iPhone with External Keyboard (Video)

MacRumors · Nov 6, 2008, 04:37 AM

A Japanese blog appears to demonstrate the use of an external keyboard with the iPhone. It appears to be a hack for Jailbroken phones at the moment but may raise some eyebrows:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7se9QhMNKAY

Article Link: iPhone with External Keyboard (Video)

higgalls · Nov 6, 2008, 05:07 AM

Meh... It would be better if Apple implemented Landscape SMSing instead.
I didn't buy an iphone to make it be a laptop.

iSimx · Nov 6, 2008, 05:47 AM

pretty pointless. Plus if I wanted an external keyboard, then I would want bigger keys. Not ones the same as the iphone itself!

(ok they are slightly bigger but hopefully you get my point)

franzmueller · Nov 6, 2008, 06:36 AM

I would buy it immediately !!!! bring it !!!

Saludos

mBox · Nov 6, 2008, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iSimx

pretty pointless. Plus if I wanted an external keyboard, then I would want bigger keys. Not ones the same as the iphone itself!

(ok they are slightly bigger but hopefully you get my point)

hmm how about something software base like on a host computer?
that would be nice if you docked your iPhone and up comes iTunes with an option to use SMS or whatever via host computer. or has this been done already?

Thunderbyte · Nov 6, 2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by higgalls

Meh... It would be better if Apple implemented Landscape SMSing instead.

Use www.bitesms.com instead and since the recent Beta 2.5 (you have to add a new source in Cydia, as long as it is not yet out) you can SMS in landscape mode. Although biteSMS is an internet SMS application, you can also use it with your current mobile phone provider.

I use it and it ROCKS! So many small nice features you don't have in the original SMS app.

bigmc6000 · Nov 6, 2008, 07:34 AM

Make it cheap and I'll buy it - my company blocks our e-mail at work so I'm stuck trying to type long e-mails on my iPhone and while I can do it I'd prefer something a little easier since I'm spending all day here. Or better yet - create a USB->iPod adapter and I can just plug in a normal keyboard if I want (I know that's niche but that's what 3rd party is for!)

Coleco · Nov 6, 2008, 07:54 AM

This is the app I want. I would love to use a collapsable keyboard with my iPhone instead of hauling a laptop out to meetings to take notes. Would be nice if it was a simple driver that allowed any USB keyboard. That would open a market for nice netbook style keyboards. Have a feeling that's how Apple will end up approaching the Netbook market _ tablet with detachable keyboard.

iCantwait · Nov 6, 2008, 08:28 AM

how about connecting with a Bluetooth keyboard?
That's would make me get a BT keyboard over my Al USB one

Shasterball · Nov 6, 2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by higgalls

Meh... It would be better if Apple implemented Landscape SMSing instead.
I didn't buy an iphone to make it be a laptop.

Ya, I am anxiously awaiting that...

Rybold · Nov 6, 2008, 08:38 AM

.

And I suppose you expect me to carry that keyboard around in my pocket everywhere I go?

"Oh! I just got a text message. Give me a second. Let me plug in my keyboard." LOL!

Jpoon · Nov 6, 2008, 08:59 AM

interesting

I've been really waiting for more information on a possible gaming pad plugin.

That's what the iPhone really lacks to make it a badass portable gaming machine. Tactile buttons, and a D-Pad. The touch screen still doesn't cut it for racing games and what not. It should like wrap around the full body or something though.... maybe almost like a body shield, but a bit longer on the right and left to accommodate for the extra buttons.

blackcrayon · Nov 6, 2008, 09:00 AM

Even better would be a companion mod to keep the software keyboard form even popping up or only popping up with a small line to show that the phone is expecting input... More screen space

mantic · Nov 6, 2008, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rybold

.

And I suppose you expect me to carry that keyboard around in my pocket everywhere I go?

"Oh! I just got a text message. Give me a second. Let me plug in my keyboard." LOL!

I don't believe you would carry this around for your basic texting needs..

RipTide1024 · Nov 6, 2008, 09:54 AM

Not sure if the blog says anything about it (haven't read it) or if anyone cares, but I did a quick search, and discovered that the keyboard is actually a normal mini pda keyboard -- they just have an adapter for the USB to the iPhone connector (iPhone / iPod connectors have USB pinouts, so it's a straight conversion) and an iPhone OS X driver for the keyboard. The driver would be the only thing that would require a jailbroken iPhone for this to work.

I wonder... if a legitimate hardware developer came forward with a keyboard, adapter, and driver whether Apple would add it to the iPhone OS to enable the keyboard to be sold publically.

