Hi, so decided to stump up for the Pixel C using the developer discount. Overall am happy with the tablet. Now time to decide what sort of casing I need for it. I'm based in HK and there is a serious lackage of accessories (apart from the keyboard which is roughly the same price as in the USA). I've heard some rumours that the keyboard starches the tablet up, is that true? If so, would a tempered glass screen help?
Anyway, so my normal usage for the tablet will be more media consumption (video watching), bit of reading etc. I will probably use it for working when travelling (i.e. emails, maybe document review via Citrix Receiver). But typing isn't the main concern.
I do like having a folio cover, because you can prop it up for watching videos. But having a keyboard would also be nice for those times I need to type with it. So maybe the folio keyboard (which isn't available in HK, but I'll be in the USA in a few weeks). But then is US$150 justified for buying something I would use maybe 20% of the time?
I appreciate you can use the keyboard as a stand, but I guess its not as good as a folio (and folio is certainly cheaper). Argh, decisions!
I´m using this one for my devices. On amazon or other stores the prices are reduced. You can pair 2 devices at twice and the keyboard is really space saving.
Yep, to me both keyboard solutions from Google are too expensive. Maybe one day I'll get one (and they discount it as well).
I ended up getting the ProCase Sleeve for the Pixel C and the MoKo Google Pixel C Case from Amazon. Both in black. I switch back and forth occasionally depending on what I'm doing. I'm really happy with both of them.
I, personally, have the folio keyboard case. Yes it was expensive, but it's so tightly integrated into the pixel C that it's hard to fault. It's made from real leather, is extremely protective, looks great and has 5 options for holding the tablet:
Positions 1 & 2 - Keyboard enabled with the tablet in one of the two magnetic typing positions
Position 3 - tablet stretched so that the chin goes over the leading edge of the keyboard. Make it great for using while laying down, having the tablet lay on your chest/stomach
Position 4 - tablet docked in magnetic tray and keyboard flipped back 180 degrees
Position 5 - you can remove the tablet from the magnetic tray super easily, close the folio, then magnetically attach the tablet to the leather back of the folio. This protects the keyboard while also giving you something less slippery to hold on to while using the tablet as, well, a tablet.
I DO wish the keyboard had function keys like the Belkin keyboard I purchased for my wife's iPad. The Belkin's keys are smaller, but still work fine. I'd happy trade key size for more usable keys.
Psyclism said:
I, personally, have the folio keyboard case. Yes it was expensive, but it's so tightly integrated into the pixel C that it's hard to fault. It's made from real leather, is extremely protective, looks great and has 5 options for holding the tablet:
Positions 1 & 2 - Keyboard enabled with the tablet in one of the two magnetic typing positions
Position 3 - tablet stretched so that the chin goes over the leading edge of the keyboard. Make it great for using while laying down, having the tablet lay on your chest/stomach
Position 4 - tablet docked in magnetic tray and keyboard flipped back 180 degrees
Position 5 - you can remove the tablet from the magnetic tray super easily, close the folio, then magnetically attach the tablet to the leather back of the folio. This protects the keyboard while also giving you something less slippery to hold on to while using the tablet as, well, a tablet.
I DO wish the keyboard had function keys like the Belkin keyboard I purchased for my wife's iPad. The Belkin's keys are smaller, but still work fine. I'd happy trade key size for more usable keys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. How do you find the weight of the tablet with the folio keyboard? How bulky does it make the whole unit? I have read reports that the keyboard does add weight to the overall unit.
Also, did you buy direct from Google? I presume its not available offline? Reason I'm asking is I will be in the States in a few weeks for a few days, so would prefer to walk in to a store and buy it.
I do wish the tablet had a built in kickstand (like the Surfaces). In general I feel that Google missed a trick in its "productivity" implementation here. Seems both Michrosoft and Apple have better solutions in terms of linking keyboards up. Anyway, rant over.
I originally bought the Pixel keyboard. Was OK but I found having to seperate the tablet and keyboard and snap them together annoying every time I came to use it.
Final straw was when I ended up scratching the back of my Pixel C where the keyboard attaches. Must have been a small amount of grit or something and the process of attaching/removing caused a scratch.
Switched to the folio keyboard and loving it.
browngeek said:
Thanks. How do you find the weight of the tablet with the folio keyboard? How bulky does it make the whole unit? I have read reports that the keyboard does add weight to the overall unit.
Also, did you buy direct from Google? I presume its not available offline? Reason I'm asking is I will be in the States in a few weeks for a few days, so would prefer to walk in to a store and buy it.
I do wish the tablet had a built in kickstand (like the Surfaces). In general I feel that Google missed a trick in its "productivity" implementation here. Seems both Michrosoft and Apple have better solutions in terms of linking keyboards up. Anyway, rant over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The weight is fine. I wouldn't want to hold it up at shoulder level for hours on end, but it's far from heavy. It does add some thickness to the overall package, but in MY opinion, it makes it easier to carry around since it gives you more to hold on to. It basically turns the tablet into a very compact executive binder, just replace the normal yellow lined notepad with the pixel.
And yes, I purchased mine through Google. Order one, have it shipped to where you're staying, and if you don't like it, ship it right back before you leave.
It's not bad, I have one, but I only use it for travelling. At home I use a full Bluetooth keyboard that I got off of Amazon for $35. The Folio is extremely overpriced in my opinion.
Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk
redukt said:
I´m using this one for my devices. On amazon or other stores the prices are reduced. You can pair 2 devices at twice and the keyboard is really space saving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you like it? Does it type well? Compared to a keyboard or a normal tablet keyboard?
bluestang said:
Yep, to me both keyboard solutions from Google are too expensive. Maybe one day I'll get one (and they discount it as well).
I ended up getting the ProCase Sleeve for the Pixel C and the MoKo Google Pixel C Case from Amazon. Both in black. I switch back and forth occasionally depending on what I'm doing. I'm really happy with both of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you maybe have some photo's of it? Wondering if the above mentioned keyboard would fit in.
Mustaaa said:
How do you like it? Does it type well? Compared to a keyboard or a normal tablet keyboard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once used you´ll never missed it It types very well and paired your devices in a short time. The key pressures are balanced compared to a normal keyboard. For mailing / blogging / posting my favorite solution on our device Take a try even you can exchange it
redukt said:
Once used you´ll never missed it It types very well and paired your devices in a short time. The key pressures are balanced compared to a normal keyboard. For mailing / blogging / posting my favorite solution on our device Take a try even you can exchange it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm yeah, I completely forgot that I can return it in 2 weeks Think I'll order it from amazon.de , it's 75 there instead of the 100 at the miscrosoft site. I thought about getting the normal keyboard but for 160 it's too expensive for now and afraid of scratches after what I read about it
So, just wanted to update this thread. I decided not to purchase the keyboard or folio, just could not justify the cost.
