Compaq-iPAQ-249693-001-Compaq-Foldable-Keyboard-for-3800,-3900,-5400-series

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Compaq iPAQ 249693-001 Compaq Foldable Keyboard for 3800, 3900, 5400 series

Price: $35.00

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Improve your productivity with this handy foldable keyboard. When folded it's small and storable, but helps you type in your big ideas. The standard layout allows you to effortlessly take notes, email or write reports. It's great for entering a large amount of data quickly. When not in use the keyboard folds up into an ultra-small package for easy portability.

Reviews

An OK product, but not for everyone

I bought this product in hopes of getting a small, compact keyboard that would increase my productivity on my iPAQ 3835. Although this keyboard although this keyboard is small and compact, the same is true for the keys. I found the keys to be an 1/8 of an inch smaller in width than the ones on my desktop keyboard, and for people with larger hands, and even average hands, you may find this keyboard to be cramped and small. Although Compaq had a great idea, I promptly returned this keyboard and exchanged it for a Targus folding keyboard.

Pros:
-Built in support for the iPAQ 3835
-Made by Compaq, guaranteed to work w/ handheld
-Compact & lightweight

Cons:
-Small keys make it hard to type
-Keys don't have that "bounce" that regular keyboards do; it feels like you have to push the keys in to get them to work

So this keyboard is probably OK for those with small hands, but for most people, you would probably be happier with the Targus for about the same price.

Better than the iConcepts, not as good as the Targus

I demoed this keyboard at a local store (sorry Amazon, there are still some things we can't do here) and came away unimpressed.

The keyboard has a nifty design. It unfolds into shape in a different way than the Targus and also provides a much sturdier backrest for your PDA than does the Targus. There is also no need for an adapter (which can be easily lost) for the 3800 and 3900 series, unlike the Targus.

However, this is where the good points end. For some unknown reason, Compaq decided to shrink the keys on this unit so that they are significantly smaller (length and width) than the Targus keyboard. If you are a touch-typer, forget it. Hunt and peck typists will still do okay, but there will be some typos in your future too. Why Compaq did this is beyond me. The overall size of the unit is not so large that they couldn't have made it a bit larger and stuck full size keys in there.

Since this unit and the Targus are pretty close in price, I advise you to take a pass on this if you can get the Targus. If small keys don't bother you too much and you own a 3800 or 3900 iPaq, this is a worthwhile investment.

Keys too Small. Get the Targus

I bought if for my wife, who has small hands. It was too small for her. Go with the Targus, it has full size keys. The Targus only has one gotcha: to use the Targus with newer IPaq's you need to use the enclosed adapter, which makes it hard to connect the Ipaq and which has to be carried separately. It took my wife a number of tries to get her Ipaq on the Targus keyboard.

Very Pleased

I have just purchased this keyboard, and it has opened a whole lot of other possibilities for my IPaq. If you are planning on writing more than a simple sentence on your PDA, this is a must.

The keyboard is a little smaller than regular size, and it does take a little bit to get use to. Also, because of its portability, some keys are in odd places, such as the Shift being only on your left side of the keyboard. But those are the only setbacks I have found, which I don't really mind, since you make up a whole lot of ground with its portability. It is extremely easy to install, and there are no adapters of any kind. Granted, this is the only keyboard I have purchased so far, but I wasn't too enamored with the looks on the Stowaway from Targus. Whether the keyboard is closed, or open, its physical features are equally appealing. The keyboard comes with shortcuts for each of your mayor programs, but you can also configure your own.

Overall, it's a worthwhile investment, although the price is a little higher than its competition. I'm truly pleased with its features, portability and its appearance.

Best Item for my PPC

This keyboard is the best purchase for my PPC. It is the most integrated keyboard and it is very compact and sleek. I recommend this product to everyone.

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