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Tf2 is rumored to release soon,
Will you upgrade?
If not what kind of price spec / dimension, thickness of the new tf would make you do it?
To me if they keep the same price, better camera, better speaker, as thin as galaxy tab 10.1 then SOLD
!!
i probably wouldn't, the next tablet i want to get would be a win8 tablet, not sure if i want an arm or x86 processor yet...
so, a TF2 that runs win8 would be something i would consider.
BUT, if i could sell my TF and get a TF2 for like ~$100 i would probably bite, ICS would have to be something FAR more cohesive and polished though.
only if they make a TF2 that supports the current docking.
I paid $170 for the docking, tax+shipping.
No way I would buy another Transformer if they make a new docking for every upgrade.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
myamex said:
only if they make a TF2 that supports the current docking.
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Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that they already announced it would be compatible with the existing dock...which suggests it will have the same thickness as the current model in order to fit in the slot...or it will have a "bulge" in the back if it needs to be thicker to accommodate the new tech.
I've recently aquired a TF101-B1/32GB model as an upgrade/replacement to my 1015PE EeePC. Software wise the only stuff I could aim for improvements, can be done with OTA updates or ROMs. Hardware wise, unless the battery life goes up to like 4x, what improvements we can expect in terms of CPU/RAM/Storage are just not worth it to me.
So I'm sticking with my Andrea
My TF1 now is enough for me .
i would upgrade. Win 8 is going to support Kal El chipset. ICS + Win8 + awesome hardware? Yes please. The trusty TF will go to my wife and get her off my equipment
I will probably not upgrade. I love my TF, and the only thing I would want would be a dual boot with win8, so IF it supports the current dock, AND it gets a dual win8 boot then I would consider it. Otherwise I will probably wait for the next chipset and skip the kal-el.
ExploreMN said:
I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that they already announced it would be compatible with the existing dock...which suggests it will have the same thickness as the current model in order to fit in the slot...or it will have a "bulge" in the back if it needs to be thicker to accommodate the new tech.
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Click to collapse
I am thinking they might come out with an adaptor,
but rumors are the TF2 is thinner/lighter than Ipad2.
Only if it had at least several of the following changes:
* Significantly faster while retaining similar battery life -or- similar speed with a significant improvement in battery life
* Equal or better screen with less glossy finish
* A better microphone and (less important to me) speakers
* FM radio receiver (it's already in the current chipset, just not enabled and I'm guessing not the correct antenna type to support it)
* Faster GPS lock, since Android seems to have to start over from scratch on the GPS lock every time you leave the GPS-aware app and reenter
* Better wi-fi range / less dropouts
* Support for dual-boot to some other more fully-featured OS (Windows, Linux, whatever)
Thinner is utterly unimportant to me. I wouldn't want to have to buy my dock all over again (well, I have two tablets and two docks, so twice all over again). I don't see them making an adapter as it'd be too kludgy, so the only way it'll be thinner is if it has an unsightly bulge for the dock, or requires an entirely new dock. Size and weight are already near-perfect for me.
I will in the interim, but looking forward to W8.
I believe the dock can be modified easily for a thinner tab. If you've ever looked at your dock, you'll notice the hinge is attached with screws, making switching to another hinge adapter very easy.
EMINENT1 said:
I will in the interim, but looking forward to W8.
I believe the dock can be modified easily for a thinner tab. If you've ever looked at your dock, you'll notice the hinge is attached with screws, making switching to another hinge adapter very easy.
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There is absolutely zero chance they're going to put out an adapter that requires customers to dissassemble the existing hinge section, even just by removing four screws. If there's an adapter of any kind, it will sit inside the existing hinge assembly.
That said, I would happily place a bet that there will be no such adapter at all. If Asus had intended to accomodate slimmer tablets with the same dock, they've have provisioned an adapter with some kind of easily-removable docking plate in the first place.
My guess is either the followup will be the same thickness, or it'll be incompatible with the existing accessories. (And given that other than the dock, basically none of the promised accessories are available even this long after launch, I'm tending towards the latter.)
