is the PB Mini Keyboard worth the wait?

**cycomyk** · 04-03-2012, 04:22 PM

got an email saying that I have to wait 5to7 days more, wth! anyone recieved their keyboard? is it worth to wait for it or just cancel it ...

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**balding1** · 04-03-2012, 04:25 PM

Got it on 1 of my PB since March 23 but lately been reaching for my other PB in Otterbox, just easier to get around

**Thunderbuck** · 04-03-2012, 04:27 PM

My wife got me one for my birthday last week.

It's VERY well-made, even the vinyl case is a quality piece. The back of the keyboard is finished with the same texture that the Playbook itself is.

The keyboard is nice to have for some functions. It's nice to have tab keys, for instance (it's an FN+Spacebar, but it's still a tab). You lose predictive typing, which is kind of a drag.

And, sadly, for me the keys are a little too small for touch typing. It's possible, but it's only marginally faster than using my Bold 9900 as a remote.

On the whole, though, very nice.

**cycomyk** · 04-03-2012, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by balding1

Got it on 1 of my PB since March 23 but lately been reaching for my other PB in Otterbox, just easier to get around

My thoughts as well, with the keyboard you kinda lose the portability. I ordered mine earlier but still no luck, sucks! Thanks!

**tinker2000** · 04-03-2012, 04:48 PM

I like it, but now weighs more than a netbook and sort of isnt a tablet any more. Good for work though and is easier than screen typing

**cycomyk** · 04-03-2012, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by Thunderbuck

My wife got me one for my birthday last week.

It's VERY well-made, even the vinyl case is a quality piece. The back of the keyboard is finished with the same texture that the Playbook itself is.

The keyboard is nice to have for some functions. It's nice to have tab keys, for instance (it's an FN+Spacebar, but it's still a tab). You lose predictive typing, which is kind of a drag.

And, sadly, for me the keys are a little too small for touch typing. It's possible, but it's only marginally faster than using my Bold 9900 as a remote.

On the whole, though, very nice.

I'm just going with kinda the pros and cons bout it, thanks for your input, got.to.be.patient. I guess

**cycomyk** · 04-03-2012, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by tinker2000

I like it, but now weighs more than a netbook and sort of isnt a tablet any more. Good for work though and is easier than screen typing

A powerhouse netbook

**conix67** · 04-03-2012, 05:24 PM

PROS:
- Better keyboard than on-screen keyboard
- Decent battery life (just leave it on)
- Splashtop HD works very well with it (or very difficult to use without physical keyboard and trackpad)
- Trackpad is very useful (especially in Spalshtop HD)
- High quality product, well made

CONS:
- Touch typing is still not possible as keys are too small and arranged in different ways than full size
- No battery level indicator (was hoping PB would provide such)
- Trackpad doesn't have buttons (certain functions via Splashtop is not possible)
- Heavy together with the case that comes with it

**DAnklaud** · 04-03-2012, 05:30 PM

Thank you all, I was wondering if I should bother getting one or not, now I've decided.

**3Athlete** · 04-03-2012, 05:35 PM

I have found it quite useful, I was using it today detached from the case. I was using freenote for roughwork while I had the hard copy of an assignment in front of me and the keyboard off to the side if a quick search of the net was needed. I have come to like it more and initially thought I would switch back and forth between the convertible case and the minikeyboard case but have found I just stay with the minikeyboard more often than not. It is nice to have around if needed and personally I don't find it heavy. Most people complaining about weight must be children.

**balding1** · 04-03-2012, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by DAnklaud

Thank you all, I was wondering if I should bother getting one or not, now I've decided.

What's your decision?lol

**cycomyk** · 04-03-2012, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by conix67

PROS:
- Better keyboard than on-screen keyboard
- Decent battery life (just leave it on)
- Splashtop HD works very well with it (or very difficult to use without physical keyboard and trackpad)
- Trackpad is very useful (especially in Spalshtop HD)
- High quality product, well made

CONS:
- Touch typing is still not possible as keys are too small and arranged in different ways than full size
- No battery level indicator (was hoping PB would provide such)
- Trackpad doesn't have buttons (certain functions via Splashtop is not possible)
- Heavy together with the case that comes with it

Thanks for the pros and cons, leaning towards waiting a lil bit, i mean I've waited 10days already, whats 5to7 more days eh.

