Targus | Press and Media

Mississauga, Ontario, May 1, 2003 -- This June, Targus Canada Ltd. will launch its new folding Universal IR Keyboard, compatible with over 100 PDAs, PDA/Cell phones and Smart phones. "In 2000, we introduced the award-winning StowawayTM keyboard product, designed by Think Outside, and have been fortunate enough to remain market leaders in this category ever since," explains Brett Johnson, President of Targus, Inc. Targus now introduces the Universal IR Keyboard, making it possible for users to retain their initial investment for use with virtually any Palm & Pocket PC PDA, PDA/Cell phone, or Smartphone on the market. An upcoming BluetoothTM/USB version will include compatibility with Tablet PCs and other BluetoothTM or USB-enabled devices. "With Infrared technology as strong as it is, and with the promise of universal BluetoothTM technology on the horizon, there is no reason that consumers should have to worry about hardware compatibility in this category," says Johnson. "Universal compatibility should be the ultimate goal for any mobile accessory, because it gives consumers ultimate freedom and flexibility to make changes in hardware as often and as extensively as they want."

Targus accommodates for manufacturer variations using a patented 210-degree rotating IR arm with a 100-degree tilting IR head. The IR receiver rests at the end of the swivel-arm, allowing the user to accurately pinpoint different IR transmitter locations on different hardware models. The arm's flexibility also allows for Portrait and Landscape positioning (Rotating screen software needs to be resident on PDA to flip the screen left or right 90 degrees in Landscape mode). Other feature highlights include a locking mechanism that keeps the keyboards from collapsing when lifted, user-programmable hotkeys, a built-in PDA mouse and click button for both Palm and Pocket PC OS, and full 2.5mm key travel (this is the distance the key travels downward when it's pressed) - the same as the best laptop keyboards, with superb tactile feedback.

The Universal IR Keyboard PA870C will be available at an srp of $99.99 beginning in June, 2003, at many national computer retailers. Targus will soon add a Bluetooth/USB version to the line, offering immediate compatibility with all USB and/or Bluetooth-enabled Tablet PCs, PDAs, PDAs/Cellular phones, and Smartphones.

About Targus
Now celebrating its 20th year, Targus invented the notebook computer carrying case, partnering with the earliest hardware manufacturers. Targus continues to partner with manufacturers, retailers and other business corporations to provide the best possible protection for notebook and Tablet PCs. As the leading global supplier of portable solutions, Targus also continues to shape the market for portable computing, PDA, and media storage accessories. Targus has offices on every continent and distributes in over 145 countries.

Return to Press and Media

Home | Privacy Policy