Review: It almost works...
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 2, 2014
This keyboard converts your Kindle to a mini-sorta-laptop, letting you type rather than use the screen touch keyboard. Although screen typing (with predictive text) can be pretty fast, if you are used to a keyboard, you may prefer to type long entries this way. For example, I have a diary app on the Kindle and it's easier to type using this keyboard.Some pro- and con- points:Pro:Although the documentation was beyond skimpy with this keyboard, the unit is easy to set up. You turn the Bluetooth setting to "on" on the Kindle, then turn on a small toggle switch on the right side of the keyboard. They pair up after you choose the keyboard from the Kindle screen.Installing it into the keyboard-easel is simple enough. Set it into the bracket.The keyboard feel is pretty good. The keys are a decent size.The keyboard can be USB charged.The keyboard works as a case, so you can carry it around like a laptop. It closes magnetically.Con:The apostrophe is accessed using the function key. I think this is really dumb; next to a comma and period, the apostrophe is used quite a lot. Not convenient for typing because that symbol is so widely used.If you have huge hands, you will find the 7" size a bit small. I have relatively thin fingers, so I don't have an issue.The easel stand isn't the best design I've ever seen. It will only stay up on a firm, flat surface. It sits at a rather shallow angle. It's also a bit heavier than a Kindle in a case.I don't use this often, but when I want to do journal entries into myDiary app, it's useful. I probably would take it on a trip to journal my experiences, because I now use my Kindle when traveling rather than a laptop. (The Kindle does almost everything, and turns out to work well as a laptop substitute.)I would say it's a nice accessory but not a must-have, because the touch on-screen keyboard and the predictive text can work fairly well instead of a keyboard. I think you can pass on this--I use my Kindle HDX as a laptop now when I travel. It's great for internet connectivity and I've even written a review or two with the predictive text. Not as easy as typing, but this keyboard isn't as good as a laptop keyboard. And then you have to pack it. So I say, unless you really love keyboards, it's a toss-up on its utility.Summary:Works just ok. Connects easily to the HDX Bluetooth. Could have better layout with regards to the apostrophe. Not much documentation (I suppose they think you'll go online and search it out?) And big hands may not find it comfortable. The adjustment of the easel angle leaves something to be desired.