Review

December 22, 2002

Pocketop keyboard by Pocketop Corporation Inc.

www.pocketop.net

Reviewed item (Product ID MP - 01183US - 468 Retail Price $99.00 USD)

Products and accessories

This Review was created using the "Pocketop” Keyboard.

When I first opened the package that arrived by mail, I saw the form molded clear plastic casing. All sorts of special mounts for the Palm PDA were included. Yes the Palm. This keyboard not only works on a Pocket PC but also the Palm. Opening the package also revealed an actual manual. The manuals is the size of a CD with over 30+ pages of actual instructions. The instructions were very detailed with lots of graphics. I was informed by Greg Sullivan at Pocketop that the latest manual is downloadable. Available on their site at http://pocketop.radiant.net/pdf/UserManual.pdf You will require Adobe Acrobat reader if you do not already have this application. http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

Included also in the package is a stand to angle the Pocket PC for clear viewing. Attached to the stand is a retractable mirror that deflects the IR signal into the Pocket PC. In my case, I was using an iPAQ. Other  included item's are  a metal stylus weighted just right and various hinged adapters for all models of Palm. These adapters allow you to interconnect the Palm, keyboard and stand to each other for easy storage.

To give you an idea what this keyboard feels like, let me say this. The first computer I ever owned was a Sinclair ZX-80. This had what's called a chicklet style keyboard. Similar to laptop keys used nowadays but with no real tactile feel. The "Pocketop" uses chicklet style keys but has all the response of a higher end laptop keyboard. 

The whole keyboard is about 10 - 15 % smaller over most PDA add-on folding keyboards but very functional. The keys are mainly spread out in 3 rows. The top and lower rows are angled to allow for proper contact. The characters, the numbers and special character symbols all share one key and are accessed using different function keys. Each key type has its own colour and coordinating function key.

Since this keyboard works through infrared, I was worried that there might be a slight delay or even some interference but I experienced nothing of the sort. Absolutely no delay while typing. Of course I am not a 60 word per minute typist though. The IR signal seems to allow for some room when it comes to alignment with the PDA. The image to the left is shown with the mirror which is attached to the stand angled above the iPAQ.

One thing you have to get used to is the location of the various special characters and keys. It does not take long though to get accustomed to the new layout. The only key location I was not too keen on was the delete key being located beside the right arrow key. Easy to make a mistake and delete a character instead of moving the cursor.

Overall, I am very impressed with this keyboard. Folds in half with two locking clips to keep the keyboard closed during storage or transport. The keyboard is as small as the iPAQ and very easy to take with you. The stand is as small, very thin and can be attached to the keyboard for storage purposes. Very stylist and durable.

For constant travelers, this is a great item to include with your Pocket PC. Trying to use a laptop on those small airplane seat trays can be a real nightmare. Specially when the person sitting in front decides to recline the seat. With the Pocket PC and the Pocketop the limited height is not an issue. In meetings you can quickly jot notes and not worry about re-entering hand written paper notes later.

Keep in mind though the iPAQ with a sleeve will not work on the stand due to its curvature. One option you can use is the newly added feature the "screen rotation" that allows you to rotate the screen. Rotating the screen 180 degrees will allow the infra red sensor to face the keyboard. Specially useful when you have files stored on external memory cards. The next picture shows the iPAQ flipped and angled on the stand. You can lay the iPAQ flat if you wish but the stand makes viewing very natural. Other Pocket PC's that have the infra red sensor on the side can easily use the built in mirror comfortably. Please check the web site at http://www.pocketop.net/comp_list.shtml for a compatibility listing on the various PDA's. The Dell Axim does not have screen rotation support but is slated for availability in early 2003.

if you own a 3700 series or higher iPAQ, make sure you check www.pocketop.net for the latest software and drivers before attempting to install the Pocketop for the first time. This guarantees you have the most up to date features and minimizes compatibility issues with the newer iPAQ models.

Cons

The delete key next to the right arrow key. Easy to make a mistake.

No storage case for all the small parts including the pen.

Pros

Solid workmanship and quality.

Large lettering for easy view.

Straight forward setup.

Runs on only one AAA battery.

Metallic stylus that's nicely weighted.

Ability to turn the Pocket PC off from the keyboard.

I rate this product 9.6 of 10. The product is a great value at $99.00 USD. Good quality, does all that the manufacture specifies and is designed in Canada. Check out the manufacturers website for more details. You will not be disappointed. www.pocketop.net

PRODUCTS RATING

The total rating for this product is 9.6 out of 10

This looks like a product that will be around for a long time. Even if you change your Pocket PC’s, you can still use the keyboard without any additional hardware or modifications. Look for this at a retailer near you or order direct from www.pocketop.net

Tested and review written by Bob Katayama

We are always in the look out for new and innovative products for the Pocket PC to review. If you or your company would like to have your product reviewed in depth, please contact us at

bkatayama@technobrains.com

Copyright 2003 Technobrains.com