In the end I opted for two solutions (basically to try out): a folio case and the microsoft foldable keyboard and a folio keyboard case. All three ordered from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Uni...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s03 (USD40)
http://www.amazon.com/Google-Pixel-...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 (USD11)
http://www.amazon.com/Google-Pixel-...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 (USD26)
So both set ups are are significantly cheaper than the USD150 cost if bought from Google.
Ironically, since purchasing from the States my laptop has needed to go in for repair, and I thought this would be a good opportunity to test out my new purchases so I could use the Pixel as a laptop replacement.
I've set the folio keyboard as the replacement and also connected a bluetooth mouse. Overall, pretty damn impressed with both the pixel and the keyboard (especially for the price). Now, lets not kid ourselves, I reckon the google folio keyboard would have been much much more better quality, but for the price that I paid for this folio, everything works generally fine.
Lets go through with the negatives first:
- Its chunky (but expect that would be the case with the official one as well)
- You can't just push the pixel into it like the official one (which benefits with the magnets)
- when it sits, because its held by velcro, the pixel pushes down a tiny bit, so it doesn't sit 100% in position, but doesn't really matter
- occasional connection issues with Bluetooth
- have to charge separately via micro usb (so no self charging)
- no trackpad (but don't think the official one has that as well)
- unlike my laptop, due to the size of the cables provided, I can't keep the unit charged all the time
but the positives
- did i mention the price?
- keys are pretty good and solid and clicky
- keyboard sits well
As for the other combo (microsoft keyboard and folio), this also works pretty well, have not tested it so much though, but can foresee using it when travelling. Its a bit of a pain to click into the folio, and a shame that it doesn't use magnetic strength of the pixel, but probably a cost issue.
Biggest issue with these third party solutions is that they don't make use of the pixel c's magnets and self charging, or at the very least usb c.
thing is, when I do get my laptop back, don't really know how much I would use the keyboard, unless when travelling.
Yes, I totally agree the official keyboard options are going to be much much better on every level, but still can't justify the price, unless I end up using a keyboard all the time.
I do have photos of the folio keyboard and will upload these later.
Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk
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Any of you guys selling your used OEM keyboard, perhaps you could post it on swappa's boneyard? I'd be willing to buy, any condition as long as it works. Lmk
Related
Mounts - Docks - Stands - And Other Gadgets
I thought since so many of us have found pretty creative ways of using our tablets, it may be nice to discuss and compile a list of mounts out there that work and don't work. I myself get a bit too obsessed with mounting my gadgets. I really have no reason to need my tablet while driving, but that doesn't mean I don't want it there. I do however need it at work to be open and ready. Alot of available contraptions are a "One Size Fits Many" so you may know of something that works for someone’s iPad or Galaxy Tab that may work here. You don't have to have owned it, if you found something post it up, someone else may buy it and give it a whirl or have had it in the past.
Car Mounts
• Cup Holder Tablet + Phone Mount $50
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This one has decent reviews. The only complaint I see is that it doesn't hold the tablet perfectly still, but keep in mind your mounting a 10" tablet in a car, and in this case via the cup holder. It's not a RAM mount, but it's also a fraction of the price and doesn't require extensive installation. This one is a likely candidate to be ordered and tested out. I like that it gives a spot to place your phone or other stuff such as change or chargers. Speaking of which, it looks like you would have no issue plugging the charging cable in if you were using an inverter or found a car charger that worked.
• Arkon Seat / Floor Mount for Most Tablets $40
This one seems very low profile, very non-intrusive. It includes an 18" flexible arm and a mount that claims to hold 7"-12" tablets. It is important to note that Amazon has something like this listed (see below) that turned out to be total garbage. Hoping this isn't just a rebranded product since it is twice the price.
*Update* Found it on Amazon and it has 4/5 stars with 27 reviews. Pretty good. Havnt read through reviews yet though. Oh and it's cheaper!
]
• Arkon Windshield Mount $26.30 These mounts on extension arms tend to experience alot of bounce while driving, however I have experienced great results by using one of the dashboard beanbag GPS/Phone holders to rest the tablet on which results in a wonderfully stable position.
•RAM Mount Large Tablet Mount If you have your wallet ready and you just want a solid dependable mount without trying a bunch of different products, then RAM Mount is for you. Their X Grip is getting pretty good reviews for holding all sorts of devices and they offer numerous mounting solutions. Expect to pay $100+ for the full setup.
• Pro-Clip $50 + Vehicle Mount
I'm a big fan of ProClip mounts, howver I think they are over priced on some models. I have written How To articles on making your own ProClip type mounts elsewhere on XDA if anyone is interested. But they are very solid mounts and well worth it if you can justify the cash. You buy two halves. One for your phone, one for your vehicle. The positive side is if you get a new phone, youy buy just half the mount costing you roughly $30-$50 or if you get a new vehicle or want to mount it in a new location you buy that piece. I have found that it's quite easy to retrofit the phone half to a generic or home made car half. They offer a variety of mounting options. The only one they have is for the TF100 but it may work as there seems to be a little bit of a gap in the back.
• Goosneck Seat bolt mount on Amazon $20-$25 This one I originally bought and it was garbage. It wobbled very badly and not at the bolt point, but th play in the mount. Add to that the actual tablet mount was too small and would fit my Nook Color at best, and my TF700 wasnt even close to fitting. Stay Away!
Desk Stands
•Cyber Acoustics Universal Tablet Stand (IS-4000) $28.39 I like how this one lifts the tablet up a little leaving room to place your phone or other items below it while providing a nice large strurdy base.
• Rocketfish Tablet Stand $10 At only ten bucks, this is a steal. Rocketfish has a reputation of being pretty damn good at an affordable price. Not the best, but not expensive either. It has a hole in the base to allow charging cable.
•CaseCrown Wood Stand (Redwood) Simple but different tablet stand. Will not allow for horizontal charging (unless upside down, but it does stand out of the crowd by being a nice looking wood design with groves to adjust the angle. And hell it's only $10, that's cheap for anything other then plastic.
• Arkon Portable Fold-Up Stand $10 This stand comes recommended by fellow users who say its a great little fold up stand and it can be had on eBay for about half the Amazon price.
Desktop Docks
Note: As it stands right now, the TF-201 and TF700 Keyboard docks from Asus seem to be identical despite claims of incompatibility. A big thanks to CraftyHack for being suspicious enough to start tearing his toys apart.
