The Compaq iPaq is a very useful device, but, as all PDAs go, inputting data has its quirks. In the case of the PocketPC, it includes the "Graffiti" look-alike, and the on-screen keyboard. In practicality, how easy and quick are these methods? The graffiti input has a high learning curve for non Palm users, and in many cases, the method of creating a character does not make sense (they go against the natural flow flow of the hand and lettering). The on screen keyboard takes too long to use, and can not come close to keyboard typing. So, what's the alternative? A KEYBOARD!

Targus iPaq keyboard in it's case.

Targus iPaq keyboard and Compaq iPaq.

ThinkOutside has created a portable keyboard for the Compaq iPaq (and other PDAs and phones). The iPaq version is sold under the Targus brand, and can be found in most computer stores that carry Targus products. I received my iPaq portable keyboard directly from the good people at ThinkOutside. The retail package includes a CD-ROM driver (which must be loaded on the iPaq to install keyboard drivers and configuration software), and a small booklet that explains the basics (how to open/close the keyboard, install the software, configure it, etc...).

The small size of the portable keyboard when folded (3.6" x 5.1" x 0.8") allows the owner to carry it in their pockets. On the outside, the keyboard is unrecognizable, but, when the unfold process begins, its inner beauty is revealed. A keyboard that resembled a large notebook keyboard (13.8" x 5.1" x 0.44").

Unfolded keyboard and the iPaq.

Before the keyboard can be used, the driver must be installed. This software allows for configuring settings such as the repeat delay, input delay, quick launch keys, and the detection method for the keyboard. The installation of the driver is simple. Place the CD that comes with the keyboard into your CD-ROM drive, and run the SETUP.EXE file off of it. Just click the OK button to proceed. If your iPaq isn't in the cradle, the driver will be installed upon the next synchronization. Once it is installed, just reset your iPaq, and the driver will be active.

Unfolding the keyboard is pretty simple:

1. Push the latch to unlock the keyboard


2. Unfold the keyboard and set it on a flat surface


3. Slide the two ends in to lock them in place

To attach the keyboard to the iPaq:

1. Slide the docking mechanism out (it's that odd piece next to the iPaq in the above picture)


2. Lift up the docking connector


3. Align the alignment marker and the bottom speaker hole on the iPaq, and push down gently

That's all. After practicing, these simple steps can be performed in about 10 seconds. The keyboard is now ready to use. Very easy, and very effective.

The Stowaway keyboard configuration screen.

When the Stowaway driver is first installed, the "Key Repeat Delay" and "Key Repeat Rate" are set as the above picture shows. These settings are fine for people that are novice typists. For people with the ability to type quickly, those above setting should be set towards the left side. When set to the quickest rates, the keyboard is very sensitive and double letters (or more) will appear if your finger is on a key long enough for the delay to pass.

A the top of the screen, you will notice an "Enable Keyboard" and "Hot-Dock" checkbox. These are very important to note. The first one (Enable Keyboard) turns the keyboard driver "on" and "off." If you uncheck this one, the keyboard will NOT function. This is required when using some GPS products (such as the Pharos iGPS-180, included with the PocketPC Navigator kit) as they interface through the same docking port connector, and the keyboard driver interferes. The other check box (Hot-Dock) is also one to bring to attention. Hot docking allows the iPaq to detect the keyboard when you plug it in, whether the iPaq is on or off. If this is unchecked, the iPaq will only find the keyboard if it has been plugged in before turning the iPaq on.

The Stowaway keyboard hot-key chooser.

Configuration of "hot-keys" allows the user to program the number keys to run different programs when the number key is pressed while holding the "Fn" (secondary function) key. You are allowed to run any program on the iPaq that you can run normally. There is also a special command, "Choose Data File. . . ." that will bring up a menu showing all data files on the iPaq and other storage. You can click the file (or select it with the keyboard) and it will launch in the proper application.

The Tests:

Now that you are familiar with the product, we will begin our testing procedure.

When we first received the keyboard, our first question was: how fragile is this thing? So, we went ahead and began the first series of tests. The "DROP TEST."

MAX HEIGHT	CASE	MATERIAL	PASS/FAIL
2 feet	Closed	Carpet	PASS
1 feet	Closed	Rolling Chair Mats	PASS
1 foot	Closed	Hard floor	FAIL
ANY HEIGHT	OPEN	ANY	BAD IDEA - FAIL

As with any electronics of such nature, they should be taken care of. Please avoid dropping your unit. Our tests are performed carefully, under controlled circumstances. When the iPaq Stowaway Keyboard is closed, it is very strong. The casing can withstand quite a bit of pressure. We ran another fragility test: keep the keyboard in the front pocket on a pair of pants. Aside from a bulge (depending on the type of garment worn), the keyboard was not harmed (unlike LCD screens from older devices, which would crack). This little wonder is very strong.

We also ran our temperature check on it. The keyboard was placed in a freezer until it was at -20C (-4 F). Aside from the keyboard being cold and slightly frosty, it continued to work. Same rate, no problems. Heat was a problem, for us. We decided against running the heat test as the temperatures are high enough to melt plastic such as that used for the keys.

Our tests are performed to determine the strength of the products, we do not want you to place your keyboard in a freezer, or drop it and throw it around.

The second testing series involved speed and reaction of the keyboard. Keyboard rates are important to know, and the best thing about the Stowaway keyboard driver is that the rates can be configured. Our first test was the input rate of the keyboard.

As you can see, the keyboard should be able to keep up with the fastest typists. The fastest typing rate that the keyboard can accommodate is a word input rate of about 240 words per minute. And typing 240 words per minute is an incredible feat. An input rate or 20.7 chars/sec can actually be a bit too fast for some, as this rate causes ghosting to occur (a key press shows up twice). You may want to play with the settings to get a rate that is comfortable.

Tactile feedback of the keys on the Stowaway Portable Keyboard is similar to that of integrated keyboards found in notebook computers. The keyboard layout is just slightly different than desktop keyboards. Many people noticed that there was no "ESC" key. The keyboard is filled with many hidden "keys" that can be accessed via "FN"+[Key] combinations. We did wish that these unmarked combinations were printed on the keys (just like some of the keys that have blue lettering on them representing which character is sent when holding the FN key down). But, for now, we had to refer to the manual until the combinations were memorized. And yes, "ESC" is one of these hidden keys.

Finale:

When we first made our purchasing decisions on our PDA units, we thought that the handwriting recognition would be just fine. We were definitely wrong. This keyboard has increased our productivity too much! This review article, in fact, was written on a Compaq iPaq with the keyboard attached. There is truly only one way to end this review: if you have an iPaq, and don't have the keyboard - BUY IT NOW!

FINAL RATING: EXCELLENT!!!10 / 10