New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Here's a new, minimalistic keyboard that looks like it's perfect for a Nokia N800.

http://usb.brando.com.hk/prod_detail.php?prod_id=00666

And at 25 bucks, won't break the bank either. :)

It also uses the mini usb-jack type, the same as a Nokia N800 if I'm not mistaken.

Thought I'd share, saw it on Gizmodo today. :)


TN800G

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

I was actually looking at that and thinking about getting a DS-style case so that the keyboard could fit in one side and the N800 could fit in the other. Then I'd be able to just open it up and use it like a laptop. :) Just a thought though....I'm not sure if a keyboard that size would provide an appreciable advantage in speed vs just typing on the screen. It would probably be better for IRC or command line though...hmmm.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Looks like it's using mini-usb on keyboard side only, it's usb A on the other side.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

A non-typical approach, for sure. No arrow keys, no caps lock (or control) next to A, etc., and so the key pitch is not all that bad -- ~13mm, I guess.

Could be handy, although the cable's a bit of a pain.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Why? Take the appropriate cable and you do not need any adapters. That's the optimum!

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Appropriate cable -- You know where I can find a mini-B to mini-B(OTG) cable? Or any mini-B to mini-B? AFAIK, such a thing doesn't exist. I'm probably wrong, but even if you do track one down, it's gonna cost extra. That's a pain.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Nothing that some soldering can not afford... :D

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

I found a few sources for mini-mini cables:

http://www.datapro.net/products/usb-...m-m-cable.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/6-Ft-USB-Mini-5-...QQcmdZViewItem

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

I dont get this.. is this kind of thing just to plug into the N800 and use or do I need any converters or other stuff??

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

You need to turn the tablet into USB host mode - USB control or any software host will do just fine

bun

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Thanks! sounds like I might need one of those. :)

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

With microUSB to miniUSB converter this works on N810 as well -- correct?

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

FIY the same, or a very similar one, is available at dealextreme:
https://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15953

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Looks like it's right in a perfect size range where it might be usable for both thumb typing, AND touch typing. Though, that might mean it's barely comfortable (or slightly uncomfortable) for either.

If anyone gets one, let us all know how it goes! :-)

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Glad some of you found it usefull. I've ordered one already, just gotta wait for it. :)

Will do a lightning review once I get it. :)

TN800G

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Interesting, pending my hand and the hand in the picture are roughly the same size, the keyboard in the pic and the keyboard on my EEE PC have the same size of letter keys, which would mean it would work for touch typists. Probably wouldn't want to type a dissertation on one, but plenty good for posting on forums.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

There is a better picture of the unit here:

http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/0...ist-brand.html

The hand is definitely not normal.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

No kidding! Look at the picture of the mini keyboard on top of the regular keyboard, then compare it to the picture of the keyboard in the guy's hand. That guy must have some giant Sasquatch hands or something!

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

You did notice that there are three keyboards in that pic, right(there is someone in another thread that didn't)? The keyboard on top is the mini keyboard, there is another black keyboard in between that is the size that used to qualify as 'mini', and then the normal sized white keyboard at the bottom.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

My bad. Unless you look closely (obviously I didn't look closely enough), it's hard to tell that there are two black keyboards in the picture. It just looks like one keyboard. Probably wasn't the best choice for a model photograph.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Yeah, I can understand missing it if your screen is even remotely dark. They should have used a gray keyboard for the middle, or not bothered with the middle keyboard at all.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

I call photo stretching.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Wow, good catch guys! I just found a Nokia bluetooth keyboard "used" (New, but been bought, and stored privately) for 25 bucks.

So I have canceld the order for the mini-keyboard and instead, and am going to pick up the Nokia keyboard this weekend in Oslo.

So hate to dissapoint those who were waiting, but I won't do a review anyways. :(

Hope I'm forgiven? :)

But yeah, doubt this Brando keyboard is cracked up to be all that it is, especially after taking a look at that wicked(ly) streched hand. :o

TN800G

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Ahhh... bummer. I was really looking forward to your review, N800Guy. Oh well. :)

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Aww, don't make me feel guilty robbnew :p hehe

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Nah... no reason to feel guilty. I was just looking forward to your review.

How about this... you buy me that keyboard and I'll post the review. Sound good? :)

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Just received and it works pretty well !
Unfortunately not all keys are recognized well, so i've used xmodmap + xev
to remap the wrong/unrecognized keys, here you can find (Italian language sorry...) an useful new map to use with the new keyboard :)
Seems it consumes 'only' 50mA@5v :)

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Awesome! Thanks for posting your comments/thought, LOcutus! It sounds like a neat little keyboard.

The cost is intriguing, but with shipping and a new cable, isn't that much more than an eBay-ed iGo. Hmmmm. Far too many options! :)

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Care to post a pic with it next to your IT L0cutus?

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Thanks for bringing us the info Locutus! And I'd also like to see a side by side pic of the keyboard and your IT. :)

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

++pic_request;

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

here some pics:

http://www.zamprogno.it/imgs/p1000302.jpg
http://www.zamprogno.it/imgs/p1000303.jpg
http://www.zamprogno.it/imgs/p1000305.jpg

hope it helps :)

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

could you post a picture while typing? Or just write few more sentences how comfortable writing on this tiny keyboard is?
thank you in advance :)

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

it is VERY tiny, but with some training i think it is not so bad, depends on what you need, small size vs comfort, but definitely usable i think.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

This one has bluetooth. Any taker? Review?
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16685

Size 5.5 x 2.8 x .5 in , about the size of N800; I am looking for one with trackball or mouse.

bun

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

I bought one and posted photos here:
http://www.internettablettalk.com/fo...ad.php?t=23871

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

I bought the very same mini keyboard at about $20 (we have quarterly IT fairs-read: dirt cheap sales- where i stay). But I can't for the life of me figure out how to remap the keys. there just doesnt seem to be a simple guide on how to use xmodmap for the n800.

Can the mini keyboard owners help? i tried translating the italian website but geez... :S

is there any simple way to do this? copy the file in the website overwrite the current xmodmap file?

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Missed this, but yeah, I had one of those. Worked great for about 36 hours, but don't leave it on the floor and step on it. They don't like that. :(

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

Wow, that's a nice keyboard. I recently picked up one of these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16823111053

Aside from the fact that the keys are too tight together (fatfinger he**), and the cable keeps getting in the way, it's a pretty nice keyboard. :) The only thing that's a bummer is that I have to use a female to female usb adapter to link it with the nokia usb cable to make it work.

Re: New Mini USB Keyboard
 

I made my own setup. pics are here It works as I expected. But my problem is this. After using my external keyboard and disconnecting it from my N800 i cant get the onscreen keyboard to appear again. Do any of you guys know how? What i do is reset my N800 but this eats up a ton of battery.