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I realize this should probably be a product review, but ebay in all their wisdom does not allow reviews on new products. (Wow!)
The HP Calcpad 200 is a basic number pad- best suited to supplement a Laptop computer. This laptop accessory is easy on the wallet and light on the eyes.
I don't recommend the Calcpad 200 for data entry. When pressing force is centered on the key, the smooth action makes for a gratifying feedback and entry. But (and it's a big but!) the keys are wobbly about the middle contact point, making it easy to press the keys slightly off-center. As a result, the key hangs. This is can be solved by pressing a little harder to release the stuck key and finish the stroke. The difference between smooth and jerky data entry is a mere fraction of an inch - something that could be corrected with a better keyboard design, and certainly enough to drive a person mad after only a few 'stuck' keys. The wobbly keyboard limits the speed of data entry, and the no-frills no-negative number layout really handicaps an otherwise already spartan calculator. I suggest for a budget office calc, you'd be better off buying an HP OfficeCalc 100, or spring for a more advanced financial model like the HP 17bii+.
( I recommend buying a wall USB wall plug and put the Calcpad 200on the night-stand. Then you can use standard USB cables to charge a phone or mp3 player.)
Easy installation- no hassle installation on MS Vista
Application buttons- This is a minor one, but the spooky "screen typing" macro used to start the MS Word and Excel is flat out weird.
Keyboard- As I mentioned above, the keyboard has good feedback, but is too wobbly for data entry.
The HP Calcpad 200 is a basic number pad- best suited to supplement a Laptop computer. This laptop accessory is easy on the wallet and light on the eyes.
I don't recommend the Calcpad 200 for data entry. When pressing force is centered on the key, the smooth action makes for a gratifying feedback and entry. But (and it's a big but!) the keys are wobbly about the middle contact point, making it easy to press the keys slightly off-center. As a result, the key hangs. This is can be solved by pressing a little harder to release the stuck key and finish the stroke. The difference between smooth and jerky data entry is a mere fraction of an inch - something that could be corrected with a better keyboard design, and certainly enough to drive a person mad after only a few 'stuck' keys. The wobbly keyboard limits the speed of data entry, and the no-frills no-negative number layout really handicaps an otherwise already spartan calculator. I suggest for a budget office calc, you'd be better off buying an HP OfficeCalc 100, or spring for a more advanced financial model like the HP 17bii+.
PROS
USB hub- I love the built-in 2-port USB hub. I can use it to charge my phone and other accessories from a USB plug or laptop.( I recommend buying a wall USB wall plug and put the Calcpad 200on the night-stand. Then you can use standard USB cables to charge a phone or mp3 player.)
Easy installation- no hassle installation on MS Vista
Easy to use- good interaction with MS Office suite (no problems sending data or direct entry into Excel)
CONS
NEG- Can't input a negative number when in calculator mode.Application buttons- This is a minor one, but the spooky "screen typing" macro used to start the MS Word and Excel is flat out weird.
Keyboard- As I mentioned above, the keyboard has good feedback, but is too wobbly for data entry.
Guide created: 09/24/09 (updated 09/24/09)
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