Asus has so far failed to build up the ecosystem that Transformer owners were led to believe was on the way, and that suggests to me that they've pushed delivery of that ecosystem back to their second-gen product, if at all. The only reason to do that is if it's no longer compatible with the first generation.
Also, note that while you can remove the inner trim piece by removing four screws (and perhaps the two star-shaped screws in the outside of the hinge, although I'm guessing those mate into the combined latch mechanism / tablet jack assembly), this doesn't remove the hinge itself. Its outer dimensions are still dictated by the thickness of the current tablet. Hence, even if they offered an adapter of some kind, it would leave a large, unsightly bulge on the back of a thinner tablet when docked. (All of the slack has to be taken up behind the tablet, because the tablet itself has to be flush with the dock when closed, meaning that any reduction in thickness of the tablet will leave the hinge mechanism standing proud of the tablet's back surface by the same amount, beyond what it already does with the existing tablet.)
Sorry. With the newer Transformers locked down I have to believe the next gen will be as well. As much as I like my TF, I will be switching to a more open manufacturer. I'm not paying $500+ to be locked out of my own device.
Add another vote for Windows 8 instead. My TF1 will continue to do work as a dev test platform for Android.
Everything I do works just fine on my current TF. Unless there are things that the TF2 does that my current one cant, and it were things I would do, then yeah I would buy the TF2.
But if not, then I will keep my TF until it stops doing what I want it to do..
I'd buy it only with an unlocked bootloader. A stock machine is 50% useless.
knoxploration said:
There is absolutely zero chance they're going to put out an adapter that requires customers to dissassemble the existing hinge section, even just by removing four screws. If there's an adapter of any kind, it will sit inside the existing hinge assembly.
That said, I would happily place a bet that there will be no such adapter at all. If Asus had intended to accomodate slimmer tablets with the same dock, they've have provisioned an adapter with some kind of easily-removable docking plate in the first place.
My guess is either the followup will be the same thickness, or it'll be incompatible with the existing accessories. (And given that other than the dock, basically none of the promised accessories are available even this long after launch, I'm tending towards the latter.)
Asus has so far failed to build up the ecosystem that Transformer owners were led to believe was on the way, and that suggests to me that they've pushed delivery of that ecosystem back to their second-gen product, if at all. The only reason to do that is if it's no longer compatible with the first generation.
Also, note that while you can remove the inner trim piece by removing four screws (and perhaps the two star-shaped screws in the outside of the hinge, although I'm guessing those mate into the combined latch mechanism / tablet jack assembly), this doesn't remove the hinge itself. Its outer dimensions are still dictated by the thickness of the current tablet. Hence, even if they offered an adapter of some kind, it would leave a large, unsightly bulge on the back of a thinner tablet when docked. (All of the slack has to be taken up behind the tablet, because the tablet itself has to be flush with the dock when closed, meaning that any reduction in thickness of the tablet will leave the hinge mechanism standing proud of the tablet's back surface by the same amount, beyond what it already does with the existing tablet.)
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Lol! Such a long winded post. I merely stated how easy it is to take off the back part of the hinge and you're making it sound as impossible as time travel. 2 screws, and replace. Done.
Now, whether they choose this easy route, make the tab the same thickness (at least at the bottom) or go with a **** move by renigging on what they said about being compatible, is anyone's guess and pure speculation right now.
The fact is, I don't really care. I don't mind jumping ship if they don't make it compatible. I'm looking forward to the next greatest thing with W8.
Definitely planning to acquire TF2 with Android as a first tablet. No Microsoft [email protected] aka Windows8 for me plus it's immature and won't be ready until later in 2012.
