USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

First thread of my own here but I think I have searched for as many of the terms as I can. :p

Well after reading all the reviews I was pretty sure I would go with an "iGo ultra-slim stowaway" Bluetooth keyboard (or the Dell one which is exactly the same but cheaper if I can fine one).

Then I realised you can't really use Bluetooth on airplanes! :rolleyes: However, with the new easy USB host mode I'm thinking that it's not a problem and I could use a USB keyboard.... but now I have to start my search again for portable USB keyboard :o

What would be really great is a UK keyboard too, with a £ sign ;)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Why cant you use bluetooth on airplanes?

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Never mind.

I was thinking that is was technologically impossible to use them.

I know its a safety measure even though RF interference has never cause trouble with a flight, or at least, never been proven

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

LOL, I re-wrote this bit of the post a number of times :p

While I personally don't think that BT will affect much on a plane, after some googling it seems that even that airlines are divided on it. Either way it just seems simpler (and hopefully cheaper) to go the USB route if I can get something portable enough.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Picked up a USB keyboard at the thrift store yesterday for $3 and plugged that into my homebrew OTG cable and after the usual message about not being supported (nothing is initially supported?!?), it came up and worked just fine. Put my igo back in the case and tossed it in my briefcase :-).

Gotta be USB keyboards out there with the pound sign on them :-).

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Is it portable though? I can't really see me getting on a plane with a lovely little N800 in my pocket and getting a full sized USB keyboard out the overhead locker :D

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

It's hard for me to believe that ANY airlines are concerned about bluetooth to the extent that the announcement on the plane would say 'you may turn on electronic devices now EXCEPT bluetooth'!

Has anyone ever been asked if the were carrying any bluetooth devices when boarding a plane?

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

I really doubt Bluetooth will affect airplanes. That's pretty amusing.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

That's why most of them say things like you may use electrical devices as long as they are in flight or offline mode.

So if your laughing at Bluetooth is Wi-Fi OK in your eyes? to quote an article on slashdot I wouldn't be so happy if a bunch of kids were all playing on PSP via Wi-Fi on a plane and to quote a post from a bluetooth designer "Bluetooth is already fairly resistant to disruption as it is designed to guarantee a certain minimum data stream will always get through".... glad my keyboard works over anything else! :p

At the end of the day, whether it affects planes or not it is still illegal on a lot of carriers. It seems to be the USA that are the strictest with airlines in Europe just passing a bill allowing GSM in planes in certain situations. (News articles)

Back on topic, surely it's just easier and cheaper to get a portable USB keyboard? Anyone know of one? :rolleyes:

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Well, they aren't travel or folding keyboards, but I've always been a big fan of the USB versions of the IBM UltraNav keyboards.

They have been available on ebay lately in non-English variants:
( Swedish Ultranav on Ebay) (Though I think the price on that one is already a bit too high)

The compact models (not the ones with a num-pad) are relatively thin and light. Pre-N800, I traveled with one of these keyboards, a flash drive, and a Knoppix CD instead of a laptop.

I haven't seen much in the way of plain USB portable keyboards. I looked around for an Adesso, but the models in stock at various online retailers always seemed to be ones with proprietary PDA connectors.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Thanks for your help sceaduw, I'm still looking too. It's annoying as I have a lovely portable keyboard for my (very old) Palm III which works great but only has a connector for the Palm.

I have also been looking too at "happy hacker" keyboards which are lovely and compact but still full sized keys. Just not quite compact enough.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

How about the Rubber Roll-Up type like this http://www.gadgets.co.uk/item/USBRK/...-Keyboard.html

OR

This one
http://www.amazon.co.uk/TTJ-Sized-Fl...0354377&sr=8-5

you just need a flat surface like the fold down tray on the back of the seat, although the second keyboard may prove to be a little wide!

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Hmmm, they are small and very cheap but they do get very bad reviews! :(

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Hi dogsbody.
I agree with you on that, but its slightly better to use than the inbuilt one.

