Customer Reviews

HP FA118A#ABA iPAQ Foldable Keyboard for H2200, H3800, H3900, H4100, H5000, H6300, RX3000, and HX4700 Series

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I have the IPAQ 4150, which is limited in the accessory department. I first bought an IR keyboard to find the transmitter wouldn't work with my IPAQ due to the fact the IR port is on the bottom of the unit. So after a trip back to the store, I broke down and bought the HP brand. I wish I had bought it here, because my local electronics store was twenty dollars more. My only complaint is the keyboard wobbles while typing, because the back support rest is about half an inch to short to prevent this. One could probably fix this by weighting the back end a bit.

It's hard finding a keyboard that works with your pda. I ending up getting this one for my rx3115 and do not regret it. Check around for prices, but this is a nice one. I prefer the kind that hook up to the serial port and don't require batteries. You don't have to worry about the PDA falling off or the batteries running out.

The keys are very solid, which is very different from most other foldable keyboards which are more like flimsy laptop keyboards. Also the keyboard itself is very sturdy and won't fold up in your lap. It doesn't fold at all, actually, the keys slide out sideways. I like this design better than the others which fold like napkins.

The only drawback is that this keyboard is smaller, but I got used to it within a day.

Also, it's not mentioned in the instructions, but you do have to have turn the PDA off and then on to get the PDA to recognize keyboards like this that hook up via the serial port.

I first bought this keyboard in 2004. I used it from time to time and was quite pleased with it until certain keys suddenly no longer worked. Hewlett Packard replaced it as it was still under warranty. A few months later, the same keys (P, O, etc.) suddenly stopped working on the replacement keyboard. The ribbon cable on the right side of the keyboard (inside, you can't see it) is about 1/4 inch too short so that opening and closing the keyboard puts a tension on the cable which eventually causes it to break. It could possibly be avoided if you open the keyboard slowly and very gently. It seems to be the only keyboard that does not need batteries. I would consider buying another one, but it's too bad that HP didn't add another quarter inch of play to the cable.

This keyboard gets the job done, compact, folds away nicely. The downside is that unlike most othe PDA keyboards it plugs in instead of using wireless or Bleutooth. It also lacks a power source (ie. battery, Ac adapter) and can drain your PDA's battery. The main positive is that it is compatible, the only keyboard compatible with this set of HP products. Oh one other thing, if you're using POCKET PC windows 2003 or newer your gonna need to download a new driver from HP's website, as what they packadge with the product is now old and no longer compatible.

This keyboard is incredibly useful. It's almost like having a full size keyboard (it is slightly smaller and I know those with big hands have complained it is too small... I don't have that problem so I haven't noticed) and it folds up nice and compact (it fits in my purse quite nicely along with my ipaq and I don't carry the biggest of purses, I hate big purses).

The keys have a nice feel to them and for me the keyboard has lasted 2 years (your mileage may vary, I can't say I've been super tough on it either though). Not one key has problems.

They include a lot of nice shortcuts (using their function key combined with the right key you have shortcuts to word, excel, calendar, tasks, outlook, contacts, notebook, and you can even turn off the PDA (but not on).

The ability to power it up through a hookup for your power cord while using it is a very nice touch.

And the key layout is nice. As I said, it's like having a slightly smaller keyboard (but they keep the ratios the same). They give you a decent sized backspace key (I *hate* small backspace keys). The return button is a nice size. It has all the basic functions of a laptop keyboard (minus mouse) including the windows button (in my opinion more useful than on a PC just because how I use the handheld vs. the PC). It even has a number keypad (kinda, you have to get it in numlock mode and use the keys set out to be the number keypad). And it has arrows even (layed out properly). I think my biggest issue is I wish it had the function button on both sides of the keyboard. Actually, I think it would have been better if they put it on the other side rather than on the side they did. That would make it easier to use without moving my hands from proper typing position from the keyboard (all the keys serving as a double for the function key are on the same side as the key except the off button).

If they stop supporting the same hookup on newer ipaqs I hope they make a version of this keyboard to support the newer ipaqs. I'd rather use this keyboard than the other ones on the market. I didn't give it five stars cause I did consider some people may prefer having a true full size keyboard (I don't notice the difference but it's been mentioned and it has caused some people problems. Personally I'd prefer it to be slightly smaller and fit in my purse better like it does already :) ).

This is a great, portable keyboard. It worked with my iPAQ hx2755 the first time I tried it. It amazed my neighbors on the airplane when I whipped it out and started typing away on it. If you have a lot of typing to do, this is the way to do it. It is small and takes a little adjustment, but if you are a quick typist it beats using a stylus to tap your entries in. Now if they could just get a mouse to go with it.....

I bought this keyboard for my iPaq rx3115 and it has been a godsend for me to work on my schoolwork when I'm nowhere near a desktop. As others have stated, yes the keys are small, but I got adjusted to it almost immediately; I even like the Microsoft start button which works the same way as the desktop when I need to open up certain programs. Next to the stand, there's a port to connect either the OEM sync cable and wall plug which is needed when using the keyboard since it does suck up power from your iPaq - which is the only con that I have. To anyone who is looking to purchase this keyboard, make sure to go to HP's website to download the drivers for it or else it will not work - you just need to install the driver on your desktop, then sync it to your iPaq....then off you go.

Eventhough Amazon represents it as a Bluetooth HP FA287A#AC3, it is NOT, it is the FA118 that they send you. They did it to me twice and they haven't credited my account for the mistake. What Amazon is selling is the older version direct connect keyboard not the new wireless version. The older version won't even connect to the new hx4700 IPAQ as they claim. Don't be foooled like I was...

This foldable keyboard is great for allowing the use of your PDA as a mini notebook. It is compact and light. I use it when I am flying. It is also great at home when I have large entries to make because it has a jack that allows for the iPAQ to run on AC instead of the battery.

I got this foldable HP keyboard for my HP iPaq 2495 thinking it would work better than my previous PalmOne foldable IR keyboard since there would be compatibility being the same make. The keyboard worked even worse than the PalmOne keyboard that was starting to have input issues.

A very bad disappointment for HP products since it was purchased as brand new condition. My research for a non-bluetooth foldable keyboard has failed me. I believed somebody's review that stated that the "O" and "P" keys will not work after a while or after not being careful with opening the keyboard. The reality is that it was already not working even during the first use!! Not to mention the other keys that didn't work either. Sigh. Also, on a flat surface, the keyboard will not lay flat, but it rocks back due to the weight shift. As you will find in somebody's review, the keyboard will not stay flat when the PDA is mounted. This is a ridiculous problem that simply shows poor design. If HP wants to be a serious international competitor, they need to get serious about these disappointing flaws.