8/10
I can’t believe it! Goal achieved.

The Arteck is a new easily obtainable & affordable #Keyboard. It connects to every persistent #WindowsMobile #PocketPC device that I tested! It’s driverless and the layout is almost perfect for it’s size. It’s also backlit!

I’m confused though. It’s #Bluetooth LE 5.1 and should not work with these Bluetooth Classic 1.2 and 2.0 devices. Whats going on here?

Lets crack it open and take a look.

7/10
Now the best for last! The Arteck HB030B #Bluetooth #Keyboard.

This is a cheap keyboard that you can still find new. It has a chiclet design, is backlit & doesn’t compromise much on the layout other than messing a bit with the Alt, Ctrl and Windows key button arrangement.

Amazingly this Bluetooth 5.1 keyboard connects to all of my iPaqs (111, 210, HX2495, HX2795b) & my #Dell Axim X51V using Passkey 1234!

6/10
This is the #Ipad Kensington Key Folio Pro K39357US.

This #Bluetooth chiclet #Keyboard is fantastic! It is sleek, responsive and feels modern. It also has a decent layout and doesn’t forget the right shift key like the previous Key Folio.

Once again it effortlessly connected to all of my iPaqs (111, 210, HX2495, HX2795b) and surprisingly also connected to my #Dell Axim X51V using Passkey 1234!

5/10
Next up is the #Ipad Kensington Key Folio K39294.

It’s a #Bluetooth 2.0 spill proof rubber covered #Keyboard that drove me crazy due to the right shift key being absent. LOL.

It’s connectivity was identical to the Freedom Pro. It easily connected to all of my iPaqs (111, 210, HX2495, HX2795b) and unfortunately refused to connect to any of my #Dell Axim X50 and X51 series.

4/10
First up is the Freedom Pro #Bluetooth #Keyboard.

This keyboard folds in half and has a slide out removable stand for your #PDA.

I didn’t like it. It was probably decent for the time but we can do much better these days.

Regardless, it easily connected to all of my iPaqs (111, 210, HX2495, HX2795b) and unfortunately refused to connect to any of my #Dell Axim X50 and X51 series.

3/10
It was already going to take some luck to get great compatibility with a random #Keyboard but I also had another goal; the #Bluetooth keyboard needed to run under the HID profile so no driver installation would be necessary.

The dream is to get a new keyboard, connect over Bluetooth and just start typing!

I began researching and securing a variety of keyboards to try & focused my testing on persistent #WindowsMobile 5.0+ devices

2/10
Unfortunately after talking with people & reading up on the #Bluetooth protocol I learned that Bluetooth Classic (1, 2, & 3) is not compatible with the current Bluetooth LE (4, 5, etc.). I had no idea!

A new keyboard seemed doubtful and everyone I talked to suggested buying an old expensive #PocketPC or #PDA #Keyboard but then I got a great suggestion; get an old #Ipad keyboard.

Those are plentiful and cheap!

[6/6]
#IrDA is up and running on #Windows 10. I can now wirelessly transfer files between my Laptop and #PocketPC!

It’s much more convenient than having to juggle multiple proprietary cables.

It’s one cable to rule them all. One cable to transfer files across every IrDA enable device and I love it!

This is amazing and I believe I have achieved what I set out to do; Restore the FULL functionality of Pocket Pcs on modern hardware!

[5/6]
I then went to Gearmo’s webpage and downloaded their MCS7780 driver at https://www.gearmo.com/shop/fast-usb2-infrared-adapter/

I plugged in the Gearmo #IrDA dongle and opened Device Manager. I found it listed under “Other Devices.” I right clicked on it and selected “Properties.” I navigated to the “Driver” tab and clicked “Update Drivers.”

I then selected the driver I had just downloaded and a moment later the device was up and running!

Success!!!

[6/6]
After typing a short message and using a bit of formatting, I transferred the file back to my PC.

I opened it with Libre Office it handled the PWS extension like a champ!

20 years later this is still a fantastic and completely usable device! I sometimes take my laptop to do some writing on short trips or camping. Not any more! This will be my go to device! It takes up virtually no space and lasts for days.

[5/6]
Pocket Word is a surprisingly full featured program. It has the basic formatting options one expects and has spell check and fairly decent word prediction.

Now comes the exciting part. I want to run a test.

Lets see If what I type in Pocket Word can be transferred to the PC while retaining the correct formatting and as hassle free as possible.

[4/6]
I don’t have a Bluetooth #Keyboard to test but I can’t imagine preferring it to a device specific one.

These #Keyboards connect directly to the data port on the #PocketPC or #Palm #PDA.

The downside is that these only work with the device they were designed for. Fortunately they are quick to setup and provide a hassle free experience. They are also powered by the connected device so no need for batteries like the other two.

[3/6]
Infrared indeed allows for a single #keyboard to work across many devices, but the setup is a bit unwieldy.

You have to position the device on a stand with a reflective mirror above it to catch the IR signals from the keyboard and bounce them down to receiver on the top of the device.

It works but is not hassle free. You need a smooth flat surface to get it aligned and it takes a few moments to get everything positioned.