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There has been a lot of interest in a proper, external, keyboard for the XDA.
After reading a lot of reviews and testing what I could get my hands on, I have concluded that the ThinkOutside Stowaway Wireless Keyboard is probably the best around.
This keyboard is mainly sold in the USA, but an alternative exists; the Palm Wireless Keyboard.
I have created a small review including large pictures on my website:
http://www.mahal.dk/keyboard
Regards
Michael
Nice review, Michael!
Wouter
Thanks.
Several of my work mates have tried the keyboard and appear very impressed by the quality - and the power of the XDA II + Keyboard.
Regards
Michael
nice review, you seem to be really happy with that keyboard,
But..., have you tried the official XDA II keyboard?, it locks in the open position so can be used on your lap, and doesnt need any batteries to use it,
I am going to order hte official keyboard i think and see how i go with it
I believe I have. I used to own an Ipaq 5450 with the HP Foldable keyboard. From what I can see at the pictures I found, it might very well be the same keyboard.
The HP is sort of pulled apart then pushed together again to assemble and lock it.
If this is the same keyboard, I was not happy and found I did not use it. The main reason was that they keys was not quite large enough and had the right feed-back for touch typing. Also, very annoyingly, the space bar needed a very hard push in the right hand side. This often caused me to miss a space.
Finally, there was no mapping to those extra 3 letters we have, meaning I had to get the stylus out each time I had to use one of those letters.
On the plus side, I could charge my Ipaq when using it, but only after having the bottom connector replaced.
The price was also much higher, almost 100 GBP, the Palm Wireless Keyboard that I find better is only around 35 GBP.
Battery drain is minimal btw.
Regards
Michael
Do One need SD or CF Bluetooth card ?
Do I need to buy an SD or CF Bluetooth card to use my QTEK 20202 with the Stowaway Bluetooth Portable Keyboard, anyone know?
Regards, Johnny
Saw this a few days ago, and it got me salivating, although I can't really justify getting one; I don't spend that much time typing on my Imate.
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=110909
It projects (yes projects) a keyboard onto a flat surface in front of it, then detects which key you press on the projection by means of a second ir beam. And it's about the size of a cigarette lighter.
Feedback on the site says it works with the XDA II.
I'm sure I read about this idea years ago in a sci-fi novel. It's nice to see things like that come true. Maybe I will get one. Hmmmmm......
bodstrup said:
The price was also much higher, almost 100 GBP, the Palm Wireless Keyboard that I find better is only around 35 GBP.
Michael
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Does the palm keyboard work with XDA2?
That or similar laser projected keyboard was on Gadgets Gadgets Gadgets on TV the other night and they demonstrated it using an XDAII.
It looked like it worked very well But you have to have a flat surface. Also typing on a flat surface would feal strange to me i think.
Im looking for a bt keyboard for my 7+ that is the same physical size so it close in a case. Any suggestions?
KDOG2020 said:
Im looking for a bt keyboard for my 7+ that is the same physical size so it close in a case. Any suggestions?
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I think I'm going to give this a go.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/blueto...pu-leather-case-for-samsung-p1000-black-56365
I just got the same keyboard today from Amazon. It was $40 works great. Came in a couple days.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
how'd you like it?
$40 is half what samsung's site charges.
The stylus looks interesting too.
goldy253 said:
I just got the same keyboard today from Amazon. It was $40 works great. Came in a couple days.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you tell me the exact name for this keyboard? I searched in Amazon and it list tons of different keyboard, most are NOT for the 7+.
