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Dell Axim Pocket PC users own one of the best values in the world of handhelds today. To support these excellent Pocket PCs, the computer giant has released a couple of new peripherals—a Bluetooth keyboard and a GPS system (see Review: Axim GPS Navigation System). In part one of a two-part series, we take a look at the new keyboard.

Dell's website lists the new Executive Keyboard for $124.95, but if you shop around you should be able to get it for around $100. That will seem like a bargain if you rely heavily on your Pocket PC 0 when you're out of the office to check e-mail and write documents.

When folded, the keyboard is almost the size of an average Axim Pocket PC—about the same width and depth—but a half-inch taller (5.5 x 3.8 x 0.5-inches; it also weighs 5.82 oz.). To open it, you flip up the black stand that will hold your Axim, then press a button on the left side to pop open the keyboard itself.

For such a small keyboard, the keys themselves are surprisingly large and feel great when you're typing. The key size is the same as on a standard typewriter, and the key travel (the distance the keys go down when you press them) is almost as good.

Many of the keys do double or triple duty, though, so there are things you'll have to get used to as you begin using it. They keyboard has four rows of keys, so there's no dedicated number row. Numbers are put on the top row of letter keys. Many of the letter keys also type special characters (like the yen or euro signs) or commands for your Axim.


Keyboard Closed

To type those special characters you press either the left or right Function keys. The left Function key is blue and the right is green. All the special keys and commands are color-coded, so you can easily tell which Function key to press to use them.

We love that the Executive Keyboard includes so many commands, because switching between keyboard and stylus input too often is a chore. With the commands, you can open common applications, create a new document, and even turn off your Axim. You can also customize keys with the keyboard settings software that gets installed on your Axim.

The keyboard runs on two AAA batteries, which are included. To begin using the keyboard, load the software from the CD and sync your handheld.

You'll need to set up a relationship between your Axim and the keyboard so that they can communicate. To do this, put your keyboard in Bluetooth discoverable mode by holding down the two Function keys and the Control key at the same time. You'll see a green light flashing on your keyboard (shouldn't it be blue?). Turn on Bluetooth on your Axim and walk though the steps to creating a connection.

In order to avoid having to repeat the connection process and to make sure your Axim and keyboard work together instantly every time, you'll need to either create a secure connection or set your Bluetooth preferences to work with any device.

The steps for doing both are on the user's manual on the CD. (Private note to the entire computer industry: stop putting the manuals only on the CD; they're easy to miss, and having printed copies is just a lot easier.)

Once we had the keyboard set up, we were thrilled with how well it worked. One nice touch is that the Axim stand is removable, so that you can place is farther from the keyboard if you find that comfortable. Try putting your Axim in landscape mode while you type, for a wider view. Once you get into it, you might actually forget you're working on a handheld.