Traveling has always been a pain in the neck for me–literally. Imagine lugging around a camera, a couple of lenses, a tripod, clothes, and a laptop with you and you’ll see what I mean. During my trip to Dumaguete, I was able to borrow a 13-inch Vaio laptop, which according to the specs was around a “mere” 2 kilos–half a kilo lighter than my beater of a laptop. But surprise–the Vaio was heavy. I didn’t lug it around so much, but my back was already begging me to put my backpack down when I got to the airport.
So over the past few weeks, I looked for an alternative to lugging around a laptop with me. The most obvious choice was a netbook. But I wasn’t about to plunk down good money for something with limited features (most newer netbooks are equipped with Windows 7 Starter, which is crippled in many ways in terms of performance). I also looked into CULV (Consumer ultra-low voltage) laptops, but most were still around the 2-kilo range. The option I chose after the jump.
My battered and worn Nokia E63.
I remembered that my Nokia E63 phone had the capability to be connected to a bluetooth keyboard. So voila! I found my answer.
But looking for a bluetooth keyboard locally was a pain in the butt.
I searched the internet for options such as the iGo Stowaway keyboard, a Microsoft one, one by A4 or Logitech and an Apple bluetooth keyboard. The first two were unavailable locally, but I was initially attracted to the iGo since it was foldable which is perfect when you’re traveling. The keyboard looked too small though and it didn’t look as if I could use it on my lap, so I crossed it out. The Microsoft was already a no go. The A4 (or Logitech) was too expensive (P6,000+ for a bluetooth keyboard and laptop) and was geared towards hardcore gamers (who else would be crazy enough to spend that money on that kind of stuff anyway?). So I had to boot it out although I saw one in SM Marikina.
The winner then was the Apple bluetooth keyboard. Well I guess you’ve already figured that out in the title alone. Haha.
White and light. The Apple Bluetooth Keyboard.
Apple’s bluetooth keyboard is light and gave me the most basic functions I need. All I did was pair it with the E63 and I was good to go. To use the option buttons on my Nokia, I used the command button, the rest, well, I figured out as I went. If anyone’s interested, I could write or do a video of how it works.
Now I can write wherever I go. And the battery life will be a lot longer than any laptop currently in the market. Plus, my backpack will be a lot lighter too.
MacAcer: My new rig while traveling.
This is perfect for you traveling writers out there. You no longer have to lug around your heavy laptop with you. Just don’t mind the strange looks you’ll get while bringing around a keyboard with you. :D
Of course, there’s a downside to it. Without a laptop, I wouldn’t be able to save and back up my photos while I’m on the road. It’s a minor bummer which can be temporarily solved by shooting fewer photos or buying more memory cards. But if you have suggestions, then I’ll be happy to check them out. :)
Oh yes, the keyboard’s also quite pricey as you can expect from an Apple product. But I’m not one to complain since I’ve no other option anyway and it works great. I got mine from the Apple store in Eastwood for around P3,500. It’s cheaper than the ones I’ve seen at the Power Mac center in SM Marikina (P4k) and at the Digital Hub in Robinson’s Pioneer (P4.5k!). It already comes with two AA batteries so you can use it out of the box.
All in all, I think I made the right choice. We’ll see how well this set up performs when I travel later this month. ‘Til next!
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Interesting. How did you know the E63 can be connected to a bluetooth keyboard? Through your phone’s manual?
Been fiddling with it since I first got it. Then when I was looking for an alternative to a laptop, I remembered the wireless keyboard application. Found an appropriate solution from there. :D
You could also use it on other Nokia smartphones, I think. If it’s not pre-installed on your phone, you could download the app on their website.
By the way, this will also work with most newer phones with Bluetooth, including the iPhone, Blackberry, and probably Samsung.
Thanks. I’ll check out Samsung’s website. I’m crossing my fingers they have an app for this function, too. :)
You’re welcome and good luck! :)
I travel with only a camera and a backpack loaded with clothes! I have no laptop, never had one. And my phone’s a monotone pa hehehe. So I just wait till I come back from my trip to post photos ;)
Will wait for your post about your next trip. Hmn, saan kaya ang next gala? :)
Looks like I’ll do the waiting game too when I go back, though I’ll be out for almost two weeks starting next week. I usually have to bring a laptop with me because of my work as a writer. :)
Next gala, Samar and Cebu. :D
Thanks for dropping by as usual!
this is a nice idea… thanks for sharing ced
You’re welcome Flip. :)
Thanks ced, great post. I also have a Nokia E63, and will probably consider buying this keyboard. Thanks for the heads up on where we can buy cheaper apple keyboard. Do you think other apple products in Eastwood are much cheaper compared to other apple store?
Oh one more thing, because of this post I want to get rid of my laptop now. j/k:D
I checked out other local Apple retailers and that’s the cheapest Apple keyboard I’ve seen so far. :D
Haha. I’m thinking of ditching my laptop too for an iPad. Hehehe.