Mini Keyboard for m500 Series Introduced

Posted By: Ed Wednesday, November 14, 2001 8:05:30 AM

Northstar has unveiled Mini Keyboard, a sleeve keyboard designed to be a natural extension of the Palm m500 series. It slides onto the handheld to let users thumb-type while holding it in their hand. Mini Keyboard plugs into the HotSync port, weighs just over an ounce, and adds less than an inch in length to the handheld. It will cost $60 when it is available in January. The company is taking preorders now.

It has one-button access to the built-in applications, like Date Book, Address Book, To Do List and Note Pad. it also includes typical keyboard keys like space, backspace, tab, return, and caps lock. It also has buttons for beaming, the international keyboard, adjusting the backlight, and the Command toolbar.

It is 3.32 by 2.90 x 1.03 inches, and it weighs 1.23 ounces. it runs off power from the handheld.

Users must remove the Mini Keyboard in order to HotSync. However, the leather flip cover that comes with the handheld doesn't have to be removed. It comes with a carrying case.

Because of its sleeve design, the Mini Keyboard works only with the m500 series.

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A few questions...

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/14/2001 8:11:14 AM #

Does this model have a jog dial? I like the m505 form factor and aluminum case, but I long for a jog dial. I think one of the new mini-keyboards has it, but I'm not sure which one. Is this it?

Second, how does this keyboard allow you to adjust the backlight? Last I checked, the only thing you could do to the m505 backlight was turn it on or off.

RE: A few questions...

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/14/2001 8:42:45 AM #

To answer your questions:

1. No. The jog dial is a Sony thing. The FAQ states that the mini keyboard isn't even support a Sony device.

2. Last I checked, you cannot adjust the backlight. You can turn it on ... you can turn it off. That's it.

RE: A few questions...

Ed @ 11/14/2001 8:52:24 AM #

The clip-on keyboard with the jog wheel you are thinking of is the Kennsington PocketType, which is for the Visor. There is another under development by EtherAge.
www.palminfocenter.com/view_Story.asp?ID=2377

I won't argue semantics with you but the only adjustment you can make is to turn the sidelight on and off.

---
News Editor

RE: A few questions...

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/17/2001 2:43:16 AM #

FYI, for those looking for a small keyboard like this I suggest checking out the Thumboard from Seiko. It's available now instead of next year.

http://www.seiko-austin.com/

I just picked one up today for my m505 from JandR in NY for $39.99. The ones for the m500 and Palm V were also available. Plus there is a coupon for a free neoprene case of some sort with it.

First impressions is the keys are a little soft and tightly packed together (lots of key functionality, very cool!), but solid feel overall. Can't beat the portabiltity.

Pre-Order

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/14/2001 11:43:25 AM #

Yeah, like I would ever pre-order something ever again after the Palm m505 fiasco. All of the stores had it before Palm saw fit to deliver to all of the people who pre-ordered it.

I know this is not a Palm device, but the same reasoning applies. It will most likely be in the stores before any of the pre-orders ship.

UNDERIMPRESSED

I.M. Anonymous @ 11/14/2001 3:51:18 PM #

I have a 505 that I tke notes with alot. The palm folding keyboard is nice if I'm sitting at a desk for at least a few minutes. The Thumb-Board didn't seem to be very handy @ all, and not much less of a chore to drag around and setup than the folding keyboard. It now sits @ home. When I can't use the folding keyboard KeyBoard Hack II works nicely. It's much creaper and you don't have to set it up. Worth considering if you want such a small keyboard.

Tuckermaclain@yahoo