Comments on: Targus To Sell ThumbPad

Targus will soon be offering a version of the ThumbPad, a small clip-on keyboard for the Palm V series that lets the user type with their thumbs. It will begin shipping at the end of this month, though the company is taking pre-orders now. It will cost $40.

Targus also said that this fall it will be announcing versions for other Palm series, the Sony Clié, the Visor, and more.

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Hmmm . .

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/13/2001 1:41:45 PM #

Maybe they'll make a big color screen that you can connect it to . . and then maybe a color printer. I'll just bet they could make it so your entire Palm V setup could fit, like, on a small table . . . .

Just a bit of wishin'....

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/13/2001 5:06:53 PM #

What if they made one for the IIIxe? Or the Cliè? Or other models

RE: Wish Fulfillment

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/13/2001 5:48:29 PM #

The second paragraph of the article says, "Targus also said that this fall it will be announcing versions for other Palm series, the Sony Clié, the Visor, and more. "

Usefulness?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/13/2001 6:17:49 PM #

Maybe this is just me, but would many people actually find this product useful? Its appears to be nearly the size of the Palm V itself, and both the Palm and the keyboard together seems like it'd be cumbersome to carry in the average pocket. For "a quick and efficient way to create text messages and short notes", keyword being short, I don't see why a few grafitti stokes would not suffice. For writing longer documents, a keyboard is a definite help (I have a PPK for my clié), but thumbtyping doesn't compare to a fullsize keyboard IMHO... 2c

RE: Usefulness?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/13/2001 6:42:07 PM #

I agree. It doesn't fit my needs.

I use graffiti most of time when traveling. I would expect my speed and accuracy would be much higher using graffiti then a Thumbpad.

When I am in the office or at home I generally use my PPK. A folded PPK isn't that much larger to carry.

RE: Usefulness?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/13/2001 8:12:01 PM #

in some places, text messages are a way of life -- imagine an average of 1500 outgoing text messages per month, triple that for incoming messages. two fingers are much easier.

RE: Usefulness?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/13/2001 8:51:03 PM #

True, but for me I would think graffiti is faster and simple to learn.

RE: Usefulness?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/13/2001 9:55:08 PM #

I would agree with those who say that Graffiti should be sufficient except for long texts... but, I have several co-workers who just can't (or more likely are unwilling to spend the time to practice and learn how to) use Graffiti.

It's kind of sad for me, 'cause I see how under-utilized their handhelds are, while I find mine indispensable. Maybe a small, simple keypad will appeal to them, and help them get into a higher rate of usage with the devices.

RE: Usefulness?

EJSHUMAK @ 9/14/2001 12:44:38 AM #

It looks interesting --but -- I don't really see any usefulness -- form factor counts for something, doesn't it?

Fitaly / RE: Usefulness?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/14/2001 2:50:25 AM #

Hmm, I recently got FitalyStamp and even after training a little I got higher word count per second and higher accuracy that with Graffiti, even though I have trained quite a bit with Graffiti over the years.

This keyboard just adds to the bulk while tools like FitalyStamp keeps the compact size of the device.

So I am happy now with FitalyStamp on the run and the Thinkoutside Keyb for "desk type jobs".

RE: Usefulness?

I.M. Anonymous @ 9/16/2001 3:44:31 AM #

I'm not really sure why they couldn't have created a thumb keyboard that's more like the one for the Blackberry. I tried typing on it on a demo machine at the store and found it to be very comfortable and easy to use (I have small hands, so that could have been a major factor). I also find it easier to type up longer notes with a keyboard rather than having to deal with Graffiti, which I have pretty much mastered, but still get frustrated with because it's just not as fast as touch typing.

I have the PPK for my Palm VIIx and have been considering getting one for my Clie (though it kind of irks me to have to pay another $99 for the same product; wish I could create an adapter). But the smaller form factor of the ThumbPad makes it more appealing, especially since I wouldn't always need a flat surface to use the keyboard on; I could just connect it and type away. Much handier, IMO. Of course, for other occasions, the folding keyboard is more appropriate. But if you're on the go, or can't really sit down and create the ideal set up in which to use the PPK, I feel this thumb keyboard would do the trick. Its mobility approaches that of a Blackberry or a two-way pager like the Talkabout.

I can't wait for one for the Clie to come out!