The gadgeteer’s dream of the world being your office, thanks to the combination of a PDA and a mobile phone, is often just that. Difficulties in getting the two to communicate to set up a link to the internet are just one of the problems. The other is the fiddly input methods that PDAs use, handwriting recognition, software keyboards and thumbpads all have their drawbacks.

What canny business travellers do is invest in a portable keyboard. They come in all shapes and sizes but this one from Belkin is one of the best. When you click the button on the side of its slick brushed chrome casing, it opens up into a full size keyboard with 64 keys, including several programmable function keys.

As well as being portable, the keyboard works wirelessly through an AA-battery powered infrared link. Although this means it won’t work with some of the latest devices that have ditched infrared for Bluetooth, it still works with a wide range of PDAs. It also comes with a unique stand to prop up the screen and an attached mirror so you can angle the infrared beam into the appropriate place on your device.

Set-up, using a supplied CD, was straightforward.

Typing is a joy. The keys have plenty of travel, meaning they give a satisfying tap when you type, and are mostly full sized (excluding the number keys) to help you avoid fat finger moments.

The spec

Size: 130x90x20mm. Weight: 180 grammes. Compatibility: most Palm and Windows Mobile PDAs but not BlackBerry nor devices without an infrared connection. Battery life: 120 hours.

The hype

They say: Offers compact style, convenient for travel.

The reality

We say: Although the keyboard weighs more than you would expect, it folds away into a very neat package, making it easy to slip into a suit pocket. It is certainly stylish, making you look considerably cooler than trying to tap in letters on a software keyboard.

The bottom line

£31.91 from dabs.com

The verdict

If you are planning to do more than type one-word replies to emails on your PDA, a portable keyboard is essential. This does the job admirably.

The roadwarrior rating

8 out of 10

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