Ill buy it porbably after 5 to6 months after release as i did it with the tf 1.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
kal-el seems to be over hyped :/ and now we get other quad's from qualcomm etc might as well wait and after the smoke clears re evaluate our options :/ prices will drop and specs will rise eventually
Hey guys, I bought the keyboard dock for my tablet but I find it hard to browse the web and use the IM apps with all the small fonts and the angle of the tablet when docked. I either have to stay farther away from the tablet and then I'm having trouble seeing small stuff (or tapping it) or I have to get close to the tablet but tilt my head a lot in a way that is very uncomfortable.
Do you guys know of any case that has adjustable angles like this one here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/StilGut-Ult..._1_sc_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1333061202&sr=8-13-spell ?
What I actually need is a browsing and typing angle that is lower than the keyboard dock but not as low as the Samsung Book Cover's typing angle that it makes you hover over the tablet.
The one I linked to above looks promising (see 3rd pic), but the reviews don't say anything about this.
Thanks!
Pyro Skins do one that looks like that one but cheaper, about £18. Theyre based in the US but will deliver to the Uk, the 18 quid includes delivery
That's no good. I need it shipped to Romania, so it's gotta be from Amanzon UK 'cause Amazon US does not ship to Romania
Anyway, the price isn't my main concern. It's the fact that with these types of accessories you never know if they really suit your needs until you see them in front of you (or maybe a video review on youtube, lol, I just had a thought).
I've got this case, and while I kept it, I'm not 100% happy with it:
Good:
high quality
good protection
Bad:
personally don't like the leather texture
even if it says "slim case", it's a bit thick and heavy
Most important: if you have it latched in one of the two stand positions, it will mask the speaker at the bottom, leading to bad sound experience. This is especially annoying when watching videos
Hope that helps. Maybe I can take some pictures soon.
Hey guys, i have just come across this on kickstarter.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/glowdeck/glowdeck-wireless-power-light-and-sound
It looks interesting and i think it may be the first of its kind? Anyone aware of any other viable alternatives? I love that it has multiple charging coils so you can just chuck your phone down on it.
This will beat my current setup which is an energizer qi charger and an old logitech alarm clock with a bluetooth ipod dongle (this works well btw, just not pretty)
What do you guys think? Any other things like this available or going to be soon?
dalton8 said:
Hey guys, i have just come across this on kickstarter.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/glowdeck/glowdeck-wireless-power-light-and-sound
It looks interesting and i think it may be the first of its kind? Anyone aware of any other viable alternatives? I love that it has multiple charging coils so you can just chuck your phone down on it.
This will beat my current setup which is an energizer qi charger and an old logitech alarm clock with a bluetooth ipod dongle (this works well btw, just not pretty)
What do you guys think? Any other things like this available or going to be soon?
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Looks nice! For a $100 for the mini version is kinda steep for a charger. $275 for the one with bt speakers and display...is ok, but still kinda steep for a nightstand piece. EDIT: I kept looking at it and I opted for the single display with speakers lol. I may change my mind down the road, but I like the look of it. It's a step up from the multiple charger stands like the Tylt VU but that one has no display and runs retail for $70usd plus any shipping.
glowdeck - Wireless Power, Light, and Sound
kpjimmy said:
Looks nice! For a $100 for the mini version is kinda steep for a charger. $275 for the one with bt speakers and display...is ok, but still kinda steep for a nightstand piece. EDIT: I kept looking at it and I opted for the single display with speakers lol. I may change my mind down the road, but I like the look of it. It's a step up from the multiple charger stands like the Tylt VU but that one has no display and runs retail for $70usd plus any shipping.
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Click to collapse
I see you guys are discussing Glowdeck - which is great; I'm very glad to hear that it is of interest to you - so I thought I'd chime in and try to explain some of the price-related comments you raised. A backer just asked how much I expect the Multiple Device Edition to retail for after the Kickstarter campaign, and here's a paraphrase of the response I sent him:
Because there are still some cost details to be hammered out (with components suppliers/manufacturers), it's difficult to say exactly what the retail price point for Glowdeck will be (assuming the campaign succeeds), but I set the reward levels on Kickstarter about $50.00 below what I expect the Multiple Device Edition to retail for (i.e. $375.00). I thought this would be a way to reward the first folks who support the product.
