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Hardware keyboard

I'm sure a lot of you have seen the Lenovo Lephone with it's attachable hardware keyboard/dock thing. If not check it out:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/lenovo-lephone-seen-again-os-cues-taken-from-skylight/
Essentially the phone snaps into this plastic cover that has a hardware keyboard and turns into a foldable phone (like an LG Voyager or something) with a hardware keyboard. Anyone think we'll be seeing anything like this come out for the nexus or other future/past android phones with no hardware keyboards? It's actually a great idea because it has an extended battery along with it i believe. What do you guys think? Would anyone support this type of attachment for android phones? (By using an accessory with an app or something) And would any android users buy something like this?

matt_stang said:
I'm sure a lot of you have seen the Lenovo Lephone with it's attachable hardware keyboard/dock thing. If not check it out:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/11/lenovo-lephone-seen-again-os-cues-taken-from-skylight/
Essentially the phone snaps into this plastic cover that has a hardware keyboard and turns into a foldable phone (like an LG Voyager or something) with a hardware keyboard. Anyone think we'll be seeing anything like this come out for the nexus or other future/past android phones with no hardware keyboards? It's actually a great idea because it has an extended battery along with it i believe. What do you guys think? Would anyone support this type of attachment for android phones? (By using an accessory with an app or something) And would any android users buy something like this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would support something like that because I love gadgets. But then I think to myself why would I want something the size of a PlayStation Portable (PSP) in my pocket? But it does look nice. How would this thing work as far as answering incoming calls? Would you have to take it out of the case to answer calls? And if it extended the battery life on my phone that would always be a plus. Idk I would have to think if I would want to carry something so big just to use as a keyboard.

RussianSolja said:
I would support something like that because I love gadgets. But then I think to myself why would I want something the size of a PlayStation Portable (PSP) in my pocket? But it does look nice. How would this thing work as far as answering incoming calls? Would you have to take it out of the case to answer calls? And if it extended the battery life on my phone that would always be a plus. Idk I would have to think if I would want to carry something so big just to use as a keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well maybe it wouldn't be that big. Say it only made your phone twice as thick and maybe it could have an external mic for answering calls. And of course there's always headphones and speakerphone for phone calls.

H
matt_stang said:
Well maybe it wouldn't be that big. Say it only made your phone twice as thick and maybe it could have an external mic for answering calls. And of course there's always headphones and speakerphone for phone calls.
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Click to collapse
If it would make my phone as big as lets per say the touch pro 2 then I wouldnt mind. Any bigger then that I think would be annoying to carry around. You would want something like that just to use as a keyboard? Is the keyboard on the N1 that bad? I like the whole on screen keyboard. It saves me time from cleaning my screen and keyboard if I had one. Plus hardware keyboards tend to get very greasey and after a while and it would have to take a while, the keys start sinking into the phone. My G1 for example, the keyboard looked nasty before I switched to the nexus. I couldn't even sell it to a stranger if I wanted to because the way the keyboard looked. Don't get me wrong I kept up with cleaning my keyboard but it just don't look the same as the first day I got the phone. I'm sure a lot of people will agree with that.

I know I would definitely be interested. I wouldn't have the phone in said 'keyboard dock' type thing all the time, I would only use it when I need it (either need the extended battery, or need to punch out a couple emails or the phone needs lots of use).
And I would probably also make use of it when wanting to play games/emulators, because then I'd have a hardware keyboard to map keys to.
I'd definitely buy one if it was <$125, it would probably just live in my messenger bag.

I actually was thinking the other day this would be great for the N1, I had not seen the LePhone before though.
It is feasible if the dock connector is capable or passing signal as well as power. I would use it upon occasion for certain. I can make due with the on screen keyboard but I definitely would like to have a HW one as well. With something like this you get the best of both worlds. Thin and light most of the time and a keyboard for when you need to do more typing than usual.
Of course if Android would just support HID I would be just as happy and carry a foldable BT keyboard around.

