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Stowaway Keyboard by Targus
by Tim Davies (NPUG #180)
Recently I had the opportunity to evaluate the Stowaway Keyboard by Targus. This is the four-panel folding keyboard which, when stowed, is about the size of the Visor itself. As a test for the functionality of the keyboard, I am typing this very document upon the keyboard.
My first reaction is like anyone who first uses the Stowaway - I have a new toy. Since I received the keyboard I have unfolded and folded it probably 50 times. The fold/unfold operation is reminiscent of the old transformer toys (i.e. the vehicle that turns into a robot with a few, usually complex, articulations). The only thing missing is the sound effects.
The keyboard is essentially identical to the product for the Palm devices with the exception of the connection socket. Since the Visor has a unique connector form factor, it is not compatible with the Palm version of the keyboard. The Visor version has all of the functionality of the Palm keyboard.
The keyboard is not intended to replace the stylus operation of the Visor entirely. It has the main function of entering characters and has some additional navigation keys, but it cannot replace the stylus when screen taps are required to interact with an application. For instance, if an application requires navigation between categories and icon taps (a lá the application launcher) the stylus is required. However, simple button taps (like and “OK” or a “CANCEL” button) can be performed using special keys on the keyboard along with a “Function” key. For instance, if a “DELETE…” button appears on the screen it can be selected using the “Fn” key along with the “Del” key. The manual also documents key stroke combination for the extended character set (i.e. ©, ®, §) making the cryptic “tap-slash” unnecessary.
The installation of the software for the keyboard went pretty much like any other software installation. A CD is included with the keyboard containing the necessary driver, and all it takes is a double click from Windows Explorer to get the file into the Install Tool. After the next hotsync, all that was required was to check an “enable” box in the “keyboard” set-up application and the keyboard worked fine.
In addition to enabling the operation of the keyboard, the set-up application allows one to set the repeat rate and delay time to set the behavior when a key is depressed and held down. The final setting available in the set-up app is the enabling of key click sounds. So for all of those who must have an audible indication of a keystroke, it is available.
In the four-day evaluation period I tested several aspects of the keyboard. The keyboard has keys in addition to the required QWERTY/12345 set. In addition to the standard keyboard keys there are cursor keys and keys that perform the same function as the silkscreen icons and the hardware buttons on the Visor. This feature is most appreciated when one needs to switch from one application to the phone book. The Visor button is a bit difficult to press without pushing the whole assembly (keyboard and Visor) across the table.
Speaking of sliding across the table, the keyboard has several rubber “feet” that prevent that very behavior… under normal conditions. That is when typing on a flat, stable, relatively level, non-vibrating surface. Under these normal conditions, the unit stays in place perfectly. However, I found when using the unit on a plane, the (admittedly poor) tray table, did not provide an adequate surface. I found that while typing, I was continually pushing the keyboard back toward the seat in front of me so I was not typing like a T-Rex with vestigial arms. I must say that this was more of a problem of the tray table and the vibration of the plane… maybe next time I’ll try it out in First Class.
Dislikes
The major issue I have with the design of the keyboard is the method of connection to the Visor. For all of those people who have tried to plug a lamp cord into an outlet behind a dresser in the dark, with their left hand (for righties) at the end of their reach…. may have some idea of the awkwardness of making the keyboard connection to the keyboard. I exaggerate, of course, but it is a bit difficult to make the connection, especially the first several times it is attempted. I can’t compare this issue to the Palm version of the keyboard since I have no experience with it. As I have practiced I have noticed that I am developing a technique to the tricky maneuver, so I doubt it will be an issue for long. Upon inspection of the manual, I found that, to their credit, Targus acknowledges the difficulty of the connection process, and suggests a simple technique and some practice to become comfortable with it.
Another issue I had during the evaluation period was with the application on the Visor. For some unknown reason I continually had to re-enable the keyboard software. The keyboard would not respond occasionally even though the “enable keyboard” box was checked. Normal operation was restored by opening the keyboard app, deselecting the “enable” box, and then re-selecting it. Unfortunately at the end of the four days I was forced to relinquish the keyboard and was unable to troubleshoot the problem with Targus.
The final issue I had with the keyboard was the locking tabs which keep the unit together in its folded state. The locking mechanism is a sliding pair of hooks that engage tabs on the opposite side of the keyboard. If the hook is not aligned correctly, it can be forced to the wrong side of the tab preventing the unit from closing completely. So care should be taken when closing the unit. If damage does occur, the one-year warranty of the keyboard should handle any necessary repair.
Likes
As one may have guessed from the first portion of this article, one of my major likes for the Targus keyboard is the foldability. But if the keyboard was not usable the fact that it can fold into a pocket-size package wouldn’t be worth much. The great news is that it is VERY usable. Although I can only speak to my own preferences, I found the keyboard easy and comfortable to use. Honestly, I can’t even suggest anything that would increase my satisfaction with the keyboard. Everything from the size of the keys to the feel of depressing them to the sound they make appeals to me. The combination of form and function really make this a “must have” for me.
I must confess that my typing skills (for lack of a better word) lean more towards “hunting and pecking” due to my lack of formal training in the keyboard arts. So needless to say, I have never been one for the “ergonomic” keyboards. I suspect that if one is used to that style of keyboard then it may mean a bit of discomfort to use a flat keyboard… but then again, the prospect of being able to create large documents without having to rely on graffiti may make up for a little discomfort.
Finally, the keyboard is a piece of hardware that I would definitely recommend. The pros highly outweigh the cons in my opinion. I can live with the care required to close the keyboard and the awkwardness of the Visor connection. The mere fact that I don’t have to struggle with graffiti to write the following sentences is beyond description:
“Bob,” George said, “I need a 50% reduction in your costs! Give me a figure under $50,000 by 6:00 tonight!”
Anyone that is going to enter more that 10 characters at a time should have this product. It is ideal for the traveler who has to power through 50 emails each night, and the meeting attendee that prefers to keep meeting notes in their Visor. Of course anyone who intends to do any form of writing on their visor should get one ASAP.
For more information on the Stowaway Keyboard by Targus, please visit their web site by selecting this link. They have a Shockwave demo and a streaming media clip as well.
Tim Davies
(NPUG #180)
P.S. I have taken my own advice. I am finishing this article on my own Targus Stowaway Keyboard. I look forward to writing many other articles on it. Also the issue with the keyboard becoming inoperable seems to have disappeared. I have connected and disconnected my new keyboard over 20 times and it had performed flawlessly.
Other Opinions
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