As a writer, I often find myself in situations where I want to type, but a notebook is inconvenient to use. I have often sat in chairs with a notebook precariously balanced on my knees. These days, you can purchase (QWERTY) style keyboards that work with PDAs so you can type-in your memos and letters, just as you would on a desktop or notebook PC.
These keyboards fold-up so they're convenient to carry. I'm planning to carry both my PDA and keyboard, along with my tape recorder in the pockets of my suit jacket when I’m out on assignment. And if the keyboard isn’t convenient, I can still use the stylus to enter information in other situations. Another plus, with a PDA, I don't have to wait for it to boot-up the way that I do with a notebook PC. The PDA turns on instantly, which lets me immediately enter information.
I checked out offerings mainly from PalmOne, and settled on either a mid-level Zire or Tungsten model. The low-end Zire 21 was unappealing because its display lacked back-lighting. I've dealt with devices that lacked backlighting and found them frustrating to use when the light was less than ideal.
As it turned out, Staples was running a special on a more expensive Tungsten E2, and my local Office Depot was willing to match the published price. Thus, I made the leap and am now the owner of a new PDA and folding keyboard.
Interestingly, the Belkin-brand keyboard that I purchased is wireless, which is not necessarily an advantage. It’s a universal, infrared keyboard that works with lots of PDAs and relies on line of site to communicate-the stand has a little reflector that you have to adjust. It’s a bit clumsy at first, but workable.
To begin my new life with a PDA, I typed this story on it. The keyboard is somewhat cramped, but adequate. I'll report in another article on how well the PDA is working for me. I'm hoping that it will be worth the money. On the other hand, if it's not, I'll let you know. But I’ll have one expensive paper weight sitting on my desk.
-Wayne N. Kawamoto
