Add a thumb-board to any UMPC

Samsung really ratcheted up the thumb-board/ no thumb-board debate with the introduction of the Ultra Q1 UMPC.  The unique split thumb-board certainly has birthed many debates over the utility that tiny keyboards bring to the UMPC platform.  One thing that these debates seems to verify is that when you really need a little keyboard it's great to have one handy.  The folks at Freedom feel the same way and have released the Freedom Mini Duo Bluetooth keyboard, a keyboard that folds up to the size of a credit card.  The theory is if your UMPC (or other Bluetooth-enabled device) doesn't have a thumb-board and you need to tap out some text you can simply pull this baby out of your pocket or bag and have an instant keyboard available.  The design of the Freedom thumb-board seems perfect for two-handed thumb input so it may even be more useful than the split design of the Samsung Ultra.  It will set you back GBP50, or about $100.

(via TRFJ)

Comments

[Dean]

Hi, I have had this keyboard 6 months and it was under a differnt manufacturer. I find it very good with my raon vega, and Nokia n800. It is the easiest bluetooth device to pair and the keys are more reponsive than any that i have used in this size range, inclusing vaio u3, vaio ux280p and ny htc ameo. You can charge it via usb and you have a simple switch that you either flip to pda or pc.

[Gunderstorm]

How does $13 sound?

http://www.gameexpress.com/product_detail.cfm?UPC=837742005709
http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/PS2-PS2-Mini-key-Keyboard-Dreamgear/2157642/product.html

I bought this mini USB thumb-board after I saw it used in a "carputer" photo gallery. It's an amazingly cheap alternative to these overpriced fold-up keyboards. It worked right out of the box with my Samsung Q1.