I did find this though:
http://www.amazon.com/eWonder-TM-Wi...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1327626663&sr=1-3
My local discount/closeout store (Marc's, here in Ohio) had a bluetooth keyboard that's a little big but the price was right... I think it would be big even with a 10" but I haven't compared it to the family iPad yet. Made by Merkury Innovations (no, that's not a typo), was $30 at the store, runs on 2 AAA batteries (which is great for a distracted individual like myself who forgets to charge up non-daily-use devices if they don't have very clear low-battery warning indicators). I've had a ThinkOutside folding Bluetooth Keyboard that I've been using with my MyTouch 4G Slide (when I want to type more than I want to do on a thumbboard - I use my Android devices for taking notes in my grad classes when I don't feel like lugging along my laptop). The ThinkOutside keyboard is great for portability so long as I'm not going to be typing numbers very much (has no dedicated number keys and I find the hold down function and number key combo annoying). I'm also working on a novel and the TO is great for that but my grad classes involve a lot of numeric input so I decided I wanted something with numbers. Tested out the MI keyboard, all the main keys are properly mapped. Not entirely sure about the control/option+alt/command keys. It is about the same keyspacing as a standard keyboard but very little room around the edges. Considering picking up another for our media PC hooked to the television in the family room (cheap nettop box, wanted something a bit more advanced than a roku for the kids to play educational games on & such). We use Unified Remote on our Android devices to control that television to good effect, keyboard would be more for the kids to use and this one is good footprint and price for that use also.
DragonMam said:
My local discount/closeout store (Marc's, here in Ohio) had a bluetooth keyboard that's a little big but the price was right... I think it would be big even with a 10" but I haven't compared it to the family iPad yet. Made by Merkury Innovations (no, that's not a typo), was $30 at the store, runs on 2 AAA batteries (which is great for a distracted individual like myself who forgets to charge up non-daily-use devices if they don't have very clear low-battery warning indicators). I've had a ThinkOutside folding Bluetooth Keyboard that I've been using with my MyTouch 4G Slide (when I want to type more than I want to do on a thumbboard - I use my Android devices for taking notes in my grad classes when I don't feel like lugging along my laptop). The ThinkOutside keyboard is great for portability so long as I'm not going to be typing numbers very much (has no dedicated number keys and I find the hold down function and number key combo annoying). I'm also working on a novel and the TO is great for that but my grad classes involve a lot of numeric input so I decided I wanted something with numbers. Tested out the MI keyboard, all the main keys are properly mapped. Not entirely sure about the control/option+alt/command keys. It is about the same keyspacing as a standard keyboard but very little room around the edges. Considering picking up another for our media PC hooked to the television in the family room (cheap nettop box, wanted something a bit more advanced than a roku for the kids to play educational games on & such). We use Unified Remote on our Android devices to control that television to good effect, keyboard would be more for the kids to use and this one is good footprint and price for that use also.
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Click to collapse
Which Marc's?
bought this at my local Fry's. I know it's a little bit longer than the Tab+ but I think it's the perfect size while not making the keys too small and thin enough when i want to pack a keyboard with me. I tried a few where the keyboard was exactly the same length as the tablet and the keys were so small and cramped that it wasn't worth it with all the errors introduced during my typing test.
Manufactured by Azio and can pair and switch between 6 different BT devices via hotkey.
The only thing i was hoping to see by now is a keyboard that has android shortcut keys for the home, back, search, and recent. Has anyone seen a hardware keyboard that does that?
lanwarrior said:
Can you tell me the exact name for this keyboard? I searched in Amazon and it list tons of different keyboard, most are NOT for the 7+.
I did find this though:
http://www.amazon.com/eWonder-TM-Wi...3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1327626663&sr=1-3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, this alone is a very awesome find. I wish to know if it has cutouts for the IR Blaster though
dealextreme case
I purchased that keyboard case from dealextreme. It took a wile to get here but was in good condition. The unit worked fine connected well and works as advertised. I do have several problems with it. The tab does not fit tightly in the holder. The case adds significantly to the size of the tab. There is nothing to hold the case closed. The final downfall is I think I can type faster on the onscreen keyboards.
Jon
jonsteckelberg said:
I purchased that keyboard case from dealextreme. It took a wile to get here but was in good condition. The unit worked fine connected well and works as advertised. I do have several problems with it. The tab does not fit tightly in the holder. The case adds significantly to the size of the tab. There is nothing to hold the case closed. The final downfall is I think I can type faster on the onscreen keyboards.