RussianSolja said:
H
If it would make my phone as big as lets per say the touch pro 2 then I wouldnt mind. Any bigger then that I think would be annoying to carry around. You would want something like that just to use as a keyboard? Is the keyboard on the N1 that bad? I like the whole on screen keyboard. It saves me time from cleaning my screen and keyboard if I had one. Plus hardware keyboards tend to get very greasey and after a while and it would have to take a while, the keys start sinking into the phone. My G1 for example, the keyboard looked nasty before I switched to the nexus. I couldn't even sell it to a stranger if I wanted to because the way the keyboard looked. Don't get me wrong I kept up with cleaning my keyboard but it just don't look the same as the first day I got the phone. I'm sure a lot of people will agree with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea what you do with your phone, but I text every day (alot
), and do other stuff - on my g1. And the keyboard does not look no where near "nasty" as you've sad, and I have had this for quite a while. It sounds as if you've destroyed the thing..

Eclair~ said:
I have no idea what you do with your phone, but I text every day (alot
), and do other stuff - on my g1. And the keyboard does not look no where near "nasty" as you've sad, and I have had this for quite a while. It sounds as if you've destroyed the thing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the g1 since day one it was announced. Pre-ordered and all. I've texted a lot. I was referring to moments like you would get done eating like some BBQ wings and then go text right after. Yes you would wipe or clean your hands but the sauce would still remain. I abused my g1 LOL.

RussianSolja said:
I've had the g1 since day one it was announced. Pre-ordered and all. I've texted a lot. I was referring to moments like you would get done eating like some BBQ wings and then go text right after. Yes you would wipe or clean your hands but the sauce would still remain. I abused my g1 LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wipe your hands before you use your phone. Seriously, I don't understand how on earth you ate wings and didn't wipe your hands before texting. I send 3k to 4k texts a month as well as a ton of email and I just sold my G1 for a nice price.
Yes, I would definitely be interested in something like this even if I had to attach it every time I needed it. There are times that I need to type a lot (taking notes, for example) and a HW keyboard is the way to go.

AndroidAppCritic said:
Wipe your hands before you use your phone. Seriously, I don't understand how on earth you ate wings and didn't wipe your hands before texting. I send 3k to 4k texts a month as well as a ton of email and I just sold my G1 for a nice price.
Yes, I would definitely be interested in something like this even if I had to attach it every time I needed it. There are times that I need to type a lot (taking notes, for example) and a HW keyboard is the way to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using wings as an example. LOL my eating habits are perfectly fine. Thanks for asking.

Apple Wireless Keyboard with the N1
Anyone used an Apple Wireless Keyboard with the N1 successfully?
Phil

I'd definitely buy a stowaway keyboard for my N1

CaseCrown Bluetooth Keyboard works well

I know having a bluetooth keyboard for a phone with a physical keyboard seems silly, but for long emails (and really for any typing) I find the physical keyboard to be lacking. It may be that I have small hands, but it is uncomfortable and I can never really get my rhythm with it. Anyway, I have been eyeing this keyboard for a while and finally decided to purchase it. I got the iPad version since it was Prime eligible on Amazon. I purchased it also because I am in the market for a 7" tab and wanted a keyboard of comparable size.
It's a small keyboard, about 8.5" wide. They keys are springy and have a nice feel to them. The pairing was a bit trickier than other phones I have used. I had to do the initial pairing, then select the device in the paired list and hit a key on the keyboard to activate it. It doesn't seem to pull up the on screen keyboard when in use, which was a nice surprise. I had already downloaded nullKeyboard in anticipation of that happening.
EDIT: I am not very observant. It does pull up the on screen keyboard. I don't know how I missed it!!
One downside (although minor) is that it doesn't use a standard USB end. It is something smaller than microUSB. Not a big deal, though it would have been nice not to have another cable to keep up with. I haven't used it enough to give any sort of estimate on battery life, but these sorts of things are usually pretty long lasting.
Link:
http://www.amazon.com/CaseCrown-Por...P8EE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322545047&sr=8-1