Another option is the "Matias" folding keyboard linked below. It's fantastic, but is only available in US layout at the moment. I hope they bring out a UK one soon.
http://matias.ca/foldingkeyboard/index.php

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

I use http://www.uxcell.com/mini-usb-keys-...op-p-7413.html

Pic: http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q...ard/n800sm.jpg

arrived today

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Wow, that Matias keyboard looks perfect! I think that may be the winner!

Cptnodegard: your picture is great :D

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

I have just recieved a reply from Matias about a UK layout version :-

"Thank you for your email and interest in our products.
We have just begun the first production run of our US version Folding Keyboard. Once the first stock is received our management team will be discussing future versions so your email is quite timely. We would like to produce at the very least a UK version and a German version. Please tell us a bit more about what interest you feel would be generated in the UK.
Are you part of a users group or have you read publications indicating the need for a UK version Folding keyboard. Also, please advise which stores you feel would be the best location for people to find our product in the UK. We have been working on a deal with Dixon's, any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your comments."

It sounds good to me, but we will still have to wait for production to be considered! I have just responded to them with a little info and the URL of this forum also. You never know, they may want Beta Testers!:D

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Me, me, me, I'll beta test a UK version!!!! :D

WavyD, this is great, nice work :)

I do think there is a real call for a full sized portable wired keyboard with more and more internet tablets and mini-laptops becoming avaliable.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Has anone sucessfully paired a Microsoft Elite Bluetooth Keyboard with their N800. It finds the device but for some reason can not pair when I type the pairng number.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

mikescott_98, Welcome to this site, as you will see it is full of really good info from a lot of people, however the information here is only good if it makes sense and can be found again. To keep this in check it is best to keep threads on a single topic. This thread is about NON-bluetooth portable keyboards.

To help with your quest you may want to look at this wiki page which describes using the bluetooth menu intead of the keyboard menu to pair them. If that doesn't work may I suggest searching for other posts about bluetooth keyboards as this is quite a common problem or starting your own thread. Thank you

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

I did it, got sick of hauling an extra keyboard, i bought an adesso flex keyboard last night, 20 bucks from amazon. Ive read some bad reviews, but good ones also. I have not heard anything bad about them from these forums. Anyone here have one? Hows it workin for yah? guess ill know tues..

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Here's a Targus foldable USB keyboard (PA875U01X) that I'm also interested in:
http://www.google.com/products?hl=en...-8&sa=N&tab=wf

Any chance you guys have used it with the N800?

I'm eager, mikedmann, to hear your thoughts on your new flex keyboard. Though, I'm thinking it fits into the category of "Things you just need to try for yourself". I'm getting ahead of myself-- I still need to find/build a cable!

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

I ended up going with a Virtually indestructible keyboard from altex item #KBY-27 Grand Tec BLK USB MINI for 22.95 . I am very pleased to say this thing rocks. It rolls up into my lil hack bag, very durable i plugged it in my nokia n800 using os2008. Loaded up X, sudo gainroot
then entered echo host> /sys/devices/platform/musb_hdrc/mode
says it doesn't recognize usb , but works great , then try d hooking up a usb hub from altex item # GX3001 GoldX 4pt USB 2.0 hub 19.95 with plug in adapter and usb cord, plugged in keyboard and it popped write up, i danced around for a bit and then plugged in a usb air link wifi dongle and a alfa wifi usb dongle and a broadcom linksys dongle and did a lsusb and all were recognize, cheers to all , thank you very much for the how too's, next is trying to get these drivers.. im stuck and running outta beer, these all dongles are all modded with ext antenna hookup and work great with all my other os's but im afraid i keep screwing up new edits and im so lost .. but you coulden't smack the smile off my face for getting this stuff working so far, i'm so digging this keyboard and don't mind the wire. I wouldent mind tryng a BT keyboard ,but can't justify the cost,YET! ill post pic's as soon as i finish my wire mods, special thankz to Mara's post.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Is that the same as those roll up keyboards that sell for 5 bucks on ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Waterproof-Silic...QQcmdZViewItem

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Close, but i was looking for black colored, no led light, to keep from drawing power and one straight usb cord, no ps/2, ext adapt. I like the blue color, but for me just having to travel a couple blocks away and being able to try it out be4 i bought it was so worth it. I've looked at some at Compusa...Since they're closing with no refunds...No way, either way im happy with my choice..If only it was made of hemp!