Jon
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Yeah I have the same keyboard. Works nicely in class lectures when I need to take notes. Then one day I forgot it (because it's so mahoosive) and found out I type faster and more accurately with thumb keyboard.....yeah.....
Macros617 said:
Yeah I have the same keyboard. Works nicely in class lectures when I need to take notes. Then one day I forgot it (because it's so mahoosive) and found out I type faster and more accurately with thumb keyboard.....yeah.....
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What app for you use for notes?
Sent from my GT-P6210 using Tapatalk
domin8 said:
What app for you use for notes?
Sent from my GT-P6210 using Tapatalk
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I use the built in polaris office application. Works nicely. I also use docs to go
Any Keyboard Updates?
I'm also in the market for a keyboard for my tabby.
Anybody find any additional keyboards that are worth looking at?
Also do you experience lag when using your keyboard?
Plus, can you use a mouse with the tab+?
best regards,
G.B. Says
Logitech Tablet Keyboard
I just picked up a Logitech Tablet Keyboard (NOT the Logitech iPad keyboard - they are different models). Build quality is awesome - this is a solid yet still lightweight device. It had no problem pairing up with the GT+ and did not drop any keystrokes when I used it to type.
Added bonus - the Logitech keyboard fits perfectly in a Vera Bradley "Cheers to You" wine bottle tote. For the stylish girl geeks.
I have the Official Keyboard Dock from Samsung and I really enjoy it.
I finally decided and picked up the Logitech bluetooth keyboard for Android. Pretty nifty; seems like a sold keyboard, synched right away to my 7+, like the fact that the keyboard has its own case that converts into a stable angled perch for the 7+ and that you can use it with the table either in landscape or portrait. Though I do wish it had multiple tilt lockings so I can choose what angle my 7+is perched at. So far, very pleased with the purchase.
Sent from my GT-P6210 using xda premium
I was thinking of getting a keyboard but are there any real advantages?other than the hole physical keyboard its self?
Sent from my GT-P6210 using Tapatalk 2
If you find that you are typing more than short messages or notes, you might want to consider it.
G.B. Says
And remember, talking dogs are liars.
Hi guys. I came to the One X after owning a huge load of smartphones equipped with physical qwerty keyboards. I do type decently on the One X, but I miss the precision of physical qwerty.
What options do we have, among either Bluetooth and NFC keyboards? I know there are some horrible chinese keyboards, but I consider those quite useless.
There is for example a Logitech Dnovo Mini, how could we hook it up (physically) to our One X? How long would it take to the phone to recognize it? Would there be any lags in typing?
Has anyone found another way?
Post your thoughts here!!!
Best
Tony
Can't speak of the Dinovo Mini specifically, but I have this full -sized Logitech Bluetooth keyboard, that I bought for my HTC Flyer tablet. Don't really use it that much. But it gets recognized by the tablet very quickly (as fast as any other BT device, like headset). Typing is very responsive, and has no significant lag. If the Dinovo Mini works anything the same (and you like the form factor), I think you would be pleased with it.
It's not likely we will see a slide-out keyboard for the One XL.
The camera bulge and shape of the phone makes producing the cases troublesome. The placement of the camera is also an issue, a slide out keyboard would cover the camera and flash.
The only phones that have historically gotten keyboard cases are flat-backed phones with the camera in the corner. The iPhone 5 will be geting a keyboard, the LG nexus might as well.
Our only hope is that the one X+ is the same shape as the one XL, so if anyone makes a keyboard for that phone we could use it as well.
If you just want a keyboard, any bluetooth keyboard will work. A quick search for "bluetooth mini keyboard" will show you plenty of results.
What existing bluetooth keyboard are there as best options? As far as size goes, I'd want a 7.7" keyboard max (better if 5"). I'd really want to skip links to the chinese samples for sale on eBay, those aren't going to fit my requirements for a reason or another.
I have seen the Logitech Dinovo Mini Keyboard. I'd have to invent a way to attach the two as if they were a single device, most of the time. Did anyone do that?
Thanks!!