That's a good posting, thank you.
I just ordered a bluetooth keyboard before thanksgiving:
http://www.amazon.com/Verbatim-9753...LT2E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322557358&sr=8-1
I'll post a review about it when I get it.
I agree with your sentiment about having a physical keyboard.
I want to plug my phone into a TV, then sit back on a couch and play with it, leaving the phone by the TV.
This means Bluetooth keyboard, video game controller, and trackpad.
Have you seen any good trackpapds that are bluetooth? being able to use the touchscreen as a touchscreen by proxy of a trackpad seems like the right answer instead of a mouse.

Blue6IX said:
Have you seen any good trackpapds that are bluetooth? being able to use the touchscreen as a touchscreen by proxy of a trackpad seems like the right answer instead of a mouse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the one I have also considered:
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Promini-Trackball-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B004S214IS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1322575241&sr=8-6
Many people have recommended the keyboard that has the large square trackpad beside it, like this http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Keyboard-Symbian-Players-TouchPad/dp/B0042VAXKK/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1322575241&sr=8-14 but the trackpad seems too wide to be able to comfortably type of the keyboard. Seems like you'd have to hold it strange on the right side. I like the first keyboard because the trackball doesn't offset the keyboard by too much.

I've seen that mini-keyboard recommended for the Nook Color.
Thing about it for this phone, though, is it just doesn't seem much different fromthe slide-out keyboard. The trackpad is a nice bonus, but if i'm gonna use a whole new physical keyboard, something like what you got or I ordered seems more worthwhile.
Why strain on tiny little thumb-keys when you can get keys sized for fingers and type normally.
Maybe for another device it would be good - just that mini-keyboard seems like too little gain for too big a hassle. Others may feel different, just my personal thoughts without having one.
I say this, though, and when my keyboard comes in i'll be minus a trackpad, so unable to scroll on the phone and still have to keep it right in front of me - therefore only a partial victory.
I'm really glad to hear that the keyboard you have is working out well for you, I was worried that it would be a pain in the tail to make it work right.

I just got mine in.
Works fantastic, fold up and fits in my cargo pocket of my pants.
Works on two AAA batteries, and I have packs of them just laying around thankfully, though I can't imagine it goes through them fast since it has an off switch.
Pairing was simple and easy, subsequent reconnects are seamless.
I like it, happy customer. Now have a keyboard that goes with my phone that outputs to a larger monitor.

Blue6IX said:
I just got mine in.
Works fantastic, fold up and fits in my cargo pocket of my pants.
Works on two AAA batteries, and I have packs of them just laying around thankfully, though I can't imagine it goes through them fast since it has an off switch.
Pairing was simple and easy, subsequent reconnects are seamless.
I like it, happy customer. Now have a keyboard that goes with my phone that outputs to a larger monitor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know why I didn't consider a fold up keyboard! So much more handy and easy to tote about. Thanks for the recommendation. I may just have to pick one up (I have a thing for keyboards ...)

geek_riot said:
I don't know why I didn't consider a fold up keyboard! So much more handy and easy to tote about. Thanks for the recommendation. I may just have to pick one up (I have a thing for keyboards ...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if you got a thing for keyboards, let me explain this one a bit more now that i've had it for a day.
It rocks. It's nice to type on, the keys are flat like a laptop. It integrates with android well, haven't had any problems in using it.
It has a little stand that pops out of the back of it, which I can use to support the phone right behind it - very handy.
It folds in half and slips in a case that fits in my cargo pocket - happy. Smaller then my Nook Color when folded, pictured below.
I attached a handful of pictures to give an idea of the size and how it looks.
On each side it has 4 little rubber feet, so when it's folded open it balances on 8 points that don't slide - perfect!
Runs on two AAA batteries, - the only thing is you have to press a recessed button for initial pairing, so you need a tool or something. ( I used a pair of tweezers).
Pictures below:

Do you think that stand would hold a 7" tablet?
Thanks!
Kim

I am quite sure that my Nook Color with the Trident case would break the stand.
It may not, but it sure wouldn't hold it right - it's pretty flimsy.
Fine for the phone, but anything beyond that is asking too much.

