Windows Phone Thoughts: Freedom Bluetooth Keyboard: Extra Row, Less Money

Painless Packaging
The packaging of my review unit was of the plastic variety, but it utilized the “tab” method of keeping the packaging closed, rather than the melted/glued/welded-shut-hard-plastic-that-you-need-a-blowtorch-to-open method.


Figure 1: No need for that table saw - it's easy to open!

Included with the keyboard is a quick reference sheet, a 23 page manual, a CD with drivers and PDF versions of both manuals, two AAA batteries, and a surprisingly nice “pleather” zip case with decent padding for shock protection.


Figure 2: Mmmm...pleather....

The Exterior: Oooh, Shiny!


Figure 3: Measuring up.

You’ve got your logo on the top, a tasteful silver and black color scheme, and a sliding tab on the end that releases the catch holding the two halves of the keyboard closed. There’s also a sturdy metal bracket that covers the opposite end from the tab - it’s kind of like the spine of a book, and it really seems to add to the durability of the unit.

The width of the keyboard is slightly smaller than the standard, Darfon-made serial keyboards available for HP and Dell models. It’s thicker than the Darfon models and longer than the Original Stowaway. Overall, I’d say that the Darfon has the better form factor by a slight margin.


Figure 4: Freedom Bluetooth, Original StowAway, HP Serial, Targus IR.