To be sure, it's not an inexpensive product, but in addition to going against the grain (at least in the tech world) with an elegant wood finish, I was determined to use only premium quality components. Instead of Glowdeck being a product that does a bunch of things just okay, I set out to build a high-end device that would perform excellently across the board.
The question now is whether the market is willing to pay a little bit more for a product that doesn't skimp on quality - both aesthetically and functionally. But with your pledge, I'm encouraged that the answer might be yes...
Feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments, and please continue to spread the word!
glowdeck said:
I see you guys are discussing Glowdeck - which is great; I'm very glad to hear that it is of interest to you - so I thought I'd chime in and try to explain some of the price-related comments you raised. A backer just asked how much I expect the Multiple Device Edition to retail for after the Kickstarter campaign, and here's a paraphrase of the response I sent him:
Because there are still some cost details to be hammered out (with components suppliers/manufacturers), it's difficult to say exactly what the retail price point for Glowdeck will be (assuming the campaign succeeds), but I set the reward levels on Kickstarter about $50.00 below what I expect the Multiple Device Edition to retail for (i.e. $375.00). I thought this would be a way to reward the first folks who support the product.
To be sure, it's not an inexpensive product, but in addition to going against the grain (at least in the tech world) with an elegant wood finish, I was determined to use only premium quality components. Instead of Glowdeck being a product that does a bunch of things just okay, I set out to build a high-end device that would perform excellently across the board.
The question now is whether the market is willing to pay a little bit more for a product that doesn't skimp on quality - both aesthetically and functionally. But with your pledge, I'm encouraged that the answer might be yes...
Feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments, and please continue to spread the word!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the Glowdeck top up the phone overnight? Ive read a few posts about some qi chargers charging the phone to 100% then turning off completely, so if you charge it over night it will be at about 90-95% in the morning instead of 100%..
glowdeck said:
I see you guys are discussing Glowdeck - which is great; I'm very glad to hear that it is of interest to you - so I thought I'd chime in and try to explain some of the price-related comments you raised. A backer just asked how much I expect the Multiple Device Edition to retail for after the Kickstarter campaign, and here's a paraphrase of the response I sent him:
Because there are still some cost details to be hammered out (with components suppliers/manufacturers), it's difficult to say exactly what the retail price point for Glowdeck will be (assuming the campaign succeeds), but I set the reward levels on Kickstarter about $50.00 below what I expect the Multiple Device Edition to retail for (i.e. $375.00). I thought this would be a way to reward the first folks who support the product.
To be sure, it's not an inexpensive product, but in addition to going against the grain (at least in the tech world) with an elegant wood finish, I was determined to use only premium quality components. Instead of Glowdeck being a product that does a bunch of things just okay, I set out to build a high-end device that would perform excellently across the board.
The question now is whether the market is willing to pay a little bit more for a product that doesn't skimp on quality - both aesthetically and functionally. But with your pledge, I'm encouraged that the answer might be yes...
Feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions or comments, and please continue to spread the word!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would absolutely be interested in something like this, but the Qi wireless standard, while the dominant standard now, may not be in the near future. I'm sure you've done your research to know that a bunch of big names back another standard (and I won't get into it here). As such, investing $200+ on a device that may not work with my future devices is a hard pill to swallow. I'm not the kind of person that would buy a wireless charging case as an accessory so if my next phone doesn't support Qi, my Glowdeck would lose much of it's functionality.
In addition, and again with my view of never buying a wireless charging case, just not enough phones support Qi natively (integrated). If wireless charging was mainstream (and ignoring the standards war), I would really be interested in something like this. I currently use a wireless charger for my Nexus 4 and it's awesome, but will my next phone have it? My next phone may be the Moto X and it's already stated that it won't come with wireless charging. If my phone is the Nexus 5, again, we will not know if it comes with wireless charging. I almost feel that if I buy a Glowdeck, I would be restricting myself to wireless charging phones only to ensure I won't be stuck with having a $200 alarm clock.
