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This is just a little research into the market for a new Desire (and other Android phones) accessory I hope to make and sell.
Similar to the TK-421 keyboard case for the iPhone, its pretty much for anyone with a keyboardless phone looking for a more tactile typing experience. I will aim to simplify the hinge more compared to the TK-421, making it more sturdy and have less chance of problems. If you read up some reviews on it, you'll notice the swivel hinge is held together by 1 thin pin and users have a constant feeling that it will break.
I wouldn't have an idea on how to go about making a sturdy sliding mechanism as an alternative (hey, even the phone manufacturers haven't got it right yet!) or even a slider at all.So instead, I've decided to go with a simple flipping hinge for the time being. I can think of a few problems with this already. Just can't win, but I'll work something out.
It's early idea stages so far, but I just want to get a feel for people's opinions, since it's definitely a 2 sided discussion. Some prefer keeping their device thin and sleek, while others love their device apart from the fact that there's no physical keyboard and would not hesitate to sacrifice the thinness.
Keeping in mind, this WILL add a significant thickness to your phone.
An 11mm thick phone + 1mm thick case + ~9mm thick keyboard = behemoth
Imagine a Nokia N900 or Touch Pro 2 (comparable to a bricks), but slightly thicker. The upside however, is that you're not stuck withthe bulkiness all the time.
In other words, switch between brick and slick, whenever you want
In addition: if this project goes through and is mildly successful, I may release a "Gamepad Addon", making gaming more enjoyable for us with keyboard-less phones. In fact, I might first release it specifically targeting gamers depending on the respsonse... Pushing the brainstorm aside, I just want to hear what everyone thinks!
Please post with your opinion below. The more feedback I get, the better. If you don't feel like posting, please at least vote it the poll so I can get a close idea.
This isn't all just written ideas by the way. I've been testing different things with my Nexus One and the specific keyboard I'll be using for a few weeks now.
NOTE: I've posted this in the Desire section simply because it's the best fitted phone for this accessory. It's the same size as the keyboard (all 3.7 inch screen phones are also), the trackpad does not protrude much and therefore won't interfere with the mechanism. This pretty much leaves the Desire and Droid Incredible, but there seems to be a bigger Desire community...so here goes!
I wouldn't mind the accessory, but the price shouldn't be prohibitive. Another question will be how would you connect to the Desire? Bluetooth?
Yep, Bluetooth is the only option.
Unfortunately USB Host isn't available on the Desire and other androids without an external power source and lots of fiddling.
This means if you wanted this accessory you'd need to either be running CM6, or have some third party software (BlueInput/BlueKeyboard JP). If I had programming experience I'd develop the drivers myself, sadly this is not the case!
As for price, I am thinking US $30-$40. There are a couple of iPhone cases soon to be released in the $70-80 price range which I think is a little steep.
Personally, $40 would be the borderline price if I were to buy something like this, so hopefully it'll be a little less than that.
What about the positioning? Will it be like the iPhone version and be placed on the back? Battery life? Will the gaming addon cost more?
I am looking for a successor to my Desire Z and as manufacturers do not release any new devices with a hard keyboard I am trying to find a solution to have a hard keyboard. I'd like to have an SGS 3 with keyboard. I had found this keyboard case for the Galaxy Note at Brando http:// shop.brando.com/samsung-galaxy-note-reclosable-fastener-case-with-bluetooth-keyboard_p7254c299d57.html. I have asked if they planned to release the same kind for the SGS 3 but it's not in their plans for the moment.
Are you aware of similar products or do you have any idea on how I could build my own slide-out keyboard on the phone or attached to an appropriate case ?
For the 2nd solution I would need to find a closing cover with right dimensions (needs to allow to be closed while phone and device are both inside; the case should be not too loose, I mean if I'm typing from the keyboard not laying on a desk I should be able to have a right angle to view the screen and the phone should stay firmly in place....) and I could attach the keyboard with a scratch.
Thanks for your advices.
I'm in the exact same boat. I want a higher spec phone, but I can't bare to leave my physical keyboard behind. It's just so much better than swype or whatever.
I had a friend who insisted on a a full keyboard coming from Blackberrys, back when he had a Motorola Droid. He upgraded to a Galaxy Nexus recently and has told me he couldn't believe why he was such a stickler for a keyboard. honestly I haven't found my typing to be any worse.
You really are going to be left behind if you expect high end hardware to have physical keyboards. The whole platform is moving away from physical buttons, best learn to adapt now, many people have wondered why Samsung gave the S3 a physical home button since the GNex went without.