• TF201 Keyboard Dock Amethyst Gray $125 These are all over the board in price right now. The plunged originally when Asus claimed they were incompatable, then shot back up when it was discovered to be the same damn thing with a different sticker. These KeyBoard docks are great value to those wanting more then a tablet but don't want a netbook. They pack an extra internal battery boosting runtime up substantially and offer SD card port and a few other features. Many report that they tend to be a little unstable when placed on your lap or other non flat hard surface.
•TF700 Keyboard Dock in Champagne $150 Reported to be the same as the TF201 dock, but matches the newly released Chambagne Infinity.
Other Contraptions
Empire Adjustable Flexible Arm Mount $40 This is something like I was looking for in order to "float" a tablet above my monitors at work. There are several of these of different designs on amazon. Will link a few and will try one out.
• Dockem: Wallmount for any device $15 This is a really cool idea, just two adhesive back brackets that you place on the wall to hold your device. Limited applications, but I think using to hold your tablet on the side of the bed side table to keep it safe and out of the way would be nice. Not for me, but could be useful for someone.
Hope This Helps
Helpful
Very helpul posted!
Haven't thought of it till I noticed this thread...
A mount for my truck would be nice.
Anyone know of a wifi camera that might connect to a tablet for rear view video?
Excellent post!
Thats OK said:
Haven't thought of it till I noticed this thread...
A mount for my truck would be nice.
Anyone know of a wifi camera that might connect to a tablet for rear view video?
Excellent post!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, now that's thinking outside the box. You could always do a netbook under the seat. Hell why stop there, set up your own in-car wireless network, either by way of tether or broadcast hotspot. If you tether to PC you could use IP cameras! Yea I know overcomplicated but that's kinda why we're all here right?
But back to reality, a mount in your vehicle could be useful. One of my main reasons for exploring this option is because I no longer own a dedicated GPS. I use my phone for all my nav needs and on occasion you lose data signal at the worse possible time. With NavFree you have offline maps that will get you headed to where you need to be. Plus there's the option of catching up on news, listening to music and things like that especially if you find yourself sitting and waiting alot.
Chief Geek said:
LOL, now that's thinking outside the box. You could always do a netbook under the seat. Hell why stop there, set up your own in-car wireless network, either by way of tether or broadcast hotspot. If you tether to PC you could use IP cameras! Yea I know overcomplicated but that's kinda why we're all here right?
But back to reality, a mount in your vehicle could be useful. One of my main reasons for exploring this option is because I no longer own a dedicated GPS. I use my phone for all my nav needs and on occasion you lose data signal at the worse possible time. With NavFree you have offline maps that will get you headed to where you need to be. Plus there's the option of catching up on news, listening to music and things like that especially if you find yourself sitting and waiting a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heehee...
NavFree 'eh?
That's one we could use.
Wish RAM or Proclip made a fitted tablet mount for the vehicles.
I had one in the towtruck I was driving for the GPS and hand radios.
It snapped in right across where the radio was and I could tilt it toward me.
Popped it right outta there when I quit driving for AAA.
Looks like RAM makes a mount for tabs and laptops...not cheap however and the no-drill set-up takes a little vehicle dis-assembly.
I have the RAM iPhone mount for the truck, but the iPhone is a pain in rear to use or see while driving.
So I don't use it.
Thats OK said:
Heehee...
NavFree 'eh?
That's one we could use.
Wish RAM or Proclip made a fitted tablet mount for the vehicles.
I had one in the towtruck I was driving for the GPS and hand radios.
It snapped in right across where the radio was and I could tilt it toward me.
Popped it right outta there when I quit driving for AAA.
Looks like RAM makes a mount for tabs and laptops...not cheap however and the no-drill set-up takes a little vehicle dis-assembly.
I have the RAM iPhone mount for the truck, but the iPhone is a pain in rear to use or see while driving.
So I don't use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you own a heat gun and some very basic tools then just make your own. It's not as pretty, but it's damn near as functional as a ProClip. I did a write up How To on the note forum. I didn't update it with the final product because there was very little interest in making your own 100 car mount for $10. I still use it everyday and have yet to have any problems, even made a few for friends since then.
Ah-ha a DIYguy!
Them heater guns are very handy...
Yer right maybe I could whip sumpthin up!
Not like I'm real busy these days.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1569099
Its nice cause if you mess up the holster you reheat and try again. Kydex is cheap and very forgiving, just dont cut it too small.
don't forget the Asus Audio and Connect Docks, which are still just vaporware mostly, but presumably en route.
http://www.slashgear.com/asus-audio-dock-hands-on-with-transformer-prime-06232637/
doody.
I thought this adjustable angle stand was a great deal for $4. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-new-P...1309123349443426966&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=4&
Chief Geek said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1569099
Its nice cause if you mess up the holster you reheat and try again. Kydex is cheap and very forgiving, just don't cut it too small.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Groovy and excellent how to!
If the Kydex material is springy yet stiff enough I'm thinking it may just work to span the radio\stereo panel.
I can just plug the tabs headphone into the stereo's interface port for tunes.
The rest is just handled from the touch screen hmmmmmm...
Thats OK said:
Groovy and excellent how to!
If the Kydex material is springy yet stiff enough I'm thinking it may just work to span the radio\stereo panel.
I can just plug the tabs headphone into the stereo's interface port for tunes.
The rest is just handled from the touch screen hmmmmmm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea thats sort of what I did. I listen to slacker radio every morning on my drive to work. I can review email and FB when I'm sitting at lights. It's great. Plan to do the same for my tablet. Keep in mind you have to get the right thickness of Kydex, which is available on ebay, its discussed in the thread. Kydex is what many "plastic" holsters are made of, its very resiliant stuff and tough as nails.
MrDoody said:
don't forget the Asus Audio and Connect Docks, which are still just vaporware mostly, but presumably en route.
http://www.slashgear.com/asus-audio-dock-hands-on-with-transformer-prime-06232637/
doody.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll add them once they officially announce them and put a MSRP on it. I love the looks of them and will probably buy one, but they are dragging their feet. These were released for "hands on" then they went silent. I really would like one, but c'mon asus.
Syn010 said:
I thought this adjustable angle stand was a great deal for $4. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-new-P...1309123349443426966&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=4&
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats for an auction.
Chief Geek said:
Thats for an auction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With very little monitoring of ebay sales for the item you can get one for $4 free shipping easily at auction.
Or you can buy it outright for $7 with free shipping eg:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Fo...?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item3a76c9715f
I've seen it on amazon too for a few dollars more.
Either way its a great stand because you can adjust its angles, and it folds up nicely.
Syn010 said:
I thought this adjustable angle stand was a great deal for $4. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-new-P...1309123349443426966&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=4&
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great stand, I got it on Amazon for $9.35 with free prime shipping. I never use it though because my tablets are usually in a case... great stand though. Lots of angle options and its built like a tank.
