By Randall Hull
Tech Talk
This biweekly column offers solutions to personal technology problems submitted by readers. Neither the author nor this newspaper endorses products or companies mentioned.
Q: I have a PalmV handheld. Much as I enjoy its features and portability, I find its small writing area and Graffiti shorthand difficult for entering more than a few words at a time. Are there any accessories that would make inputting data easier?
A: There are as many input devices as Batman has cool gadgets. Here are a few of the better choices.
Have a stack of business cards you’ve been waiting to input? Consider the Corex CardScan ($299). It accurately scans and organizes all the information into your address book.
The ingenious Palm Tri-Folding Keyboard ($99) is only slightly larger than your handheld when closed, but it expands to the size of a normal keyboard when opened. Just hook up to your PDA and type away.
Fellowes’ PDA Type ‘N Go ($95) is a keyboard and case in one. The built-in dock allows easy connection, and the keyboard has hot keys for all characters, numbers and commands.
For minikeyboards that fit in your pocket, you can choose the Acer Accufeel G300 ($50), sporting 35 tiny raised-rubber keys, or the Cirque Pocket Keyboard ($40), with 55 white recessed “touch points.” Both weigh less than 2 ounces and snap onto your PalmOS handheld. Shaquille O’Neal beware, these are not for folks with large fingers.
The Matias Half Keyboard ($99) is half a keyboard that can be used one-handed. Each key doubles as both the right- and left-hand keys.
Touch-type normally for the left-hand keys and hold down the space bar for the right-hand ones.
The Palm FITALY Keyboard 2.0 ($25) is a unique software solution. This is a replacement for the on-screen QWERTY keyboard.
The FITALY key arrangement minimizes pen travel, with space keys and the most frequent letters, “ital ne dors,” clustered to the center. This layout eliminates hand movement when typing text.
This is also the first keyboard with access to the full 220 Ansi character set.
Finally, the features of the Seiko Instruments SmartPad2 make it a must-see. Not only does it let you scribble notes and draw diagrams on a paper notepad - all captured in real time on your handheld - it also has a near full-size keypad tucked under the notepad. Tap the keys with the SmartPad pen and input like typing. Its rotating transceiver lets the SmartPad work with HandSpring and Sony handhelds as well as Palm. All this in a zippered portfolio that serves as a traveling desktop.
I recommend visiting iGo.com, Palm.com and PalmGear.com, for more details and options.
Please keep questions to 100 words or less. When describing the problem, be as specific as possible. Send to Tech Talk, Town Crier, 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022, or e-mail techtalk@latc.com.
Randall Hull is a Los Altos resident and owner of The Br@nd Ranch, an advertising and marketing agency.
