Logitech's new Keyboard offerings bring a new spin to PDA keyboards. Are they worth investing in, or should you just get better at using Graffiti?
As technically great as Graffiti may be, it's still a real pain on your Palm. We've tested many keyboard options that promise faster, easier text entry on a handheld, but not one has bested Palm's vaunted handwriting system. Logitech's new TypeAway and KeyCase keyboards, however, both offer an interesting spin on the PDA keyboard concept.
Logitech TypeAway
Logitech's first offering for the Australian market is the TypeAway. Like the Palm m500 Portable Keyboard, you unfold the TypeAway on a flat surface and drop your Palm into it in order to type. It uses a traditional spring loaded key setup, which could have issues for the long term life of the unit.
The TypeAway is much thinner than the Palm alternative --roughly the size and shape of a cigarette packet -- making it perfect for stashing in a coat pocket. The QWERTY keypad has some unusually shaped keys, but thanks to its reasonable touch-typing response, you'll find yourself typing almost as fast as you do at the PC with just a bit of practice.
There are also a number of shortcut keys that are accessible through two button-presses. The AU$199 TypeAway looks to be a good option for those who need to occasionally wrangle with big chunks of text on their Palms but still want to travel.
Logitech KeyCase
Imagine being able to crumple your keyboard like a sheet of paper, and you're not too far from the idea behind Logitech's soon to be available KeyCase. Built around an ingenious multilayered-fabric technology, this pressure-sensitive sheet pulls double duty as a protective case and a keyboard. When not in use, you can wrap it around your Palm m100 or m500 series handheld. Once it's unfurled, though, you'll see each key silk-screened on the fabric's surface.
As neat as the concept is, it does have a few drawbacks. It's not possible to register two key presses simultaneously, which means you can't hit the Shift key and a letter at the same time. Since there's no key travel, it's easy to mistype. Settings within the software enable you to adjust the sensitivity settings to match how hard you plan to attack the keys, which mitigates this problem to an extent. You can also set your Palm to emit an audible click each time you press a button.
The KeyCase does have a steep learning curve, but it is exceptionally portable, which is what having a PDA is all about. Logitech expect the KeyCase to be available in Australia within the next couple of months.
Logitech KeyCase and TypeAway
Company: Logitech Australia
Price: TypeAway AU$199, KeyCase AU$249
Distributor: Selected retailers
Phone: (02) 9972 3711
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