
Freedom Universal keyboard & removable stand
By BerryMeister
As the senior tech at eAccess Solutions, Inc. one of the most common questions I get asked involves helping a customer set up and use an external keyboard with their BlackBerry. Over the years (I just celebrated my 5th year with eAccess) we’ve sold and supported several different keyboard devices, but by far the best, most effective and most popular has been the Freedom Universal keyboard 2 which we call the Bluetooth keyboard for BlackBerry.
Though they are not difficult to set up, it can be a frustrating experience for those not familiar with some of the application permission settings on the BlackBerry. I’m always surprised when customers don’t realize that part of what distinguishes our firm from many others on the Web, is that we provide technical support for the products we carry.
What I find interesting in talking with our customers about the Freedom keyboard, is how quickly they become dependent on the device. So much so, that if it ever stops working (or they change to a new BlackBerry device) getting the keyboard working again is an urgent priority. Partly this is because many of us have become completely dependent upon (spelled ‘addicted to’) our BlackBerry devices to stay in touch with our “world.”
Ironically, a lot of BlackBerry “purists” can’t possibly imagine the need for an external keyboard. I used to feel that way myself – however I’ve since discovered another term called “BlackBerry Thumb” which can result from overusing the small keyboard on the device. What the Freedom keyboard provides is a nearly full-sized folding keyboard that fits easily in a shirt pocket or bag. I find it compares very closely to the keyboard found on my Dell™ laptop in terms of size AND typing action.
While the native keyboard on the BlackBerry is great for a quick response to an email or text message, if I’m trying to type a longer response or I have a lot of emails to respond to or text to enter (like addresses) it is really worthwhile to be able to break out the Freedom 2. I also like the fact that it includes a handy pull-out tray that holds your device while you’re typing.

Freedom Universal keyboard & stand
In talking with our customers, I have found that those folks using the new BlackBerry Storm really appreciate the tactile response of a mechanical keyboard as compared to the native Touchscreen™ keyboard found on the Storm. We have found that the product works best when the Storm is used in landscape (horizontal) mode. The reason is that the Storm simulates a standard keyboard in landscape mode, as opposed to the SureType™ keyboard (2 characters per key) that the Storm simulates when it’s in portrait (vertical) mode.
I also like the fact that the developers of the Freedom Universal 2 keyboard have done a great job of continuing to develop their driver software. Not only have they managed to keep up with the flurry of new BlackBerry models being released, but their software really responds quickly allowing you to type at burst speeds and have the keyboard keep up with you. A lot of other keyboards tend to lag behind a fast typist.
So, if you find that your typing demands on your BlackBerry have increased beyond a simple quick email response, you might want to seriously consider the Freedom Universal 2 keyboard. Believe me; your thumbs will thank you! : )
BerryMeister