As a software developer and author, I find myself writing notes and articles in many places outside my home or office. I have tried carrying my laptop occasionally, but the thing is really not a comfortable platform to lug into a lecture or squeeze into a small car. This accessory for the Visor has changed my manner of writing entirely. I can carry my Visor and keyboard in one pocket (khakis...and it DOES look funny), if necessary. Try THAT with a notebook. The keyboard is much sturdier than it appears, as its case and structure are metal, and it has a nice heft to it, not like a featherweight piece of junk. The keys themselves are large enough for real touch-typing, and don't constrain you to the minimal limits that the clamshell keyboards or built-ins do.

The connector for the Visor itself IS a bit questionable. I'm not horribly afraid that it will break, but compared to the version for the Palm, this connector is ridiculously difficult to use. Additionally, when the keyboard is setup, the two outer hinges are locked open, but the center one still moves, making the use of the keyboard on your lap a bit problematic (unless you keep your knees together). You will find yourself wanting a better word processor than the Memo Pad. Invest in a real program like Pedit, and you'll be able to write larger documents in a more feature-rich environment.

The best thing about the keyboard? People think that this keyboard is the neatest thing they've ever seen; you'll get quite a crowd gathering when you unfold it. Overall, an excellent product well-worthy of praise. It takes the Visor to a new level of usefulness.


THE must have accessory for your Visor   June 7, 2000
 58 out of 60 found this review helpful

I previously used Landware's GoType! Keyboard with my Palm IIIx. I was happy with it, but the keys were not full size, and at times made it difficult to type.

I have been using the Stowaway keyboard for over a month now, and am quite impressed with it. It far exceeded my expectations. There are reviews that might say that it is fragile, or you can't type with it on your lap. I don't find this the case at all. The keyboard when folded is housed in a metal case (compared to the plastic GoType!). You can type with it on your laptop, although on a hard surface is preferred due to the folding nature of this accessory.

Bottomline, it is a full size keyboard that fits in your pocket ... need I say anymore?


Fantastic product, but at a price   July 9, 2000
 52 out of 54 found this review helpful

The Targus Stowaway turns your Visor into an ultra-compact, mobile office. The Stowawy's size--both in the full-size utility mode and the folded storage mode--far surpasses the GoType! The Stowaway is about the same size as the Visor in the bifold case when folded for travel. When expanded, though, it really does become a full-sized keyboard with plenty of Palm-specific options like "Done," "Cancel," and "OK" keys.

While it can be used on your lap, it does help to have a firm surface under it. I find it much sturdier than the GoType! and do not worry about breaking it. I'm more concerned about damaging my Visor than I would ever be of damaging the Stowaway.

While it doesn't have a built-in HotSync ability like the GoType!, the point of having a keyboard is to have rapid data entry away from your computer. If you were at your computer and could HotSync, you certainly wouldn't be using a smaller keyboard like the GoType!'s.

The Stowaway is certainly the best external keyboard on the market, but at [the price], you really have to be committed to being away from your computer and have the need to enter a lot of data before the dividends offset the investment.


Cheat on your laptop and love it   August 18, 2000
 41 out of 42 found this review helpful

I have a great laptop. So great in fact, it takes a full backpack to lug the thing around. Handy for travel? Easy to toss into a bag with other odds and ends? Energy efficient? HA! Now, my green Visor and my Stowaway keyboard are my laptop. With the addition of editing software and a text-to-doc/doc-to-text program (less than $20 all told on Handago.com), I have everything I need. I've used the Stowaway at Denny's while waiting for breakfast, at Starbucks on a rainy afternoon, on the floor in the middle of a crowded convention, on my tray table on a business flight, etc. It fits in my purse, "feels" like my expensive laptop's keyboard, and has freed me from Graffiti (great for note taking, but who wants to write a book in block printing?). Plus, every time I get the keyboard out, strangers come over to check it out! (At least two of them went right out and bought a Stowaway of their own!)

I highly recommend it to anyone who is using their PDA for more than simply playing Sub Hunt or recording dentist appointments. Real word processing is possible and utterly portable with the Visor, Stowaway combo.


You've GOT TO HAVE THIS   August 16, 2001
 41 out of 43 found this review helpful

Even the packaging is awesome... but most of all, the functionality is supreme.

The keyboard closes to form it's own strong protective casing... I have mine flopping around lose in my purse and it still works like a champ.

Folded up, it's not much bigger than the Handspring in the leather case.

Everytime I take out my keyboard in a meeting, at least one person in the meeting will say outloud, "WOW... what is that thing, and where did you get it?!"

I've recommended it to a number of people who have bought their own and are thrilled with it.

I can't say enough about how handy it is with taking notes.

To take down a quick note, I'll still just use grafitti, but I've been in meetings where I've been asked to take minutes and I can't imagine having to do that w/ a stylus. No matter how fast you get w/ a stylus, it can't match the speed of typing.

The keyboard stretches out to accommodate normal adult human hands which is a treat.

My wish is that they come out w/ a new version that has a 10-key set as well... it would be a nice option for those who don't mind having one that's a little bigger. I'm always having to jot down IP addresses and other numeric data, and having to use the regular number buttons above the letters is a bit tedious. Otherwise, I highly recommend this.