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New Pda Stand and Extension Cable Accessory.
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Lots of memory, plenty of CPU power, and the right software makes the Dell Axim a pretty good platform for writing
articles like those on our website.
The greatest impediment for creating documents on the Axim is the limited speed of data entry into PocketPC's. Adding a folding keyboard to my pda accessories has moved my Dell
Axim X5 from being mainly a personal organizer to being a veritable laptop replacement. However, over the
course of several weeks, I have come to the realization that there are some limitations using the folding keyboard for the Dell.
The keyboard connects directly to the base of the Axim, which means that the Axim cannot be used in a landscape mode. This is
unfortunate, because working in landscape mode has the more comfortable feel of working with a regular computer screen.
Also, the supporting stand allows only one viewing angle. While this is not usually a significant issue, it can potentially
aggravate repetitive stress conditions when the keyboard is used continuously for extend periods of time or when used in a confined environment such as
a commercial airline seat.
Well, there is a solution on the horizon. It's an accessory so simple, that it falls into our "Why didn't I think of that?" category.
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Click the images to see the larger versions.
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The accessory consists of an extender cable and an adjustable, removable stand.
One end of the cable fits the keyboard, the other the pda. The pda sits on the stand in either portrait
or landscape mode and the stand can be adjusted with a small knob on the left side to provide an infinite number of viewing angles.
The stand can sit snuggly inside of the keyboard or be removed and placed in a more comfortable position. We found a stack of books perfect
for raising the pda to the ideal height. (See picture below) "Kiss the neck pain goodbye!"
The cable we tested was fifteen inches in length. The manufacturer has indicated that the production models will
be between 9 and 18 inches depending on testing feedback. Our view was that fifteen was just about perfect.
The stand can be a little awkward to setup when sitting in the keyboard with the pda in portrait mode, but not too bad.
And the cable only extends from the keyboard to the left, so it's a little strange when the stand is placed on the right side.
Using the stand though, the convenience is dramatic. I hated giving it back.
The suggested cost is between 15 and 30 bucks. There is not a case, but the stand folds flat and it shouldn't add too much bulk.
If they can sell these for $19.99, I'd take one in a heartbeat.
We'd love to show you more, but we had to promise these guys the world just to get a look....
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Click the images to see the larger versions.
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