Palm Mini Keyboard for m500 Series Released

Posted By: Ed Monday, June 3, 2002 8:34:22 AM

Palm has introduced a version of its Mini Keyboard for the m500 series. It is basically the same as the one for the i705 except for the slight changes necessary for it to fit the m500 series. It is a small keyboard that is intended to be typed on with the thumbs and it uses the QWERTY key layout. It is available now for $60.

It attaches to the bottom of the handheld and connects to the HotSync port, from which it draws its power. Though both the m500 series and the i705 use Palm's Universal Connector, the Mini Keyboard wraps around the entire bottom of the handheld, which is why different versions are required.

The Mini Keyboard covers the Graffiti area and the hardware buttons, though it has built-in replacements for the buttons. It comes with a small carrying bag.

This is not the first clip-on keyboard for the m500 series. For example, TT Tech Limited makes a version of the SnapNType mini-keyboard for it that sells for $40. Seiko Instruments also makes one that is available for $40.

Thanks to Thomas Silk for the tip. -Ed

Related Information:

Article Comments

 (23 comments)

The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. PalmInfocenter is not responsible for them in any way.
Please Login or register here to add your comments.

Comments Closed Comments Closed
This article is no longer accepting new comments.

Down

Any reviews

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 9:08:49 AM #
Has anyone reviewed the i705 version of the mini keyboard?
RE: Any reviews
Ed @ 6/3/2002 9:24:42 AM #
Sorry, I've never had a chance to use the i705 version. Here's what Steve Bush at Brighthand said about it:
The 44-key Palm Mini Keyboard ($59.99) is one of the best thumb-style keyboards I've tested. At 1.4 ounces, it's 25% lighter than most others (with the exception of the 1.3 ounce Targus ThumbPad) and at the same time it has the best feel and response. The keys are neither too big nor too small, too hard nor too soft. And the keys are arranged nicely for easy use.

www.brighthand.com/newsite/palm/reviews/palmi705_page2.html

---
News Editor
RE: Any reviews
Ronin @ 6/3/2002 1:13:00 PM #
With all these keyboards being released for Palm OS devices, is anyone actually buying these things?

The i705 board feels cheap

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 10:04:52 AM #
I used Palm's i705 keyboard and was unimpressed. It's bulky (it wraps around the entire device; it doesn't just clip on the front); and it did not make a tight fight, so it was wobbly. Plus, I could never imagine carrying around a Palm plus a keyboard like this. This is exactly what Handspring is trying to overcome with its Treo line. A much better approach -- less bulk, no flimsiness, no additional cost.

RE: The i705 board feels cheap
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 10:19:41 AM #
My personal opinion:
The FITALY stamp for my Vx works great - no need for add-on keyboards.
RE: The i705 board feels cheap
fkclo @ 6/3/2002 11:27:14 AM #
All these add-on keyboards just fade when compared to the Treo built-in keyboard.

If thumb typing is all that matters, Treo should be the one.

$60 US? Yup, Palm is dead.

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 10:12:00 AM #
What the hell is this? Sony's snap on keyboard for the 650 looks a ton better! Plus it's $20... Palm needs to get their heads out of the sand. Treo 90, here I come.
RE: $60 US? Yup, Palm is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 10:21:25 AM #
$40 seems to be the typical price for a clip on keyboard. That's where Palm should have gone. $60 is too much.
RE: $60 US? Yup, Palm is dead.
Ronin @ 6/3/2002 11:51:42 AM #
I guess it was too much to hope that the "Palm is dead" posts had gone the way of the dinosaur.

If you love/like the Palm OS (which I think would explain you presence at Palm Infocenter) then isn't it more sensible to be more constructive in your expression about Palm's future.

BTW, as far as the pricing for this thing goes. If Palm can't sell the things at $60 than they will cut the price as the market requires. Last time I checked not only was Palm in the business to make as much money was possible but capitalism demands that they do so or die (from this perspective you should be cheering the price).

RE: $60 US? Yup, Palm is dead.
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 12:01:01 PM #
I'll cheer for Palm Inc., but I dont think I would spend the money.
Oh Palm...
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 5:46:54 PM #
Leave it to Palm to price their product 20 dollars above the competition!

Graffiti is on it's way out

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 5:38:17 PM #
More devices with thumb boards and add on's for ones that don't have. I think graffiti only devices will be gone in a year.
RE: Graffiti is on it's way out
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 6:50:29 PM #
if thats the case, you should get yourself a laptop.
RE: Graffiti is on it's way out
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 6:55:57 PM #
Graffiti will NEVER go away.. REMEMBER THAT!!!!
RE: Graffiti is on it's way out
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 7:30:55 PM #
Graffiti is toast. The handwriting is on the wall. Oops did I say handwriting? Just watch as new devices sport keyboards instead of graffiti.
RE: Graffiti is on it's way out
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/3/2002 8:54:14 PM #
I think he is right, graffiti is on the way out. More and more keyboard devices are coming out . They are now becoming intregrated.Its the wave of the future. its easy to teach a keyboard over graffiti.
RE: Graffiti is on it's way out
Ed @ 6/3/2002 9:00:21 PM #
You might be interested in my editorial "Is Graffiti Dying?"

www.palminfocenter.com/view_story.asp?ID=3298

---
News Editor

RE: Graffiti is on it's way out
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/4/2002 12:32:51 AM #
everyone already knows how to use a keyboard. nobody needs to learn how to write again and there's no reason to waste CPU cycles on fancy handwriting recognition that still ends up feeling unnatural
RE: Graffiti is on it's way out
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/4/2002 10:37:29 AM #
And don't forget, Xerox is enforcing a patent it claims covers the Palm OS Graffiti technology, so that might be another reason to abandon it. http://www.gigalaw.com/articles/2002/isenberg-2002-02.html


RE: Graffiti is on it's way out
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/4/2002 12:48:52 PM #
I can say that I was a graffiti fan and when I first got a treo 180 if felt very awkward. But as I learned the key combos and got comfortable which did not take long, I REALLY liked it. For me, I can't see myself ever wanting to go back to a graffiti device having used both.
RE: Graffiti is on it's way out
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/4/2002 5:32:01 PM #
you ppl might it sound like keyboard is all that. i bet you are the same ppl who used to complain about using a keyboard. Then again, I bet half of the ppl who complains never saw the first Palm Pilot or the great apple newton (lol!!!). its true you are seeing more and more keypad/keybaord. its all demand. But I really dont think Graffiti will go out anytime soon.. not by next year.

Mini Keyboard vs Snape'N Type

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/5/2002 5:21:18 AM #
which one is better?

and which one is more compact and easier to carry?

Im planning to buy one of those
please advice

RE: Mini Keyboard vs Snape'N Type
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/5/2002 5:33:31 AM #
The SnapNType looks much more slim and compactable for daily carrying.

Top

Account

Register Register | Login Log in
user:
pass: