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Finally! A PDA keyboard that works!
21:59 p.m. EST Oct 12, 2004
Until now, explorers have had to make do with the virtual keyboard on the iPAQ. While some people have managed to speed away with the stylus tapping, others, well let’s just say they have too big hands.
The external keyboards on the market have without exception proved to cause a conflict in the PDA’s communication port, preventing connection to the satellite phone.
So, when ThinkOutside recently launched a new Bluetooth wireless keyboard that did not connect through the same port as the satellite phone we immediately ordered a unit to test, installed the software in a minute – and it worked.
Solid Bluetooth wireless connection
The Bluetooth connection is very solid and after an easy initial pairing (mating two Bluetooth devices), the keyboard kept finding the PDA without help. After two days and some serious shutdowns the units still paired as soon as we powered up.
As for connection - we walked 15 meters/45 ft with the keyboard away from the PDA and around a sharp brick wall corner before losing contact.
175 gram
At 175 gr (including batteries see below) the weight is acceptable for all but the most extreme expeditions. Rip off the useless plastic PDA holder in the back and save another 10 grams.
The keyboard is only rated down to 0C (32F), but that’s just the regular “you can’t sue us” number. ExplorersWeb have tested Bluetooth technology with success down to -30C on Antarctica.
AAA Power problem solved
The keyboard is powered by two non-rechargeable AAA alkaline batteries which don’t work well in cold. This would have caused a serious problem only two months ago, but Energizer just introduced the world’s first AAA Lithium cell. Two Energizers will extend the keyboards 120 hours usage time (according to the manufacturer) and most of all – make it work in cold.
e2 AAA Lithium sells at $2 to $3 a piece. Just like the AA battery - the AAA has an amazing range of temperature. The battery gives power down to -40C (-40F).
Battery specs
Energizer AAA model number is L92. The Lithium AA model number is L91
Battery Capacity Voltage Weight
L92 AAA 1250mAH 1.5V 7.8 gram
L91 AA 2900mAH 1.5V 14,5 gram
Price
Google gave price from $120 (expansys.com) to $160 plus shipping.
Tested by ExplorersWeb
Tested with iPAQ 2215, Iridium satellite phone, CONTACT 3.0 software, GPS CF and CONTACT 3.0 GEO positioning software.
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