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Stowaway Keyboard.

Product: Stowaway foldable keyboard for iPAQ.

Company: Think Outside (http://www.Thinkoutside.com)

Price: $99, you can buy it through Targus.

Among the number of iPAQ accessories currently available, the Stowaway Keyboard must be one of the most useful! Sold by Targus, and manufactured by Thinkoutside, this unit that was already popular to Palm users is now available for PocketPC (iPAQ, Jornada and soon the Casio line).

It was introduced to iPAQ users earlier this year (January 2001). Sold for a mere $99, it will transform your PocketPC into a true mobile computing solution!

The Kit:

The kit I received included the Targus Stowaway keyboard, a 90 degree power dongle, the instruction manual, and the installation CD. (note that the case in the pictures is not included, but Think Outside offers different carrying cases for their keyboards through Targus).

The keyboard is made of plastic but the protection panels are reinforced with aluminum covers (that also gives it a great look).

The installation:

The installation is easier than most tasks you'll ever do on your PPC. Just insert the CD-ROM, and double click on setup file. This will install the proper driver, and the small utility program to your PPC. I also checked the size of the files installed, and at 70K, you don't have to be afraid of wasting precious space on your mobile device!
Next was opening up the keyboard (the fun part!) and plugging the PocketPC in. Just a snap. Open, slide the keyboard sides back towards the center, lift the spring loaded PocketPC back support, and the connector. Then simply align the lowest recess on the speaker with the one on the connector and the iPAQ will slide in without any problem.... Check out the pictures, it's a little easier to understand!

Using the keyboard:

As an intensive laptop user, I'm quite used to small size keyboards! As a matter of fact, I even have a laptop-like keyboard for my desktop computer! Using the Stowaway was just a breeze. I can now type as fast on my PocketPC than I would on a larger computer. Great! I'm even thinking about bringing the keyboard to class instead of taking notes that I'll never be able to decipher when reviewing them. I'll also be able to take notes faster. This is just great.
For long trips back home (across the Atlantic) the Stowaway will be a real companion (I can't wait to open it up, making sure that my fellow travellers see it! :) ).

The feel of the keyboard is simply fantastic. The keys works very much like the one on my ThinkPad, and I'm quite used to them! For desktop users, it might take a little time to adjust but considering the fact that you'll now be able to write about 100 words a minute more than with the stylus and any other input methods, it really is worth getting used to!

The instruction manual (that BTW comes in PDF format on the install disk) recommends you to use the keyboard on a flat surface; well I noticed that even if it is better to do so, you can use it on your lap or even on a bed or couch. As long as the PocketPC doesn't vibrate too much (to keep it connected) you should be all set. As a matter of fact I am writing this article, in bed right before sleep time on the Stowaway!

Using the keyboard with a PocketPC case is also possible though I had to slightly modify the bottom of my Vaja in order to achieve a better connection!

The keyboard also includes a little stylus holder on each side; using the stylus comes in handy when you need to quickly jump to the right location on the document.

The software:

The application that comes with the Stowaway is worth mentioning. You'll be able to choose from different options for your shortcut keys (I'll get back to that in a moment) and also the Hot-Swap feature that will allow your iPAQ to automatically recognize the presence of the Stowaway (without having to cycle the power). Other options such as the repeat rate and the repeat delay are also useful.

The shortcut keys: hardware vs. software.

The Stowaway keyboard offers two kind of shortcuts; the ones that are preprogrammed that I call hardware since they appear on the keyboard through the FN option, and the software shortcuts that you can customize in the keyboard utility program.

The hardware shortcut keys, include the most common PIM found on your PPC, as well as Word, Excel, and Money. There is also a power off key (FN+back space) which can be useful once in a while. The two most useful keys (as far as I'm concerned) are the Today key that will bring you back to your Today's screen, and the popular "windows" key that will bring the start menu down!!! Great addition, especially for quick task switching. Not to mention that the Stowaway also offers the features of a full desktop keyboard (page up, page down, shift, ctrl, cap, num locks, back space, Del......)!

As far as the software shortcut keys, you'll use them with the FN key as well, but this time by pressing on the number keys. (works like the F1-Fxx on your desktop keyboard). You can choose from all the installed programs on your PPC!

Ways to use it and conclusion:

The Stowaway keyboard entered my most wanted list of items among with the Expansion Pack, CF/or memory card, earphones, and power adapter. Its size allows you to fit it in a pocket and hit the road. You'll enjoy a full size keyboard, and if you're like me and travel a lot, this nifty accessory will make your life so much easier (I don't even need my laptop anymore, my PocketPC can do it all, even CAD work!!!!).

I also checked out other keyboard products on the market but the Stowaway is the only true portable keyboard, thus making it a winner! I don't really see myself traveling back to Europe with a full size keyboard packed in my pockets (I just can't wait to see my neighbors' faces when I start "deploying" my instruments. Too bad you can't use cell phones in planes)!!!
Anyway, in one word, you'll love it.

Finally I want to thank Rachel Wild, Communication Manager at Think Outside for sending me a test unit, and for also offering a Stowaway keyboard giveaway on PocketPCpower.net.... Check out the contest rules and submit your entry here.

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