Syn010 said:
With very little monitoring of ebay sales for the item you can get one for $4 free shipping easily at auction.
Or you can buy it outright for $7 with free shipping eg:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Fo...?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item3a76c9715f
I've seen it on amazon too for a few dollars more.
Either way its a great stand because you can adjust its angles, and it folds up nicely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AspenMan said:
This is a great stand, I got it on Amazon for $9.35 with free prime shipping. I never use it though because my tablets are usually in a case... great stand though. Lots of angle options and its built like a tank.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usually try to link Amazon as they tend to stay up for awhile where as, with some exceptions, most ebay items are gone in 7-10 days. I'll post the amazon link to it. Thanks for the suggestions guys.
Here's a great car mount by Akron, available on Amazon for $26.33. Bolts right to the seat bolt on the floor. REALLY easy to install. This is the 2nd mount shown in the OP.
To use it like I have it pictured below with the tablet in a case you have to open the clamps really wide and the springs sometimes get pulled of their anchors inside the mount. Simple fix is to take it apart (simple screws) and epoxy the ends of the springs to their plastic mounts. I also stretched out the springs a bit as to not be so tense. The whole fix took 5 minutes.
Other than the initial spring issue it's a very sturdy mount and unlike window mounts, it's not going anywhere. When I used it with my tablet without a case on the springs weren't an issue. The goose-neck does sway a bit while driving and isn't perfectly rigid. This is good because when you hit a big bump or for whatever reason the car is jostled it allows a bit of movement, much easier on the attachment point and tablet.
AspenMan said:
UPDATE: Just noticed you updated the OP with this mount.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been there the whole time, but glad to find someone who has had this one as I'm still flip flopping between what to get. I plan to gt the gum drop case when its released, do you think this mount will be big enough for something like that?
Chief Geek said:
Been there the whole time,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Der... lol, my bad.
Chief Geek said:
but glad to find someone who has had this one as I'm still flip flopping between what to get. I plan to gt the gum drop case when its released, do you think this mount will be big enough for something like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should fit, but you'll have to fix the springs (or maybe that was just a fluke issue with my mount). It fit's my Xoom with it's Otterbox defender case on if that helps give you reference.
I've just seen Surface Pro 3 event and... i love it, i want it... i must sell my Pro 1 and buy it.
What do you think about SP3 guys?
And its 3:2 screen instead of 16:9?
I like the 16:9 screen ratio better.
The surface pro 2 is still a powerful product regardless, but imo the thing holding them back is the policy of selling the keyboard separately.
im keen to find out if the new bluetooth enabled surface pro 3 pen will work with the surface pro 2. Im definitely considering selling off my surface pro 2 to upgrade to the 3.
julz said:
im keen to find out if the new bluetooth enabled surface pro 3 pen will work with the surface pro 2. Im definitely considering selling off my surface pro 2 to upgrade to the 3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New pen is NTrig not wacom so will not function on a pro 2.
I was disapointed about no mention of RT at all!
Loved the way that Pro 3 looks though. I have looked at all the press on it. Great looker. But way out of my price affordability at this time. I'll make do with my 1'st gen RT with 64gbs for a while. I might keep my eyes open for a bargain, I only paid $160US for mine on ebay. WIth all the stuff I've done to mine I might, maybe be able to resell for $200US, then sit and gamble for a pro 2. "Sigh" always the best man never the groom...lol
I don't know why they switched from Wacom to ntrig for the stylus.
One thing I like about my Surface Pro over my friends Sony duo 13 is that if I just want to draw 1 or 2 lines or a few words I can use the pen from my Note 3 if I the surface pen is not in easy reach.
Other than that, I like the surface pro 3. New stand looks like it will be better for writing and drawing. I do a lot of annotating on pdfs and use a combination of keyboard and pen.
Sent from my SM-N900 using XDA Free mobile app
The active stylus can give better precision. Wacom is nice and works well in most cases, but on very high-density displays - such as the Surface Pro 3 has - its minimum resolution is several pixels across.
It will be interesting to see how users feel about the size over time. After I went from a 11" to 13" MacBook Air I really missed the carry ability of the 11'. Although the Pro 2 is heavy and thick, somehow the 10" size just seems right to me.
microsoft surface pro 3
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
short video of the Microsoft surface pro 3 from the webs
The thing I like the most about the Surface Pro 3 is that it doesn't make me want to replace my Surface Pro 2. The screen size is larger, which wasn't what I was looking for when I originally bought the SP2. The only highlights for the form factor that I would have liked over it is the thickness and weight.
i wish they just waited for broadwell they probably could have made thinner
MS needs to sync its release cycle with Intel's. 1st-gen Surface & Pro also had the same problem, of using previous-gen SoC that makes them obsolete even before release. For premium devices, which the Surface lines aspire to be, the target audience is early adopters who expect to have the latest tech. Intel's Mountain Llama (the Broadwell reference design) was impressive in its Computex debut, and SP3 won't fare well in the inevitable comparison.
The kickstand + keyboard cover combo also hasn't fared well. One sign of a good design, aside from selling well, is when competitors copy it. I don't see any OEM copying the keyboard cover, preferring instead to stick to more conventional "detachable" design eg Asus' Transformer series, which works better for fast typing.
This latter has its own issue of being top-heavy, thus needing to add counterbalance weight to the keyboard dock and increasing overall weight. Intel's ref design avoids this by not putting the docking point at the edge of the dock, thereby creating an "outrigger" that prevents tip-over. Most aftermarket keyboard docks for iPad use this setup. Its other advantages: lighter than conventional detachable, more rigid than MS' design and being more "lapable," and works in portrait. One improvement would be to add an adjustable hinge.
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I see SP3 having a short shelf life, and not just because of the obsoleted SoC. If MS sticks to its new spring release cycle for Windows as rumored, then Win9 should see a corresponding Surface launch, along with Office Touch, about 10 months from now. The i3 and i7 versions of SP3 won't ship until end of August, which gives them about a 7-month shelf life.
e.mote said:
The kickstand + keyboard cover combo also hasn't fared well. One sign of a good design, aside from selling well, is when competitors copy it. I don't see any OEM copying the keyboard cover, preferring instead to stick to more conventional "detachable" design eg Asus' Transformer series, which works better for fast typing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree on syncing new Surfaces to Intel's processor releases, but totally disagree on the kickstand and covers. I love being able to just flip the cover up to make more room on my desk, flip it down when I need to do some work, or use the tablet upright without a keyboard at all - keeping something up just for reference, watching a movie, etc.
I totally don't get all the focus people put on how the kickstand works (or doesn't) on the lap. In the past 20 years, I don't think I've used a laptop on my lap more than dozen times. On a desk, I'd take a kickstand over a traditional notebook any day. It's also nice that you get both a keyboard and cover in what? 3-4mm?
