The Palm/Stowaway ultrathin comes housed in a sleek, aluminum skin that unfolds in the middle to reveal a comfortable, full-size keyboard. The small size is achieved by removing the top row of numbers, and by splitting the space bar down the middle. Typing is remarkably accurate. Keeping my thumb to one side of the dual space bar took a bit of practice, as did inputting numbers using the "function" key and the top row of letters. Fortunately, there's also a "function lock" key which accomplishes this feat full-time.

This ultrathin keyboard is striking for its extraordinary small size and sleek appearance. It never fails to elicit oohs and aahs when I unfurl it in meetings. And people are still impressed that I can take notes - and input action items directly into my to-do list - without ever having to use traditional pen and paper.

I might also mention that the ultrathin keyboard stays completely rigid when it's open. This is great for typing on one's lap (like a notebook computer) -- which is something my previous Palm keyboard wouldn't do since it was floppy in the center.

I've tried other ultrathin keyboards from Belkin (2) and Pocketop, and all are decent; but none are as good as the Palm. The Belkin units position the shift key in an inconvenient position far out to the right. And the Pocketop requires a special stand and reflector in order to receive the keyboard's infrared signal, which made the combined unit (keyboard and stand) much more cumbersome to carry.

Since it fits easily into my pocket, I've found the Palm ultrathin to be my keyboard of choice for taking to meetings. At my desk, however, I still prefer the original Palm keyboard, since inputting phone numbers and due dates into my Palm is something I do quite frequently, especially when I'm checking my voice-mail.

Installing the software is very straightforward. If you plan, however, to use both keyboards (old and new) as I do, here's a watch out. The ultrathin keyboard software will replace the original keyboard software when you install it. Both keyboards will run just fine. But strangely, I've found that I need to soft boot my Palm whenever I switch between keyboards - since using one will normally screw-up the key recognition by the other.

If you're looking for a keyboard that's more portable and sleek than the original, this new Palm ultrathin is exceptional. Among the new ultrathins - it is definitely the one to get!

pro's
First: it is stable. You can use it on your knees and in bed. Quite an improvement over the older keyboard I used... although the Mrs might think different about that :)
Second: key-quality is better. You have better control over your typing. I now know when I miss a letter (like I know it on my notebook) and that was a feeling I lacked using my older keyboard.
Third: it is fixed and firm. You can actually move the whole shebang while shifting locations without having to fold it. That alone saves me a lot of time.
Fourth: it is so much smaller im comparission with my older keyboard, while having the same functionality.

On the other side, the slim size comes with one 'problem': It has only 4 rows of keys. Although everything is present with green or blue FN keys, it forces me to look at my keyboard more than I would like to and it makes me hit air, while I'm looking for backspace ... something I still have to got used to.

In all a great piece of work, small and firm. Definately a must have.