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

The LED lights on USB keyboards dont work with the n800 anyway since it doesnt support any of the functions(caps lock, numlock, etc.)

Im just wondering if it is the same though becaue I read a lot of negative reviews of the ebay ones, and so I just want to know if this is any different.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

A green led light does come on when you hit the caps lock button. I threw it on the floor while plugged in and jumped on it rolled it up and threw it against the wall and it works great, supposed to be easy to wash and water proof, but i don't think ill throw it in the washing machine, plus its just portable. Could be a good weapon if you wanna smother your old lady or choke her to death. Might be great for spankings, still have lots more r/d togo...

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

How good is it for er..typing? Does it require hitting buttons hard and exactly in the middle?

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

And (unrelated to this specific keyboard), isn't it awkward to use a separate keyboard and then having to tap the screen for mouse functions? (since it seems there's no support for an external mouse, either wired or bluetooth).

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

But that is no different to a bluetooth keyboard isn't it?

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Of course it's no different, I just wanted to know how do people manage with a separate keyboard and no mouse.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

If you ask me (but no one did!), these keyboards are mainly good for typing emails or long docs. For those purposes, you aren't hitting the touch screen very often.

I don't use my bt keyboard much, for exactly the reason that it's somewhat awkward. I would like to have the keyboard sitting in a totally different place than my N800, but then hitting the screen would be awkward.

So I don't use my bt keyboard -- I use the virtual keyboard.

But if I was doing a substantial amount of typing, I would use it.

This of course would apply to non-bt keyboards as well as bt keyboards.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Well, I don't plan to do great amount of typing on my tablet, at least not now, so I probably don't really need an external keyboard.
OTOH these rubber keyboards are so cheap on dealextreme and so, er, rubbery, that I think I'm going to get one even if I don't need it :D

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

I have been playin around and have found some keyboard short cuts rather than using the touch screen. F4 brings up top menu. Tab goes through menu. Space and enter are used as enter or mouse1. Cntrl, shift arrow keys theres all sorts of combos ive yet to figure. I also checked control panel under bluetooth keyboard and there was a menu of key board short cuts..Who needs a mouse?

I'm a selfish bastard and I WANT ONE, or maybe a virtual head gear, with retina sensors, and a Big O button.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

That Matias does look nice, but it doesn't come out until mid-February according to the Matias site. So please give us a review on how it works with your Nokia when you get it OK?

Thanks,
Neil

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

There's a really interesting compact USB keyboard referenced in a couple of old threads.
I just got one of these keyboards for my N810. $25 delivered.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Portable-Super-S...QQcmdZViewItem
It's an ideal size, and decently made.
Worked for Thoughtfix on his N800, half works for me on my N810.
Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll luck all lit and active, can't turn 'em off.
There must be some way to beat this, but I don't know what I'm doing.

dmesg output follows.

