Tech Spotlight

Jorno keyboard eases smartphone, tablet use

The Jorno Tri-Fold Bluetooth Keyboard includes a carrying case
that, when folded, doubles as a stand for the smartphone or tablet
being used with the keyboard.
The Jorno Tri-Fold Bluetooth Keyboard includes a carrying case that, when folded, doubles as a stand for the smartphone or tablet being used with the keyboard.

Typing on a computer is a piece of cake. Typing on a smartphone, not so much.

It's not a huge deal to type a text message, a social media status or even a brief email. What if you need to take notes in a meeting, or write a long email or story? It can take forever on one of those tiny digital keyboards.

where it’s @

The Jorno Tri-Fold Bluetooth Keyboard requires a Windows, Android or iOS device with Bluetooth. A USB port is required to charge the keyboard. The keyboard retails for $99. More information is available at jornostore.com.

Smartphones and tablets are great portable notebooks, but typing fast on them can be a bit cumbersome, unless you're a teenager (seriously, how do they text that fast?). The rest of us prefer to do it "old school" -- with a keyboard. The problem is, it isn't exactly convenient to haul around a full-size keyboard.

Jorno offers a solution with its model J1 Tri-Fold Bluetooth Keyboard. The keyboard includes a carrying case that doubles as a stand for the smartphone or tablet.

The device automatically powers up as soon as it is unfolded. A green light indicates the keyboard is powered and ready to use. If the light turns red, the keyboard needs to be charged.

The keyboard doesn't include a manual in the box. Rather, a card provides a website to download the manual. You'll need it, because there is a trick or two to using the keyboard properly.

First, it has to be paired with the smartphone or tablet. It's not very intuitive. In fact, you have to press the Function and C keys together. That puts the keyboard in pairing mode, so it can be set up with the smart device.

That's just the first step. It still needs to be set up to match the device with which it's paired. The keyboard is compatible with iOS, Android and even Windows devices. To get it to function properly, users must press the Fn (function) key and either Q for Android, W for Windows or E for iOS to pair the keyboard correctly. Otherwise, pressing certain keys may not yield the proper result. For example, I had the keyboard set to Android when I began typing on an iPad. The Caps Lock key kept serving as the Tab key, which threw things off. A quick hit of the Function-E keys, and everything worked as it should.

The frustrating thing is, the "manual" online essentially is a single sheet of paper. Why they couldn't put that into the package is beyond me, especially since you actually need it, because setup isn't as intuitive as it should be.

The first step was to fully charge the battery, which only took a few hours. The battery charges through a micro-USB cable, which is included.

The battery is pretty impressive. Specifications state that it can go 220 hours on standby or 85 hours of continuous typing between charges. In the real world, I charged it fully and went several days using it on and off, and it still had a good charge.

The keyboard folds out flat to about 10 inches in width. The keys, according to Jorno, are 9 percent smaller than a full-size keyboard on a laptop. That doesn't seem to be much, but it makes typing a bit more difficult than I expected. The hardest key for me was the Delete key in the top right. It's downright tiny, about a quarter of the size I'm used to using on my laptop.

Folded, the keyboard is about the length of my hand, or just short of 6 inches. It's a little big for a pants pocket, but easily can slip into a computer case's pocket or a purse.

What makes it easier to carry is the case that comes with it. The case isn't completely enclosed. Instead, it folds around the folded keyboard, and a magnet inside keeps the end flap secured to the case.

The case is one of the best features about the Jorno. The case can be folded to double as a stand for the smartphone or tablet, so you can have it propped while typing. The smartphone or tablet can be placed horizontally or vertically. That same magnet that keeps the case wrapped tightly around the keyboard also holds the case in its folded position, so it doesn't collapse even with a tablet propped against it.

The case has a plastic piece on the front that grips the keyboard when folded. That piece can slide out to allow the smartphone or tablet to lay back a bit more. So adjustments can be made to reduce glare on the screen.

The Jorno has a lot of promising features, but it also has a bit of a learning curve. Aside from the absent manual, the Jorno just takes a lot of practice to use, because the smaller keys are a bit disorienting at first. I have small fingers and found it difficult to hit the keys properly several times. I suspect it would be a lot more difficult for someone with large hands to use. It can be done, it will just take time and practice.

The practice is worth it. The Jorno is one of the most practical portable keyboards I've seen. It's easy to carry and works with more than just an iPhone or an Android device. The included case is a huge bonus, providing not only protection for the Jorno, but a stand for the smart device, making typing even easier.

With a bit of work, I might be able to keep up with those speed-texting youngsters.

Melissa L. Jones can be reached at [email protected].

SundayMonday Business on 05/04/2015

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