One-handed keyboard a big leap

Gary Krakow Columnist • E-mail

I know I’m supposed to begin each review session without a point of view, but I really wanted to like this device. In demonstrations, it seemed to be a clever, small one-handed portable keyboard; it sounded like a great idea. I especially liked the newest model, which connects via Bluetooth instead of a USB cord. 

What I forgot to take into account was that this device has a learning curve. And despite diligent learning and practice sessions, I could never type as fast on a FrogPad as I can on a regular keyboard. More about this in a moment.

FrogPad (whether the USB or Bluetooth model) is a mobile keypad with 20 full-size keys designed to be used with a PDA, Pocket PC, smart phone, laptop or other mobile device. (You could obviously use it with a desktop computer as well.) Because it requires only one hand, the idea is that you can hold documents or other items in one hand while while entering information with the other.

FrogPad's unique key layout is based on putting the letters that are used the most front and center. Fifteen letters that are used 86 percent of the time by English language typists are placed in the most efficient locations on the keyboard, surrounded by five function keys including the traditional "space" and "enter."  The overall layout supposedly uses the natural drumming motion of the hand to further optimize performance.

The ergonomics are said to significantly shorten learning time compared with the traditional QWERTY layout. FrogPad’s Web site claims that university studies find new users can reach 40 words per minute in 10 hours versus the 56 needed with QWERTY. They conclude that since over 75 percent of all users do not touch type but use a “hunt and peck” approach, the FrogPad presents an opportunity for faster keyboard input. The technology is also versatile: FrogPads can be used in either a right or left-handed mode (separate models) and with any international language set.

The wireless FrogPad I got to play is about the size of an thick index card (5.60 by 3.73 by 0.66 inches) and seemed very sturdy and well-made. The battery inside is rechargeable, but through a USB connection (and I thought I could get away with one less cable).

The wireless model uses the Bluetooth HID profile to connect with other devices.  Despite warnings that additional software might have to be installed, FrogPad connected with ease to two smart phones on hand and my OQO mini-laptop. It has a wireless operating range of 10 feet or so.

So far, so good. Learning to use the FrogPad was another story. 

I spent the obligatory 10 hours playing with the device, poring over the manual and everything I could find on the included CD. I even tried typing a column for MSNBC. Forgetaboutit! I got good enough not to have to look at the keys all the time but I could go no faster than 8 to 12 word per minute. I was great at typing gibberish, but I don’t need a $149.99 Bluetooth FrogPad for that.

I remembered seeing experts (ringers?) typing away at lightning speeds at the FrogPad booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. What was I doing wrong? I was crushed.

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