Guest squall Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 Introduction In an ideal world we would be able to write text emails and text documents on a smartphone at the same speed as we do on the PC. In reality this is not possible, thumb pads have tried and failed to fill the gap. So what next? How about a solid fold-a-way keyboard that connects to the phone via Bluetooth? In theory this allows you to have a very small device, but with the quick text input available when you need it. We have already seen infrared keyboards compatible with ms smartphones, and Bluetooth keyboards compatible with most ppc’s, but what makes this freedom keyboard so unique and innovative is that it is compatible with all the main mobile devices. I have been using the device for over a week now, below is a review of the hardware, and use of the keyboard with a c500. The hardware Construction Folded the keyboard is approximately three times wider than the c500. The c500 is longer (by about 10mm) but depth is much around the same. Not small, and not something that you would want to carry in a trouser pocket, but still small enough to carry around If you know you will be doing work on the move. On touching the keyboard I cant tell if its mainly make of painted aluminium or plastic. The unit feels fairly solid, although I would not recommend drop testing! The keys On opening the device you are presented with 63 keys layed out in the qwerty standard. Through the use of pre defined function keys (platform specific) you can control the phone from the keyboard, browsing the menus, and dialling can all be done without having to pick up the phone. Typing rate On my pc I can type at a fairly fast rate, not touch typing, but it still using both hands and a few fingers to get through the text. On the BT keyboard I find I type slightly slower, mainly due to the slightly smaller buttons. In the whole It doesnt slow me down much. Range I did not test the keyboard when it was more than a few feet from the phone (you need to see the screen so it would be fairly pointless), however the Bluetooth has major advantages over the infrared alternatives which must be aligned and in close proximity to the device. Battery life The Keyboard is powered by 2xAAA batterys, I will add info on battery life after more use. The software- connecting to the phone This Keyboard was only recently made compatible with the c500 so I had to download the drivers. (Always a good idea anyway…) It didn’t take me long to find the drivers – link at the bottom of this thread. After downloading and running the file it is very easy to install the drivers to the phone. The installer program does the work for you, you have to select your phone from the list. To use the keyboard you simply switch on the keyboard, then activate the keyboard using the program installed onto the phone. This software automatically switches Bluetooth on. That’s all! You can now type through the keyboard. After you finish typing you switch off the keyboard then deactivate the software, once again Bluetooth is toggled automatically. As the drivers are still in a fairly early version you can find the application crash’s due to lack of memory. Using task manager to end some process’s then opening the application again tends to fix this. Custom keys You can set function keys which when pressed open the associated application. This is useful for internet and email. The Customer support I have been in contact with the manufacturers of the keyboard for over a month now, and have worked as a bridge between MoDaCo members with problems and the support staff. I have been very impressed with there response. They have created new drivers based on the feedback, and have went out there way to arrange repair / replacements for faulty units. Summery You may not always want to carry this keyboard around with you, but if you regularly use your phone for text and email on the move this is an essential accessory. Due to the large numbers of supported devices (smartphone ppc and symbian) You can sure this keyboard will serve you well for some years to come. Links: Compatible List HERE Drivers HERE Buy from: < Expansys > priced £61.95 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest smeg36 Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 (edited) Good review, I completely agree with it. I am very happy with the keyboard. Edited February 2, 2005 by smeg36 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest chucky.egg Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 Sounds good. I've been looking for something like this for occassional use, but I'm not sure that £60 is worthwhile for me personally. One thing though... Does it always toggle Bluetooth off after use? I leave BT on all the time, and I don't want it switching it off - is that configurable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest smeg36 Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 Unfortunately, it does always toggle bluetooth off. I also leave mine on all the time, so this was really annoying at first. Then I just installed the bluetooth toggle app that can be found here in the forums, and it isn't a big deal anymore. I got mine for $70 USD, which is about £40. It was used for one day, but they can be found cheaper than Expansys, who aren't known for their cheap prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest doudz Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 Eh man, can you test if the keyboard is multipress (really interesting for game playing) and tell if it enough reactive to play games. thx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest smeg36 Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 You can multipress, and it is possible to play games with it. However, it doesn't work really well. The keys sometimes get stuck in a direction. I played both Skyforce and Eclipse with it, and it worked great until the direction got stuck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest smeg36 Posted February 6, 2005 Report Share Posted February 6, 2005 There is a new update driver, v1.5, on the Chainpus site. It has completely fixed the problems with the bluetooth turning off when the keyboard is disconnected or the phone rebooted. Now bluetooth will stay on if you had it turned on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest squall Posted February 6, 2005 Report Share Posted February 6, 2005 get the driver from http://www.freedominput.com/Freedomkeyboard/support.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest skoop99 Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 You can get these off Ebay for about £30. :lol:/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fozzie Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 (edited) I've just had a look on eBay and can see ones at £60. Where did you see the £30 ones? Edited February 11, 2005 by fozzie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest smeg36 Posted February 11, 2005 Report Share Posted February 11, 2005 I think he is thinking of the IR keyboards, not the bluetooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Teardrop Posted November 9, 2005 Report Share Posted November 9, 2005 I think he is thinking of the IR keyboards, not the bluetooth. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Awasome review to go with a great keyboard :twisted: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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