The Keyboard is Mightier than the Pen (and just as handy)

Imagine if you will:  You've just returned to your hotel room after an important all day conference, your head brimming with ideas.  You're a 21st century woman (or man), you've got your Palm Pilot at the ready, and you're all set to record the amazing things that are popping into your inspired brain.  Then, you remember the incredible hassle it is to actually USE a Palm Pilot for this sort of task.  Sure, it's OK for notes or quick jots of phone numbers, names, or reminders.  But when it comes to pinning down the flow of thoughts, it's a pain in the hand.

Enter the portable keyboard.  This little gadget is truly a lifesaver for all die-hard Palm Pilot users.  After the Palm Pilot, the idea of a keyboard folded into a smart zippered pouch is not very impressive -- until you use it.  Everything you need is arranged neatly inside this smart little case, and you get to open it and play with it ... just like Christmas!
 
The Palm Portable keyboard (for Palm V series) is not much bigger than your Palm Pilot.  Waiting inside this practical looking case is an instruction manual, software CD, and the answer to your Palm Pilot prayers: a complete, finger comfy keyboard.  It's so easy to use, you can probably toss the manual.

Remove the contents of the zippered case, and unfold the keyboard.  When completely unfolded, it's the same size as your desktop keyboard.  Now, pop the CD into the Palm, HotSync, to install the Palm Pilot Keyboard software, and connect your Palm Pilot to the keyboard where indicated. 

Viola! Now you have the speed and data entry control that only a keyboard can provide.

This is a match made in computer heaven!  It only takes minimal power from your Palm Pilot to run, and it works like a charm.  The keyboard is the same size and has the basic feel of your trusty home PC keyboard.  It's small enough to slip into your pocket along with your Palm Pilot so you can take it wherever you go.  It unfolds and assembles in seconds, so there's not much wasted time getting those thoughts down when you need to.  When your finished using it, it folds down to a little pocket sized, eight ounce packet.

The Good Stuff

This keyboard makes it easy to take notes at meetings or conferences, write reports, jot down ideas in hotel rooms or restaurants, or just quickly enter information any place when you're away from your desk.  You can use it to capture lengthy notes at business meetings or to compose and respond to email.  It's simple to navigate to your address book, appointment calendar, or any application.  It comes with nine user programmable keys if you want faster access.  The keyboard even saves wear and tear on the Palm Pilot itself since you no longer need to use the screen as much.

And the price is right!  At just under $100, it's a great bargain!

Is there a downside?

It may take a bit of adjusting to become comfortable with this new toy.  Although it works just as well as the keyboards you've become so fond of, the key height is a bit different.  Some hard core typists may feel odd about the right shift key being a bit more to the right than they're used to.  These are minor quirks, however, and nothing you can't get used to quickly.

Also, the little keyboard stand is a bit tricky.  You've first got to slide it straight out from the back of the keyboard, then hold it at a 45 degree angle, and flip out the back portion to attach the Palm Pilot.  Once you get this down, however, you'll find this flimsy looking stand does a great job of holding the Pilot in place while your fingers fly smoothly over the keys.

Any problems installing the keyboard can be quickly solved at the Palm Pilot Keyboard support site.

The Details

Closed: 3.6" x 5.1" x 0.79" (93mm x 130mm x 20mm)
Open: 13.8" x 5.1" x 0.3" (352mm x 130mm x 9mm)

I want it!  Where can I buy it?

You can find the Palm Portable Keyboard for Palm V Series Handhelds at most computer stores.  If you're shopping online, Bestbuy.com carries them, as well as CompUSA.com.  Check out the Palm Pilot website.