For people who prefer something closer to a traditional laptop, there's plenty of choices, I really the Surface retains the kickstand.
As for the Pro 3, I see it much the same as the original Pro - some nice features but just not enough to make me want to buy one. The processor has already been mentioned, the switch away from the Wacom pen, and I actually prefer the smaller screen on the Pro 1 and 2. I could be tempted by a Pro 4 or maybe 5, but my 2 is serving me perfectly well for now.
>totally disagree on the kickstand and covers. I love being able to just flip the cover up...In the past 20 years, I don't think I've used a laptop on my lap more than dozen times...
"I like it"/"works for me" isn't an argument.
>I totally don't get all the focus people put on how the kickstand works (or doesn't) on the lap
Lap use is one instance in the spectrum of computing use mobility. At one end of the spectrum is usage while walking, ie with a phone. Next is using the device while standing. After that, is sitting without a desk (ie lap use). Then, sitting with a desk. Finally, sitting with a desk in a pre-determined location (ie a desktop PC).
By not being able to use the device well while sitting and without a desk, the Surface is even less mobile than a laptop for high-speed typing. That's why MS was so persistent with the "lapability" argument, which was shot down by the majority of reviews of SP3, from journalists and bloggers who do need that mobility.
>It's also nice that you get both a keyboard and cover in what? 3-4mm?
Thinness is visually appealing and is a selling point, but ergonomically it doesn't matter. For a tablet, which is a handheld device, weight and shape are what counts. For a keyboard, thinness affects more important things, like key travel, which affects typing speed. The Surface type cover is an inferior keyboard for typing, even by the relatively low standard of laptop keyboards.
>I really the Surface retains the kickstand.
Archos tablets have had the kickstand for many years, and it was never a big deal (read: not a selling point). Anyway, it's not a matter of having or not having a kickstand, but how to have the display at a desired angle with the least hassle. For decades, the clamshell form was the least hassle. MS' kickstand design hasn't proven to be an adequate replacement. Of present designs, the one in the above pic is IMO the most efficient.
e.mote said:
Of present designs, the one in the above pic is IMO the most efficient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for once, and this is a rare occasion, I actually agree with you.
My laptop rarely if ever touches a desk. Had a guy round with his surface RT and frankly it was absolutely useless as a laptop replacement ergonomically (we'll ignore software) in the places I use my laptop.
e.mote said:
"I like it"/"works for me" isn't an argument.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't *just* say "I like it", I gave specific examples of where the kickstand is adventitious.
e.mote said:
Lap use is one instance in the spectrum of computing use mobility. At one end of the spectrum is usage while walking, ie with a phone. Next is using the device while standing. After that, is sitting without a desk (ie lap use). Then, sitting with a desk. Finally, sitting with a desk in a pre-determined location (ie a desktop PC).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so what's your point? Every device trades some proficiency in one area to gain some in another. If an individual's use case requires a significant amount of "lap use", that should steer them in the direction of devices that prioritize that type of use. That doesn't make a device that prioritizes another area wrong, it simple makes it potentially the wrong device for that that person. And I say potentially because I've made a point of using my Surface on my lap to see what all the fuss is about, and I don't see the issue. Perhaps it doesn't work quite as well as a traditional hinged notebook with a rigid keyboard, but for all but the most demanding of needs, it works just fine.
Personally, the minor trade-off in proficiency for lap use is far outweighed by it's increased abilities elsewhere - as I mentioned, using it on a table/desk/counter/hood of a car/etc without the keyboard at all, being able to flip the cover up to save space while the device remains standing, etc. Again, if an individual can't accept that trade-off, then the Surface simply isn't the best device for their needs.
e.mote said:
By not being able to use the device well while sitting and without a desk, the Surface is even less mobile than a laptop for high-speed typing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And by being able to use the device upright without a keyboard, the Surface is more useful than a tablet, so what's your point? If high-speed typing on one's lap is a primary concern, then they should be buying a dedicated notebook or a convertible that uses the hinged, clamshell design with a rigid keyboard. As I said in my previous post, I simply don't understand this mindset that says the Surface HAS to function AS WELL AS a traditional notebook. No, it doesn't. Thankfully, there's any number of other systems on the market that do prioritize that use case.
e.mote said:
Thinness is visually appealing and is a selling point, but ergonomically it doesn't matter. For a tablet, which is a handheld device, weight and shape are what counts. For a keyboard, thinness affects more important things, like key travel, which affects typing speed. The Surface type cover is an inferior keyboard for typing, even by the relatively low standard of laptop keyboards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thinness is directly related to weight and shape, so to say thinness is nice, but weight and shape are more important is just being disingenuous. And again you're laser focused on absolute typing performance, which is fine, but it simply makes the Surface not the right device for you, it doesn't make the Surface the wrong design for everyone.
e.mote said:
Archos tablets have had the kickstand for many years, and it was never a big deal (read: not a selling point).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had several Archos products over the years, and trust me, there's ample reasons their products weren't big sellers. I generally like their overall designs and concepts, but they have a knack for always undermining the whole device with one or two painfully sub-standard components, be it a terrible screen, resistive touch input as opposed to capacitive, etc.
e.mote said:
Anyway, it's not a matter of having or not having a kickstand, but how to have the display at a desired angle with the least hassle. For decades, the clamshell form was the least hassle. MS' kickstand design hasn't proven to be an adequate replacement. Of present designs, the one in the above pic is IMO the most efficient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll agree there, the original Pro's single angle was pretty restrictive, and the Pro 2's two angles is barely more than adequate. I haven't found it to be an issue, but I can see that some would. I think the only features of the Pro 3 that I find compelling are the new kickstand and the thinner/lighter design.
But returning to the actual design, I'll absolutely agree with everything you said as it pertains to making the device better for someone who needs A- absolute typing performance, and B- has the frequent need to use the device on their lap. Absolutely, a rigid keyboard with equal to greater weight to the display and a strong hinged design would make for a better lap typing experience. And I'll again say that there's any number of systems that offer exactly that - from dedicated laptops to convertibles that use the rigid clamshell design. None of this makes the Surface's design wrong, it simply makes it the wrong device for those individuals, just as dedicated notebooks and rigid, clamshell convertibles are the the wrong device for my needs.
The market is big enough for multiple form factors - not every device needs to share a single overall design, because not every person has precisely the same needs. The market already has countless rigid clamshell type devices, please let those of us who don't prioritize high-speed typing on our laps have our ONE device that best fits our needs, ok?
