Microsoft Surface / HHKB combo?

[TopreFan333]

From everything I'm reading, it's difficult or maybe impossible to get a HHKB to work with an iPad.

The Microsoft Surface has a built-in USB port -- anyone try hooking one up to an HHKB? Does it provide enough power?

[azhdar]

you'll need an OTG cable and you'll be good to go.

[Ngt]

you'll need an OTG cable and you'll be good to go.

Why?

[Sygaldry]

Hasu's bluetooth controller would make this a match made in heaven!

[Ludovician]

I happen to have an HHKB and a Surface in the other room. Just tried this. Worked fine.

[nuclearsandwich]

So, I've been using the Surface Pro 3 with a mech kb since August and I have given up.

It is great if

- you never need to plug anything in ever

with only one usb port, you either need a freakish USB squid hub dangling out the side of your computer, or you never need to plug in a usb drive or anything and also use the keyboard.
This is the main reason I am abandoning the surface, it can't really be worked on without investing time in finding weird peripherals or hackarounds. Since your keyboard doesn't have a pointing device and stabbing the screen with a finger or the pen is actually quite difficult to do effectively when it's not in your other hand is basically not reasonable, you're going to want a bluetooth mouse also.

- you don't move a round a whole lot

the surface + dangly keyboard is unwieldy compared to a clamshell. Set up and tear down time is way slower than "get your computer out" since you have to get the keyboard, surface, and connecting cable (and hub if you have need of one) and plug all that **** in.

- you don't use it on your lap

I don't really care what MS marketing says. the kickstand is awkward and terrible on your lap or legs. Laying on the couch with the thing is no fun.

[heedpantsnow]

you'll need an OTG cable and you'll be good to go.

No, all versions of Surface and Surface Pro have normal USB port.

I've used Pokers, TKLs, and full size boards with my Surface Pro.

[azhdar]

you'll need an OTG cable and you'll be good to go.

No, all versions of Surface and Surface Pro have normal USB port.

I've used Pokers, TKLs, and full size boards with my Surface Pro.

My mistake, I remember some tablets not powering keyboard without an OTG.

[heedpantsnow]

you'll need an OTG cable and you'll be good to go.

No, all versions of Surface and Surface Pro have normal USB port.

I've used Pokers, TKLs, and full size boards with my Surface Pro.

My mistake, I remember some tablets not powering keyboard without an OTG.

This is true. I had an old HP Touchpad with android on it. I had to use an OTG cable with a usb power splitter with an external USB battery. What a pain!  But that's why I love my Surface. Basically it makes it a laptop with a mech keyboard. And the USB port is even on the left side, so I just have a tiny 6" USB cable from Poker to Surface.

[TopreFan333]

the surface + dangly keyboard is unwieldy compared to a clamshell. Set up and tear down time is way slower than "get your computer out" since you have to get the keyboard, surface, and connecting cable (and hub if you have need of one) and plug all that **** in.

Yeah, I'd never use it as an actual laptop replacement. What I'm considering is setting it up on a desk wherever I am and making it a portable writing station.

[heedpantsnow]

So, I've been using the Surface Pro 3 with a mech kb since August and I have given up.

It is great if

- you never need to plug anything in ever

with only one usb port, you either need a freakish USB squid hub dangling out the side of your computer, or you never need to plug in a usb drive or anything and also use the keyboard.
This is the main reason I am abandoning the surface, it can't really be worked on without investing time in finding weird peripherals or hackarounds. Since your keyboard doesn't have a pointing device and stabbing the screen with a finger or the pen is actually quite difficult to do effectively when it's not in your other hand is basically not reasonable, you're going to want a bluetooth mouse also.

- you don't move a round a whole lot

the surface + dangly keyboard is unwieldy compared to a clamshell. Set up and tear down time is way slower than "get your computer out" since you have to get the keyboard, surface, and connecting cable (and hub if you have need of one) and plug all that **** in.

- you don't use it on your lap

I don't really care what MS marketing says. the kickstand is awkward and terrible on your lap or legs. Laying on the couch with the thing is no fun.

I agree with what you're saying; if you're moving from meeting to meeting/coffee shot to coffee shop then it's not the best combo. When I have a bunch of meetings I just opt for the MS Type Keyboard.  Clickey keyboards aren't the best for meetings anyway haha.

I use mine in my lap quite a bit and I'm fine with it, but I guess that's a preference thing. Laying down is actually great bc I fold the Type KB back, put out kickstand, perch on my stomach, and use on screen keyboard. Not as fast, but really who types novels laying down?

[s0nia]

HHKB does work with iPad through the camera USB adapter accessory!

[TopreFan333]

HHKB does work with iPad through the camera USB adapter accessory!

I've heard conflicting reports about that — are you using it yourself?

[tkim]

I think it could be dependent on the IOS version

[snuci]

Yeah, I'd never use it as an actual laptop replacement. What I'm considering is setting it up on a desk wherever I am and making it a portable writing station.

If you need to use your Surface at a desk, get yourself a Thinkpad USB 3.0 Dock.  I don't use one at home (I use the MS Type keyboard and a BT mouse) but at work, it's great.  It gives you USB 3.0 support for keyboard/mouse and dual screen support.