Keyboard cases that aren't terrible?

So recently, I got sick of my Samsung Epic 4G despite it running the latest Android and being, generally, a great phone. I decided to go to the S4 when I saw bluetooth keyboards were available for it. I like the idea of slider keyboards as my Epic has a five row one that works flawlessly. I'm now asking for any keyboards that people have found that aren't god awful.
So I bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MJ0V5E/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And it is honestly the worst product I have ever bought. Not only is it IDENTICAL to every slider case that exists on amazon (A lot of different brands, too), it has MANY problems.
-The buttons are hard to press down
-The space bar is the width of two letter keys across. TINY
-Delete key is intuitively placed BETWEEN KEYS.
-Delete key is also the size of one letter key.
-No spacing between keys
-Caps and FN keys are not toggle-able.
-Only a 4 row keyboard, so numbers are "FN" buttons
-This requires holding down the FN key to use a series of numbers
Overall, it was the biggest disappointment in my life. It's bad enough where I'm selling the S4 and going back to my Epic. If anyone finds a good BT keyboard and wants to stop me from making this decision, by all means. And there's a white version floating about that's exactly the same that prices anywhere from $30-90.

Go back to your epic. If you really need a slider keyboard THAT bad then this isn't the phone for you. Doubt you'll like any bluetooth keyboard.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4

elflip88 said:
Go back to your epic. If you really need a slider keyboard THAT bad then this isn't the phone for you. Doubt you'll like any bluetooth keyboard.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been waiting on a post like this for a while. I'm in the same spot. Love my Epic, wish I had 3 extra processors.
I've been looking at this case recently:
http://www.hypercel.com/best-sellers/bluetooth-keyboards/bluetooth-keyboard-case-galaxy-s4-white
and am waiting on some feedback as I'd hate to go all in only to be let down.

elflip88 said:
Go back to your epic. If you really need a slider keyboard THAT bad then this isn't the phone for you. Doubt you'll like any bluetooth keyboard.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the problem that there's really only one bluetooth keyboard. If one is to look on Amazon, they all have an identical design, aside from the ones that really are full-sized keyboards.
The problem is that the iPhone crowd started a trend of "buttons are so barbaric". Every phone company jumped on board because adding a keyboard meant higher manufacturing cost. Back when the HTC Touch Pro was on the market, it was thee biggest phone. Now keyboard phones are released with last-years mid-range specs. To get latest specs, you have to axe the keyboard. I simply don't know why Samsung doesn't release their own BT add-on. It's possible, and with a real company behind it, it might actually be a good add-on. There wouldn't be so many clones on Amazon (and there are near a hundred different "companies" that released the same bluetooth keyboard on Amazon) if there weren't a significant amount of buyers.
dannyzen said:
Been waiting on a post like this for a while. I'm in the same spot. Love my Epic, wish I had 3 extra processors.
I've been looking at this case recently:
http://www.hypercel.com/best-sellers/bluetooth-keyboards/bluetooth-keyboard-case-galaxy-s4-white
and am waiting on some feedback as I'd hate to go all in only to be let down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the exact same keyboard only in white. The fact that it's $80 adds layers of insult to injury. Sorry man, wouldn't make the purchase.
I mean, this add-on makes the phone significantly thicker than my Epic, but I'm a guy. They put pockets on our jeans.

