iGo Stowaway Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard for PDAs and Handhelds
by Think Outside
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Our Price: $229.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $105.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of iGo Stowaway Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard for PDAs and Handhelds
Customer Review: Works with the N770 with no issues
Summary: 5 Stars
I just wanted to add my own confirmation for anyone thinking of buying this for the N770. It worked out of the box. I am specifically referring to the XTBTUEI version of the keyboard, because I had a lot of reservations before ordering it if there was something different about it from the XTBTUE version. I was worried that what looked like people saying this keyboard worked with their tablet might be them confusing one with the other. So again, I am talking about the XTBTUEI version that says it is for Blackberry's. I only installed the Bluetooth add on to my N770, which took about a minute. I opened the keyboard, put in the batteries and told the N770 to connect using the new icon at the top of the screen for bluetooth. It is just like the network icon. I pressed and HELD the ctrl-blue_fn-green_fn keys on the keyboard and a light at the top of the keyboard started to blink. The tablet connected and I was connected and started typing. It is that easy. I didn't need to enter codes or pair with device or anything like that, it just worked. I have been wanting one of these keyboards for my tablet ever since I bought it, because I had one on my Palm and it was awesome. I can't believe the price this was.
Also worth noting, the original packaging doesn't even mention Blackberry devices. It says on the front, Ultra-Slim bluetooth keyboard for smartphones. The only mention of the Blackberry was a sticker stuck on the back of the packaging on the outside with a barcode.
The original packaging also says....
Truly universal - works with almost any bluetooth enabled device. (note it doesn't say almost any bluetooth enabled smartphone)
Customer Review: Good chance this will work when nothing else will
Summary: 5 Stars
I took a chance and ordered this, even though my mobile is not officially supported. While the marketing material is thin on information, the technical implementation is quite good, and it works perfectly with my SE P1i phone.
Officially, you're supposed to pair the keyboard with Symbian devices by pressing CTRL+leftFN+rightFN, and then sending an SIS file from the host device. But check this out: to pair with *any* other bluetooth device, all one has to do on the keyboard is press CTRL+leftFN+rightFN to put it into pairing mode, type a paring code such as "1234" (you have to hold down the leftFN key to do this) then press enter. On the other device, enter the same code. Works perfectly. Other nice touches are the solid locking mechanisms, and two positions for the detachable stand.
This shows me that the iGo engineers are a thoughtful lot. Though my phone is unsupported, the device can do a lot more than the marketing materials indicate. To be fair, the reason my particular device is unsupported became evident pretty quickly: there's no way to turn off the UIQ3 character shortcuts in my phone (i.e. pressing a period four times in quick succession gives you an ampersand, just as it does on the phone's keyboard), so a novice user might be confused by the behavior of the keyboard, and there's nothing iGo can do about it. It's consistent, though, and the bottom line is that it works.
With this keyboard, I've finally arrived at the point that I can touchtype a long multi-page document on the run (or when the laptop's battery has died) without difficulty. Pretty amazing for a pocketable device.
Customer Review: great engineering
Summary: 5 Stars
This little keyboard is great. I got this keyboard after I gave up on my defective Menotek brand flexible keyboards. It's size is so small and I like the thought process put into making this piece. There's no dedicated number row but that's all taken care of by a blue function (2nd) key. The little stand that pops out when open too is great as well. With a little adapting and juggling of your Idevice, you can have a charger cord connected as well while you lean it on the stand prop. It comes with a leather bi-fold zippered case too for traveling with the keyboard. I love showing up to a coffee shop seeing all these jokers on their hunky laptops and I bust out with my keyboard, bluetooth mouse and iPhone all on my person with no bags whatsoever. All of that fits into my cargo pocket. My little "office" sets up in seconds with thanks to this part of the gear-list. One reason why I transitioned to this keyboard is the hard button keys and completely flat bottom. You'll see on the bottom of other bi-folding keyboards that there will be somewhat of a hinge still there causing the keyboard to not be flat and susceptible to a wobble when laying on a flat surface. Not this keyboard, again I like the engineering behind the design and what they thought of and were aware of upon creating it. I give this keyboard 5 stars and the only problems I see are the high price and that Igo no longer makes this product. If they re-made this product, I wouldn't hesitate buying again so I can give it away as a gift to one of my student friends. Good to go Igo. My stamp of approval is evident on this piece of gear.Customer Review: Works with Blackberry's
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this keyboard as an impulse purchase when I saw it in the gold box. Then I read the reviews and thought I had really made a mistake in purchasing it.
I had no problem getting it to work with my IPAQ and my Blackberry Pearl. It does take a number of steps for setup and the drivers are not on the CD provided. Go to IGO website and then support and drivers. The Blackberry Drivers are listed under RIM drivers and that may be confusing some as they might be looking for the word Blackberry. I did download the drivers for both my Blackberry Pearl and my IPAQ to my computer and then synced them to the device. Then the keyboard must be discovered by the device. The Quick Start Guide for the IGO explains how to make the keyboard discoverable and then follow the instructions for your Bluetooth device to discover the keyboard. Then go to the Keyboard icon and your device and set the permissions.
It does take a number of steps and a little extra effort to get it connected but it is worth it. I am typing away. The keyboard is responsive, fits in my pocket and is easy to type on.
It did have a sticker across the keys on the keyboard. That was a crazy but I got an alcohol based computer cleaning pad and got all the sticky off.
For those that gave up on this keyboard, give it another try and take it one step at at time. If you have problems post them in the comment section, it looks like there are some very good tips for installation there.
Customer Review: An excellent tool
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been dreaming of getting this, or another, keyboard for my Dell Axim x30 since the first time I wrote a detailed email on it. No matter what, writing 1000 plus characters with the stylus and on-screen keyboard just doesn't work out.
So, the package arrives with my new keyboard, first thing I notice is the batteries ARE included (yippie - my wife had used the last of our 'spare' AAA's in one of the kids games). Next, I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the keyboard feels. Despite other reviews that I've read, I noted no loose keys. Finally (just in reference to the look and feel) I am blown away by the nice tactile feel of the keystrokes!
Now it is time to set it up. I activated my PDA, connected (via BlueTooth) to my desktop using ActiveSync. Installing the driver over the connection went fine, though it seems not to function if you install it to the storage card. Downloading and installing an updated driver is a little confusing too. NOTE: Turn bluetooth OFF before activating the software, if your bluetooth is on when you go to activate the software (after resetting your device) the software won't find the bluetooth system.
Once up and running, this keyboard is even better than what I have been expecting, it has nicely laid out hotkeys for openning PDA functions and programs, making the stylus almost obsolete.
Overall, other than a few SMALL snags with setup, the quality and operation of this keyboard are excellent!