The keyboard appears to be this one: http://www.palminfocenter.com/news/3...ipda-keyboard/

mrgreen4242 · Nov 6, 2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RipTide1024

Not sure if the blog says anything about it (haven't read it) or if anyone cares, but I did a quick search, and discovered that the keyboard is actually a normal mini pda keyboard -- they just have an adapter for the USB to the iPhone connector (iPhone / iPod connectors have USB pinouts, so it's a straight conversion) and an OS X driver for the keyboard loaded. The driver would be the only thing that would require a jailbroken iPhone for this to work.

The keyboard appears to be this one: http://www.palminfocenter.com/news/3...ipda-keyboard/

Really, someone needs to unlock the BT in the iPhone. Maybe it's just completely impossible, but if someone was able to get BT working with all devices (BT keyboard, tether to another phone via BT, etc) I would replace my iPt with an unlocked iPhone in a heartbeat (and get an Apple aluminum BT keyboard, and tether the iPhone to my Sprint phone w/ unlimited data).

sangosimo · Nov 6, 2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by higgalls

Meh... It would be better if Apple implemented Landscape SMSing instead.
I didn't buy an iphone to make it be a laptop.

I think the should allow land scape typing for everything.

davyreins · Nov 6, 2008, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by higgalls

Meh... It would be better if Apple implemented Landscape SMSing instead.
I didn't buy an iphone to make it be a laptop.

Seriosuly. That plus landscape in mail. I know there is a program for the mail one, but I don't know why it's not just standard.

Maxington · Nov 6, 2008, 10:34 AM

I don't personally see the point. If you use it enough you get used to the tap keyboard. I would however LOVE to get landscape email...

blackcrayon · Nov 6, 2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyreins

Seriosuly. That plus landscape in mail. I know there is a program for the mail one, but I don't know why it's not just standard.

Just about any app that take text entry should be considered incomplete if it doesn't support the landscape keyboard...

hondje · Nov 6, 2008, 11:15 AM

It would be great if Apple would allow the current BT keyboard to work with the iPhone. I really don't like having to carry my MBP to class every day. This would save a lot of weight. Why not allow an iPhone user to type his or her notes? I tried typing my notes on the iPhone's screen in the Notes App, but it just gets a little tedious. But can be done! But a real keyboard would be much easier, and a great alternative to a full computer for class. Come on Apple! Update the software already!

iParis · Nov 6, 2008, 11:19 AM

FINALLY!
I can't wait for this to get on the market.

Seanyboy · Nov 6, 2008, 11:19 AM

That guy types a lot slower than I do with the regular touchscreen keyboard!

Rojo · Nov 6, 2008, 11:20 AM

I, too, don't understand the point of this? I can easily type five times faster on the iPhone's keyboard than the demo video showing this bulky add-on keyboard. Why on Earth would anyone use this??

bacharss · Nov 6, 2008, 11:32 AM

I don't see the value of a mini keyboard or full one.

The major reason someone wants an iPhone or pda is the size. If you want a mini or full size keyboard you might as well go for a mini laptop, you get the bigger keyboard and a bigger screen.

Nov 6, 2008, 04:37 AM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	iPhone with External Keyboard (Video) A Japanese blog appears to demonstrate the use of an external keyboard with the iPhone. It appears to be a hack for Jailbroken phones at the moment but may raise some eyebrows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7se9QhMNKAY Article Link: iPhone with External Keyboard (Video)

Nov 6, 2008, 06:36 AM	#4
franzmueller macrumors regular Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Spain	I would buy it immediately !!!! bring it !!! Saludos __________________ White´s G3 700 MHz & G4 1,2 GHz, Black 2,4 GHz ,shuffle 1 Gb ,video 60 Gb , Touch 16 Gb , 3G 16 Gb .

Nov 6, 2008, 07:54 AM	#8
Coleco macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2003	What I've been waiting for This is the app I want. I would love to use a collapsable keyboard with my iPhone instead of hauling a laptop out to meetings to take notes. Would be nice if it was a simple driver that allowed any USB keyboard. That would open a market for nice netbook style keyboards. Have a feeling that's how Apple will end up approaching the Netbook market _ tablet with detachable keyboard.