Overall, wireless charging having an uncertain future through it's adoption and competing standards hurts this product in my eyes. Tack on the premium price and I can't see myself buying something like this right now. However, the idea is great -- many times I wish I had 2 wireless chargers so I could put one on my nightstand. Glowdeck does this and so much more.
Just my feedback that I'm sure people will disagree with. Goodluck on your campaign!
Really nice charger/speaker/clock! Would love to have one but yes, the price of $275 (not considering FX) is a bit too steep for me since it is just going to be a "want".. But you have a nice product there! Good luck with your kickstarter project!
Enhanced said:
I would absolutely be interested in something like this, but the Qi wireless standard, while the dominant standard now, may not be in the near future. I'm sure you've done your research to know that a bunch of big names back another standard (and I won't get into it here). As such, investing $200+ on a device that may not work with my future devices is a hard pill to swallow. I'm not the kind of person that would buy a wireless charging case as an accessory so if my next phone doesn't support Qi, my Glowdeck would lose much of it's functionality.
In addition, and again with my view of never buying a wireless charging case, just not enough phones support Qi natively (integrated). If wireless charging was mainstream (and ignoring the standards war), I would really be interested in something like this. I currently use a wireless charger for my Nexus 4 and it's awesome, but will my next phone have it? My next phone may be the Moto X and it's already stated that it won't come with wireless charging. If my phone is the Nexus 5, again, we will not know if it comes with wireless charging. I almost feel that if I buy a Glowdeck, I would be restricting myself to wireless charging phones only to ensure I won't be stuck with having a $200 alarm clock.
Overall, wireless charging having an uncertain future through it's adoption and competing standards hurts this product in my eyes. Tack on the premium price and I can't see myself buying something like this right now. However, the idea is great -- many times I wish I had 2 wireless chargers so I could put one on my nightstand. Glowdeck does this and so much more.
Just my feedback that I'm sure people will disagree with. Goodluck on your campaign!
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the feedback - it is all well taken. Deciding on a wireless standard was difficult, but there was a rationale behind the decision to go with the Qi standard (at least for the time being), and I think I will address this point in an update to the Kickstarter campaign in the next few days.
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tanwg said:
Really nice charger/speaker/clock! Would love to have one but yes, the price of $275 (not considering FX) is a bit too steep for me since it is just going to be a "want".. But you have a nice product there! Good luck with your kickstarter project!
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the kind words. And I know where you're coming from with regard to the price. Out of curiosity, would a modified version of Glowdeck with no display (nor WiFi connectivity) appeal to you as well? If so, what price would seem reasonable for such a product?
glowdeck said:
Thanks for the kind words. And I know where you're coming from with regard to the price. Out of curiosity, would a modified version of Glowdeck with no display (nor WiFi connectivity) appeal to you as well? If so, what price would seem reasonable for such a product?
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Click to collapse
I like the display because that will make it function as a bedside clock too, but WiFi to receive feeds does not appeal to me . As for price, I would not comment since I don't know the cost involved in such a project.
IMO Lose the display, things like daydream make up for it. The screen is too small anyway (OR/AND) Lose the wifi, apps should make it possible to pull all info from the phone. Make something like a slope or stand with the nfc inside so the phone can stay upright(Also lowers the number of coils u need).
It has all of the functionality I've ever wanted in speakers before except the design is so terrible. I don't know why anyone would want the weird wood finish on this, it looks so tacky and gives off a hipster vibe. I would kill to have a speaker with all these functions in something more geometric, modern, satin colors and less of a 1950s vibe. Price is also a turnoff.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Hey everyone, I stumbled upon this Kickstarter project and thought I would share with everyone the link. I backed it up because it really looks like a solid wireless charger that could definitely make life easier, not to mention it looks pretty sweet. Anyone who is able to should go back this up as well so the creators can meet their goal. Well, here is the link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cellinnovations/synergy-worlds-best-wireless-smartphone-charger
niccuany said:
Hey everyone, I stumbled upon this Kickstarter project and thought I would share with everyone the link. I backed it up because it really looks like a solid wireless charger that could definitely make life easier, not to mention it looks pretty sweet. Anyone who is able to should go back this up as well so the creators can meet their goal. Well, here is the link: ...