Without having done a painful amount of digging, please allow me to butt in for a moment and ask, ate there any threads here dedicated to development or tweaking of the sp3? I just got the i7 512 model to use as the heart of a semi portable recording studio (a good amount of real-time number crunching) and was looking to get the most I can out of it. So far, with the little benchmarking and playing with Undervolting a little, I haven't seen this chip do any thermal throttling and haven't gotten any real increase in benchmark. It seems this thing is pretty damn efficient. I came across an article where people were getting major increase in benchmarks by Undervolting but with the i5. (less voltage, less heat, more time at "turbo" less fan noise - ideal for audio production) Well, hey before I REALLY start rambling, if anyone has any resources or suggestions I'd be much obliged.
Sent from my 831C using XDA Free mobile app
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
Click to expand...
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
Interested to know what those of you who have received the BKB50 and are using it with your tablet actually think of it. I am reading a lot of reviews that say negative things about it. (Flimsy, too small. too expensive etc.).
Personally I really like it. I tend to use it at my desk so I cannot comment on it falling off my lap and stuff. I don't find the keys too close together nor do I find the keyboard too small. I suffered from a bit of "mouse-drag" when I first got it but you can adust the sensitivity in the settings and now it is fine for me. I also tend to use it at work quite a lot when taking notes in meetings etc. Given the 10-inch tablet size, it is far less obtrusive in a meeting than a laptop and by synching notes in the cloud, it makes it easier to share information with colleagues quickly and efficeintly.
I probably would not go out and pay £140 GBP for one, I must admit. There are other bluetooth keyboards out there that are just as effective at a fraction of the price. But as an accessory bundled with my Z4, I m happy with it.
Also, prompts some interesting looks from people when you get it out in a coffee shop and start typing away!
But am curious as to what others who have the BKB50 think of it. Are you using it or did you play with it for the first few days and then put it back in its box (or on eBay!)?
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk
I don't have the keyboard (or the tablet) yet, but I was wondering how strong the connection between the two is? I realise it's just held in my friction, not any latches. Do you have any worries about it falling out?
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Just get any BT-Keyboard. I got this decent quality HP labeled thing in a surplus sale for under 15 EUR.
and a foldable Tablet stand (< 10 EUR):
I like the degree of freedom this gives me and it works with all my BT-enabled devices...
pelago said:
I don't have the keyboard (or the tablet) yet, but I was wondering how strong the connection between the two is? I realise it's just held in my friction, not any latches. Do you have any worries about it falling out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently, not an issue. The keyboard is held in place firmly by a couple of rubber pads. Also, because it is cut to just the right size, it holds the tablet in place very securely.
It is possible that, in time, wear and tear will make this less effective but only time will tell.
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk
DHGE said:
This is how I do it:
Just get any BT-Keyboard. I got this decent quality HP labeled thing in a surplus sale for under 15 EUR.
and a foldable Tablet stand (< 10 EUR):
I like the degree of freedom this gives me and it works with all my BT-enabled devices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested in getting this tablet as well and was debating whether or not to get the keyboard vs getting a generic Bluetooth keyboard. As far as I can see, a generic BT keyboard with a stand (pretty much exactly as you have) gives pretty much all the benefits without any of the downsides.
Advantages of generic BT keyboard with stand:
1. Can be had Between 10 to 20% of the cost of the Z4 keyboard.
2. Can be used for other devices as well.
3. Can still be used if/when you upgrade the Z4 tablet.
Advantages of the Z4 tablet keyboard:
1. Allows the tablet and keyboard to be carried around like a laptop (depends on how much you'll be using the tablet away from home but to me seems a very minor advantage)
2. Looks better and cleaner (subjective but a minor advantage)
A generic BT keyboard seems like a hands down winner. You also have a huge choice available with varying sizes, types, colours etc. Some that are powered by AA type batteries, others powered by internal battery charged via USB. Some that include track pads, some that are foldable etc.
Techno79 said:
Advantages of the Z4 tablet keyboard:
1. Allows the tablet and keyboard to be carried around like a laptop (depends on how much you'll be using the tablet away from home but to me seems a very minor advantage)
2. Looks better and cleaner (subjective but a minor advantage).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also add that the BKB50 when used with the Z4 tablet will also give you the 'windows style' recently used apps dock and 3 customisable app drawers which the generic keyboard will not. The BKB50 also has the touch pad.
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk
Another advantage of the official keyboard is you could use it casually on your lap or on the arm of a sofa, which would be very awkward with a separate keyboard and stand.
tonylee2000 said:
I would also add that the BKB50 when used with the Z4 tablet will also give you the 'windows style' recently used apps dock and 3 customisable app drawers which the generic keyboard will not. The BKB50 also has the touch pad.
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get many generic BT keyboards with built in trackpads. However the point about the UI changes with the official dock is a good point. However, I'm sure you can get the same functionality via some 3rd party app or maybe someone will be able to create some clever app that can trigger it to come up via a toggle switch or when a BT keyboard is connected.
I had a spare Apple Wireless Keyboard sitting under the dust so I tried with the Z4 tab. All working except for launchpad and expose keys. It is a little larger than the tab. You know, it isn't cheap, but if you happen to have one give it a try: you won't be disappointed.
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I have it and I like it. Does anyone use this with a screen protector on the Z4T? I am worried that attaching and detaching I'm going to go through screen protectors like nobody's business since the keyboard rubs on the screen.
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk
I'm not a fan I think it should have had a battery extension that plugged in and also then there would have been one plug socket to charge both. It came with, y tablet on O2 so I'm not that fussed but I might flog it on eBay.
Sent from my SGP771 using XDA Free mobile app
Pretty good
I quite like it but I think it depends on the size of your hands and fingers? I am pretty short at 175cm with small hands so it's quite ok for me to use. Of course though I still prefer a normal keyboard over it but it'll only get better as I spend more time with it with university home work etc...
In terms of build quality it's not fantastic. My alpha sign is printed on the wrong button lol (not the 2) and the mouse pad while it works definitely nowhere as good as the Microsoft ones.
Techno79 said:
I'm interested in getting this tablet as well and was debating whether or not to get the keyboard vs getting a generic Bluetooth keyboard. As far as I can see, a generic BT keyboard with a stand (pretty much exactly as you have) gives pretty much all the benefits without any of the downsides.
Advantages of generic BT keyboard with stand:
1. Can be had Between 10 to 20% of the cost of the Z4 keyboard.
2. Can be used for other devices as well.
3. Can still be used if/when you upgrade the Z4 tablet.
Advantages of the Z4 tablet keyboard:
1. Allows the tablet and keyboard to be carried around like a laptop (depends on how much you'll be using the tablet away from home but to me seems a very minor advantage)
2. Looks better and cleaner (subjective but a minor advantage)
A generic BT keyboard seems like a hands down winner. You also have a huge choice available with varying sizes, types, colours etc. Some that are powered by AA type batteries, others powered by internal battery charged via USB. Some that include track pads, some that are foldable etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd also add, that the original BKB50 keyboard has a touch pad, that's quite functional
I have it, and I like it very much. I practically don't separate the tablet from the keyboard.