Nov 6, 2008, 08:28 AM	#9
iCantwait macrumors 65816 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia	how about connecting with a Bluetooth keyboard? That's would make me get a BT keyboard over my Al USB one __________________ There truly is something beautiful about seeing a 5gb iPod plugged into an iBook

Nov 6, 2008, 08:59 AM	#12
Jpoon macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Memphis, TN	interesting I've been really waiting for more information on a possible gaming pad plugin. That's what the iPhone really lacks to make it a badass portable gaming machine. Tactile buttons, and a D-Pad. The touch screen still doesn't cut it for racing games and what not. It should like wrap around the full body or something though.... maybe almost like a body shield, but a bit longer on the right and left to accommodate for the extra buttons. __________________ 2.2 Ghz White Macbook, 4 GB RAM iPhone 2g 8 GB Unlocked My Custom PC: http://valid.x86-secret.com/cache/banner/444406.png

Nov 6, 2008, 05:07 AM	#2
higgalls macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2008	Meh... It would be better if Apple implemented Landscape SMSing instead. I didn't buy an iphone to make it be a laptop.

Nov 6, 2008, 05:47 AM	#3
iSimx macrumors regular Join Date: Sep 2007	pretty pointless. Plus if I wanted an external keyboard, then I would want bigger keys. Not ones the same as the iphone itself! (ok they are slightly bigger but hopefully you get my point)

Nov 6, 2008, 07:34 AM	#7
bigmc6000 macrumors 6502a Join Date: May 2006	Make it cheap and I'll buy it - my company blocks our e-mail at work so I'm stuck trying to type long e-mails on my iPhone and while I can do it I'd prefer something a little easier since I'm spending all day here. Or better yet - create a USB->iPod adapter and I can just plug in a normal keyboard if I want (I know that's niche but that's what 3rd party is for!)

Nov 6, 2008, 08:38 AM	#11
Rybold macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: California, USA	. And I suppose you expect me to carry that keyboard around in my pocket everywhere I go? "Oh! I just got a text message. Give me a second. Let me plug in my keyboard." LOL!

Nov 6, 2008, 09:00 AM	#13
blackcrayon macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2003	Even better would be a companion mod to keep the software keyboard form even popping up or only popping up with a small line to show that the phone is expecting input... More screen space

Nov 6, 2008, 09:54 AM	#15
RipTide1024 macrumors newbie Join Date: Nov 2008	Not sure if the blog says anything about it (haven't read it) or if anyone cares, but I did a quick search, and discovered that the keyboard is actually a normal mini pda keyboard -- they just have an adapter for the USB to the iPhone connector (iPhone / iPod connectors have USB pinouts, so it's a straight conversion) and an iPhone OS X driver for the keyboard. The driver would be the only thing that would require a jailbroken iPhone for this to work. I wonder... if a legitimate hardware developer came forward with a keyboard, adapter, and driver whether Apple would add it to the iPhone OS to enable the keyboard to be sold publically. The keyboard appears to be this one: http://www.palminfocenter.com/news/3...ipda-keyboard/

Nov 6, 2008, 10:34 AM	#19
Maxington macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oshkosh, WI	I don't personally see the point. If you use it enough you get used to the tap keyboard. I would however LOVE to get landscape email... __________________ Mac Mini (MacTV); Mac Book Pro (Mobile Silver); iMac (Buddy); iPhone 16 GB http://thedudesays.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/Maxington

Nov 6, 2008, 11:15 AM	#21
hondje macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Springs	It would be great if Apple would allow the current BT keyboard to work with the iPhone. I really don't like having to carry my MBP to class every day. This would save a lot of weight. Why not allow an iPhone user to type his or her notes? I tried typing my notes on the iPhone's screen in the Notes App, but it just gets a little tedious. But can be done! But a real keyboard would be much easier, and a great alternative to a full computer for class. Come on Apple! Update the software already! __________________ 13" MBP Unibody, 2.26 Ghz, 4 GB RAM, 160 HD; Black iPhone 3G, 16 GB

Nov 6, 2008, 11:19 AM	#22
iParis macrumors 68030 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Mexico	FINALLY! I can't wait for this to get on the market. __________________ -2G 16GB iPod touch 3.0 (Jailbreak) -Keyboard w/ Numeric Keypad & Mighty Mouse - eMachines AMD Athlon 1.6GHz / 2GB ram / 320GB HD / Win7 RC

Nov 6, 2008, 11:19 AM	#23
Seanyboy macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2008	That guy types a lot slower than I do with the regular touchscreen keyboard!

Nov 6, 2008, 11:20 AM	#24
Rojo macrumors 65816 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New York City	I, too, don't understand the point of this? I can easily type five times faster on the iPhone's keyboard than the demo video showing this bulky add-on keyboard. Why on Earth would anyone use this??

Nov 6, 2008, 11:32 AM	#25
bacharss macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2008	I don't see the value of a mini keyboard or full one. The major reason someone wants an iPhone or pda is the size. If you want a mini or full size keyboard you might as well go for a mini laptop, you get the bigger keyboard and a bigger screen.

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