Keyboard use on the i330

[celticmagick333]

Thought that I would share this with the group, in case you haven't heard.

I have done some research regarding the use of external keyboards with the i330. I have found that the SnapNType from TT-Tech for the i300 works well with the i330. It is also cheaper and more user friendly than the flexible keyboard from Samsung, according to reviews. I have heard some bad stories regarding the flexible keyboard from Samsung, which was expected considering the styling, and have turned my attention to the SnapNType. TT-Tech will deny the compatibility with the i330, for legal reasons I am sure, but several other i330 users claim that it does work.

The SNT is a thumb board, it is not like a typical folding keyboard that you usually see for Palms, but it is a lot faster than the graffiti virtual keyboard, I have heard.

By the way, the folding keyboard pictured on the Sprint PCS website for the i330 is not what you will get. Don't be fooled! In reality it is Samsung's keyboard.

I am in no way personally downing the Samsung keyboard, I am only passing information that I have found along to you, based on actual field use of the products.

I have ordered the SnapNType for my i330 and will post my experiences if anyone is interested.

Best Regards,

Jason

[celticmagick333]

Okay,

I have successfully installed the SnapNType thumbboard driver onto my i330 and connected the keyboard for trial. I did encounter some initial problems but have come to the conclusion that they were not directly related to the i330.

I think it is best after installing the driver to do a soft reset on the device. Since these devices are computers sometimes they need to reboot with the new drivers/software installed. I say this because I did have a weird phenomena of nonstop H's going across my memo screen while trying it out (without reset)...I did manage to get them to stop. AFTER performing a soft reset I have yet to encounter any more of these kind of problems.

I did run into another problem while online in Blazer, freezing caused by memory situation. After searching through my files in File Manager (third party launcher feature) I found some databases that were out of the ordinary. They seemed to be from another browser that I had installed/removed but were not removed with the rest of its program (common with many Palm applications, I suggest either installing a third party file manager or finding a launcher that has file manager capabilities to help prevent stranded DB's). I removed these files and have yet to run into any more problems.

I will say that the SnapNType keyboard works 100% with the i330. I will also say that there are some programs out there that will not work with the keyboard, so if you have these installed you will most likely run into problems. I will post a link that provides a list of these programs.

Bottom line: The thumbboard DOES work on the i330.

Direct link to the product on the company's page:

http://www.tt-tec.com/html/Products/T121.htm

Link to some other posts regarding the i330 and the SNT thumbboard including conflicting applications. A must see for those serious about getting a SNT keyboard, even shows pictures of i330/keyboard!:

http://www.smartphoneforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3353