Nokia E71 With Wireless Keyboard – A Student’s Best Friend
When I decided to go back to school at night, I knew I’d be taking on a long commute and I wouldn’t want to lug my Macbook Pro the entire way. In undergrad I used an ancient HP Jornada and a fold out keyboard to take all my notes. Having just acquired a Nokia E71, I thought, “Surely I can use my smartphone to take all my notes in class instead of a computer.”
And after a bit of research, I was right. To take all my notes in class all I need is my Nokia E71 on my desk and an Apple Bluetooth keyboard on my lap. As an added bonus, it’s completely doable using only software that comes preinstalled on the E71.
So why use a smartphone instead of a laptop in class? There are a myriad of reasons: my Nokia E71 has 3G data where I get reception and Wifi for those underground classrooms where I don’t, the battery life on my Nokia beats the pants off the battery life of my Macbook Pro and I don’t have this huge glowing screen between me and my professor.
Setup
Hooking an Apple Bluetooth keyboard up to your E71 is easy thanks to the Wireless Keyboard application. From the Menu screen, go to Office: Wlss. keybd. Select Options: Find Keyboard. If your handset’s Bluetooth isn’t already on, the program will prompt you to turn it on before it starts scanning.
Once the Nokia E71 starts scanning for keyboards, press the power button on the keyboard. Here’s the only tricky part of the whole process: after the two devices see each other, the handset will ask you to input a code on the keyboard. At this point, just type any four digits on the Apple keyboard followed by the Enter key (for example, in my pairing I typed ’1111′, then Enter). Your phone will now ask for you to enter the same code. Do so and that’s it! Your E71 and your Apple Bluetooth keyboard are now paired. Open up QuickOffice, create a new document and you’re good to go for hours of note taking.
Usage
Once you’re done with class, you can either save the document to a microSD card in your phone. Once you get back to your computer, pop the card into a card reader to transfer the files over, or use Bluetooth to transfer them wirelessly.
A paired Bluetooth keyboard not only allows you type at full speed on your smartphone, it actually allows you to control your entire phone right from the keyboard. The arrow keys act like the D-pad, with the Enter key being Select. The two Command keys on either side of the space bar act like the two soft keys to open menus. Throw in the full email and web browsing experience we E-series owners are used to and it really becomes less of a mobile phone and more of a tiny computer.
And on those rare occasions when the keyboard runs out of batteries during a class (it’s only happened to me once), the easiest solution (besides carrying spare batteries) is to open up the voice recorder application and record the entire class to be transcribed later.
What about you?
I’ve only tried this with my Nokia E71, but there’s no reason it shouldn’t work with other Nokia phones, at least. Does anybody else use a Bluetooth keyboard with their device in class?
Mark Guim on 3 February 2009:
Whoa Elliot… you have anything behind the E71 holding it up? Wouldn’t want to see it fall to the floor.
Great article! Didn’t know about: “The two Command keys on either side of the space bar act like the two soft keys to open menus.”
Al Pavangkanan on 4 February 2009:
I love to use my Apple Bluetooth Keyboard with my N810.
I prefer using a Stowaway bluetooth keyboard with my N82. It’s more portable.
Elliot Ronen on 4 February 2009:
Hey Mark,
The E71 actually stands like that on its own! Doesn’t work on slanted desks, but makes for a neat trick on flat surfaces.
The E61 did too, which I loved… as soon as I got my E71 I made sure it could stand on its edge.
sam on 4 February 2009:
This works with my old Logitech denovo. I almost forgot I had this.
stoinov on 4 February 2009:
E51 with BT dell keyboard. perfect
nokiahotspot on 5 February 2009:
Hi nice post If you don’t mind I will translate it to Hebrew
on my blog at nokiahotspot.wordpress.com in 1-2 days
Nokia Hot Spot on 6 February 2009:
[...] The Nokia Blog – מקלדת בלוטות’ של אפל + E71 נהדר לסטודנטים… [...]
element on 6 February 2009:
My Nokia N82 doesnt have that “wireless keyboard” application, is that normal?
Robert on 6 February 2009:
Thanks very much for such a great tip.