TPMJB said:
It's the problem that there's really only one bluetooth keyboard. If one is to look on Amazon, they all have an identical design, aside from the ones that really are full-sized keyboards.
The problem is that the iPhone crowd started a trend of "buttons are so barbaric". Every phone company jumped on board because adding a keyboard meant higher manufacturing cost. Back when the HTC Touch Pro was on the market, it was thee biggest phone. Now keyboard phones are released with last-years mid-range specs. To get latest specs, you have to axe the keyboard. I simply don't know why Samsung doesn't release their own BT add-on. It's possible, and with a real company behind it, it might actually be a good add-on. There wouldn't be so many clones on Amazon (and there are near a hundred different "companies" that released the same bluetooth keyboard on Amazon) if there weren't a significant amount of buyers.
It's the exact same keyboard only in white. The fact that it's $80 adds layers of insult to injury. Sorry man, wouldn't make the purchase.
I mean, this add-on makes the phone significantly thicker than my Epic, but I'm a guy. They put pockets on our jeans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Wireless-Removable-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00D03KVYE/ref=pd_sim_cps_4
http://www.amazon.com/Arbalest-Remo...&sr=1-16&keywords=wireless+keyboard+galaxy+s4
These look like the other option you have, but I don't see anything else. The delete key seems to be in a better position.
i prefer physical kb also. not sure the battery drain from having bt on all the time would be worth it.

Phatdawg said:
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Wireless-Removable-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00D03KVYE/ref=pd_sim_cps_4
http://www.amazon.com/Arbalest-Remo...&sr=1-16&keywords=wireless+keyboard+galaxy+s4
These look like the other option you have, but I don't see anything else. The delete key seems to be in a better position.
i prefer physical kb also. not sure the battery drain from having bt on all the time would be worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*sigh*
I'm wondering if I could frankenstein something out of my spare Samsung Epic and my S4. Would likely require more know-how with the software than I currently have.

epic 4g is still a great phone, the most ergonomic i've ever used and the keyboard really comes in handy not only for typing but as a "holder" to view the screen & navigate
these days i use it as a remote/mouse when i hook my PC up to the tv and it works flawlessly

Galaxy keyboard vs Logitech keyboard?

For those of you who have tried both keyboards for the 10.5 inch tablet, which one do you prefer and recommend? I've been debating which one to get. Any advice you could provide would be greatly appreciated, especially since I have to order them online at this point since I'm in Canada.

After having bought many Logitech devices, an alarmingly large number that have failed, I will never buy Logitech again.

I don't know how true but the best buy guy told me they've been seeing some tablets return with cracked screens because of the Logitech keyboard. The Samsung keys are recessed so might not cause an issue. I can't be certain of any of this but thought I'd drop in.
Sent from my Galaxy Tab S

I have the Samsung bluetooth keyboard, and I played around with the Logitech at Best Buy. My honest opinion is that neither of them are meant for any major projects. Web browsing, emails, or maybe a short paper. Honestly, they are good keyboards. They just feel very cramped due to the size screen that they are attached to. I love the form factor of the Samsung, but I feel like I have giant hands when I'm typing on it. The keys also seem sort of slippery to me. I don't know if that makes sense, since most of the time I press a key, and my finger slides off and presses the one above it.
Am I happy with the purchase??? Time will tell I guess.
IT'S DAMN SEXY THOUGH!

05GT said:
I have the Samsung bluetooth keyboard, and I played around with the Logitech at Best Buy. My honest opinion is that neither of them are meant for any major projects. Web browsing, emails, or maybe a short paper. Honestly, they are good keyboards. They just feel very cramped due to the size screen that they are attached to. I love the form factor of the Samsung, but I feel like I have giant hands when I'm typing on it. The keys also seem sort of slippery to me. I don't know if that makes sense, since most of the time I press a key, and my finger slides off and presses the one above it.
Am I happy with the purchase??? Time will tell I guess.
IT'S DAMN SEXY THOUGH!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the Samsung keyboard charge the tablet when connected?

Nope. There is no external power connection between them when connected. The keyboard doesn't even come with it's own charger.

