- BT Folding Keyboard
- For H22x/H38xx
- For H39x/H4100
- For H51x/H54x
* Compact enough to fit into a jacket pocket, yet opens to a comfortable working size with full-sized keys, including a number row.
For those who do serious number entry to spreadsheets, this is decidedly a deal-maker over the Stowaway keyboard which requires alt-key combinations to access numbers and symbols. The full-size keys require no revamping of typing habits as does the miniaturized key spacing on the Freedom Keyboard.
To my knowledge, there is no other folding bluetooth keyboard on the market at the time of this writing which has *both* full-size keys *and* a number/symbol row.
* The bluetooth connection is clean, lag free, and accurate.
Con ---
* The software for gaining a connection is a bit cumbersome, requiring entry of a checkmark into a box with each use, and then an access code on a second screen with each battery replacement (see below).
* Flimsy Locking Mechanism / Not Usable on a Lap.
The manual tells us that a lock is provided to keep the opened keyboard flat "while on your lap or on a non-flat surface".
This "lock" is a single piece of wire about the thickness of an undone paperclip, which travels 7/8" along the top of the board from the left half into the right.
Even when locked, the keyboard doesn't lay flat, and with the center of the board hovering over the empty chasm between the user's legs, held in place only by one thin piece of wire, the two halves bend to an increasingly exaggerated "V" shape after any amount of light-handed typing.
HP could have saved themselves the trouble of this useless bit of cosmetics. A user must find a solid flat surface to type on, such as a book. And of course, when sitting on a flat surface, the lock isn't needed.
* The manual correctly tells us that one reason to use a wireless keyboard is to "enjoy the convenience of a wireless bluetooth connection up to 7 meters away from your...PocketPC". Unfortunately, the designers ignored this consideration when conceiving the non-removable cradle.
A quick look at the Freedom Keyboard's pull-out cradle offers HP a lesson in how to do it right.
* The keyboard ships with no case, as do most other portable keyboards with non-rugged exteriors. The attractive brushed metalic exterior of the folded case thereby scratches easily in a jacket pocket containing loose change or a set of keys.
* It doesn't turn off.
Yes, you read that last bullet correctly: You can't turn this thing off. There's no power switch.
The button in the upper right corner of the keyboard is to establish and disengage the wireless connection between the software and the handheld; it's not a power switch.
What this means is, even when folded and not in use, even when appearing to be dormant, and even when the software shows that there's no bluetooth connection, the keyboard is still eating your batteries.
The automatic "sleep mode" simply disables the wireless connection; it does not power down the keyboard.
Two weeks after putting in a fresh set of batteries and not using the keyboard, you'll return to find them dead. Not the coolest way to walk into a meeting full of executives expecting you to take notes.
The only way to power down the keyboard is to open the battery cover and remove the batteries. The battery cover, need I add, breaks easilly.
Sound unbelievable? Go to the major websites dedicated to PocketPCs, and do a search of their forums using the keywords "bluetooth keyboard". This is not a case of a know-nothing customer who needs to read the manual. The manual, such as it is, makes no mention of an absent power switch.
For the mobile user then, in addition to the keyboard itself, one need also travel with something stable to rest the board on, to have something to prop the handheld against if distance is desired, to carry the batteries separately, and to re-enter the access key into the software after reinserting those batteries.
Although the folded board will fit easily into a jacket pocket, the additional loose paraphernalia negates any usefulness of this mobile keyboard for the mobile user.
Add to that the marred exterior and bent lock after minimal use, the HP iPaq keyboard is worth perhaps 1/3 it's $100 retail price, and then only if a consumer absolutely requires the full-size keys and number row.
How HP ever expected anyone to sit still for this kind of idiocy eludes me.
All potential buyers of iPaq handhelds should take this keyboard as a reflection of what, if any, emphasis HP places on quality of design and the integrity of iPaq name.
It reflects also the degree of respect HP has for the intelligence of their customers. One might easily forgive a negative design attribute like the non-removable cradle, or the parsimony of not including a case. One might even forgive the useless locking mechanism.
But when HP is either too dumb to include an on/off switch, or they expect us to be so dumb to not notice or care, then I must seriously doubt the usefulness of other products bearing the iPaq name.
If HP is content to offer this marginally useful toy to consumers for $100, then I cannot believe enough magic exists in the world to suddenly make them sharp enough to produce a sophisticated device like a PocketPC for $300-400.
My next handheld upgrade, I'll probably stay with Fujitsu-Siemens Loox (I currently use a Loox720, a truly excellent PPC), or maybe go with a Dell Axim. I won't even consider an iPaq.
