FIGURE B


Here are PiloKey's supported keyboard shortcuts. Roll over picture for a larger image.

As I was searching around the web to find more information, I found several alternatives to the standard setup of Newton Keyboard, Pilokey and the cradle with my PalmPilot in it. Several people have hacked away at the PalmPilot cradle to minimize bulk you carry with you and to fit popular cases on the market. I have found a mounting kit that works in your car, which eliminates the need for your cradle for supportÉand the hacking. I travel with my HotSync cable anyway, so this wasn't different than any other trip. The UniMount basic PalmPilot mount, as shown in Figure C, has a kick stand to place your PalmPilot in the right viewing position. It also has a notch in the bottom section to accommodate the HotSync cable allowing it to be used with the keyboard easily.

FIGURE C


This is the UniMount Pilot stand. Roll over picture for a larger image.

An alternate driver is available called FreeKey. This is a HackMaster extension, so before you consider this option see if HackMaster is something you want to install on your PalmPilot. Also, if you choose this route, you should already have the Keyboard and the adapter since this doesn't come with any hardware for the keyboard. If you fancy yourself a handy person, you can follow the instructions on the web site to wire your own HotSync cable to work with the keyboard. I have to tell you though, its not for the faint of heart.

Another driver available called KeyZ does not require HackMaster. But, just like FreeKey, you'll need to create your connector or use the adapter that is included with PiloKey.

Of course when I got this little setup, I immediately had to figure out what kind of case to carry it all around in. (I am the original cases fiend, after all.) I didn't want something that would be bigger than the suitcase I'd be traveling with, it would kind of defeat the purpose of getting the smallest things around to carry with me. The keyboard already has a slim fitting leather like case, so I was tempted to just leave that well enough alone. However, I do have to carry a few things with me when I travel, like spare batteries, a phone cable, the modem, the HotSync cable for the keyboard and the keyboard itself.

The Hand Stand from PDA Concepts was originally designed for a Newton and its keyboard, but it seems to be the closest thing I could find to an acceptable case for this set up. However I chose to stick with my original idea and just have all my accessories in one bag, leave the keyboard case as is and travel with my PalmPilot on my person, with the option of putting the PalmPilot in the travel case with the accessories.

Whenever I show a fellow PalmPilot user my keyboard, their first reaction is to pick an app and type "Hi Fredlet!" into the PalmPilot. Next, they start to grill me on which applications can be used with the keyboard. By the time they leave my desk they are contemplating getting their own keyboardÉespecially if they do any traveling whatsoever. I have to admit, that originally the thought of lugging a keyboard around with me when I had finally pared down the travel gear simply to my PalmPilot and the modem, I was a bit skeptical. But then I stepped back and thought about all the single line emails I have replied with and really began to appreciate my new purchase.