I know N810 is coming next month. But I probablely can not spend $500 for the gear. I do like the slide-out keyboard, but GPS is almost nothing to me.

So I am wondering if I can buy a mini usb keyboard to use with N800 instead of buy N810. I read some information that the N800 can not host the keyboard and only bule tooth keyboard can work with N800. Is this true?

I also hope anyone can recommend a comfortable mini usb keyboard.

Thanks

yha, put your N800 in usb host mode. then get 5v power to your keyboard and the N800's usb port. then make a cable that will connect the keyboard to the N800, and your all set.

What about drivers??

How can I switch N800 to usb host mode? How to get 5v power? Do you mean I need to give some extra power supply for keyboard except the power from usb cable?

I thought the only keyboard you could use was a bluetooth one? It was my understanding that the USB port was only for connecting from a PC and changing files doing updates etc.

If a knowledgable member doesn't respond with a detailed summary of what is required, please note that the subject of USB hosting for several accessories - including usb keyboards - has been covered in detail in earlier threads. Try the "Search" feature at the top of the page.

The N800 doesn't have OTG support as yet. You can try it out via a few hacks. The person who did the patches says it works, but with power management trade off
http://muru.com/linux/n800-usb-host/

I suggest you wait for OS2008. Theres a thread running in this forum about OTG support in OS2008

Or you can use a bluetooth keyboard. I use a think outside stowaway, no problems.

if you don't mind a full-size keyboard, pick up one of these from ebay for $30.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Microsoft-Bl...QQcmdZViewItem

well, the problem is that you can find a foldable (rubber) usb keyboard for 10-15 euros, while a portable bt keyboard is in the 80-100 euros range