- Keyboard/Keypad-Keyboard/Keypad Connectivity Technology-Wireless : Keyboard/Keypad-Keyboard/Keypad Wireless Technology-Bluetooth : Keyboard/Keypad-Keyboard/Keypad Cable Length-Not Applicable :
Having this keyboard for the Toshiba Thrive transforms the experience of typing. I use both this and the onscreen keyboard, depending upon my needs at the time, but when you are doing a great deal of typing, this is the way to go.
I am not sure what kind of problem the earlier reviewer was having getting the BT to pair. It took me less time to pair the devices than it took me to peel the protective plastic cellophane off the front of the keyboard. (In case you need a more detailed description of the cellophane experience, I grabbed the plastic tab and pulled. 'Nuff said.) It was quick and painless.
The keyboard is NOT full sized (nor does the manufacturer make such a claim), but it is worth mentioning.
I strongly recommend this keyboard for Thrive owners, and will also mention that I have successfully paired and used this keyboard with my iPhone 4S. It's a versatile little bugger. ;-)
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Pros: Small, sturdy, simple to pair with tablet, computer or phone. Charges with ubiquitous micro-usb. Good key feel.
Cons: First one died. Second won't hold a charge after three months. Repeats letters at random. No case for it, so difficult to travel with.
I really wanted to like this keyboard. It's slick looking. It's slightly smaller than the Thrive, so it packs into the same space. Unfortunately, "packs in" is about it ... there's no place on any Toshiba or aftermarket case to put it, and it comes with no cover, nor any way to attach it to a cover if you wanted to. So you're stuck just tossing it in a computer bag or tucking it inside the tablet cover and then trying not to drop it. My wife's iPad case with built-in keyboard has little magnets to hold it in, so it's just "there" when you need it and out of the way and safe when you don't. No such luck with this one. While having a keyboard is a useful addition, not having an easy way to keep it with the tablet means most of the time it doesn't get used.
Like other reviewers, my keyboard occasionally repppppppeats letters at random. UUUUUUUUUsusally it's the beginning of a word, but it's inconsistent and very aaaaaaaaaaaannoying. I have had two now, and both do the same thing. It's not quite a deal killer, but you have to keep a constant eye on what you are typing. Seems to happen more often after a short idle period, but not every time.
The deal killer for me is the batteries. Bought one in Nov '11, and used it lightly for about six months (lightly, because of the no-case issue). Suddenly it would not turn on ... the LED wouldn't light when charging, either. Left it charging all night on a known-good phone charger, and it was just ... dead. Tech support was pretty good and got me a replacement within a week or so. Second keyboard has been very (very) lightly used since June '12. It's September, just three months later, and the new one won't hold a charge. Plug it in, leave it an hour or two (long after the LED stops blinking), then turn it on and start typing. Within literally seconds the low-battery light is blinking again, and it runs for less than an hour before giving up completely. Since the battery is not replaceable (unlike the Thrive itself, *ahem* ) the only thing to do is call tech support yet again.
UPDATE 10/24/2012:
Have third keyboard. Same behavior. Charge it for a few hours, take it off the charger, and by the next day (even though it was off) it won't type. Just red light from the battery indicator. Didn't work right from day one, and now it's so bad it won't even connect and type right after unplugging it; it just turns on the red "low battery" light and that's it. Totally useless. I'd give it zero stars if it was possible.
Noticed with both this one and the second one that if I plug it in, I can type ... with the switch turned OFF. Yes, the on/off switch on the bottom is turned to OFF yet it is connected via Bluetooth to the tablet ... which is fine if you're charging with a USB cable connected to the tablet, but not so helpful if it's across the room plugged in to a computer port. I bought a *wireless* keyboard here, not one I have to plug in. *sigh* Have to turn off Bluetooth on the tablet so I can use Swype.
I guess will wait and spend some of the "ship it back to Toshiba again" money on the new Logitech Bluetooth keyboard coming around. I have a backlit, full size K800 that I use all day every day (which I am using to update this review), and it goes weeks without recharging. I never turn it off, and it's backlit while typing, and still goes weeks.
UPDATE 10/31/2012: Happened to ask my wife about her Kensington keyboard/iPad cover combo. She's had it since April. Get this she's never charged it since the initial overnight charge. Not once. In six months!
UPDATE 11/17/2012: Updating this review with a Kensington cover/keyboard combo. Keeps the keyboard together with the tablet, so it's always handy. Doesn't repeat keys ever. Have been typing on it quite a bit (since it's "always there") and so far haven't charged it in almost two weeks. Don't like the keys as well as the Toshiba, but the fact I can actually _use_ the keys is a definite plus :-)
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From the description this was exactly the keyboard I was seeking, so I took a gamble that it would work with my Acer Iconia Tab A500. I am pleased to inform all that it paired immediately and works like a champ with my Acer. All that was needed was charging the unit, enabling Bluetooth on the tablet, powering on the keyboard and selecting search for devices then pressing the connect button on the back of the keyboard and following the on screen prompts on the tablet. So far I couldn't be more pleased.... time will tell how long I stay that way.
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Nice design and very small. I really want to like it, but it doesn't work with the tablet it was built for! Only half the keys work. I reboot and plug in and then different keys keys work... But I can't get it to work all the keys at once! Very upsetting as I wanted to be able to use my tablet to travel and not take my computer... I personally think there is a driver or update that is creating the problem, but I can't find any info online or find a person to talk about it... So, 1 star.. sorry...
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Works great. Setup was easy. Design was just as described. I would recommend the purchase. In fact, we ordered one for each of our Toshiba Thrives. Would purchase again.