[ 1862.554687] EAC mode: play enabled, rec enabled
[ 1868.851562] EAC mode: play disabled, rec disabled
[ 1892.148437] tusb_source_power 629: VBUS a_wait_vrise, devctl 19 otg 174 conf c0010000 prcm 00a80500
[ 1921.328125] musb_stage0_irq 570: VBUS_ERROR in a_wait_bcon (91, <VBusValid), retry #1, port1 00000100
[ 1921.585937] musb_stage0_irq 646: CONNECT (a_host) devctl 3d
[ 1921.585937] hub 1-0:1.0: state 8 ports 1 chg 0000 evt 0000
[ 1921.585937] usb usb1: usb auto-resume
[ 1921.585937] usb usb1: finish resume
[ 1921.593750] hub 1-0:1.0: hub_resume
[ 1921.617187] hub 1-0:1.0: port 1, status 0301, change 0001, 1.5 Mb/s
[ 1921.773437] hub 1-0:1.0: debounce: port 1: total 100ms stable 100ms status 0x301
[ 1921.898437] usb 1-1: new low speed USB device using musb_hdrc and address 2
[ 1922.046875] usb 1-1: skipped 1 descriptor after interface
[ 1922.046875] usb 1-1: skipped 1 descriptor after interface
[ 1922.046875] usb 1-1: default language 0x0409
[ 1922.046875] usb 1-1: new device strings: Mfr=0, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
[ 1922.046875] usb 1-1: Product: USB K/B
[ 1922.046875] usb 1-1: device v05af p0807 is not supported
[ 1922.046875] usb 1-1: uevent
[ 1922.046875] usb 1-1: usb_probe_device
[ 1922.046875] usb 1-1: configuration #1 chosen from 1 choice
[ 1922.054687] usb 1-1: adding 1-1:1.0 (config #1, interface 0)
[ 1922.054687] usb 1-1:1.0: uevent
[ 1922.054687] usbhid 1-1:1.0: usb_probe_interface
[ 1922.054687] usbhid 1-1:1.0: usb_probe_interface - got id
[ 1922.054687] drivers/usb/input/hid-core.c: HID probe called for ifnum 0
[ 1922.070312] input: USB K/B as /class/input/input4
[ 1922.070312] input: USB HID v1.10 Keyboard [USB K/B] on usb-musb_hdrc-1
[ 1922.078125] usb 1-1: adding 1-1:1.1 (config #1, interface 1)
[ 1922.078125] usb 1-1:1.1: uevent
[ 1922.078125] usbhid 1-1:1.1: usb_probe_interface
[ 1922.078125] usbhid 1-1:1.1: usb_probe_interface - got id
[ 1922.078125] drivers/usb/input/hid-core.c: HID probe called for ifnum 1
[ 1922.093750] drivers/usb/input/hid-core.c: submitting ctrl urb: Get_Report wValue=0x0101 wIndex=0x0001 wLength=2
[ 1922.101562] drivers/usb/input/hid-core.c: submitting ctrl urb: Get_Report wValue=0x0102 wIndex=0x0001 wLength=4
[ 1922.101562] input: USB K/B as /class/input/input5
[ 1922.101562] input: USB HID v1.10 Device [USB K/B] on usb-musb_hdrc-1
[ 1922.101562] drivers/usb/core/inode.c: creating file '002'
[ 1922.101562] hub 1-0:1.0: 100mA power budget left
[ 1922.101562] hub 1-0:1.0: state 7 ports 1 chg 0000 evt 0002
[ 1922.101562] hub 1-0:1.0: port 1 enable change, status 00000303
[ 1937.304687] EAC mode: play enabled, rec enabled
/home/user #

Any of that mean anything to anyone?

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Hi dubwise, your link doesn't work. Any chance you could fix the link. Thank you :)

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Link edited. It's the MC super slim compact USB keyboard.

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Here the USB keyboard (actually a thumb-board) that I've been successfully using with my n800:

Attachment 936

I bought it a couple of years ago and never used it much. I recently found it in one of my boxes of stuff and tried it on my n800. I'm now getting my money's worth for a device that I never used much before!

I got mine at EBGames in 2005, bit don't know if they are still available there or elsewhere.

Good luck!
Rich

Re: USB (non-bluetooth) portable keyboard?
 

Does that PS2 one plug in directly to USB, or do you need a separate adapter for that? That would basically make the N800 kind of like the N810.

Any chance you could post a photo of that keyboard attached to the N800, for size comparison?

Thanks.