I’ve been thinking of using my cell phone as a note-taking device in university since last year but every time I went to purchase the Nokia wireless keyboard, they said it won’t be available in our region. I also thought of Apple wireless keyboard–it’s not made for this purpose though–but because of it’s high price ($110) and incompatibility concerns, I was left helpless.
After reading this post and realizing that the Apple wireless keyboard works with Nokia phones, I went to our local apple store and shelled out my hard-earned cash and got the Apple wireless keyboard. I took it for a test-drive before purchasing without a doubt. First, I browsed to Nokia Support and downloaded the wireless keyboard application for N82 and installed it. Then, I followed your straight-forward instructions and established connection. So far I’ve been typing without any difficulties. However, in particular third-party applications (especially the old ones), the keyboard fails to work.
Overall, I am pretty satisfied with this sweet gadget. I’ll also be getting a keyboard cover as well soon. I wonder how many people are going to say, “dude! are you crazy? where all those letters you type go.” I hope my instructors would have nothing against it as I could also send text messages with my cell phone in class.
Cheers Elliot!
Elliot Ronen on 6 February 2009:
@element,
I don’t believe the Wireless Keyboard application comes preinstalled on all S60 devices. I think the one you’re looking for is here: http://europe.nokia.com/A4144291
@Robert,
Great to hear! Thanks for the bit about it not working with some older applications, I hadn’t run into that yet. Good to know.
Robert on 6 February 2009:
@element, Yeah, of course. Nokia usually supplies E-Series devices with the Wireless Keyboard application. It could also be found on some N-Series devices.
Nevertheless, for your convenience, I have uploaded the application to Mediafire. It should work on any Series 60 third edition device.
Here you go:
http://www.mediafire.com/?u2mmdjog2my
Robert on 6 February 2009:
@Elliot Ronen, Sorry, I didn’t see your reply before posting the above comment.
One question, does the Apple wireless keyboard work with iPhone 3G? If so, I would highly consider the iPhone 3G for purchase.
Elliot Ronen on 6 February 2009:
@Robert,
I get this question in class a lot.
“What are you doing?”
“Taking notes on my phone.”
“Really? Can my iPhone do that?”
and the answer is… nope, not currently. The Bluetooth on the iPhone is fairly limited in use right now by design. There might be a way to do it on a jailbroken iPhone but I’ve never experimented with it.
Robert on 6 February 2009:
@Elliot, you’re really helpful. Thanks a lot!
element on 6 February 2009:
@Robert,
thanks for your help its much appreciated!
element on 6 February 2009:
@Elliot Ronen,
Thanks, I thought something went wrong with my phone!
element on 6 February 2009:
@Robert,
How is typing on the keyboard? Is it easy?
Robert on 6 February 2009:
@element,
Pretty easy. If you have had a Macbook or Macbook Pro before, the layout is quite identical. However, if you’re PC user, just consider it as a PC QWERTY keyboard with its Win key labeled as Cmd. You would adapt to the layout in less than two weeks.
Emmanuel on 13 February 2009:
Wow, Nokia rocks… i hv just preordered a nokia 5800 xpressmusic to replace my crappy old iphone 3G… will the bluetooth keyboard work on it…
I would hv gone with the e71 but i wanted a touchscreen so dat xplains my 5800 choice…
Please eliot would it work on 5800… huh would it???
Elliot Ronen on 14 February 2009:
@Emmanuel, Only time will tell for the 5800! According to Nokia USA’s spec sheet for the 5800 (http://www.nokiausa.com/A41271075) the Wireless Keyboard app doesn’t come factory installed. The app comes installed on E-series devices, but is available for others such as the N-series as a download from Nokia’s website, so one for the 5800 may show up soon (if the existing N-series one doesn’t already work; maybe someone with an N-series device can test it out for me).
ctchrono on 19 February 2009:
I just got the Nokia keyboard, used, for my E71. I’m a touch typist, and it’s actually easier for me to type with my 2 fingers on the phone than that little Nokia folding thing. I’m not an Apple user, but I love the look of that keyboard. Will that be better for me to type on? I may get it just to look at it. LOL
Vince on 22 February 2009:
There’s no keyboard app for the 5800 as of 2/21; I tried the 5700/N82 version, the phone told me it wasn’t compatible but still let me install it, and… it didn’t work. I sure hope they release a driver for the 5800, instead of coming out with a new keyboard to buy. I bet Nokia doesn’t like people using their software to use other bluetooth keyboards, so they’ll probably make it proprietary. And they changed charger tips too!
