Tuesday, June 4, 2002
I Have A New Favorite Accessory
Posted by Brad Adrian in "THOUGHT" @ 07:39 PM
I know that we've talked from time to time about the various input methods available for Pocket PCs, but it's a topic that remains important for me. Finding the *perfect* input method has become a bit like a search for the holy grail to me, mostly because I've found that my needs are very situational and depend upon where I am and what I'm doing.
Well, I recently got a SnapNType keyboard (created by TT Tech), and I realize that I am now one step closer to Input Nirvana.
In comparing this device to other tools and applications, I've realized that the SnapNType holds some distinct advantages for me. <!>
I've always liked the various pen-based input methods, primarily for their convenience. However, many of them, like Transcriber and Calligrapher, are too slow for lengthy writing. And, unfortunately, I have come to realize that my brain is simply too, well, SIMPLE, to truly assimilate the FITALY keyboard. The Stowaway keyboard is great...if you have a nice flat surface on which to work.
So, for the diverse ways that I use my Pocket PCs, this SnapNType keyboard offers a lot:
• This keyboard is compact and can easily be carried in a shirt pocket or PDA case.
• The mechanism that connects the keyboard to my iPAQ is sturdy, yet can be quickly removed when the release buttons are pressed. This mechanism works much more reliably than the one on the similar Compaq Micro Keyboard.
• The keys are nice and large, with great tactile response to them.
• Unlike other similar keyboards, the SnapNType has cursor movement and Menu keys.
• The SnapNType has a special emoticon button (next to arrow) for quickly inserting familiar or customized "smilies," like ;) or :( or :D. I actually use this feature a lot.
• There's even a port on the SnapNType so I can charge my iPAQ while using the keyboard.
• This device is perfect for those times when a full-size keyboard is too cumbersome and pen-based input is too slow. I find it great for time spent standing in ticket lines at the airport or when riding in cars or subways.
Even though this is a great device, the bottom line is that I will still continue to use my Pocket PC's software keyboard, Calligrapher, Stowaway Keyboard AND the SnapNType; my needs are just to diverse to stick to only one tool. But, you can bet that every time I walk out the door with my Pocket PC, my SnapNType will be tucked in my pocket, too.
You can purchase the SnapNType keyboard from Mobile Fanatic (affiliate link) for $39.95.
Well, I recently got a SnapNType keyboard (created by TT Tech), and I realize that I am now one step closer to Input Nirvana.
In comparing this device to other tools and applications, I've realized that the SnapNType holds some distinct advantages for me. <!>
I've always liked the various pen-based input methods, primarily for their convenience. However, many of them, like Transcriber and Calligrapher, are too slow for lengthy writing. And, unfortunately, I have come to realize that my brain is simply too, well, SIMPLE, to truly assimilate the FITALY keyboard. The Stowaway keyboard is great...if you have a nice flat surface on which to work.
So, for the diverse ways that I use my Pocket PCs, this SnapNType keyboard offers a lot:
• This keyboard is compact and can easily be carried in a shirt pocket or PDA case.
• The mechanism that connects the keyboard to my iPAQ is sturdy, yet can be quickly removed when the release buttons are pressed. This mechanism works much more reliably than the one on the similar Compaq Micro Keyboard.
• The keys are nice and large, with great tactile response to them.
• Unlike other similar keyboards, the SnapNType has cursor movement and Menu keys.
• The SnapNType has a special emoticon button (next to arrow) for quickly inserting familiar or customized "smilies," like ;) or :( or :D. I actually use this feature a lot.
• There's even a port on the SnapNType so I can charge my iPAQ while using the keyboard.
• This device is perfect for those times when a full-size keyboard is too cumbersome and pen-based input is too slow. I find it great for time spent standing in ticket lines at the airport or when riding in cars or subways.
Even though this is a great device, the bottom line is that I will still continue to use my Pocket PC's software keyboard, Calligrapher, Stowaway Keyboard AND the SnapNType; my needs are just to diverse to stick to only one tool. But, you can bet that every time I walk out the door with my Pocket PC, my SnapNType will be tucked in my pocket, too.
You can purchase the SnapNType keyboard from Mobile Fanatic (affiliate link) for $39.95.
