Review: A portable keyboard and HotSync cradle in one

From...

LandWare's GoType keyboard for Palm devices can also be used as a HotSync cradle and charger

by Jeff Pittelkau

(IDG) -- If you're a Palm-equipped road warrior, chances are there are times when you'd love to have a keyboard for fast text entry. LandWare's GoType is a compelling solution, as long as you're willing to live with a few quirks.

Like the Palm keyboard, which has PowerBook-sized keys and folds into a case the size of a wallet, the GoType is a miniaturized keyboard, with a folding lid. Its keys are very small and close together, so touch typing is difficult, particularly if you have large hands. Also, the pitch of the number keys is incorrect -- the keys are positioned directly above the top row of letters, rather than slightly to the left.

It's also missing one subtle but helpful feature: When your Palm goes to sleep and you resume typing on Palm's keyboard, the Palm wakes up automatically, and the first key you press is acknowledged. Not so with GoType -- you must first turn on the Palm with the power key before you can resume typing.

MORE COMPUTING INTELLIGENCE

IDG.net home page

MacWorld Online home page

Review: Palm portable keyboard

A real keyboard for your Palm

Anywhere, everywhere, everything Palm

Reviews & in-depth info at IDG.net

E-BusinessWorld

TechInformer

Questions about computers? Let IDG.net's editors help you

Subscribe to IDG.net's free daily newsletters

Search IDG.net in 12 languages

The GoType keyboard offers a compelling feature of its own, however: You can also use it as a HotSync cradle, which saves you the hassle of carrying both a keyboard and a cradle when you travel. The Palm V version also allows you to connect the Palm's AC adapter, so you can charge the Palm while it's sitting in the GoType.

The GoType provides six function keys, which are customizable, and it also allows a cluster of letter keys to double as a number pad. Like the Palm keyboard, it has places to hold your stylus on either the right or left side of the keyboard.

LandWare also bundles in TakeNote, a word processor; and WordSleuth, a thesaurus. If you need to write rather than just take notes, you'll come to love these two applications.

Pros: Sturdy design; bundled software; HotSync capability.

Cons: Small, awkward key layout; no auto-on feature.

Buying advice: Travelers will appreciate the convenience of a keyboard and HotSync cradle integrated into one device. Those needing a full-size keyboard, however, should opt for Palm's keyboard instead.

Editing office docs possible with latest compression software
October 20, 2000
Palm and partners to launch wireless, voice-activated service for cars
October 13, 2000
Palm announces cell phone add-on
September 26, 2000
SmartPad for the Palm is short on smarts
July 31, 2000

Review: Palm portable keyboard
(MacWorld)
A real keyboard for your Palm
(PC World)
Anywhere, everywhere, everything Palm
(MacWorld)
Sharp to add keyboard to Zaurus handheld
(IDG.net)
A Palm even your parents could love
(PC World)
Palm programs to pack
(MacWorld)
S3 to offer PDA with large keyboard and Word compatibility
(InfoWorld)
Cell phones, PDAs converge
(InfoWorld)

LandWare Inc.
Palm Inc.

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.