Tony
This has received terrible reviews, but I do like its form factor:
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Bluetoot...-3&keywords=bluetooth\+keyboard+for+galaxy+s5
Anybody use anything else?
Jake
jakfish said:
This has received terrible reviews, but I do like its form factor:
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Bluetoot...-3&keywords=bluetooth\+keyboard+for+galaxy+s5
Anybody use anything else?
Jake
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Click to collapse
I don't know - the reviews aren't worth their time for the product. the description of the product itself is clearly ESL which doesn't build confidence about the budget they had in making this thing. However two of the 3 critical reviews are either irrelevant (doesn't fit his note 3... ) or unreliable. The one that specifies criticisms has such poor grammar as to be undecipherable in some places, but does point out the bulk and possibly poor hardware design of the case. I don't expect this thing to be thin, but it's ridiculous that the description and specs don't mention the actual SIZE of the product. It's weight is more than 10 oz though which is getting up there.... worrying for sure.
However the same reviewer also comments that the text you type is "perpendicular"... presumably he isn't aware of how to choose apps that can work in landscape or know enough about his phone to know how to enable rotation. So all in all we have one clear negative which is the bulk of the product.
I don't want a bulky keyboard/case either, but it may be a requisite since at least this keyboard has real buttons.
I wish people would talk about the keyboard feel/action (is it actually possible to type on (Despite the misaligned qwerty layout) or is it too hard to press fast... stuff like that).
I also wish the real dimensions were published.
So I do agree with you - I want something like that but with at least enough information to be worth spending $50 or more to get (After taxes/shipping/exchange rate etc as I'm in Canada). No way I'm throwing away that much money unless I know it's worth it.
For big bucks there is that new laser keyboard they keep promoting before movies in theatres LoL.... but (a) I expect it's super expensive and hard to find, and (b) can you imagine typing on anything LESS responsive than just a desktop surface without being able to feel key edges or motion??
Anyhow.... ideas would be welcome here.
---------- Post added at 12:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 PM ----------
ya know, honestly I'd rather have an unfold able bluetooth keyboard that reaches near full size and has decent action that I can put in my other pocket than deal with a crappy keyboard case only to have such a small keyboard as to be only marginally better than typing on the phone itself.
so a foldable full size qwerty keyboard that gets really small and thin for pocket carrying sounds ideal.
Is there such a thing (that doesn't cost $500)?
http://www.cellphoneshop.net/s5btokey.html
I ended up rolling the dice on this--it was 20usd/free shipping. Worth a look-see. And I think it's the same one so extravagantly priced on Amazon. It's on a slow boat from China, so fingers crossed. While waiting, I also went ahead and purchased/installed "External Keyboard Help Pro," an amazing app that allows full key/character customization of a bt keyboard. I set up the layout on a Ipad bt keyboard, but since the coding is unicode rather than hardcode, I'm hoping the layout/keystrokes will transfer successfully to the arriving mini keyboard.
I had forgotten the laser keyboard, but I'm with you: how good could can the form factor be?
If this thing ever gets here, I'll certainly post back my impressions. I do see that same keyboard kicking around on ebay for under 20usd, sans case, but I don't know if such ubiquity is good or bad.
Thanks for your thoughtful post,
Jake
I've had a bluetooth keyboard for probably 18 months now... Got it on special for 5.99 GBP, made by Xenta.. It is not attached to the phone but I keep it in my work rucksack, along with a bluetooth mouse. The only downside about it for me is that the buttons are rubberised. IF the buttons were more like a blackberry this keyboard would be ace - but you do need to sit the phone somewhere so you can type using the keyboard. A plus is that I can use this keyboard with any device that accepts bluetooth keyboards, hence it has been paired with my HTC One X+, Samsung Note 3 and S5.
6 Pounds - can't go wrong.
Here's a better one that says it has a mouse feature built in. http://www.ebuyer.com/247588-xenta-...keyboard-with-mouse-touchpad-2-4ghz-rf240-50k
Rubberized keys seem to be a complaint about other brands of keyboards as well--it must be the cheapest way to make them sell for 6 Pounds
My en route keyboard is also rubberized. Should be an adventure in qwerty.
