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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
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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.
Click to expand...
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.
Anyone using a BT keyboard with the Infinity.
How is support, how well is it working. Does it work at all?
I do not really need the dock but writing long texts really needs a keyboard.
So I thought a cheaper BT keyboard may be an option.
The problem with BT keyboards is that you never have them when you need them. Since it's just something else to carry around, it's just not practical enough for a mobile device, in my opinion. Thats where the keyboard dock really shines - it's always there when you need it and serves many other purposes besides the keyboard itself. Trust me - you won't regret the purchase - it's worth the extra $$! It's a one-time cost over a few years that you'll own the device - no batteries to worry about, etc.
That being said, I'm sure any old bluetooth keyboard will work. I personally use a BT mouse when I'm at home or at the office (have one that I leave at each location) since the trackpad is a real PIA when you need to type (I find that I have to constantly enable/disable it, so I tend not to use it that much)....
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
That was not the question.
But to prevent further posts like this:
I plan to use the keyboard at home only.
I do not need a keyboard when I'm not at home.
Again, as I did state above - yes, any old bluetooth keyboard should work fine - I've even connected the Apple bluetooth keyboard to my Transformer devices... Was just trying to give some friendly advice based on experience with BT keyboards - the dock is just so much more useful...
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using Tapatalk 2
I was using my apple keyboard with my TF700 until I got the dock. It seemed to work pretty well.
Find a keyboard that is comfortable for you. Don't look at prices until after.
I find the apple keyboard comfortable but as a keyboard it's pretty expensive. I only had it as a spare because my Mac broke and only have Windows/Linux machines now.
I am using the Logitech Android Tablet bluetooth keyboard (and tablet mouse) with my TF700.
I must say, it is absolutely awesome. I was going to buy a dock, but I am kinda glad I didn't. But opinions on dock vs. BT keyboard aside, it functions very well.
I am running CM10 on here, and I am not having any compatibility issues. The only current issue, is that the keylayout settings that appears in the notifications force-closes when launched.
Any questions, feel free to ask me.
Also, this post was typed with said keyboard
Sent from my Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T using Tapatalk 2
I have the Freedom Pro Portable Keyboard. It works well. And with the HID setting on the keyboard, just sync and go. It got setting for SPP blue tooth for Android versions under 3.1, which requires a separate app to use the keyboard.
I already my keyboard for the reason you stated, but for at work. You may want to get or build some kind of stand so you can use the keyboard and prop the Infinity.
i'm actually going to purchase the Zagg ZAGGkeys FLEX bluetooth keyboard to use with my Infinity as well as my phone (GSII, soon to be Gnote2). I have the dock for my tf101, and to be honest, it gets no play with me. the problem is that i have to carry it around and also take off my gumdrop case to use it...for me the hassle outweighs the funtionality and batter life (which i find excellent on asus tabs). so a BT keyboard works well for me and after researching I have found that the ZaggKeys and the Logitech are the top two to choose from. I'm going with the ZaggKeys due to the batter life being better and it having USB charging. I also like how it is designed and the iOS functionality (although i read that the logitech works well with iOS as well, even if it says it is for android).
here is an amazon.com link for it: http://amzn.com/B00695OFE2
I own the basic model Logitech BT keyboard, and I must say that it serves me well for when I need to type notes or be at the keys. I spent roughly 60 dollars for it. I also purchased the ASUS usb dongle for about 10 dollars from amazon (shipping included) and I must say that combined with the BT keyboard..I do not need anything else. I had a dock with the 101 but honestly it added unneeded weight to my bag (whole reason for buying the expensive tablet was to cut down on bag weight) the battery difference was negligible and it had more features then I needed.
Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference and need for the features offered in the dock, but I have found that for 70 dollars I can have all the functionality that the dock offers except for the battery, and at half the price, as well as weight.
The USB dongles are a tad difficult to get your hands on because they are not sold in stores and always sold out online, but if you can get one they are a great little thing to have and weigh less then nothing honestly.
Got the N5120 recently at a 55% discount, probably indicating the next gen is likely being launched at MWC. This is my first Android device, although others in the family have Android 4.3 and 4.4 phones.
Apart from the slightly lagging pen input on the Note I'm really, really pleased. Better still, the Note 8 works with my old iGo Stowaway foldable BT keyboard out of the box, and in my local language. I can actually use this as my only device, a dream I've had since the OQO was out and about. Amazingly production for the iGo Stowaway ceased when the iPhone burst onto the scene.
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.