Keyboards
Let's face it--inputting data into a PDA isn't the easiest thing in the world. Whether you're pecking at a tiny virtual keyboard with a flimsy plastic stylus or hoping that your PDA's handwriting-recognition software can interpret your chicken scratch, the fact remains that there has to be a better way. Actual keyboards, perhaps? Thanks to wireless technology such as Bluetooth and infrared, you don't have to deal with a mess of wires or a fussy setup. Check out these latest models, and give your cramped fingers a break.

Belkin is well known for its desktop and notebook peripherals--the company's wireless keyboard and optical mouse immediately come to mind. That said, why let the big boys have all of the fun? The Belkin Wireless PDA keyboard works with Palm and Windows Mobile (but not Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition) handhelds via infrared technology to get your fingers tapping. At $60, it's fairly priced, but we were disappointed by the cramped keyboard and the weak PDA stand.

The HP Bluetooth Foldable Keyboard is a particular boon for mobile professionals who need a travel-friendly method to work from the road. The keyboard is compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled iPaq, ranging from the earlier H1900 series to the latest hx2000 series. With an expensive $130 price tag, it might appeal to only the executive, but you get a well-designed and effective keyboard for the money.

With the introduction of its Universal Wireless keyboard, PalmOne shows it can play nice with others, namely its Windows Mobile counterparts: HP, Dell, and Toshiba. The $70 keyboard works via infrared technology and can match up with the Dell Axim X3i; the HP iPaq H1940, H2200, H4150, and H4350; and the Toshiba e400 and e740. Thanks to its versatility and its small form factor, the PalmOne keyboard is a great buddy for your PDA.

There's simply no missing the Targus Universal Wireless keyboard. This input device is plenty big, the trade-off being--of course--that you get a full-size keyboard that's comparable to those found on many notebooks, and there's the bonus of a directional mousepad. Operating via infrared technology, the Targus is compatible with devices running Palm OS 5.0 and Windows Mobile 2003 (but not Second Edition). And at $60, it's decently priced. However, if you're constantly on the go, the Targus's cumbersome design and setup may trip you up.

Think Outside--the name says it all. When it comes to PDA keyboard design, the company's Stowaway Universal Bluetooth keyboard is a perfect example of thinking outside of the box, and with it, Think Outside has successfully delivered a fully functional input device in a sleek package. Compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled PDA running Windows Mobile 2003 or any smart phone with Windows Mobile 2003 or the Symbian OS (support for Palm handhelds will be added around December 2004), this $150 keyboard accessory is a perfect travel companion for the road warrior or anyone who wants to type on their mobile device.

We thought we saw some pretty sleek keyboards when we reviewed these PDA accessories last fall, but nothing compares to VKB's Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard (BTVKB). Sure to turn heads, this ultracool gadget projects a full-size virtual keyboard on your desk or any flat surface using lasers, one of which beams the keyboard image, while the other senses the touched keys. Sadly, looks and concept alone don't make a good product, and the BTVKB's lack of tactile keys may be a turnoff. The BTVKB costs about $150 and works with a handful of Bluetooth-enabled Pocket PCs and Palm devices, as well as some smart phones, PCs, and notebooks.