Stowaway Universal Bluetooth Keyboard Review!!

[Ballzo]

I wanted to complete my post, and report success with my new Stowaway Bluetooth Universal Keyboard. This little gizmo is shuweeeeet!!
Saw a review a few days ago, and thought, “This is for me.” I don’t have a laptop. My Q IS my portable Internet/email device and I rely on it while I’m on the go.
Cell phones while getting smaller and smaller face the challenge that as they do so, keyboards and screens keep getting smaller as well. If you’re one that simply uses the Q to fire off quick Texts or short emails, then you don’t need this. But if you’re composing or replying to fairly long emails, then this device might just be for you. I’m one of those people..
Like many of you, I’ve gotten fairly adept at one-handed thumb typing on the Q and I’m pretty quick at it, at least I think so.. But at the end of the day I admit it’s a major, royal pain.. This keyboard solves all that for me..
They’re not cheap, running between $85 (If you can find it) to $150. It’s a 4 row keyboard.
The form factor is really neat. The case is made of brushed aluminum and has a very attractive design, and solid feel to it, but it’s very, very light weight, barely noticeable. Folded, the keyboard measures 5.5 inches long X 3.75 inches wide. About ¼ inch thick. Expanded, or unfolded, 9.75 inches long X 3 inches wide. I had no idea how small it was until I measured it. It is thin and lightweight enough that it fits comfortably inside my pants pocket or a jacket or suit pocket.
I am not a power keyboard user. Simple typing and I seldom use Hot Keys. But for sure the Stowaway makes use of them.
The Q rests comfortably in a cradle directly in front of the keyboard. I discovered this morning that the cradle is detachable and can be placed holding your Q wherever it’s convenient.
The one possible downside is that in my opinion the Stowaway really does require a level flat surface in order to type properly. It can be done in one’s lap, but not well, as it flops around too much.
Once it’s bonded, you’re all set. Now you simply open the keyboard, that activates Bluetooth and start typing!!! Wow.. Sitting on desk it’s a very, very attractive techie kind of display..
The keyboard is a MUST for power PDA users. As I said, despite the fact that the Q has no ability to edit Word/Excel docs, for blogging or long emails this gadget is an absolute MUST. You gotta get one of these..
There are numerous online reviews. Just google it and you'll find lots.. Thsi one is good..
http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=2281
In a frustrated earlier post, I bemoaned the fact that I couldn’t get the device bonded/paired with the Q. I always fight with Bluetooth anyway!! Don’t know why. I MISSED one critical step which caused me to repeat myself numerous times. My bad.. The other caveat is, once the Stowaway application is installed, it uses the HID Stack on the phone. This results in the keyboard working, but having limited functionality. Things like soft keys are missing. You must go through one more step once detected, to delete the Think Outside Profile and reinstall the Stowaway Application. Then you’re done!! Now you DO have full keyboard functionality. Other folks had theirs up and running in minutes. I was one of those dolts that wrestled for hours, needlessly when I shouldn’t have. Think Outside has wonderful, knowledgeable, patient Tech Support if you need it. Right here in the good ‘ol US.
Check around for pricing. The keyboard is being offered on sale a few places for Christmas. Great stocking stuffer for yourself!!!
Once I saw it, I thought, “Yup, this is EXACTLY what I need.” It was worth the setup effort and really enhances my Q experience.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

B

[Lucky13MN]

Nice review, I just ordered mine today in hopes it will further enhance my 'Q' experience providing a fast and convenient method to take notes during meetings.

Now if I can only convince my employer to pay for it

[Benso87]

That is a pretty sweet little keyboard, though I don't have much use for it currently. I could see it being helpful for taking notes at school, especially since I'm going to have my phone with me all the time, and I don't always have my laptop.

[FourTwenSesh]

Originally Posted by Lucky13MN

Now if I can only convince my employer to pay for it

I am going to expense mine and see what the boss says.....