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Brando Bluetooth Keyboard PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Gray Rentz   
Friday, 10 June 2005
Brando Bluetooth Keyboard shop Brando Bluetooth Keyboard
shop.brando.com.hk
Price: $99.95

The Brando keyboard comes in a nicely packed blister package. Include is:
Keyboard
Carry Case
Batteries
Driver CD
Instructions

One feature that many will like about the Brando keyboard is that it has a dedicated number row. Now this does come at a cost, unlike the Think Outside keyboard that does not have a dedicated number row but does have full size laptop sized keys, the Brando has shrunk down keys that are approximately half the size of normal keys on a keyboard. This can be troublesome at times, but once you get used to it, it is easy to use.



The Brando keyboard is a clamshell type keyboard so it closes to half its size. It folds directly in the middle by a well made hinge. Once you open the keyboard, half of the keys slide over inside the case to complete the full keyboard, make it so there is no gap, and keep the keyboard from closing or bending. Then, once the keyboard is opened, a small stand folds out of the side and clips to the back of the keyboard. The stand can also be fully removed for use with the keyboard on your lap, etc. All these actions are smooth and work well. I had no problems repeatedly opening and closing the keyboard and stand.

Now on to the connection of the keyboard to your device, first you will need to install the driver for your device from the CD. The installer goes smoothly and adds a new program to your pocket pc. After running this program you can use the keyboard with your PPC via Bluetooth. It all works pretty well but is a bit cheapened down from the Think Outside quality of drivers in the way that it looks. In use though, it keeps a good strong connection and is very responsive to typing.

One last thing to note is that this is the same keyboard as the Chainpus Bluetooth Keyboard also reviewed on our site. Both come with the name of Smart Keyboard and are identical except the Chainpus comes in a Box and the Brando comes in a Blister Pack.

The Brando keyboard works well in use, but it is a bit bigger then the Think Outside keyboard and the smaller keys can be harder for people with bigger fingers. But a dedicated number row can be a big seller to some people out there.

Pros:
Dedicated Number Row
Solid Design
Responsive and Good Connection with PPC

Cons:
Smaller Keys
Bigger then some other portable keyboards
Drivers not as professional and easy to use and Think Outside

Thanks to Brando for the Review Sample!
 

 
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