Cirque Releases New Keyboard

Posted By: Ed Tuesday, June 12, 2001 7:16:45 AM

Cirque Corp. and Fellowes Manufacturing have released their new PDA Pocket Keyboard. It is a 3.85 by 2.68 inch touch panel that weighs 1.9 ounces and is sealed in a protective case to shield against dirt, dust, moisture and static electricity. It uses GlidePoint technology from Cirque and will be marketed by Fellowes in retail stores. It will soon be on sale at the Cirque webstore for $40.

The surface of the Pocket Keyboard provides a basic QWERTY format and includes arrow, number, shift, enter, tab, caps, control and symbol keys. The keys are roughly the same size as the tip of a finger and the overlay is embossed in a grid pattern to help users locate the keys. The embossed surface of the keyboard, combined with user-selectable audible feedback, gives users a tactile sensation. Because the keyboard is based on GlidePoint technology, the Pocket Keyboard recognizes the centermost point of pressure and inputs the character for the corresponding key, allowing accurate input with both large and small fingers.

The PDA Pocket Keyboard is compatible with versions 1.0 through 3.5.2 of the Palm OS and supports the Palm m100 and Palm III, V, and VII series, as well as the Handspring Visor, Deluxe, Platinum and Prism. It also supports the original Pilot 1000 and 5000 series from Palm. It comes with a set of interface adapters for the various PDAs. These permit the product to be packaged as one SKU while accommodating multiple versions of PDAs.

It comes with Cirque's Pocket Keys software that users install into their PDA to activate the device. The keyboard includes a retractable support stand so it can be used to type on flat surfaces or held in the user's hand.

It runs on two CR2032 lithium coin batteries. According to Cirque, the battery life of the Pocket Keyboard should outlive the life of the batteries used in many PDAs and are inexpensive, readily available, and easy to replace. A quick search on the Web found that CR2032 batteries cost about $2.50.

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Version 4.0

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/12/2001 7:59:28 AM #
>>The PDA Pocket Keyboard is compatible with versions 1.0 through 3.5.2 of the Palm OS and supports
>>the Palm m100, m500, and Palm III, V, and VII series, as well as the Handspring Visor, Deluxe,
>>Platinum and Prism.

Doesn't the m50X version 4.0? The above only states through version 3.5.2 but then says it will work with
the m500. Just courios.



RE: Version 4.0
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/12/2001 8:35:00 AM #
the m500 is a typo. someone mixed up the m500 with the pilot 5000. the following is posted on the webpage of cirque:

Compatibility

Supports Palm OS 1.0 through 3.5.2

Hardware interface connectors supports:
Pilot™ 1000, Pilot™ 5000, Palm™ III, Palm™ VII, and Palm™ m100 series
Palm™ V series
Handspring™ Visor™

erik

RE: No Version 4.0
Ed @ 6/12/2001 9:09:46 AM #
I've changed the article. Thanks for the correction.

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Cirque Keyboard for m505
Ed @ 6/12/2001 3:29:13 PM #
The word from Cirque is that there will be a connector for the m505 later this summer.

p.s. Thanks Dennis!

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FINALLY!!

superbenk @ 6/12/2001 9:42:06 AM #
Finally a new product that will withstand an upgrade!! I could buy this today for my IIIxe and still keep it tomorrow when I buy an Vx (not that I'd bother now). If they were smart they would throw in another adapter for the Clie, the Handera and the m50x models too so they can stay alive in a changing market. Progress is great, but disposability is waste! (not to mention EXPENSIVE!!!)

RE: FINALLY!!
I.M. Anonymous @ 6/12/2001 11:14:11 AM #
The Handera doesn't need an adapter. It's compatible with Palm III accessories, remember?

RE: FINALLY!!
superbenk @ 6/12/2001 12:44:53 PM #
You're right, thank you. My mistake.

This is what I was waiting for

Gepeto @ 6/12/2001 6:59:44 PM #
Except I want a CLIÉ adapter...
I might not go buy that PPK after all!

What is an M50X?

Rick @ 6/13/2001 1:12:05 AM #
Ok...am I stupid? Or is this M50X just a way to describe the M500 series? Or is it a new model?
RE: What is an M50X?
Ed @ 6/13/2001 9:13:01 AM #
As you guessed, M50X is just how some people refer to the m500 series.

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News Editor
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layout...

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/13/2001 7:46:05 AM #
My one wish for this product is a customisable layout. The QUERTY keyboard was designed to slow typists down as much as possible to avoid jamming up the early MECHANICAL typewriters. Something more optimised would be nice, especially for single-finger use

topple over

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/13/2001 7:48:12 AM #
Won't the keyboard topple over it is attached to The PDA? It does look to me That it will topple over judging from the size of the keyboard
RE: topple over
Ed @ 6/13/2001 9:10:06 AM #
If you take a look at this picture:
www.palminfocenter.com/images/Img_pocket_keyboard.gif
you'll see that there is a brace on the connector that keeps the Palm from falling over.

This picture is also available by clicking on the small image in the article.

---
News Editor
Palm Infocenter

Review

I.M. Anonymous @ 6/13/2001 12:25:02 PM #
The Gadgeteer website has a review of this little keyboard back last May. The only thing that I don't like about it is that there are no actual buttons, it is completely flat. The underlying technology is a touch-based.

The two things that I do like about it are the back flap on the back that supports the handheld so that it will not topple over and the fact that it is self-powered using its own batteries, thereby, not draining any power from the actual Palm Pilot device.

Considering its price range though, I think the GoType one would be a better value since it would be easier to type on with both hands, plus, is quite capable to be used when on your lap unlike the Palm Portable Keyboard which really does work better on a flat desk surface. Still, this Cirque/Fellowes one is certainly high on the cool factor.

How about a CLIÉ adapter?

Joe Braunbeck @ 6/14/2001 3:46:31 AM #
Now Cirque just has to make a CLIÉ adapter and I'll buy it!!!
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