LowSky said:
I had a friend who insisted on a a full keyboard coming from Blackberrys, back when he had a Motorola Droid. He upgraded to a Galaxy Nexus recently and has told me he couldn't believe why he was such a stickler for a keyboard. honestly I haven't found my typing to be any worse.
You really are going to be left behind if you expect high end hardware to have physical keyboards. The whole platform is moving away from physical buttons, best learn to adapt now, many people have wondered why Samsung gave the S3 a physical home button since the GNex went without.
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I love the home button, so glad S III has it. Love the tactile FEEL of it. Wish it had camera button too.
I have a Droid. I love its keyboard. I'd buy a keyboard case (like OP posted for Note above) if someone made it for S III.
Although the screen is big it makes on screen keys ok but I would still buy a keyboard case for S III. If someone makes one. There is a thread on this at AndroidCentral IIRC as well...will find a link later if I remember..
You could get an inexpensive micro bluetooth keyboard and keep it on hand, or get someone on etsy to make a case that both your phone and the keyboard would fit into. http://www.amazon.com/s/?field-keywords=micro+bluetooth+keyboard I've got that keyboard and just keep it in my bag.
There is a company called boxwave that has a keyboard "buddy" case for the iphone. I have contacted them and they say if they receive enough requests that they will create one. Request url is [colon]//www[dot]boxwave[dot]com/community/request/request_model.cfm.
BigRedFed said:
There is a company called boxwave that has a keyboard "buddy" case for the iphone. I have contacted them and they say if they receive enough requests that they will create one. Request url is [colon]//www[dot]boxwave[dot]com/community/request/request_model.cfm.
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This would probably be the best option TBH. I'm not a huge fan of a physical keyboard myself, but I see a lot of people not making the switch from RIM because of the lack of great Android hardware with this (primitive?) feature. I agree with the above poster in regards to the fact that the industry is moving away from physical buttons, in general. Even RIM tried multiple times to "dip their fingers" into touchscreen technology (see BlackBerry Storm or BlackBerry Torch) but (IMO) could not sell enough units to justify abandoning what has been successful for them for nearly the past decade. Of course manufacturers are seeing sales explode as they are producing thinner and thinner phones, simply because phones that have slim, aesthetically-pleasing design profiles are much more desirable for a multitude of reasons. I'm afraid to say that until a manufacturer can produce a device that is competitively thin and light I don't see physical keyboards remaining relevant for much longer.
However, to more directly address the topic of this thread, I don't think that any other "keyboard cases" will be seen for this phone, so you should probably try and request that the company in the quoted post create one. For one, as hinted to above, most people purchasing this device see its sleek profile as a major perk. Many people across multiple forums are discussing which cases are best and are looking for the following desirable attributes: thin with a lot of protection. Some will sacrifice their "1mm or less" requirement for a case that will survive a fall from a pocket or backpack, and these people (sometimes begrudgingly) purchase popular high-protection cases such as the Otterbox Commuter/Defender or Trident Aegis/Kraken. I believe that this is the only reason people would be willing to purchase thicker cases for this phone (or at least enough people for these companies to justify making cases that are purposely thicker). Additionally, these people are paying a premium because the manufacturing costs for making these thicker cases are certainly higher. If just having thicker, more protective materials are driving the costs of these cases above ~$25, how much would you assume the Bluetooth keyboard cases would cost? BoxWave charges $79.99 for their iPhone 4S version at the time of this post - a pretty hefty amount in a market where people are looking to eBay to purchase cases for under $10. It just doesn't make sense economically for companies to produce cases like this.
One might argue this point by using the existence of the BoxWave iPhone 4S model as proof that enough people will buy an expensive, thick case to make it happen for our comparatively slim phone. However, this defense would ignore the main reason why a physical keyboard is more (read: slightly) in demand for Apple's flagship device. When comparing the ease of typing on the iPhone 4S, which has a 3.5 inch screen, to that of the Galaxy S3, which has a 4.8 inch screen, their is no comparison. The larger screen real estate of our phone is vastly superior mainly due to the fact that the key size can be quite a bit larger. Also, one should consider the fact that Android keyboards can be changed quite readily and are becoming much easier to customize. It appears that anyone can find a keyboard that works for them, no matter their virtual typing style. Therefore, I don't imagine the demand being even close to similar.
That is just my two cents. I will request the case for you, but I honestly don't think that it will come to fruition for the aforementioned reasons. People are not looking for heavy, sturdy handsets anymore - they try to keep it simple and light. Keep in mind that Samsung was able to sell 10 million units in record time and the build quality does not even resemble that of stuggling manufacturers like HTC and Motorola.