The only disadvantage (besides the price) for me is, that I'd like to type in Bulgarian, but the keyboard layout forit there is BDS standard, and I'm used to the phonetic layout.
iam curious with BKB50 did the keyboard come with lights inside the button so when we type in the dark rook will be on the lights inside the key ?
Strange question to ask here, but does anyone know if the BKB50 will work/fit with the Samsung Tab S2 9.7?
I know there is a Samsung book keyboard but it doent have a proper hinge to keep the tablet upright like the BKB50 does.
Anyone reckon it'll work with the tab s2?
Cheers
screen protector
Hi,
Any issues using PRT13 official sony screen protector with the BKB50 ?
Also, has anyone found out how to trigger the start menu like interface with a bt keyboard (not bkb50) ?
Regards,
Kristo.
I too have it and like it.
Having had the Pixel C and its keyboard too, I find the Xperia keyboard not as cool but having more function.
I like the trackpad and additional menus that appear with the keyboard too.
I only wish it had backlit keys, as it is charged separately to the tablet, so could power some leds behind the keys.
Its also a fuller size than the Pixel C keyboard and feel less cramped. Also having the connection at the very edge rather than 2/3 across the keyboard is prefrred for me, as it also feel less cramped.
double posting ... sorry
zippy01 said:
I have it and I like it. Does anyone use this with a screen protector on the Z4T? I am worried that attaching and detaching I'm going to go through screen protectors like nobody's business since the keyboard rubs on the screen.
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a screen protector (3M film not glass) that works without problem inserting, reinserting. It leaves some small dents on the film but nothing you will see frontal. It does not damage the film.
I guess you can't put a tempered glass screen because it is 0,3 mm tick and will not fit.
Regarding using the kb I have long reviewed options (cheaper or not) and then decided that because I have the tablet as a laptop replacement then a keyboard that transforms the tablet in a laptop is the best choice considering portability (it is marginally increasing the size of tablet compared to any other generic kb) and it also protecting the screen.
I have also bought a tablet case (only for the tablet) because it was cheap (better than the original case) and have use it for some time like this, but then I have settled for tablet with kb docked.
Another practical thing is that you have a great grip on the tablet if is folded.
About keyboard what to say: amazing battery, makes typing on android something even better than on laptop because I have swiftkey that predicts so every spacebar hit will insert a prediction long before finishing the words. Also is correcting any mistakes you have. Do check what you type so you don;t have Anna replaced by anal !
As people say it is flimsy (it will bend a little if you hold from the corner) but is not cheap look/ feel at all. It is just because is very thin. Also it can flip because the tablet is heavier but only if you tilt it. Is more comfortable for me to put the tablet down with the keyboard up.
The very good thing is that you can put tablet in portrait mode in the keyboard and work on documents like you never did ! Can put the phone too if you have xperia without covers. Not sure if needed...
For practical reason another negative: the black bar and windows like menu that appear at the bottom of screen. That is the worse place to put links because hooked with keyboard is the worse place to hit with fingers. It should be an option to put the bar on the side. But this is an Android feature not Sony.
A final thought about laptop replacement: Android and this device is still not there because not of the hardware but software. However is the closest you can get and is good enough for travel so you don;t need to carry a laptop with you.
I think is still a partial replacement, some things I still do on the laptop because it can't be done on Android (try copy paste from Trello to messaging to send an SMS ... )
It works for me most of the times ... Tank you big G and Sony. Keep improving it.
Last Android MM 6.0 update has made keyboard respond incredibly fast and reconnect time is very low compared with 5.0.2 ! Just hit a key to wake up!
PS Writing not on tablet but on laptop because of a bigger keyboard that goes easy on my hands Excuse spelling errors.
Will the BKB50 Keyboard function normally including the Windows style taskbar is the Xperia Z4 tablet is running CM13?
Hello guys,
Has anyone found a phone worthy as a successor to the Photon Q? At this point I'm willing to give up SD card, removable batteries and camera button just to get something that has a keyboard, root and can run the basic apps like firefox, messenger, gmail, play store, calendar, adobe reader and youtube without random freezes/pauses in the UI.
Already spent 3 years using a nexus 4 and 5 and I've pretty much "disappeared" from people's lives because I couldn't bear to use any form of touch screen keyboards.
Are people like me condemned to go extinct from the world of mobile computing?
My next phone will be Blackberry Priv. Faster enough, better screen, qwerty, Android. It has all I need (for now at least).
Yeah I'm not too much of a fan of the Priv for a couple of reasons:
- No root and locked bootloader spells a short life for this very expensive machine, no custom roms, no remove bloatware, no adaway etc... Root and bootloader unlock are pretty much what keeps android customizable and open source for the end user...
- Vertical slide out keyboard vs horizontal, only 4 rows, abuses the alt and sym keys to hit numbers and special characters, dpad is 100% analog. Never mind trying to do emojis or working in an ssh terminal, might as well use hacker's keyboard.
- Bugged screen drivers, doesn't use Amoled principles to turn off pixels, results in battery drain, although this might have been fixed in the latest update.
With that said, I'd be willing to try one out if BB unlocks the bootloader and the price falls under 400$CAD for a used unit.
I didn't know it's root-locked. You're right that it may render the device unusable in quite a short time. But if not Priv, then what?
This is such a sad question.
The Moto Z's interchangeable back-panels look pretty promising. I find it hard to believe that there's a bigger market for a projector than for a physical keyboard...
https://www.motorola.com/us/moto-mods
Even just using the breadboard dev kit with a 3D-printed back and a donor keyboard from an older phone could work for a one-off.
http://developer.motorola.com/products/mdk
Apparently there are clip-on bluetooth slider keyboards for iPhone (https://www.amazon.com/iNNEXT-Ultra-Thin-Slide-Out-Bluetooth-Backlight/dp/B01DZJUI18). I've been trying to find something similar for a current-gen android phone but haven't been having much luck.
There's the keyboard + case, but one of the nice things about the slider is being able to hold it while typing and not needing a surface to keep it stable...
If anybody's found something I've missed, I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling the pains of obsolescence...
The z looks promising - especially as it is modular, as most manufacturers it would seem want to just simplify their manufacturing process, it would mean making a generic touchscreen phone, and then batches of accessories to suit demand. Very smart idea.
Repairs/upgrades would be a hell of a lot easier also, just replacing the component that fails, or swapping the accessory for a different task.
