HHKB Pro 2 or iPod Touch?

[xsphat]

This is the week I have to make my final decision - HHKB or iPod Touch. I have a SMK 85 on the way to me, and that one is supposed to have Alps switches, and if it does, this may be the keyboard for me, and then I wouldn't even need the HHKB, but we'll have to wait and see. If that keyboard comes and it anything like my Apple, I may just order a second one for a back up and get the Touch.

It is a cool device, and I think I would use it constantly, but the HHKB is going to be impossable to get very soon, while the Touch will be around for years to come.

What do you think? Any opinions for me to concider?

[Whiskey in the Jar-o]

Are they discontinuing the HHKB?

[iMav]

Are they discontinuing the HHKB?

The HHKB Pro was discontinued a while ago.  The HHKB Pro 2 is not available through PFU Systems' own yahoo online store (apparently only sold commercially in Japan).  However, it can be had through GeekStuff4U.  No clue if/when that will be discontinued.

I would say that, given the great keyboards you can get for MUCH less, I wouldn't bother with the HHKB.  But, that's not to say I'd recommend the iPod touch...  

[xsphat]

But, that's not to say I'd recommend the iPod touch...  

The only time I was an early adopter was with the MacBook. As it turned out, I was just late enough to avoid the exploding batteries and the cracking cases. I got lucky, I'll admit it. I think I should wait at least six months to buy a new Apple product - I'm saying that and I am an Apple lover, so what does that say? But I do think the Touch is going to be a cool product, but I would like an offline text editor.

[Whiskey in the Jar-o]

But, that's not to say I'd recommend the iPod touch...  

The only time I was an early adopter was with the MacBook. As it turned out, I was just late enough to avoid the exploding batteries and the cracking cases. I got lucky, I'll admit it. I think I should wait at least six months to buy a new Apple product - I'm saying that and I am an Apple lover, so what does that say? But I do think the Touch is going to be a cool product, but I would like an offline text editor.

As far as weird Japanese keyboards go, I really wanted to get this one:

http://www.dansdata.com/edkb.htm

They were pretty cheap new. Unfortunately discontinued 1-2 years ago. Also that Elecom "gear drive" keyboard would be interesting too: http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/19/elecoms-gear-drive-keyboard-prevents-typing-errors/ .

[iMav]

As far as weird Japanese keyboards go, I really wanted to get this one:
http://www.dansdata.com/edkb.htm

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'd hate just about everything about that board (except for the lack of a numpad, that is!).

Also that Elecom "gear drive" keyboard would be interesting too: http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/19/elecoms-gear-drive-keyboard-prevents-typing-errors/ .

This line from a review says it all:  

"Imagine using a keyboard that helps you weed out typing errors without ever looking at the screen."

 :shock:

Definitely NOT for the touch typer.

[Whiskey in the Jar-o]

As far as weird Japanese keyboards go, I really wanted to get this one:
http://www.dansdata.com/edkb.htm

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'd hate just about everything about that board (except for the lack of a numpad, that is!).

Also that Elecom "gear drive" keyboard would be interesting too: http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/19/elecoms-gear-drive-keyboard-prevents-typing-errors/ .

This line from a review says it all:  

"Imagine using a keyboard that helps you weed out typing errors without ever looking at the screen."

 :shock:

Definitely NOT for the touch typer.

It seems to have been discontinued anyway. I think it was a dumb idea. I have no evidence for this, but a hunch tells me that it would be one of those keyboards where you have to press right in the centre of the key for it to go down smoothly.

I like everything about my Cymotion keyboard, except for the numpad. I am forced to mouse with my left hand because of it. I keep telling myself that one day I'll use those keys for Vim macros, but I don't think it will ever happen. The less is said about the special "shortcut"  and multimedia keys, the better. Most of them don't work on the Mac anyway. Cherry does make Cymotion-tech boards without the num pad, but they are weird expensive little things like this:

http://www.cherry.de/english/products/keyboards_16742.htm

BTW, what do you think of boards without the slanted-row heritage of mechanical typewriters like this?

http://www.cherry.de/english/products/keyboards_16752.htm

[iMav]

BTW, what do you think of boards without the slanted-row heritage of mechanical typewriters like this?

I don't know all the ergonomic implications...but having learned to touch type on a traditional layout, I think it would be a pain in the rear to use.  It looks neat and organized...but I am very skeptical about the usability.

[shortdog6]

def the iPod

[futurecrime]

def the iPod

The OG post was from 2007. He's probably decided by now. 

[Darthbaggins]

I was going to say "They still make iPod Touches?", this aged well lol.

[tp4tissue]

I was going to say "They still make iPod Touches?", this aged well lol.

They don't ?  didn't even know it stopped.  What about those little clip ons.

[Darthbaggins]

I guess they still make them, but they look like a 6 w/ out the mobile antenna and does have a headphone jack.  I think they stopped making the shuffle, which iI still have one that needs a new screen - sure I can source one on Ali, banggood, or one of the many other over-seas sites.