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/itemdetails/0A33970/460/121A462E3FE248B0A5C2374221169CE0

It's pricey via Lenovo but you can find them cheaper on eBay.

[tbc]

the surface sucks with mech kbs because ALL laptops suck with mech keyboards...please don't pretend that it's easier to carry both a keyboard and a laptop with a keyboard than it is to carry just the laptop with it's builtin keyboard.

ps, the surface isn't a tablet.  it's a detachable laptop.  it runs the exact same version of windows as desktops do.

what's the dealio with the hhkb usb ports? can they power a usb drive and a logitech unifying receiver while plugged into the surface?

EDIT:

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00OLO716C?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

it blocks your dp port on sp3, but you have miracast anyways...

[heedpantsnow]

the surface sucks with mech kbs because ALL laptops suck with mech keyboards...please don't pretend that it's easier to carry both a keyboard and a laptop with a keyboard than it is to carry just the laptop with it's builtin keyboard.

ps, the surface isn't a tablet.  it's a detachable laptop.  it runs the exact same version of windows as desktops do.

what's the dealio with the hhkb usb ports? can they power a usb drive and a logitech unifying receiver while plugged into the surface?

EDIT:

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00OLO716C?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

it blocks your dp port on sp3, but you have miracast anyways...

Lol salty much?  There were windows tablets looong before iPad/Android, etc. The OS doesn't determine if something is a tablet or not.

I can put a laptop in my bag. Or I can put my Surface and a kb in my bag. Sam bag, feels the same walking around. Setup time differs by approximately 28 seconds. What's the big deal?

[tbc]

the surface sucks with mech kbs because ALL laptops suck with mech keyboards...please don't pretend that it's easier to carry both a keyboard and a laptop with a keyboard than it is to carry just the laptop with it's builtin keyboard.

ps, the surface isn't a tablet.  it's a detachable laptop.  it runs the exact same version of windows as desktops do.

what's the dealio with the hhkb usb ports? can they power a usb drive and a logitech unifying receiver while plugged into the surface?

EDIT:

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00OLO716C?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

it blocks your dp port on sp3, but you have miracast anyways...

Lol salty much?  There were windows tablets looong before iPad/Android, etc. The OS doesn't determine if something is a tablet or not.

I can put a laptop in my bag. Or I can put my Surface and a kb in my bag. Sam bag, feels the same walking around. Setup time differs by approximately 28 seconds. What's the big deal?

?

how does a macbook pro and a separate keyboard have the exact same weight and volume as just the same macbook pro by itself?

[ctm]

I have a Surface Pro 3 and I often use it with my KBP V60 keyboard. Pretty good combo. I once plugged in my friend's HHKB in Surface and it also worked. Actually the USB port on Surface Pro 3 provides quite a lot power. It can even provide enough power for a portable hard drive.

[Findecanor]

The HHKB has a built-in two-port USB hub, so you won't have to carry a hub in addition to the tablet and keyboard as if you used another mech.

If you need to use your Surface at a desk, get yourself a Thinkpad USB 3.0 Dock.

There is also an official dock for each Intel-based MS Surface with several USB ports and even wired Ethernet but it is quite large.

[heedpantsnow]

The HHKB has a built-in two-port USB hub, so you won't have to carry a hub in addition to the tablet and keyboard as if you used another mech.

If you need to use your Surface at a desk, get yourself a Thinkpad USB 3.0 Dock.

There is also an official dock for each Intel-based MS Surface with several USB ports and even wired Ethernet but it is quite large.

I just plug in a usb hub and displayport connector. Not that much work and I only had to buy a nice reliable hub...much cheaper than one of the docks!

[Ngt]

Surface intrigues me for simplicity of transportation. My laptop is quite heavy as it is not a flat one. If I'm ever going to buy another laptop it is going to be a slim one as the macbook air.


Surface seems like a good stuff but it is way too much expensive atm tbh.

[nuclearsandwich]

Surface intrigues me for simplicity of transportation. My laptop is quite heavy as it is not a flat one. If I'm ever going to buy another laptop it is going to be a slim one as the macbook air.


Surface seems like a good stuff but it is way too much expensive atm tbh.

That simplicity is partially harmed by the addition of wired peripherals. I can't imagine a bluetooth or wireless mod that requires the keyboard be plugged into a batter not part of the enclosure is any better than plugging it into the surface. Also having to pick it up and carry it across the house in two conjoined pieces is a right pain.

[Ngt]

Surface intrigues me for simplicity of transportation. My laptop is quite heavy as it is not a flat one. If I'm ever going to buy another laptop it is going to be a slim one as the macbook air.


Surface seems like a good stuff but it is way too much expensive atm tbh.

That simplicity is partially harmed by the addition of wired peripherals. I can't imagine a bluetooth or wireless mod that requires the keyboard be plugged into a batter not part of the enclosure is any better than plugging it into the surface. Also having to pick it up and carry it across the house in two conjoined pieces is a right pain.

Mech users' problem I guess. ^^