**DAnklaud** · 04-03-2012, 06:05 PM

I'm gonna wait a month then Ill get it,cause i have DosBox and VNC,I'm getting tired of the screen being covered with the virtual keys.

**JasW** · 04-03-2012, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by cycomyk

A powerhouse netbook

Hardly. Among other things, I run MS Word on my netbook. Docs 2 Go is a very poor substitute.

**chuckkdaduck** · 04-03-2012, 06:40 PM

its great. dont use my laptop as much to school anymore. unfortunately, my keyboard doesnt want to seem to turn on unless i give it a boost with my charger. have to call rim for a replacement since i can barely get mine working unless i plug it in...

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**rshew** · 04-03-2012, 06:47 PM

I find the Keyboard very handy when using,if you can afford one get it.......

**MPG Vancouver** · 04-03-2012, 06:48 PM

Received mine via mail from TheSource last week.

Con:
The keypad area was smaller than I expected, so touch typing is via two-three fingers on each hand. This will take getting used to. I don't like the case. Instead, I found the case my PlayBook originally came with and keep the keyboard in that (I use the Icon Carbon Case for the PB).

Pro:
I had an Apple keyboard but it wasn't very portable, the mini-keyboard is definately portable. Comes in handy when precision is needed. The touch pad is nicer than using a BT mouse. I find I prefer having the keyboard separate from the PB. Can also hold the keyboard like I would the PB and thumb type on the keyboard.

**conix67** · 04-03-2012, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by 3Athlete

Most people complaining about weight must be children.

Why do you have to add such an insulting statement here? No one here said it's too heavy to lift, it's just unnecessarily heavy. As many pointed out, the mini keyboard is good, but the case isn't.

Here's the actual weight of each

Playbook (16GB) - 427g
Keyboard case - 266g
PB mini keyboard - 175g

With the mini keyboard + case, the weight is more than doubled. While this is still not HEAVY to lift, it's like carrying 2 PBs in terms of overall weight.

One of the PB's advantage is the size, and the weight due to the smaller size. Effectively this combo eliminates this advantage over other devices such as a small netbook, so you gain one but lose another.

So here I'm adding my list of PROS and CONS of the keyboard case

PROS:
- Sturdy and looks good
- Holds both PB and keyboard well

CONS:
- Heavy
- Elastic straps to hold down keyboard not only looks ugly but also covers the power switch
- The stand collapses easily on a slight push
- Difficult to remove PB from the plastic frame (not good if you have dock charger)

**derrickps3** · 04-03-2012, 07:00 PM

Its good, but its not like a windows pc where i can install file to the desktop

**TheScionicMan** · 04-03-2012, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by cycomyk

got an email saying that I have to wait 5to7 days more, wth! anyone recieved their keyboard? is it worth to wait for it or just cancel it ...

If you want a keyboard, then wait or find a suitable alternative that will arrive sooner. If you don't want it, then cancel it. Since you ordered one, I'm leaning towards the conclusion that you want it...

Is this some sort of trick question?

**Guyzer** · 04-03-2012, 07:05 PM

for those saying your unable to touch type on the keyboard I think it would be fair to explain its only because of your hand size. i touch type perfectly fine. i dont have little girly hands either...

for anyone whose unsure if you'll be able to touch type i would ask to see it in store and try before you buy. though there are plenty of people who would be able to touch type on it. for those who complain it could be that when your fingers rest on home row they are touching, which might be uncomfortable for some, but if your an experienced typer your fingers are never sitting on home row if your typing.

there is a slight skew to the keyboard though. numbers are off by 1, and the layout of the keyboard is a grid shape, unlike a typical keyboard that has cascading keys.

**cycomyk** · 04-03-2012, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by TheScionicMan

If you want a keyboard, then wait or find a suitable alternative that will arrive sooner. If you don't want it, then cancel it. Since you ordered one, I'm leaning towards the conclusion that you want it...

Is this some sort of trick question?

Quite confuse with your confusion

ofcourse i want it, no tricks to it. Just don't like the waiting part.