vB Easy Archive - BlackBerry Charm/7100t/7290 with external folding Bluetooth Keyboard? [ANIMATION!]

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BlackBerry Charm/7100t/7290 with external folding Bluetooth Keyboard? [ANIMATION!]
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Does anyone know if the Bluetooth in the Blackberry works with the full-size external BlueTooth folding keyboards that fit into a pocket?

The pocket Stowaway XT folding keyboard has full size 19mm keys exactly the same size and travel as a laptop keyboard, touchtypeable at the same speed as a laptop keyboard.

For more information, please check out Bluetooth "Stowaway XT" external keyboard and BlackBerry.

Click for more information

(There is a Bluetooth version of this exact same keyboard of exact same size!)

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Please see this thread for more information; I am trying to ensure that Research In Motion makes sure that there is a generic Bluetooth HID driver, which is all that is need to function with an external wireless BlueTooth keyboard.

There is no privacy / security / encryption concerns different from a Bluetooth headset; the security requirements are exactly the same (wireless sound from headset versus wireless text from a keyboard). So if RIM is allowing headsets, there are no reason why keyboards should not be allowed;

I just want to make sure that RIM supports these convenient keyboards (that already exists; all is needed is a driver), for those occasional big "marathon emails" without needing to use a laptop; it's a generic Bluetooth keyboard HID driver that's all that is needed;

It may already be supported -- I'd like to know!

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

- Use for those occasional marathon emails that need more than the thumb keyboard;
- Create Word and Excel documents directly on BlackBerry using eOffice software (sold by Dynoplex);
- Pocketable; keyboard folds to same size as a BlackBerry when folded;
- Spontaneous; it's optional; you can use it only when you feel like a bigger keyboard that can be touchtyped on;
- Another reason to leave laptop behind;

Another photo. The Bluetooth keyboard is the one at the left in this photo.

More Info

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Further information I have received is that RIM is planning to support limited amounts of other types of accessories using BlackberryOS 4.1 or some minor update.

As far as I know, they are planning to only support headset functionality in the first versions of the Bluetooth models. But through my contacts, they are indeed going to expand beyond that. Possible candidates could include untethered modem functionality (tethered modem functionality is already being tested) as well as keyboard capability.

My deed in this article here in getting RIM and ThinkOutside to talk to each other continues -- because I want keyboard support to definitely be one of the features when RIM supports additional peripherals in the next version of their Bluetooth stack! (Even if not in the first version of the RIM Bluetooth stack)

Posted by: bobohara

Mark
I wrote a few weeks ago about foldup keyboards for 7290 and you suggested that the Stowaway Shasta might be worth a look. I duly ordered this model but found it totally unsatisfactory with no anchor point where I could place the handheld.

Also, when comparing the BlackBerry with the Shasta, the two pieces of equipment were not compatable ergonomically or alike in quality. I felt the Shasta had no place in the same room as the BlackBerry

I am now using a BlackBerry 8700g and am still desperately looking for an external foldup keyboard.

Do you, (or any other readers), have any suggestions.

Regards to all