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Accessories are great, don't you think? They complement the device and expand its usability. Whether if it is a headset, or a memory card, they make powerful smartphones much better. I will bring you a review of one of the most exciting accessories to date in my opinion, the Bluetooth Portable Keyboard from Nokia, the SU-8W.
Ever since smartphones acquired computer capabilities, a complete QWERTY portable keyboard and a smartphone are a better choice for those people who just need to complete basic tasks while on-the-go such as browsing, word processing and e-mailing. Smartphones have some strong points that make them better on-the-go than a laptop, for example, smartphones can be always connected to the internet via EDGE or 3G, while most computers cannot, and also, battery life is almost thrice as effective as a laptop computer, and of course, a smartphone's portability is a winner here.
Design
The SU-8W is a combination of high quality plastic and light stainless steel. The entire device is solid, no creaks or loose hinges. The SU-8W is powered by two 2AAA batteries, but as the old proverb says ''you must not judge a book by its cover'', the same applies to these small AAA batteries, that proved to last much longer than one would expect, judging by their size.
When you open the SU-8W you will see a complete QWERTY keyboard, the yin-yang S60 button to access the menu and a dedicated Messaging key. The buttons are just like a normal laptop keys, I would say a bit smaller but you will find yourself typing at great speeds soon after you type for the first time. In the left upper side when the keyboard is open, there is a small stand that fits all supported Nokia phones, you can make it bigger, smaller, more inclined or less inclined, it is an useful accessory by itself apart of the keyboard, you can stand your phone to watch a movie, or put it in your night table to act as an alarm clock, or you can just leave the phone in the stand on your desk. The stand is removable from the keyboard, for those who already have the SU-8W, the instructions don't mention it, but you can actually separate the stand from the keyboard and use the stand for the examples mentioned above. To separate them just pop it out faster than you normally do and it will release completely.
Usability
As I said before, smartphones have computer capabilities, so a QWERTY keyboard will enhance the experience while browsing, texting and email-ing.
If you have a Nokia Nseries phone with the TV-OUT functionality you can convert your phone into a desktop computer. Just plug it to the TV, connect the SU-8W, and you will have a close-to-desktop experience.
When travelling it is also a great solution, less weight, but not less fun nor less productive.
Conclusion
The SU-8W is a great complement to a phone, it is an useful accessory that will change the way you use your smartphone, for travelling, on-the-go computing, or just to have fun and text friends and loved ones, the SU-8W is a great solution.
Advantages: Small, very portable; excellent build quality; useful stand; Auto-connect; Great support from Nokia as new phones have built-in support for the keyboard.
Disadvantages: Not re-chargeable; lacks compatibility with non-Nokia phones.
Rating 9.5/10
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Great review!!!
Thanks Muhammad !!!
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[...] Edward U. ILikeMyNok has posted on PhoneReport about how he manages to go QWERTY with his N95 8GB. [...]
hello, i saw your review on the wireless nokia keyboard and thought you might be interested to know that I have been using the SU-8W for six months now whilst travelling through Thailand, Cambodia and some of the remotest parts of Vietnam. I decided on a n95 8gb and an SU-8W instead of a bulky laptop to keep a blog and it has worked better than I could ever have imagined. The keyboard is n absolute trooper, its a bit scratched and dented like an old car thats been in the family for years but the thing works as well as it did when it was new, ite been subjected to heat, sand, humidity, torrental rain and whats more I have only changed the batteries 3 times since I left ^ months and 114 blog posts ago… check out my blog and you will also notice some cool N95 features like geotagged picture maps and it is all done from the n95 and the SU-8W with minimal to no input from pc's… http://www.aaronandgeorgie.typepad.com/
Nokia's bluetooth keyboard is an amazing accessory. I've been using it for 3 years (yes, it's been around even longer) and I've put through all real-life tests. It is on the expensive side (almost $200) if you compare price to other options like the iGo. BUT, you cannot compare it's ease of use and custom buttons for the S60 device. Nokia should really update the look with some colour like silver or black (to match with my N95 8GB).
It is also compatible with Windows XP, PS3 — I guess to many things that connects bluetooth.
Wow I am glad you could use the SU-8W for keepeing your blog, instead of a laptop.
And yes that batteries last longer than I would expect/
Thanks I did not know it could connect to PS3!! I paid arround 60 bucks 2 months ago.
I will check your blog.
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The only major problem I have with the keyboard is no support for some locales (CE letters and such)
The only major problem I have with the keyboard is no support for some locales (CE letters and such)
NOKIA IS THE BEST!! I am selling my iPhone to buy an N95 8GB! This keyboard is very useful. THANKS