HP/Compaq PA840U Stowaway Portable Keyboard for HP/Compaq

by Targus

Product Details

Product Manual [3.29mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 13.8 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches ; 13.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005AMDE
• Item model number: PA840U
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 10, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Targus Stowaway portable keyboard for Compaq iPAQ enables you to quickly and comfortably enter text into your Pocket PC without having to carry around a full-size desktop keyboard. The Stowaway keyboard is a full-size keyboard when open but folds instantly to about the size of your iPAQ. This portable keyboard has the same key spacing as a standard desktop keyboard so it's comfortable to use. Plus, at only 7.9 ounces it won't weigh you down.

This Stowaway keyboard is compatible with Compaq iPAQ 3100, 3600, and 3700 series Pocket PCs. See note below about compatibility with 3800 series Pocket PCs.

Installation of the Keyboard application onto your Compaq iPAQ is done simply via Setup Assistant from the included CD-ROM. Because the Stowaway keyboard only needs power while it is actually being used, the effect on the overall battery life of your iPAQ will be minimal.

To operate the keyboard with your handheld, click the Stowaway keyboard open from its folded position, lay it flat, and slide the keyboard parts together (it's separated into thirds for folding). Then, simply attach your handheld and start typing in a text-based program.

You can do virtually all your work without taking your fingers off the keyboard with the Stowaway. The four custom keys on the right side of the keyboard (Inbox/Notes, Contacts/Word, Calendar/Excel, Tasks/Money) are preprogrammed shortcut keys to activate certain applications, but they can be customized with the Keyboard application.

Placing the Stowaway keyboard on a firm, flat surface offers the best results, because of the folding design. However, you can use it on your lap as long as the keyboard is supported by a magazine or book across its open expanse. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Special note to customers: An adapter is available that will allow the Targus Stowaway portable keyboard for Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs to support newer iPAQ models in the 3800 series. This adapter is not for sale, and it is not packaged. To receive the adapter and CD-ROM with required drivers, contact Targus customer service at 877-482-7487 or [e-mail].

Product Description

Targus / Compaq Stowaway Foldable Keyboard for Ipaq PDA's (3600 3700 series)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great new product!, March 14, 2001

By 

Eric (Palm Harbor, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP/Compaq PA840U Stowaway Portable Keyboard for HP/Compaq (Office Product)

The Targus Stowaway Keyboard makes it easy when using some of the best features of the iPAQ, such as MSWord. If you think that the excitement stops there, your wrong. This nifty keyboard fits right in your pocket and is as small, if not smaller than the iPAQ. Its built in application buttons, and programable buttons make it 10 times easier to navigate the iPAQ, but don't worry, if you ever get lost in your own little iPAQ world, just hit the TODAY button on your keyboard and your right back home. Although it is a little hard to connect when the CF slot is attached, it can be done, and in no way affects its performance. I would recommend this product to anyone who owns an iPAQ and for its farely low price of ... it's well worth the value.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laptop, Jr., May 1, 2001

By 

Eddie (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: HP/Compaq PA840U Stowaway Portable Keyboard for HP/Compaq (Office Product)

Finally, relief of stress off the fingers and eyes. It's hard to imagine how I made so far without this keyboard. Without a doubt, this keyboard makes life much, much easier. I used to try to get by using that Transcriber software that came with my iPAQ. It worked fine, but after a while my hand started to really ache. Not only that, it was kind of difficult to concentrate on the notes you are jotting down while at the same time you have to concentrate on writing perfectly so the transcriber can read your writing. And, of course, like any other owner of this product would say, "it's so convenient because you can fold it up and carry it in your pocket." It's almost like carrying a laptop in your pants' pocket.

The "bad" part may be...Well, product reviews say this keyboard is tough and solid. True...when it's folded up. But once you unfold it, it seems kind of flimsy. But what can you expect? Also (it's been mentioned before), there's no locking mechanism to keep the keyboard flat. When you lift it up, it folds down the middle...so you can't really use it on soft surfaces.

Anyway, those aren't the parts that really bother me. What bothers me, and I'm pretty sure it has crossed the minds of the other owners of this product, is the part where the PocketPC docks on to. It has that snappy, thin plastic, metal wire thing going on and kind of gives a feeling of a toothpick holding up an apple when you dock it. I don't know...maybe I'm just paranoid.

Well, none of the "bad" sides of it messed up on me yet so I am not complaining. All I know is that this thing is a savior to my cramping hand. I can jot things down ten times faster.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Is A Must!, February 26, 2003

By 

IcartM "Things that make you go 'Hmmmm'" (Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: HP/Compaq PA840U Stowaway Portable Keyboard for HP/Compaq (Office Product)

I've had my PDA for over a year and recently decided to really get into it. I decided that writing, though a cool function within itself, could be irritating if you had to write alot of notes. I decided to buy the keyboard at a local office supply store. I was very impressed. I wrote Targus because I thought the power supply extension wasn't included (it was "hidden" in the fold of one of the edges-look for it!). They immediatly wrote back and asked me for my shipping information. Let's see if I receive it.

Be careful when opening the area that you dock the PDA into. It can be rather fragile and come off. However, it went back into place and still functioned. One more piece of advice. I got this device for less through Amazon.com. I did notice, however, that they like to move the price up and down alot so you may want to keep your eye on things.