I've been using the ThinkOutside for a long time for taking notes on my Palm device.  The two work pretty well together for light note taking.

For the Eee, I initially considered sticking with the Stowaway but when I compared the two keyboards, I decided that the Stowaway was only marginally larger than the Eee's keyboard and that I wanted a little more.



I ended up getting the A4Tech KL(S)-5UP [88 keys, USB + PS/2 wired, dimensions: 12.6"(L)×6.3"(W)×0.6"(H)] that I mentioned in this thread.  For ten bucks, I figured I couldn't lose.  It arrived last week and is working out great.  The keys are spaced nearly as well as a standard keyboard, but it's only 12.6" long.  Fits right into the compartment where I keep the Eee and my LG mini DVD drive.

I'm very interested in the Logitech Alto keyboard with display riser (USB wired, dimensions: 16.85" (W), 1.41" (H) closed, 19.14" deep when open, 9.34" deep when closed, 24" across when measured diagonally, 9 lbs. weight).  This device, while certainly huge in comparison to the Stowaway, looks to be relatively compact when closed up and seems to offer some great ergonomic features.  Plus it has a USB hub built in which is handy.

Last edited by silurius (2007-11-12 1:11:06 pm)

silurius wrote:

I ended up getting the A4Tech KL(S)-5UP [88 keys, USB + PS/2 wired, dimensions: 12.6"(L)×6.3"(W)×0.6"(H)] that I mentioned in this thread.  For ten bucks, I figured I couldn't lose.
.

Where did you buy it?

I really don't see the tremendous advantage an extra 2" or 3" would give you. I can understand this for a PDA or call phone, but not the Eee. I've gotten used to the keyboard in the last two weeks and just a few keys give me any trouble anymore. Only downside is that for anything over a paragraph, I need the put my Eee down on a flat surface- not my lap.

If I am able, I avoid extended writing periods on my Eee, and just save it for when I'm at my desktop with the ergonomic 8-year old beast of a keyboard I prefer to type on. Come to think of it, it's maybe three or four times heavier than my Eee!

I'd sooner buy a USB keypad than any USB keyboard for my Eee.

dingclancy wrote:

Any others have experienced using a USB keyboard with EEE? Do these mini keyboards have  a bigger footprint than the EEE?

I still use my A4Tech KL(S)-5UP for intensive writing when I'm out and about and still love it.  It's just the right size and weight - small enough that I don't notice it in a compact backpack, but not as tiny as the collapsible Bluetooth ones you can buy (the latter being only marginally bigger than the Eee's keyboard).

Edit - I didn't answer your second question, sorry.  The A4Tech is probably 2-3 inches wider than the Eee but still significantly smaller than any standard desktop keyboard.

Also, Don Marco had questioned how much of an advantage it actually is.  Obviously that will vary depending on who you ask.  In my case, although I wouldn't describe it as an enormous difference, when I'm typing a lot I do tend to be hypersensitive to the Eee's key placement and size constraints, which is barely noticeable it when in casual mode.  Being able to pull out a more familiar and accomodating interface is a source of great comfort and I can focus on what's important.  This is where training and practice would be appropriate, but I didn't bother.

Last edited by silurius (2008-04-12 9:23:26 pm)

Ecrivaine32 wrote:

Other than that I LOVE everything else about my new PC. Does one get used to this? I'm thinking of getting the Stowaway keyboard, because I am a fast 10-finger typist and a writer; and I can't see how one could ever get accustomed to this. I'd love to hear user experiences on this.

In other threads in the forums, people have related adjusting to the keyboard after a period of time. The amount of time differs for everybody apparently.

However, because we are on the subject of external keyboards, I would like to add that some people have used a roll-up external keyboard. I have one, and it is called the Anyware AZA-230W keyboard. Newegg sells it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6823701021  This keyboard is full size yet is still portable because one can safely roll it up and put it in one's backpack, briefcase, or whatever carrying device that one uses.

I am a writer and a touch typist and have no problems with the keyboard now that I've adjusted to having the up arrow on the wrong side of the shift key.

fbrown627 wrote:

Asus use to make a folding keyboard that comes with a mini-USB plug. Would that work on the EEE or do I need a special Adaptor.

The EEE has regular sized USB ports, so yes, you would need to acquire a mini-USB to regular USB adapter. I think that I have seen such adapters before, so I am almost certain that one can be acquired.

Otherwise, there would not be a problem. Put the adapter on the keyboard's cable; then plug it into the EEE.

FWIW (and it prolly ain't much) I tried connecting up the Logitech EX110 Cordless Desktop that I use with my laptop, and it worked first go (I'm using Linux & KDE full desktop) - hot-plug, no reboot.  What's cool is that the Logitech layout is German, the Eee PC has a French KB, and the KB manager is implemented in a most un-Windows-like (i.e. rational) manner.  The Logitech is a very comfortable full-size effort: I reckon it's what I'll use when I'm not on the road.

Need one say it? These wee machines are fantastic!

I normally use the default Xandros OS with the full KDE interface, but I just tried it with the "easy" interface and the basic functions work perfectly.  However, whereas full KDE allows me to select the language of the KB, the easy interface doesn't.  This should hardly be a problem unless, like me, you live within spitting distance of a national border and buy hardware both sides.

You might have a problem with some of the "special Windows keys" built into KBs these days: the "Start" button works under full KDE but the "Menu" button doesn't, and the multimedia buttons on the Logitech EX110 I haven't tried.  But if you just want to type and use a mouse it's fine.