Now that you have the basic details,
let's examine them both, as well as the intangibles that really don't have
a category in a table.
Size
- This is the Stowaway's biggest advantage over the GoType. When
the Stowaway is open, it is wider than the GoType. This is good because
the keyboard isn't too tiny; users with large hands may find the GoType
a little hard to type on comfortably. When you aren't using the Stowaway,
it folds down to nearly the size of the Visor, making the Stowaway great
for traveling when you don't want a lot of bulk.
Layout - Here the Stowaway
wins again. Because of its wider keyboard, the keys are standard
size and are extremely comfortable to use when typing. The GoType's
keys are not as high vertically, so they can be tough on big fingers and
can cause your hands to cramp sooner.
Key Spacing/Travel - Here
the difference is more of a grey area. If you have small fingers,
you will probably prefer the GoType. For others, the Stowaway will
be less cramped and feel just like a normal keyboard. Overall, the
Stowaway feels more comfortable to type on.
Weight - The Stowaway is lighter
than the GoType, weighing just over ½ lb, while the GoType weighs
5 oz. more. This makes a difference when you're travelling and carrying
your keyboard in a briefcase or backpack.
HotSync - Here is where the
GoType wins, offering you the capability to HotSync while the Visor is
still in the keyboard. You won't be able to use the keyboard and
the comm port at the same time, but you also won't need to buy an extra
cable for travel.
Arrow keys - For me, the Stowaway
is the big winner here, as the GoType's arrow key layout goes against any
normal keyboard configuration -- the Stowaway uses the standard inverted-T
layout, which makes it user friendly.
Included
Software - This is what makes the GoType a great value, beacuse you
don't need to purchase any DOC editors to create large text files.
You also get a 200,000+ word thesaurus that integrates with the TakeNote
editor.
Keyboard driver - This one
is close. The GoType lets you map more applications to a function
key, but the Stowaway has an index of keyboard shortcuts and uses them
more effectively. Read the reviews for specifics on the keyboard
drivers.
Durability - The Stowaway
comes with a thin neoprane that offers some protection. The GoType,
although it comes without a case, feels much sturdier because there are
fewer moving parts and also has a nice clam shell that closes over the
keys as protection.
Price/TCO - Here is where
the GoType wins hands down. If you include all of the extras that
come with the GoType, it is a real bargain compared to the Stowaway.
Below is what you get with the GoType and what you would need to purchase
to get the same thing with the Stowaway. It should be noted that
the shareware Thesaurus that is available has only one-quarter of the words
that comes with WordSleuth. With
the money saved, you could effectively buy two GoTypes for the price of
one full-featured Stowaway. Now the difference isn't as severe if
you don't care about a thesaurus or HotSync cable, but judging strictly
from a price standpoint, the GoType is the clear winner.
|
Stowaway |
GoType |
Keyboard |
$99.95 |
$69.95 |
DOC editor |
$23 (QED) |
$0 (TakeNote
included) |
Thesaurus |
$15 (Thesaurus) |
$0 (WordSleuth
included) |
HotSync cable |
$19.95 |
$0 (included) |
Total |
$157.90 |
$69.95 |
Overall
Both the Targus Stowaway
keyboard and the Landware
GoType!
for Visor are great keyboards - your decision will be based mostly on price
and how you plan on using your keyboard. If your only concern when
shopping for a keyboard is price, the GoType
is the obvious choice. The GoType
is also better suited for mobile professionals that are going to HotSync
on the road and don't want to buy a cable. On the other hand, for
those that are concerned with how typing feels when using a keyboard or
don't want to lug around anything bulky, the Stowaway
is the best choice.