Freedom Bluetooth Keyboard
I just received the Freedom Bluetooth Keyboard I purchased a few days ago from Ebay, which I used to type this post.
# First Impressions #
My first impresion of the Freedom Bluetooth Keyboard is one of underwhelming quality. The keyboard doesn’t latch firmly together, and the metallic finish on the plastic is slightly uneven. Upon opening and latching the keyboard it still isn’t very rigid. The power button which is only accesible via fingernail is unduly stiff. However, the dimunitive keys are quite attractive in their small size and completeness. Installing the drivers is quite uneventful, as is pairing the keyoard and Axim. Unfortunately the keyboard is operable only after activating its software, adding an undesirable extra step. However, once the software is actiated the keyboard functions without changing the existing stylus entry mode, making it etremely easy to revert to stylus entry and back to keyboard again.
# Typing #
The small keys prove challenging at first, but soon my hands have adapted to their tighter spacing. Unfortunately, this is where the serious problem start. If the key is not pressed very firmly and on the middle of its face the key press is not registered. This has a disastrous effect on typing speed, as sometimes the desired letter appears and sometimes it doen’t. A particular half dozen keys seem especially prone to this problem, especially those located on the seam where the keyboard is split in two. However, it should be noted that either the keyboard or my typing seems to be improving so it is possible that the keyboard just needs to be “broken in”.
# Stand #
While flimsy and probably not well suited for larger pocket-pc’s, the stand does a decent enough job at supporting the Axim in portrait mode. In landscape mode something of an accident occurs and the stand integrates nearly perfectly with my Axim’s magnesium case, providing excellent support and angle.
# Portability #
In the portability department the keyboard really shines when you consider the full five rows of keys. While not exactly pocketable the keyboard is still slim and small and slides into a jaket pocket very easily.
# Battery Life #
While I have not been using the keyboard long enough to judge its battery life I have noticed a definite decrease in the battery life of my Axim. However, I have yet to run out of power during the course of normal usage for a day and that is the pertinent factor to consider.
# Other Thoughts #
One of the curious aspects of the keyboard is the definite smell that accompanies it, a strange plastic smell I’m not familiar with. Over time I suspect the smell to dissapate but it has been very noticable. Another interesting aspect of the keyboard is the hollowed space for the battery on the right side of the keyoard, it happens to hold my Axim’s stylus perfectly.
# Conclusion #
While my opinion of the Freedom Bluetooth Keyboard might appear rather low that isn’t actually the case. While the build quality and asthetics could be improved they don’t affect the functionality and aren’t much of a concern. My only concern is that the keys won’t “break in” and I will continue having difficulty typing, which of course is a real showstopper. However, this might not be indicative of all Freedom keyboards, so I plan on using the keyboard for at least a week before I contact support and inquire about exchanging the keyboard. More information to follow.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 11th, 2006 at 2:34 pm and is filed under Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
