iTech Virtual Keyboard review

MikeB · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:58 am Post subject: iTech Virtual Keyboard review

One of the things that makes PDAs and mobile phones difficult to use is the data entry mechanisms. With a PDA you generally get an on-screen keyboard that is touch sensitive, not too bad, but with a Mobile phone you have a keypad with 9 keys to input your entire text.

Maybe this is showing my age, but I don't have "idle thumbs" and cannot make my fingers fly round a keyboard. This is where the iTech Virtual Keyboard comes in providing a fully featured keyboard for a number of portable devices. Robert and I first saw this at the Stuff Live exhibition and now I have got my hands on one to review.

Does it work well or is it just a gimmick? Click here to read on and find out...
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Mike Barrett

The_Pilgrim · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:02 pm Post subject:

Hi Mike,

I have had a vkb for about 4 months now with an XDA2 and now an XDA2s and i generally agree with your comments in the review. Just a couple of points you could clarify for me if you would be so kind (im not sure if yours is a mk11 version)

1
You spoke of a motion detector that switched the unit off whilst travelling. I know this is a safety feature to prevent eye damage from the laser diode if the unit falls over etc. My unit has a small switch on the base so if it falls or somebody picks it up it switches off: does yours have the same or is it actually some type of motion detector?

2
I agree the cable can be a pain in the neck some times but a small lump of blue tack holding the cable to the surface about 4 inches from the VKB solved it for me. (Blue tack could also be a solution for point no. 1 if it is a switch on the base and not a motion sensor)

3
I have never used thi VKB for any length of time so i have not experienced any memory problem. i will test this out and let you know what i find.

4
You are correct: What a crowed puller. I have found i dont even need to connect it to a pda people are just amazed when you switch it on :D

Regards

The Pilgrim

MikeB · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 12:57 pm Post subject:

SafeHarbor · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 6:23 pm Post subject:

Hi, Mike,

Can it project a Dvorak keyboard layout? Or maybe that's an option in the driver (even if the display doesn't)?

I see that they have a Bluetooth VKB, too...
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Mapopolis support

lbendlin · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:17 pm Post subject:

Here

http://www.tsrmobile.com/news_101204.html

Let the drool ruul ! [sic]
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Lutz

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SafeHarbor · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 7:51 pm Post subject:

Hi, Lutz,

Lust, yes. I couldn't find mention of Dvorak capabilities in any of the handbooks, so I wrote and asked them. When you get used to using the Dvorak layout, you know, it's hard to go back!

Thanks!
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Mapopolis support

lbendlin · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 8:40 pm Post subject:

Lamar,

as I understand it the keyboard doesn't support ten-finger-typing anyhow, rather circle-and-peck. Maybe the keyboard layout isn't that important then?
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Lutz

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SafeHarbor · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2005 9:21 pm Post subject:

Hi, Lutz,

Well, the specs say 400 characters per minute. I re-read Mike's article and don't get that sense of it at all.
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Mapopolis support

The_Pilgrim · Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2005 11:22 am Post subject:

hi all

Im no expert on typing (2 index fingers and a thumb for the space bar Confused

) but i know you cannot rest your fingers on these keys as some typists do with a tactile keyboard. This is because the activation takes place when your finger is 1.6 mm (1/16") above the surface. You have to hold your fingers above the surface unless your pressing the key, not sure if that what 'circle and pecking' is.

regards

The Pilgrim

mikealder · Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2005 12:30 pm Post subject:

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but I thought I would let you know the Bluetooth version is much better, just a tad difficult to pair (use its reset buton to distroy the Bluetooth bond if switching between devices as this way is faster - Got there in the end.
It will also work with the XDA-Exec (WM2005) which the suppliers weren't too sure about. I've still to get the software to work on 2005, but the device is fine. - Mike

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