The mousepad from your link's model draws complaints--I had a vague little optical mousepad on my Sidekick 4G that would freak out in sunlight. It's hard to make these things both cheap and good.
I'm most interested in whether the contraption will a) fit in a front pocket of jeans b) be useful as a phone when it sits in the case
Jake
This is why OEMs should look into hardware keyboards again. This is what made the original G1 great.
Sent from my toaster
The keyboard/case arrived and for 20 bucks, I have no complaints. It paired right away and afterwards, when bt is enabled on the S5 and the keyboard is turned on, it connects fast and without problem.
As for the keyboard itself, it ain't no HP Jornada 720 or any other handheld computer. The keys are rubberized and own a certain mushiness and obviously, it's a smaller layout than any h/pc.
If this analogy rings a bell with anybody, I would compare usability to the Psion Revo keyboard. The tactile sense b/w the two is literally hard and soft, but their sizes are similar and the typing vs mistakes is roughly equal for both the Psion and this.
The phone casement is velcro-ed and to enable a quasi laptop mode, you loosen the phone's bottom half to set it at a slight angle.
The External Keyboard Helper Pro saves the day: I programmed a second Shift key, key-mapped many punctuation alternatives (mostly smart quotes, etc), key-stroked apps (e.g. alt-w = word processor). Everything was done without root.
You can tell by its thickness that the case/keyboard/phone will not fit into a jeans' front pocket, which is where I like to carry my S5. I would imagine it would fit into the front pocket of dress pants, but noticeably so.
Wish me luck posting these pictures,
Jake
For those of you who have tried both keyboards for the 10.5 inch tablet, which one do you prefer and recommend? I've been debating which one to get. Any advice you could provide would be greatly appreciated, especially since I have to order them online at this point since I'm in Canada.
After having bought many Logitech devices, an alarmingly large number that have failed, I will never buy Logitech again.
I don't know how true but the best buy guy told me they've been seeing some tablets return with cracked screens because of the Logitech keyboard. The Samsung keys are recessed so might not cause an issue. I can't be certain of any of this but thought I'd drop in.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab S
I have the Samsung bluetooth keyboard, and I played around with the Logitech at Best Buy. My honest opinion is that neither of them are meant for any major projects. Web browsing, emails, or maybe a short paper. Honestly, they are good keyboards. They just feel very cramped due to the size screen that they are attached to. I love the form factor of the Samsung, but I feel like I have giant hands when I'm typing on it. The keys also seem sort of slippery to me. I don't know if that makes sense, since most of the time I press a key, and my finger slides off and presses the one above it.
Am I happy with the purchase??? Time will tell I guess.
IT'S DAMN SEXY THOUGH!
05GT said:
I have the Samsung bluetooth keyboard, and I played around with the Logitech at Best Buy. My honest opinion is that neither of them are meant for any major projects. Web browsing, emails, or maybe a short paper. Honestly, they are good keyboards. They just feel very cramped due to the size screen that they are attached to. I love the form factor of the Samsung, but I feel like I have giant hands when I'm typing on it. The keys also seem sort of slippery to me. I don't know if that makes sense, since most of the time I press a key, and my finger slides off and presses the one above it.
Am I happy with the purchase??? Time will tell I guess.
IT'S DAMN SEXY THOUGH!
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Click to collapse
Does the Samsung keyboard charge the tablet when connected?
Nope. There is no external power connection between them when connected. The keyboard doesn't even come with it's own charger.
I bought a refurbished logitch K810 on newegg for $50.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-
At that price point it's well worth it. No issues with it after a few weeks of use.
edit: this is an external keyboard that I find works well. When I want to type a long message I grab the keyboard and turn it on, tablet immediately detects it. Any other general browsing, I turn it off and set it aside. Find I rarely ever need it.
Since I already have the book cover, I see no need for a smaller, less practical keyboard attached to a case.