Thank you. Requested. Please everyone let's join in on this request here...
Requested 1 myself. I've always missed the keyboard that my G1 had. Since the GS3 is fairly large, wonder if a track pad could be added onto the far right of the keyboard. I miss a trackpad/roller ball to move the cursor around for editing or whatnot.
marcucci217 said:
This
That is just my two cents. I will request the case for you, but I honestly don't think that it will come to fruition for the aforementioned reasons. People are not looking for heavy, sturdy handsets anymore - they try to keep it simple and light. Keep in mind that Samsung was able to sell 10 million units in record time and the build quality does not even resemble that of stuggling manufacturers like HTC and Motorola.
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Could you explain this part in other words i dont get it. Not your fault my english is not so advances
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
htcsnap93 said:
Could you explain this part in other words i dont get it. Not your fault my english is not so advances
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
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He means even thought the S3 is actually pretty cheaply made (goddamn **** plastic like always), it sells like cocaine to a homeless drug addict. Even though Motorola, and HTC make far superior handsets build wise (trust me, I had the One X, best phone I've owned by far), they can't compete with Samsung.
Nowadays, thinner and lighter is better, and therefore buying a big, bulky keyboard case is silly if you think about it for such a thin and light device.
theking_13 said:
He means even thought the S3 is actually pretty cheaply made (goddamn **** plastic like always), it sells like cocaine to a homeless drug addict. Even though Motorola, and HTC make far superior handsets build wise (trust me, I had the One X, best phone I've owned by far), they can't compete with Samsung.
Nowadays, thinner and lighter is better, and therefore buying a big, bulky keyboard case is silly if you think about it for such a thin and light device.
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This. Saved me some time explaining. Thanks, my friend. Love the metaphor :laugh:
A co-worker of mine has the Keyboard Buddy for his iPhone 4, and it's actually pretty nice. He said it takes a little getting used to, but once you have it, you can't go without it. The physical keyboard makes typing way easier, and if you're used to sending all emails/messages directly from your phone (i.e. crackberry users), then this is a must have if you have an iPhone 4.
Sorry, I got off on a little tangent talking about the keyboard case for iPhone 4, but I was just trying to illustrate how useful a keyboard case could be for the S3. So maybe for the casual everyday user, it's not as crucial. But if you're a more heavy duty/business type user, a decent keyboard case could make all the difference.
Also just my $0.02 =)
yes most people won't want one, sure. Some people DO want a real keyboard and are willing and ready to pay. I'd pay GOOD money for one. I hope this Buddy Case company makes one. Since S III is such a hugely popular phone. I think they'd for sure make a profit if they were to make Buddy Case for S III. Again...people looking to buy this have tried touchscreen keyboards and already decided they'd prefer a keyboard case. It's settled. We are not changing our mind. I have SwiftKey. Yes it's ok. But I'd prefer a good keyboard case.
Yay more "learn to do without" and "evolve" posts about physical keyboards.
As for the "thinner" excuse, the Nokia E7 was right in the ballpark at 13.6mm (say compared to the HTC EVO at it's 13mm, or the iPhone 3GS at 12.3mm but 4.3mm thicker than the iPhone4) too bad it just had a 600MHz CPU and Symbian.
I just had to chime in. We all know that those who prefer form over function (thinner vs keyboard) are the majority, but that doesn't mean we all like hearing those of us who prefer a physical keyboard are relics and need to "adapt/evolve" with the times or "deal with it."
Kinda does actually, companies cater to the masses. The masses being the "thinner, lighter, better" boat, while the "keyboard people" boat is way behind. Companies won't invest in something that won't sell well
If you guys really want a keyboard that bad, the S3 isn't for you. Its better to buy a phone with one already.
Sent from my sexy white Galaxy S3 on T-Mobile.
theking_13 said:
Kinda does actually, companies cater to the masses. The masses being the "thinner, lighter, better" boat, while the "keyboard people" boat is way behind. Companies won't invest in something that won't sell well
If you guys really want a keyboard that bad, the S3 isn't for you. Its better to buy a phone with one already.
Sent from my sexy white Galaxy S3 on T-Mobile.
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agreed maybe you guys should keep a look out for the t-mobile relay 4g. smaller screen but hopefully same internals as the s3!
They made one already. http://shop.brando.com/Samsung-Gala...-with-Bluetooth-Keyboard_p07999c1420d057.html
Sent from my Cocaine White S3
peanut_butter said:
They made one already. http://shop.brando.com/Samsung-Gala...-with-Bluetooth-Keyboard_p07999c1420d057.html
Sent from my Cocaine White S3
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Eh. Meh.
