a cursor key to move around like a mouse and a "confirm"button that acts like the left mouse button.
About the batteries
The keyboard comes with two watch batteries. I do not know how long it will last but I should get a year of use out of it. Sadly it is not rechargable and you cannot use an external power supply in emergencies. There is a button on the keyboard that shuts off the batteries when the keyboard is in the compact position.
Relative comfort level.
I do not find it very comfortable to type with. My hands get a little sore after I use it for about 15 minutes. The buttons are also a little tricky since they do not react the same way as a regular keyboard.
What I like
Light and portable.
Type faster than using graffitti.
Universal.
What I do not like
You will not get rid of your stylus.
This is a general device, it is not specific to my Sony Clie.
It does not use power from the PDA.
It produces a strain on my hands.
Flimsy spine.
What PDA’s does it work with
The list will change so you need to look at Targus.com to see the list for your self. But this device is compatible with over 70 devices from. If it does not have an infrared sensor than it cannot work.
Audio vox- 2032
Casio- e115
Compaq- 3600, 3800, and 3900 series.
Dell- x3 and x5
Handspring- Visor, visor deluxe, pro, Edge, prism, platinum, Neo, Treo 300, Treo 600.
Hand era 330,
Hp- Jordan 540 & 545, h1900, h2200, h5400, h5500.
IBM- c500, c505.
Kyocera- 7135.
Microsoft- Smart phone.
O2- XDA II
Palm- III, V, m100, m130, m500, m505, m 515, i705, zire, Tungsten E, Tungsten WTungsten C, Tungsten T, Tungsten T2, Tungsten T3, Zire 71.
Sony- S300, S320, SJ20, SJ33, T665C, T415, N610C, N710C, N760Cm NR70V/Um NX60U, NX70U, NZ90, NX80V, SJ22, TG50.
Toshiba- E310, E330, E350/355, E740, E750/755, E550, E400/405, E800/805.
Viewsonic- v35.
(compatibility list is from their website).
Size and weight:
Compact dimensions: 5.5x4x1 inches
Length and width of keyboard section only: 4x11 inches
Weight: 12.25 ounces
Who is this for
This is for anyone that need to type a lot of information on their PDA and does not have access to a laptop or a desktop.
Summary
This is a keyboard that gives greater usefulness to your PDA. It is a universal device that should work for almost any PDA that has and infrared sensor. It is not as easy to type as a regular keyboard and a little fragile. But it does make up for that through portability.
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