Review: Computing on the Move - Part 2, Belkin Wireless PDA Keyboard, F8u1500ea

In Part 2, Don Bradbury examines the Belkin Wireless PDA Keyboard.

Product	Wireless PDA Keyboard, F8u1500ea
Company	Belkin
Web	www.belkin.com
Price	£44.99
We like
We don't like
Rating	8/10
Requirements

The hardware that a traveling computer user will have in his luggage for the day may extend to no more than his trusty laptop or PDA. That's a risky strategy for any important work in hand. Batteries may go flat, the stylus for a touch-sensitive screen can easily go walkabout, and ambient lighting may be insufficient to work in, making keyboard work all but impossible. There may be other factors to consider, too, and many of these are already covered by accessory manufactures, so let's take a look at a few more examples.

Belkin Wireless PDA Keyboard

PDA users may value an Infra Red keyboard for their more demanding input. This Belkin unit is diminutive (10.5 x 3.75 x 0.25inch), collapsible, and convenient to use since it operates wirelessly, powered by a single AAA battery. It unfolds about the center to provide a unit that will sit on the user's lap or a table top, and provides decent key action and response.

This keyboard does not lock into a 180 degree position when opened but will unfold to about 200 degrees and remain flexible throughout that rotation. It does not, therefore, lie flat on an uneven surface such as the user's lap. On a table top, however, it serves well, and PDA users will value the dedicated quick-start and application keys it offers, as well as the little folding stand that's provided to mount the PDA on while using the keyboard.

A setup CD carries the Pocket PC and Palm OS ActiveSync software required for downloading to HP, iPAQ, Toshiba, Dell, Palm, and Sony devices. A full compatibility list is provided at www.belkin.com.

See Also:

Review: Belkin AC Anywhere

Review: Belkin USB Lamp & Belkin Retractable USB Cable

Review: Belkin Pens, styli and more

 

Don Bradbury