WTB Keyboard for PDA / pocket pc

michael_w

Just curious if anyone happens to have a keyboard for a pocket pc that they would want to part with. I could really care less if it is wireless or not (maybe prefer wired to not have to deal with batteries) but it needs to be able to function with my HP iPAQ H1450. If it matters any my pocket pc runs off of Pocket PC 2003 Premium.

Here is an example as to something I'm looking for

Thanks!

brettw22

Your best bet for overall versatility is the wireless.

If you get one that's wired with the connection for your PocketPC, and you end up changing PC's, then the keyboard is useless.......

Shizelbs

I have one by Targus that I really like.

michael_w

Thanks for the info. Sheizelbs, is your keyboard like this one? What kind of bateries does it use?

http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PA870U

If I can't find one used I might just have to bite the bullet and buy one new.

Shizelbs

Thats exactly the one I have. The mouse function is pretty cool too. It uses one of those flat round batteries. Not sure exactly which one. I'll find out later; its in my car. Also, you can get it for ~$40 at Compusa. Don't buy it off the Targus website. The response rate is slower than that of a keyboard connected to a regular PC, but its suprisingly good. It will work in landscape mode too (although the mouse will not).

And if you have not done so already, purchase the Spb Pocket Plus, or whatever its called. Check it out. It turned my PPC from untolerably frustrating to can't leave home without it. Seriously, it rules.

michael_w

I'm going to have to think about the keyboard thing... the targus on compusa is $60 but I found a belkin one on newegg for 35.

I might have to give that program a shot. At the moment I run one called flash dash but from what I read spb does some pretty handy stuff like more than one window open for internet explorer. - Link to flashdash - if you want to try flashdash out just download the trial and if you really like it lemme know and I'll send you a crack I doubt you will since you already have Spb but thats ok.

Have you tried setting up a remote desktop web connection? I just set one up yesterday and find it's pretty cool. As long as my computer at home is on I can access it and use it from any hotspot with my pocket pc.

One last question... what pda do you own?

brettw22

I'd look at a wireless that at a MINIMUM uses a AA or two....

Those little small one's can't compete with a battery that has 3-4x the output capacity.

michael_w

Yeah I'd really like to get one that uses normal batteries so I don't have to blow lots of cash keeping it supplied with power but I'm not sure if they make them to use anything other than the button batteries.

brettw22

They do.....i'll find the link to one that i've seen

EDIT: Well the one's I'm finding are Belkin's that use a single AAA battery, but I could swear that I've seen one that uses 2 AA batteries.......just check your local office supply store and they have them. (just to look for models, not to purchase)

Shizelbs

I have not yet tried the remote desktop. I have a Dell Axim X30 624mHz.

michael_w

Brett, I think if I get a keyboard that would definatly be something I look for. Even a single AAA would be great because I have a number of rechargable ones around.

Thats a cool pda shizelbs. Before I bought my computer I was checking out the ones from dell and that one in particular but decided if I was going to spend that much I might as well start with buying a computer first. Did that and soon after someone at school gave me a sweet deal on his iPAQ.

I found this and got a little excited because it's cheap and comes with some screen protectors and a case. I soon read a review that pointed out that the y and h key are on the left side of that big gap in the middle... who types h's and y's with their left hand when touch typing?? I guess if its that good it's too good to be true

michael_w

Since I am not having much luck finding that targus keyboard for less than $50 usd I might have to snatch this one. I found the belkin I first linked to for $24 usd from buy.com. (link) I'm going to see if I can borrow my moms credit card once again and pick up one. Since it is under 35 usd / 50 cdn I should be able to get it accross the border tax free

Has anyone dealt with buy.com?

I had a thought... I'm not certain this keyboard will work with my ppc. The IR port on my 4150 is on the bottom left corner not on the top like how the one pictured is being used. I have just thrown an email out to belkin sales to see if it will work.

michael_w

Heres a pic of where the ir port is located...

Shizelbs

Try calling your local Compusa or go into the store. When I got the Targus keyboard for $40, it was in store, and I don't remember it being an on-sale price.

michael_w

I would but there arn't any CompUSA's in Canada... but when I get some free time I'll be calling around and seeing if anyone carries them cheaper around here.