Exciting New Pocket PC Keyboards

I figured there wasn't too much to figure on a pocket PC keyboard until I started in checking for one! Some of the Pocket PC keyboard options are not all that exciting. I don't want to lug around a piece of gear that doubles in size when I unflip it.

Any remote options out there that I can use. Well it turns out there's quite a few. So first off, let's look at a keyboard operated by wireless remote. And since it's freeware, "Remote Keyboard" deserves a look. Remote keyboard is a program that connects a PC keyboard and mouse to a Pocket PC over ActiveSync connection or TCP/IP network. It works as a Soft Input Panel (SIP), also called input method, along with Keyboard, Letter Recognizer or Transcriber in Pocket PC devices. The Pocket PC Connector, one of the components, works on PC side to redirect keyboard and mouse inputs to Pocket PCs. Using PC keyboard and mouse to entry data to your Pocket PC has never been easier. Just switch on Remote Keyboard from the corner of the screen, run Pocket PC Connector in PC then you are in business. Remote Keyboard supports non-windows machines and connects via telnet protocol. Linux and Unix workstation keyboards will work as well. And like I said, it's free!

OK so the remote option doesn't suit you. What will you pay for a keyboard that's Pocket PC compatible/ I'm assuming you're not going to be happy with what MS ships with the unit. It is limited and I guess you want something it can't do or do well. What will you have to pay to buy in something else? Looking down a recent price list here are a few sample prices:

HP iPAQ Foldable $85.95

imate PC Thumb 53.95

Fujitsu Siemens LOOK 128.95

TT Tech iPAQ 3800 Snap-N-Type 41.95

Now last but not least - well it is least actually in size (the size of a disposable lighter!), I took a look at the Virtual Keyboard. The virtual laser keyboard (VKB) uses infrared and laser technology to produce an invisible circuit and project a full-size virtual QWERTY keyboard on to any surface. The virtual PC keyboard behaves exactly like a real one: direction technology based on optical recognition enables the user to tap the images of the keys, complete with realistic tapping sounds(!), which feeds into the compatible PDA, Smartphone, laptop or PC. The catch is the price $199 for a regular and $230 for the Bluetooth version. Both from Solutions for Humans. It's worth checking out if you have the funds.