I bought a refurbished logitch K810 on newegg for $50.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-
At that price point it's well worth it. No issues with it after a few weeks of use.
edit: this is an external keyboard that I find works well. When I want to type a long message I grab the keyboard and turn it on, tablet immediately detects it. Any other general browsing, I turn it off and set it aside. Find I rarely ever need it.
Since I already have the book cover, I see no need for a smaller, less practical keyboard attached to a case.

Looking for a bluetooth keyboard for Tab S 8.5 inch, need your suggestion!

Hi, I need a small bluetooth keyboard for Tab S 8.5 inch, it's a gift for Father's day, I hope it can work with both android and windows system, because my
mom has a windows system tablet, if you have any good recommendation, please let me know, I really appreciate if you can share a link, thanks in advance.

tomatoguy said:
Hi, I need a small bluetooth keyboard for Tab S 8.5 inch, it's a gift for Father's day, I hope it can work with both android and windows system, because my
mom has a windows system tablet, if you have any good recommendation, please let me know, I really appreciate if you can share a link, thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really depends on the price you are willing to pay, the quality you want, and the features you expect.
For a highly unique keyboard that has some great features, typing size, compatability, and is small enough to give some cellphones a run for the money the textblade is an interesting choice
text blade
Logitech makes a couple android compatible keyboards. This one is a respectable size and has the compatibility you want. The only downside (imho) is the use of aaa batteries instead of a built in rechargeable one but some may see that as a bonus plus keyboards can last a long time on a single set of batteries
logitech keyboard
There are various others but without having more information on the person who will be using the keyboard. Where the keyboard will be used. The main use for the keyboard. (Email, spreadsheet work, or maybe writing a book) Without this information all I can give are a very safe keyboard and a very interesting one.

I love the keyboard. Having this separate keyboard allows me to keep my laptop safely off to the side and out of the way of my separate flat screen display. The tactile feedback from the keys is equivalent to my Tab S 8.5 . Not that "mushy" feel that I have experienced with other keyboards. In terms of size, it is almost equal, and the slight upward angle makes it very comfortable on my wrists. Response time is as quick as using my built in keyboard.

acdbrn2000 said:
It really depends on the price you are willing to pay, the quality you want, and the features you expect.
For a highly unique keyboard that has some great features, typing size, compatability, and is small enough to give some cellphones a run for the money the textblade is an interesting choice
text blade
Logitech makes a couple android compatible keyboards. This one is a respectable size and has the compatibility you want. The only downside (imho) is the use of aaa batteries instead of a built in rechargeable one but some may see that as a bonus plus keyboards can last a long time on a single set of batteries
logitech keyboard
There are various others but without having more information on the person who will be using the keyboard. Where the keyboard will be used. The main use for the keyboard. (Email, spreadsheet work, or maybe writing a book) Without this information all I can give are a very safe keyboard and a very interesting one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your sharing, both looks great and interesting, but the price is kind of expensive. And you are right, people need a fittest keyboard, not the most expensive one. Maybe I will get one for myself,, it's just not my father's type. Thank you all the same.

camillety226ty said:
I just got a new bluetooth keyboard from Ebay.
I typically don't buy keyboards for tablets because the keyboards usually aren't that good and few tablet apps make great use of the keyboards anyway. However, I decided I would try out the Keyboard since I already had the Samsung TabS. Here are my thoughts on the Keyboard:
The keyboard works pretty well. Typing up small messages, web searches, and social media posts work just as you expect it to work.
The keys and trackpad both work well. It's a great deal for the price .
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Click to collapse
Wow, this is great, it looks just like what my father need, and it has a touchpad, this is awesome for the price, can't wait to give it to my father as a surprise. Thank you so much, dude.:good::good::good:

i have this one. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61090583&postcount=34 I prefer this design because of portability. I would have gone for the TextBlade as well but I thought I'd wait for the price to drop a bit.