Product Description

Targus PA870U Universal Wireless Keyboard

Product Details

• Brand: Targus
• Model: PA876J
• Released on: 2003-05-20
• Platforms: Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows 2000
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 5.00" h x 1.00" w x 6.00" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

• Ideal for Travel: Rugged, Compact Folding Wireless Ir (Infrared) Keyboard
• Comfortable: Full-Size Keys Feel Like a Standard Notebook Keyboard
• Convenient: Easily Enter Data Wirelessly Into Your PDA
• Lock button keeps keyboard flat
• Compatible with many popular PDAs and PDA/cellular phones

From the Manufacturer
The Universal IR Wireless Keyboard works with Palm and Pocket PC PDAs as well as Palm/PPC based PDA/cell phones and smart phones. No more juggling different keyboards or worrying about switching products because it works with the world’s most popular PDAs, PDA/cellular phones and smart phones. Supports PDAs with screen flipping software and includes a 210 degree rotating infrared arm (patent pending) and two coin batteries...The Universal IR Wireless Keyboard- Do more anytime, anywhere!

Features

• Do more anytime, anywhere with the Targus Universal Wireless Keyboard
• Unique from competitors- No mirrors required! Direct-link IR arm insures constant connection
• Feels like a standard keyboard
• Full-size, wireless infrared (IR)keyboard- Folds out in seconds, adjusts to ideal viewing angle, then folds to fit in your pocket or purse
• IR adjustable arm- Transmitter is flexible enough to target any IR part
• Universal holders for device in portrait and landscape mode
• Flexible IR transmitter works with Palm & Pocket PC PDAs, PDA/cell phones and Smartphones
• Memory module holder and stylus pen well
• Battery powered; needs no cables
• Lock button keeps keyboard flat for typing on your lap
• Dedicated programmable hot keys
• Snap out guides hold PDA securely
• Thin, compact and lightweight

System Requirements

• Palm OS or Microsoft Pocket PC 2000, 2002 or 2003
• Windows 98, 2000, Me, XP

Customer Reviews

Cheat on your laptop...
...and make some REAL use of your Visor.

As a software developer and author, I find myself writing notes and articles in many places outside my home or office. I have tried carrying my laptop occasionally, but the thing is really not a comfortable platform to lug into a lecture or squeeze into a small car. This accessory for the Visor has changed my manner of writing entirely. I can carry my Visor and keyboard in one pocket (khakis...and it DOES look funny), if necessary. Try THAT with a notebook. The keyboard is much sturdier than it appears, as its case and structure are metal, and it has a nice heft to it, not like a featherweight piece of junk. The keys themselves are large enough for real touch-typing, and don't constrain you to the minimal limits that the clamshell keyboards or built-ins do.

The connector for the Visor itself IS a bit questionable. I'm not horribly afraid that it will break, but compared to the version for the Palm, this connector is ridiculously difficult to use. Additionally, when the keyboard is setup, the two outer hinges are locked open, but the center one still moves, making the use of the keyboard on your lap a bit problematic (unless you keep your knees together). You will find yourself wanting a better word processor than the Memo Pad. Invest in a real program like Pedit, and you'll be able to write larger documents in a more feature-rich environment.

The best thing about the keyboard? People think that this keyboard is the neatest thing they've ever seen; you'll get quite a crowd gathering when you unfold it. Overall, an excellent product well-worthy of praise. It takes the Visor to a new level of usefulness.

THE must have accessory for your Visor
I previously used Landware's GoType! Keyboard with my Palm IIIx. I was happy with it, but the keys were not full size, and at times made it difficult to type.

I have been using the Stowaway keyboard for over a month now, and am quite impressed with it. It far exceeded my expectations. There are reviews that might say that it is fragile, or you can't type with it on your lap. I don't find this the case at all. The keyboard when folded is housed in a metal case (compared to the plastic GoType!). You can type with it on your laptop, although on a hard surface is preferred due to the folding nature of this accessory.

Bottomline, it is a full size keyboard that fits in your pocket ... need I say anymore?

Fantastic product, but at a price
The Targus Stowaway turns your Visor into an ultra-compact, mobile office. The Stowawy's size--both in the full-size utility mode and the folded storage mode--far surpasses the GoType! The Stowaway is about the same size as the Visor in the bifold case when folded for travel. When expanded, though, it really does become a full-sized keyboard with plenty of Palm-specific options like "Done," "Cancel," and "OK" keys.

While it can be used on your lap, it does help to have a firm surface under it. I find it much sturdier than the GoType! and do not worry about breaking it. I'm more concerned about damaging my Visor than I would ever be of damaging the Stowaway.

While it doesn't have a built-in HotSync ability like the GoType!, the point of having a keyboard is to have rapid data entry away from your computer. If you were at your computer and could HotSync, you certainly wouldn't be using a smaller keyboard like the GoType!'s.

The Stowaway is certainly the best external keyboard on the market, but at [the price], you really have to be committed to being away from your computer and have the need to enter a lot of data before the dividends offset the investment.