Wednesday, October 18, 2006
I've Got The Touch
OMG I'm touch typing on my Nokia 770! My bluetooth keyboard came today!
This keyboard is going to take a little getting used to especially for numbers and special characters as they are mapped to letter keys with two special function keys, but damn this thing actually seems to work pretty well! Even the detachable clip stand fits the Nokia well and really makes for convenient viewing. This is a bit of a surprise as the clip stand was designed for TRIO style PDAs not Nokia 770s. For those of you that want details the keyboard is a "Think Outside Stowaway Universal Bluetooth Keyboard" and is easily activated with the maemo.com BT Keyboard app.
The keyboard folds up into a size almost identical to my Nokia 770. I have taken to carrying the Nokia everywhere with me in my back pocket. I could squeeze the keyboard in as well, but that definitely would be a strain on the pants, though that isn't really needed today; right rear pocket: wallet, left rear pocket: Nokia 770, left shirt pocket: Stowaway keyboard. I tried keeping the Nokia in my shirt breast pocket the first couple of days, but its weight made it pull the pocket out and tend to flop around loosely. The keyboard is lighter than the 770 and while similar in size doesn't seem to cause the same loose floppy behavior.
There is a strange feeling walking around with all my new toys pocketed, I feel unencumbered while still bristling with hi-tech geek potential. In the presence of any WiFi hotspot I could whip out my devices and begin some serious online usage. With a bluetooth phone (don't worry Honey, I'm not buying a new cell phone, at least not until the next plan renewal discount) I wouldn't even need to be in a hotspot to get online. And of course one doesn't need to go online to do word-processing or a myriad of other things. I still haven't decided on a good calendar/contact app, but once I have I can finally put away my simmering PDA envy feelings -- feelings I've harbored for over a decade -- feelings that started as I watched colleagues at my former employer Wolfram Research roam the halls madly scribbling away on their Apple Newtons.
My wife knows I had been thinking about getting a PS3 when they come out. I'm pretty sure this keyboard would allow you to turn your PS3 into an awesome hi-resolution internet appliance. Though my wife might shoot me if I got a PS3 right on the heels of these purchases. For now though I am happy as I definitely have ultimate blog on the go device.
