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+--- Thread: Will we get a pocket-sized BT keyboard now? (/showthread.php?tid=79304)
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Will we get a pocket-sized BT keyboard now? - prymsnap - 06-08-2009
With impending iPhone & iPod Touch bluetooth capability, I sure would like to see a foldable BT keyboard, not unlike the old (and wonderful) Palm folding infrared version. Anybody else interested?
I'd like one. - RAMd®d - 06-08-2009
But I'm wondering if there's an iPhone Dev who can comment on the accessibility of BT *input* profiles.
I don't know if that particular input profile/API/whatever is available to them.
Re: Will we get a pocket-sized BT keyboard now? - davester - 06-08-2009
Exactly my thought. I think it's likely, but I'm wondering if such a device would be able to be used for the core iPhone functions (mail, safari, etc) or whether it'll only be available to apps. I'd love to have a keyboard, and I'd also like to be able to plug in an external monitor, but I'm skeptical of that happening.
Re: Will we get a pocket-sized BT keyboard now? - (vikm) - 06-08-2009
I'm apparently one of the very few that have little to no problem with the touchscreen keyboard on the phone as is. The only word I have problems with is "for". Sometimes I get "fir" instead. I guess I'm fortunate to have fairly thin fingers and not sausage-like like so many others. Either that or all of those years of playing video games paid off in the form of above average dexterity. I have no real problems typing on it even at a high rate of speed and have gotten very trusting of it.
Re: Will we get a pocket-sized BT keyboard now? - prymsnap - 06-08-2009
davester wrote:
Exactly my thought. I think it's likely, but I'm wondering if such a device would be able to be used for the core iPhone functions (mail, safari, etc) or whether it'll only be available to apps. I'd love to have a keyboard, and I'd also like to be able to plug in an external monitor, but I'm skeptical of that happening.
Wow, if a keyboard couldn't be used for e-mail and Safari, my interest would fall dramatically. But really, if I could travel with my Touch and a mini-keyboard, the MacBook would stay at home a lot more often. (Yes, I know, I should get myself a Dell Mini with OSX...but not right now!)
Re: I'd like one. - RAMd®d - 06-08-2009
I'm apparently one of the very few that have little to no problem with the touchscreen keyboard on the phone as is.
As am I.
But that still doesn't mean that typing a lot of info with two thumbs vs eight fingers and two thumbs is preferable to me.
A small, folding keyboard and a 'Phone could still be more compact than any netbook (and yes, I've traveled with my Mini9) and very adequate for me.
Re: Will we get a pocket-sized BT keyboard now? - (vikm) - 06-08-2009
RAMd®d, oh I understand. I was under the impression everyone was talking about a small keyboard (like the size on some other flip out phones) that would most likely still be used by thumbs and not fingers. My bad. I can see where some would maybe prefer that. The tradeoff of having to carry some other portable device for me still wouldn't nearly be worth it, though but I can see why some might.
Re: Will we get a pocket-sized BT keyboard now? - davester - 06-08-2009
I think the major appeal of a separate keyboard is when you go on a trip and need to do a lot of data entry. For example, I go on trips where I gather a lot of field data during the day and spend the evening typing it in and uploading it. It would be vastly faster and more pleasant to have a small keyboard in my luggage that I could enter data with than it would be using the touchscreen. The other alternative is to bring a laptop but I'd rather just carry the iPhone and keyboard.
Re: Will we get a pocket-sized BT keyboard now? - RAMd®d - 06-08-2009
The tradeoff of having to carry some other portable device for me still wouldn't nearly be worth it, though but I can see why some might.
For me, the benefit is *packing* a BT keyboard (as opposed to packin') in my carry-on and keeping the 'Phone in my pocket. Out and about, the 'Phone is fine. Back at the hotel, breakout the keyboard, and chronicle the days events.
Probably the same as you, I've never had the desire or need for dinky phone-sized keyboard.
But- since most kids and some folks can text with tactile buttons solely by feel, I can see where there *might* be a market for a separate, hand-held, micro keyboard.
Re: Will we get a pocket-sized BT keyboard now? - guitarist - 06-08-2009
(vikm) wrote:
I'm apparently one of the very few that have little to no problem with the touchscreen keyboard on the phone as is. The only word I have problems with is "for". Sometimes I get "fir" instead. I guess I'm fortunate to have fairly thin fingers and not sausage-like like so many others. Either that or all of those years of playing video games paid off in the form of above average dexterity. I have no real problems typing on it even at a high rate of speed and have gotten very trusting of it.
You are apparently under the impression that the desire for an iPhone optional keyboard is motivated by dissatisfaction with the touch screen. The touch screen is great, but what if another option were available too? For more lengthy writing, with ease?
It doesn't matter how talented or fast you are at the iPhone's limited input (a one-finger exercise in dexterity, good for a dozen words here and there) it's not a substitute for touch typing on a real keyboard. I love the iPhone's input, think it's very useful for notes and messages. But it can't be mistaken for an instrument you could write a 16 paragraph report, or essay, or column, the way you easily can with a normal keyboard.
When the iPhone does have such an input option, a portable full keyboard, then journalists can write articles, authors can write essays, students or teachers can write and edit and revise documents, lovers can write poetry, or dirty love letters, or friends draft lengthy thoughtful replies instead of poking out five-word text messages. All using their phones, instead of a full laptop or desktop computer. That would be pretty cool.
Depending, of course, on how good these portable keyboards are, when they materialize. If they can make a portable keyboard that would satisfy a writer, it would be a nice breakthrough for the iPhone. And it's still convenient to use just the touch screen the majority of the time