I want a SLIDING case like the Case Buddy, but for our S III. With a nice solid sliding click that is beefy and satisfying, the the mechanism in the Droid series by Moto. I reeeeally miss the build quality and keyboard of my Droid 2.
I actually found one. I want to buy this. http://www.ele-boat.com/Details.asp?ID=1
But I can not figure out how to buy it?? Anyone else get one of these?
macdroid01 said:
Eh. Meh.
I want a SLIDING case like the Case Buddy, but for our S III. With a nice solid sliding click that is beefy and satisfying, the the mechanism in the Droid series by Moto. I reeeeally miss the build quality and keyboard of my Droid 2.
I actually found one. I want to buy this. http://www.ele-boat.com/Details.asp?ID=1
But I can not figure out how to buy it?? Anyone else get one of these?
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According to http://www.ele-boat.com/Contact.asp I believe you can set it up by emailing [email protected]
Hi,
I think we talked about the cases a lot. .. at least for the current being that are the cases....
What about other accessories?
Share your most used? Or special ones...
Something that will reach our experience with the tablet....
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk
No other interesting? Even those that were used for old note 10.1?
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It's bizarre, I have no idea what's going on with Samsung's accessory division this time around.... Barely any Samsung branded accessories a month after release for both the Note 10 and Note 3. They are slowly starting to trickle out if you're willing to hunt them down. But i still don't understand it, accessories are huge money makers, I can imagine how much they're losing out to cheap amazon and ebay case guys.
Good point! i would say great point!
I see it as integral part of service or support - whatever....
Missing it - is just missing quality !!
anyhow - other ideas even form eBay Amazon DealExtereme, aliexpress... and additional china made...?
Wow, it's already December and still no decent protective case for this tablet. This sucks as I cannot use this in my line of work without a protective case as I am always out in the field. I guess you can't blame 3rd party manufacturers as there are too many variations that comes out that they cannot recuperate from their investment.
Could you give me some shots ? I especially interested in the black one..still can't decece between the Asus Premium Cover, and this one.
Thank's.
I got the Asus Premium Cover free with my tablet and I am not very impressed with it. Its got no sleep/wake functionality and there is nothing stopping the case from coming open by its self. I am still looking for an alternative as I like how thin it is with this case fitted.
I haven't seen/used the official google one, so I can't comment on that one.
Google need to seriously sort out the availability of decent official accessories, IMO the Google and Asus cases for this device are not good enough, the QI charger for the nexus 4 was never sold through the play store in my country.
markp1989 said:
I got the Asus Premium Cover free with my tablet and I am not very impressed with it. Its got no sleep/wake functionality and there is nothing stopping the case from coming open by its self. I am still looking for an alternative as I like how thin it is with this case fitted.
I haven't seen/used the official google one, so I can't comment on that one.
Google need to seriously sort out the availability of decent official accessories, IMO the Google and Asus cases for this device are not good enough, the QI charger for the nexus 4 was never sold through the play store in my country.
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My doubts about the ASUS one, is, that it not covers the sides, as much, as the Google one, and it looks weird, and not secure at all, how good does it holds and fits the device anyway? I mean, there many cases like that, for other devices, but even the "Tri-cover" by ASUS for they tablets range, looks and designed the same way, as one for Nexus 7, so I think, they know what they do. Another concern, I can't find an answer, about compatibility of the Nexus Wireless Charger, and the official Google Cover for nexus 7, on other hand, the ASUS cover is 95% efficient in charging by wireless chargers.
I just got the gray/red and its nice. Although it does not have the auto sleep/wake feature there is a free app that takes care of that concern.
I used to have a poetic which was much cheaper but i found the edges on the flip cover wearing from daily use.
team arli$$ said:
I just got the gray/red and its nice. Although it does not have the auto sleep/wake feature there is a free app that takes care of that concern.
I used to have a poetic which was much cheaper but i found the edges on the flip cover wearing from daily use.
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Just curious, whats the app?
HighLife said:
Just curious, whats the app?
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It's called intellicover 2.0
You can find if on the Play store
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Hello folks,
Long-time lurker here and I post before you today with small request - help me help you help me design a better dock!
I'm currently developing a modular multi-device charging stand and the issue I need help with is devices being used with protective cases.
I would be very grateful if you guys could take this quick poll and if you feel like it, provide a little bit of detail about your dock and/or case usage.
The stand is just about ready - I'm just finalising the device dock designs, then it's the initial prototype and if all goes well I will have some
preview models out for an early review (if anyone would like to review one please PM me and I'm sure we can work something out) and I shall post a little showcase here as well.