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Click to collapse
This idea looks perfect !
I rly have trouble to buy car dock for my S4, before samsung, i was using htc sensation, with original car dock and its was pretty cool, just plug phone in dock and its going to automobile mode and charges? now i dont know what to do with S4 i havent seen any car dock like i have with HTC...
Synergy looks perfect solution of my problem, but price...
I like my toys, but $125 for a charging stand seems a bit high. In addition, the micro-suction technology probably wont work with many of the cases like Otterbox or UAG since a very smooth surface is needed to adhere to the back of the phone.
Based on the Kickstarter goal to raise $150K and they are only at $27K with 16 days to go, it looks like others may be doubting this idea too.
swieder711 said:
I like my toys, but $125 for a charging stand seems a bit high. In addition, the micro-suction technology probably wont work with many of the cases like Otterbox or UAG since a very smooth surface is needed to adhere to the back of the phone.
Based on the Kickstarter goal to raise $150K and they are only at $27K with 16 days to go, it looks like others may be doubting this idea too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you assume it use 'micro-suction'? it does not. it is magnetic.
And it is a High End device, so $95 for the stand + the base for the car including the wire tap to integrate directly in the car is not outrageously expensive.
eortizr said:
Why do you assume it use 'micro-suction'? it does not. it is magnetic.
And it is a High End device, so $95 for the stand + the base for the car including the wire tap to integrate directly in the car is not outrageously expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think a magnet would be strong enough to hold the phone to the base. Someone said it was magnet + micro-suction. I thought $95 was only the kickstarter promotional price with full retail at $125.
At this point let's wait to hear first hand accounts from users. If it gets funded, has rave reviews and can hold the phone with an Otterbox or UAG case then I will get one.
9 days left with $120K still needed. That's over 1000 more backers needed!
I wonder if this project will get funded.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
This has received terrible reviews, but I do like its form factor:
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Bluetoot...-3&keywords=bluetooth\+keyboard+for+galaxy+s5
Anybody use anything else?
Jake
jakfish said:
This has received terrible reviews, but I do like its form factor:
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Bluetoot...-3&keywords=bluetooth\+keyboard+for+galaxy+s5
Anybody use anything else?
Jake
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Click to collapse
I don't know - the reviews aren't worth their time for the product. the description of the product itself is clearly ESL which doesn't build confidence about the budget they had in making this thing. However two of the 3 critical reviews are either irrelevant (doesn't fit his note 3... ) or unreliable. The one that specifies criticisms has such poor grammar as to be undecipherable in some places, but does point out the bulk and possibly poor hardware design of the case. I don't expect this thing to be thin, but it's ridiculous that the description and specs don't mention the actual SIZE of the product. It's weight is more than 10 oz though which is getting up there.... worrying for sure.
However the same reviewer also comments that the text you type is "perpendicular"... presumably he isn't aware of how to choose apps that can work in landscape or know enough about his phone to know how to enable rotation. So all in all we have one clear negative which is the bulk of the product.
I don't want a bulky keyboard/case either, but it may be a requisite since at least this keyboard has real buttons.
I wish people would talk about the keyboard feel/action (is it actually possible to type on (Despite the misaligned qwerty layout) or is it too hard to press fast... stuff like that).
I also wish the real dimensions were published.
So I do agree with you - I want something like that but with at least enough information to be worth spending $50 or more to get (After taxes/shipping/exchange rate etc as I'm in Canada). No way I'm throwing away that much money unless I know it's worth it.
