Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Think Outside Announces the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard
Posted by Jason Dunn in "HARDWARE" @ 03:00 PM
"SANTA CLARA, Calif., November 18, 2003 - Think Outside Inc., maker of the revolutionary Stowaway™ Portable Keyboards for handheld devices, today announced that it has begun selling the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard, the smallest, full-size wireless keyboard available for PDAs and smartphones using the Pocket PC 2002 or Pocket PC 2003 (Windows Mobile 2003) operating systems.
"The new Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is Think Outside's no-compromise solution for Pocket PC users who want to enjoy full-size, portable touch typing with the added flexibility of an infrared connection to the PDA," said Greg van den Dries, Think Outside's vice president of sales and marketing. "We predict that it's going to be a very popular keyboard for the fast-growing population of Pocket PC users who want to get the most from their mobile computing equipment. We are selling this keyboard directly through our website and retailers."
Like all Think Outside's other industry-leading portable keyboards, the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard offers the ANSI-standard keys, key spacing and key travel - comparable to the best laptop computers - that are essential for comfortable touch typing. When these capabilities are combined with its $69.99 price tag and infrared (IR) capabilities, the keyboard breaks new ground in merging full-size functionality, reliable wireless operation and affordable price.
Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard Takes its Place in the Stowaway Lineup The Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is ideal for PDA activities of all kinds: for school, home and work. Like the other members of the Stowaway keyboard family, the new wireless keyboard folds to a size that fits easily in a pocket or briefcase, yet opens to a full-size keyboard. In fact, when closed, the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is the smallest, full size wireless keyboard available for Pocket PC devices.
The Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard uses a folding structure similar to the Stowaway XT, the highest-end member of the Stowaway family. The new wireless keyboard is much thinner and lighter when compared to competitive keyboards and feels the same as the Stowaway XT when typing, which is perfect for touch typing or note taking. A new software driver also enhances access to PDA menus and toolbars from the keyboard, limiting the need to use a stylus with the PDA.
The Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is able to wirelessly connect with a wide range of PDAs running the Pocket PC 2002 or Windows Mobile 2003 operating systems, including devices from Hewlett-Packard (HP), Dell and Toshiba. The keyboard features an integrated cradle for holding the PDA upright for easier viewing while typing; this integrated cradle design eliminates the alignment issues inherent with two-piece designs that use mirrors to reflect IR from the keyboard to the PDA and are tricky to set up. The keyboard also features an adjustable IR wand that accommodates viewing in both portrait and landscape modes, an essential capability since PDAs are increasingly supporting these two viewing orientations. Additionally, the close proximity of the IR wand minimizes latency - i.e., the time between when a key is pressed and when the letter appears on the PDA screen - an important feature for power users who type quickly.
Price and Availability
The Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard is available now through Think Outside's website, www.thinkoutside.com, for a suggested retail price of
$69.99 and includes a free keyboard case. The keyboard works with PDAs from Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and Dell, including the HP iPAQ 1900, 2200, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4100, 5100, 5400 and 5500 series; the Toshiba e330, e350/355, e740 and e750/755 models; the Dell Axim X5; and HTC Pocket PC XDA/MDA smartphones. (Note: a Palm OS version of the Stowaway Infrared Wireless Keyboard, marketed as the Palm Wireless Keyboard, is also available through PalmOne's distribution channels.)
About Think Outside
Think Outside Inc., founded in 1998, invents, engineers and manufactures mobile devices. Its flagship products, the Stowaway Portable Keyboard and the Stowaway XT Keyboard, are the first and only 100-percent full-size, collapsible keyboards for handheld devices. The Stowaway keyboards allow people on the go to do unrestricted e-mail and word processing, without lugging a laptop. The Stowaway keyboard has received numerous awards for its unique design and functionality and is included in the Design Collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. More information on the company and its products can be found at www.thinkoutside.com.
Stowaway is a trademark of Think Outside Inc. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Photos available upon request."