Many thanks in advance guys and gals!
Hmmm, it seems my Forum-Fu is weak - is there a way to edit a poll? Or would a Mod be kind enough to add two more options to the list?
"Yes. I'm thinking about a dock." and "No. I'm thinking about a dock."
Thanks again!
Spawnsalot said:
Hmmm, it seems my Forum-Fu is weak - is there a way to edit a poll? Or would a Mod be kind enough to add two more options to the list?
"Yes. I'm thinking about a dock." and "No. I'm thinking about a dock."
Thanks again!
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???
case save my screen a lot of time
I never use a case on my phone. Hated the thought of taking a nice slim phone and making it bulky. I just never drop it, not that difficult.
Definitely a case is a must for me.I have dropped and bumped my phone 2 or 3 times and the case did the job for me.Without a case I imagine my phone would have been just a broken toy and also by the way even having a good case adds to peace of mind since it adds a little protection value.
Sent from my Xperia Neo V using xda app-developers app
A case is important to me. I work hard for my money and will not take a chance on breaking it. For those that "never" drop their phone, good for you. As far as "ruining" the look of my sleek phone, I couldn't care less about bulk and changing the look of it. I'm not a kid that likes to show off, I'm an older man that uses a phone as a tool, not a show toy. Besides, some cases do actually look good.
Sometimes
I usually use a case when out and about but prefer to take it off whilst at home
Here in Mexico, most phone owners use a case (i.e tpu, silicone, hard plastic) because when don't have insurance plans like you do in U.s. Thus making it cheaper to buy a case ($4 - 8) than to pay for another phone or fix it.
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Wink2tall2 said:
I usually use a case when out and about but prefer to take it off whilst at home
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That's OK if you use an easy-off/on case, but some of use those 2 piece hybrids that are a pain to take off and put back on.
---------- Post added at 10:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:50 PM ----------
vikernes7 said:
Here in Mexico, most phone owners use a case (i.e tpu, silicone, hard plastic) because when don't have insurance plans like you do in U.s. Thus making it cheaper to buy a case ($4 - 8) than to pay for another phone or fix it.
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Most people I know here in the US don't have insurance on their phones, so having a good case is just as important here as in mexico. Plus, paying $8 a month for insurance is pretty expensive. That's almost $100 a year. No thanks. I'd rather spend $25-35 once for a good heavy duty case and have it for the life of the phone.
I use urban armor gear case. Would be interested in stand for charging multiple devices at once.
Sent from my SCH-R530U using xda app-developers app
I don't one and I wont get one. Just be careful. And it looks ugly tough.
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I've decided, at the risk of fragmentation, I'm going to give buyers the option of either a cased or caseless version of a devices cradle to attach to the dock - it's already going to be tailored to meet individual device needs, I may as well go all the way and offer this too.
As a follow up question:
The stand is currently aiming to support one tablet and one phone charging and displaying on the stand with the possibility of charging 2 extra devices at the same time - one would be resting on the legs of the stand (with small extrusions on the feet to stop the device slipping - this may not be able to fit every device but currently anything ~13cm in length should be fine), and one lying on your desk underneath.
Would people be interested in the option (depending on the size of the base stand) of an additional phone dock in place of a tablet dock? (Or if you're using a larger stand the option of an additional tablet dock? Subject to feasibility of course.)
Many thanks for the replies everyone, I'll be sending the initial design to be 3D printed Monday or Tuesday!
Sometimes the phone can fall to the floor. A simple case of rubber, even pleasant, when you take the phone in hand.
I agree
wolfen69 I think if I had a case like that I would just leave it on. I want a metal case eventually! That would be awesome!
Metal case will protect your device screen when it falls down, but not sensitive sensors, i guess. I'm currently using Samsung S-View case and i am pleased with it. :good:
A case ruins the beauty of my Lumia
But its better to stay safe
Just for the record: I bought my girlfriend some rubber case for her moto g. She bought her phone since it's launch on November and we weren't able to find a case for that model here in Mexico.
She had dropped her phone a couple times without a case, and the phone back got some marks and scratches. Now she had put the case on and dropped her phone in the middle of a street without noticing. When we ran down the street searching for her phone, we found that a car had ran over it, leaving tire marks on the lime green case. To our surprise, both phone and screen were intact, thus, we think a case is the best investment you can do when buying a new phone
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I usually don't use a case. It was designed the way it is and should be in the form as is. Unfortunately I use an extended battery and hacked up my original back to my GN2 so I can't even go back to the original feeling of the phone.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Leather
My tablet is always protected by a simple and cheap leather case