For big bucks there is that new laser keyboard they keep promoting before movies in theatres LoL.... but (a) I expect it's super expensive and hard to find, and (b) can you imagine typing on anything LESS responsive than just a desktop surface without being able to feel key edges or motion??
Anyhow.... ideas would be welcome here.
---------- Post added at 12:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 PM ----------
ya know, honestly I'd rather have an unfold able bluetooth keyboard that reaches near full size and has decent action that I can put in my other pocket than deal with a crappy keyboard case only to have such a small keyboard as to be only marginally better than typing on the phone itself.
so a foldable full size qwerty keyboard that gets really small and thin for pocket carrying sounds ideal.
Is there such a thing (that doesn't cost $500)?
http://www.cellphoneshop.net/s5btokey.html
I ended up rolling the dice on this--it was 20usd/free shipping. Worth a look-see. And I think it's the same one so extravagantly priced on Amazon. It's on a slow boat from China, so fingers crossed. While waiting, I also went ahead and purchased/installed "External Keyboard Help Pro," an amazing app that allows full key/character customization of a bt keyboard. I set up the layout on a Ipad bt keyboard, but since the coding is unicode rather than hardcode, I'm hoping the layout/keystrokes will transfer successfully to the arriving mini keyboard.
I had forgotten the laser keyboard, but I'm with you: how good could can the form factor be?
If this thing ever gets here, I'll certainly post back my impressions. I do see that same keyboard kicking around on ebay for under 20usd, sans case, but I don't know if such ubiquity is good or bad.
Thanks for your thoughtful post,
Jake
I've had a bluetooth keyboard for probably 18 months now... Got it on special for 5.99 GBP, made by Xenta.. It is not attached to the phone but I keep it in my work rucksack, along with a bluetooth mouse. The only downside about it for me is that the buttons are rubberised. IF the buttons were more like a blackberry this keyboard would be ace - but you do need to sit the phone somewhere so you can type using the keyboard. A plus is that I can use this keyboard with any device that accepts bluetooth keyboards, hence it has been paired with my HTC One X+, Samsung Note 3 and S5.
6 Pounds - can't go wrong.
Here's a better one that says it has a mouse feature built in. http://www.ebuyer.com/247588-xenta-...keyboard-with-mouse-touchpad-2-4ghz-rf240-50k
Rubberized keys seem to be a complaint about other brands of keyboards as well--it must be the cheapest way to make them sell for 6 Pounds
My en route keyboard is also rubberized. Should be an adventure in qwerty.
The mousepad from your link's model draws complaints--I had a vague little optical mousepad on my Sidekick 4G that would freak out in sunlight. It's hard to make these things both cheap and good.
I'm most interested in whether the contraption will a) fit in a front pocket of jeans b) be useful as a phone when it sits in the case
Jake
This is why OEMs should look into hardware keyboards again. This is what made the original G1 great.
Sent from my toaster
The keyboard/case arrived and for 20 bucks, I have no complaints. It paired right away and afterwards, when bt is enabled on the S5 and the keyboard is turned on, it connects fast and without problem.
As for the keyboard itself, it ain't no HP Jornada 720 or any other handheld computer. The keys are rubberized and own a certain mushiness and obviously, it's a smaller layout than any h/pc.
If this analogy rings a bell with anybody, I would compare usability to the Psion Revo keyboard. The tactile sense b/w the two is literally hard and soft, but their sizes are similar and the typing vs mistakes is roughly equal for both the Psion and this.
The phone casement is velcro-ed and to enable a quasi laptop mode, you loosen the phone's bottom half to set it at a slight angle.
The External Keyboard Helper Pro saves the day: I programmed a second Shift key, key-mapped many punctuation alternatives (mostly smart quotes, etc), key-stroked apps (e.g. alt-w = word processor). Everything was done without root.
You can tell by its thickness that the case/keyboard/phone will not fit into a jeans' front pocket, which is where I like to carry my S5. I would imagine it would fit into the front pocket of dress pants, but noticeably so.
Wish me luck posting these pictures,
Jake