The HP Bluetooth keyboard is quite simply an offense to any consumer with even the vaguest and most forgiving sense of quality.
Those at HP responsible for protecting public perception of the iPaq brand name should be truly ashamed of themselves.
Buy HP Ipaq Bluetooth Folding Keyboard Now
I've had this keyboard for a little over a month. I'm a college student and purchased a PPC so that I can carry my notes and important dates, information, etc in my pocket.Typically, a keyboard was, with the intention of using the ppc as a notebook, necessary.
The pro's are pretty much as pinxet mentioned, there's not much I can add.
The little lock to keep the keyboard flat is, as pinxet mentioned, useless.
the "/" button (also "?") is curiously placed to the right of the shift (on a normal qwerty keyboard it is to the left of the shift). So if you use the forward-slash or question mark frequently you will have to adjust your writing to get used to the unusual position of the key. (where the "/" would normally be for you fingers to type is the up-arrow key. So what ultimately ends up happening, when you want to type a question mark, is you hold down shift, press up, highligh one line of text and continue typing removing that line of text. Fortunately the ipaq word processor comes with an undo function.)
My only other concern is that I seem to be having problems connecting the keyboard to my cell phone. The phone identifies the keyboard and establishes a connection, but beyond that I can't seem to get the keyboard to type anything.
For students and anyone intending to use the ppc as a PC (perhaps a pocket laptop), this keyboard is priceless. I use it four to five times a day.
(and as such, I would highly recommend purchasing two pairs of rechargable batteries for it. Next time maybe HP will have a built in lithium battery, like all other accessories for electronics)
---
[edit 05/08]
It's been about three years now since I purchased this item. While I still use my ipaq for work after graduating from college, the keyboard has spent much of the last year gathering dust. The couple of times I have pulled it out to use it are when I am traveling back home or extended weekend visits at other cities.
This keyboard is great initially, but after a while charging and changing the batteries makes it impractical. If they come out with a bt keyboard that has a built in rechargeable battery it would be infinitely more tempting to get, even then, I wouldn't bet on it...
... Nor would I pay 100$ for another kb, chargeable batteries or not. The circumstances where it is really useful have been so limited.
Read Best Reviews of HP Ipaq Bluetooth Folding Keyboard Here
I agree with many of these posters that HP's commitment to quality is not what it used to be. I don't get upset about it though, I simply vote with my wallet. For example, my new printer is a Canon and I recommend the Dell Axim not the iPAQ PDAs when asked.I bought this Bluetooth keyboard because the folding keyboard I used would cause my iPAQ 4700 Pocket PC to reboot if it wiggled the connector at all while typing. The BT keyboard works geat.
My main complaint is the inexcusable lack of an off switch. The battery drains while it's not in use and is often completely dead when you need it.
While it's not a perfect solution, here's what I came up with... 3M, the makers of Post-It Notes makes little mylar flags. I use them for bookmarks in paperback books but their most common use is probably for marking where to sign multipage documents. One half the strip is unsticky mylar in a bright color and the other half is clear mylar with a sticky side. Open the battery compartment remove the right AAA battery. Next stick a Post-It strip on the battery near the bottom with the colored, uncoated mylar extending below the edge of the bottom of the battery. Next fold the colored mylar down over the negative terminal and insert it that way in the keyboard. Mylar is an insulator and cuts the circuit so the keyboard isn't draining the battery.
Next time you need to use the keyboard, pop out the battery, extend the mylar straight out over the other battery's side and put it back in.
Yes, this is a totally lame hack for a totally lame design deficiency, but it works... and other than the battery draining while not in use, I really like this keyboard.
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Yes, the previous reviews are true! This product does have some quirky flaws that need to be ironed out. I occasionally use this keyboard (twice a week) so I'm more than happy to go through the struggles that accompany it. If I used it on a daily basis, I believe it would drive me crazy. Read the previous reviews, know what you're getting, and be happy if you decide to purchase. I did, and now I'm just happy to not have to use the stylus to input all of my information!Save 20% Off
recnetly i bought a HP IPAQ bluetooth keyboard.
it is foldable and esay to carry.
Typing feeling is very good compare to other cheap portable keyboard.
Folding mechanism is solid and reliable.
i tested wi my HTC HD2, Window Mobile 6.5 based phone today.
there is no ploblem to macke a connection between two devices. it takes about several seconds.
search the device and type the nummer given from the Phone, than good to go. connected.
i just tested with my HTC HD2 but i can imagine it will work with other window mobile devices.
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