Sent from my XT897 using XDA Free mobile app
The main issue of Photon Q for me is the lack of support for the European LTE bands (the most important for me is the 800Mhz band).
In my country, the 3G coverage by HSPA is quite poor and no mobile network operator is expanding its 3G at all any more, the only new coverage efforts happen in LTE.
The Moto Z (Force) looks quite promising. To be honest, I'm simply waiting for a MotoMod qwerty keyboard to appear, and I'm declaring my xt897 dead. Though the Z's camera bump seems to complicate the eventual hw keyboard mod execution.
Let's see what the future will bring us.
Thanks kabaldan for noticing the Moto Z.
I already gave up for another hardwarekeyboard-smartphone and have nearly decided for a OnePlus 3 (6GB RAM edition).
But I think it is better to buy a phone which *might* get an "acceptable" keyboard than none at all. So I guess I will wait a bit longer for the Moto Z.
I'm seriously considering buying a slider bluetooth keyboard for a different phone and then adapting it to fit a current-gen phone. It's not quite as ideal, but most of the slider jobbies for the iPhone are pretty cheap and simple; they have a case part that attaches to the phone, and then the keyboard slides along rails on the case. So I could replace the case portion with a 3D-printed case sized to fit a current-gen phone and the rails for the keyboard. The downsides would be not necessarily having the right android keys (though those have been largely missing since I stopped using my Epic 4g) and it probably wouldn't autodetect when the slider was deployed. It'll probably taking rooting and some keyboard driver hacking to get it all working right, but maybe it'll be a good enough fix when I'm done in like six months...
DIY qwerty phone
GDorn said:
I'm seriously considering buying a slider bluetooth keyboard for a different phone and then adapting it to fit a current-gen phone...
It's not quite as ideal, but most of the slider jobbies for the iPhone are pretty cheap and simple; they have a case part that attaches to the phone, and then the keyboard slides along rails on the case. So I could replace the case portion with a 3D-printed case sized to fit a current-gen phone and the rails for the keyboard. The downsides would be not necessarily having the right android keys (though those have been largely missing since I stopped using my Epic 4g) and it probably wouldn't autodetect when the slider was deployed. It'll probably taking rooting and some keyboard driver hacking to get it all working right, but maybe it'll be a good enough fix when I'm done in like six months...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did that with Xiaomi Mi4C and iPhone 6 keyboard case. If you like smaller phone then you might want to consider Z5C/X Compact and iPhone 5/5S/SE keyboard case.
I know this is an old thread but I just saw this from a Network World article "How Moto Mods went from concept to product." Paul Fordham, lead mechanical architect on the Moto Mods design team says: "We built a battery module that had a full QWERTY keyboard inside. I could show it to you; it's almost like a slider type concept for people who like the tactile feel of a real keyboard. We had all these different ideas that we hadn't even partly developed."
So, it looks like they've at least looked at the idea. I've posted in the Lenovo forums too. Maybe some of us somehow can wake them up to make this a reality. I am grateful for all of the work done on the Photon Q, it still does a good job with all of the tweaks, but I think all of us Q owners could use a newer phone.
bmccrary said:
I know this is an old thread but I just saw this from a Network World article "How Moto Mods went from concept to product." Paul Fordham, lead mechanical architect on the Moto Mods design team says: "We built a battery module that had a full QWERTY keyboard inside. I could show it to you; it's almost like a slider type concept for people who like the tactile feel of a real keyboard. We had all these different ideas that we hadn't even partly developed."
So, it looks like they've at least looked at the idea. I've posted in the Lenovo forums too. Maybe some of us somehow can wake them up to make this a reality. I am grateful for all of the work done on the Photon Q, it still does a good job with all of the tweaks, but I think all of us Q owners could use a newer phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been watching the Z also, and have read that thread.
This would be the single best Mod they could release, & I'm currently debating whether to buy a Priv & sacrifice the 5 row keyboard side-slider, or take a chance on the Z in the hope that they (or others) will release a slider keyboard.
Snapping off a keyboard, & replacing it with the speaker mod, or camera or something else - eg, going out & not needing the bulk of the keyboard, so slap on a styled back, or extended battery.
Maybe later you need to write a work email, so slap on the keyboard & type like a demon again. I'd probably purchase an extra keyboard just to have a spare at a convenient location - eg car glovebox.
I'd also buy a Z for the missus, then all the Mods would get a decent use. Extended batteries, camera, speakers, covers, style backs, prob even get the projector, just to have a full set!
All this..... just waiting for the keyboard Mod.
Sent from my XT897 using XDA Free mobile app
Sadly, there's still no sign of a keyboard attachment for the Moto Z. You'd think that with Motorola being the last manufacturer to produce a hardward keyboard (both the Photon Q LTE and the Droid 4), they'd have made one for this dev device.
Flash-A-Holic said:
I did that with Xiaomi Mi4C and iPhone 6 keyboard case. If you like smaller phone then you might want to consider Z5C/X Compact and iPhone 5/5S/SE keyboard case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good afternoon. As far as I understand, it can be done with any of the Xiaomi Mi4. The main thing is that the dimensions of the housing and the location of the cameras have been the same. Please make a photo of how you do mount the keyboard to the phone cover?
I do not expect anything new from the keyboard of the Motorola (
Plus one for a newer keyboard phone. Running CM13, I've had unsolvable problems with my (old, 2006) BT car interface staying connect while I simultaneously use AD2P via a separate BT receiver via the stero AUX in. The other aggravation is that with CM13, I cannot flash nandroid backups when I break my XT897's screen (which happens 2x-3x per year), so I have to reconfigure from scratch.
For those two reasons, I keep being tempted to switch back to stock (BT stack that tolerates multiples connections better w/ my setup), and easy NANdroid backups and sprint activation codes, etc/
BUT, then I try stock and wait 10-15 full seconds for an app to open. Much gratitude to the CM guys and whoever picks up ball from them and runs with it.
My latest problem w/ CM13 is I can't take advantage of the free international roaming in Mexico-- can't get global data to work (either problem with the CM13 settings menu, or with sprints OTA activsation of the the (sprint internal) SIM.
Let us know if anyone finds a qwerty android (I tried the priv, and too big, too hot running stock), and thanks for everyone's contributions to this great community.
schmandroid said:
The z looks promising
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does.
https://www.neowin.net/news/behold-...-slider-moto-mod-that-may-stir-some-nostalgia
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The Solutor said:
Yes it does.
https://www.neowin.net/news/behold-...-slider-moto-mod-that-may-stir-some-nostalgia
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Click to collapse
Oh thanks God! It would be great if it becomes true!
Here is the link to the indiegogo compaign. I hope a lot of us Q users will sign up!
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/physical-keyboard-slider-mod-for-moto-z/coming_soon