Excited to Return to Grad School « Black Hazel on 25 February 2009:
[...] “Nokia E71 With Wireless Keyboard – A Student’s Best Friend” made me excited to return to academia. He is sporting quite a light set up. Notably, without [...]
Dan on 1 March 2009:
The apple BT keyboard works fine with the older Nokia E61 also. Just download the wireless app from Nokia’s website. It’s the app that comes with the Nokia BT keyboard.
Jussi on 2 March 2009:
Couple of tips for students:
-you can send your notes from the device directly to Google Docs;
- E71 should come with Nokia Multiscanner preinstalled (or you can download it from the Nokia site) – when reading for an exam, why make hand written notes, when you can scan the relevant passages with yr device as text (and email it to Google Docs)…
have fun!
Elliot Ronen on 2 March 2009:
@Jussi, this is great advice! I’m going to try this out in class tonight.
Keith on 12 March 2009:
No one answered my question, so I got one anyways. It’s fantastic to type on! Guess I’ll be selling the Nokia keyboard now.
mark rafael sasutona on 16 March 2009:
Elliot, your cellphone model is very cool!! I hope I can use it!! It’s one of the best. it’s function are very useful not only to businessman but also to students!!!
Vince on 17 March 2009:
@Emmanuel,
Vince here again with an update; I did get the 5800 to work after all with the Wireless Keyboard App for the N82/5700, with the Nokia as well as the Apple wireless keyboard. I was omitting a crucial step; after pairing you have to go to the Wireless Keyboard app, and then go to the Option, “FIND KEYBOARD” before you can actually start typing with any paired bluetooth keyboard.
And another note, the Nokia keyboard is well made, and great for travel as it folds in half very small and is pretty durable when folded, but the Apple is also well made, and is much better for typing anything of length, as the Nokia is very tiny with the keys all scrunched together, kind of a pain actually.
So it definitely works with the 5800, even if Nokia won’t “officially” admit it. Also since I bought the Nokia keyboard, it has dropped in price from around $100 to around $60 last time I checked, damn!
Vince on 17 March 2009:
@ctchrono, please see my above post, the Apple keyboard is much better to type on, no contest
Vince on 17 March 2009:
Update; I did get the 5800 to work after all with the Wireless Keyboard App for the N82/5700, with the Nokia as well as the Apple wireless keyboard. I was omitting a crucial step; after pairing you have to go to the Wireless Keyboard app, and then go to the Option, “FIND KEYBOARD” before you can actually start typing with any paired bluetooth keyboard.
And another note, the Nokia keyboard is well made, and great for travel as it folds in half very small and is pretty durable when folded, but the Apple is also well made, and is much better for typing anything of length, as the Nokia is very tiny with the keys all scrunched together, kind of a pain actually.
So it definitely works with the 5800, even if Nokia won’t “officially” admit it. Also since I bought the Nokia keyboard, it has dropped in price from around $100 to around $60 last time I checked, damn!
ctchrono on 17 March 2009:
@Vince, yes, it’s SO much easier to type on than the Nokia. I noticed the tab button on the Apple doesn’t do anything though with my E71. But what a nice keyboard! The build quality is right up there with the phone’s! (except for that bottom part on the front of the phone that LOOKS like the stainless frame, but it just plated plastic (I know…I chipped it when I hit the phone against something….that was disappointing!)
Emmanuel on 17 March 2009:
@Vince,
Wow! Thank you so very much… Am so downloading this right now…
Damn! Nokia is really innovative, am really enjoying my 5800, for me it beats the iphone. The only thing i miss on d iphone is those crazy apps, they are fun sometimes. I just hope nokia bring more offers to the US.
Thanks again Vince.
Bluetooth Keyboards Again » Wombat Diet on 26 March 2009:
[...] Now, finally, I discover someone with the right idea! [...]
Franck Sinanian on 14 April 2009:
Hi Elliot,
Nice article,
I followed your example and after buying a E71, paired it with my apple wireless keyboard. Works well apart from a little detail : it seems to believe it is a Qwerty keyboard instead of an AZERTY.
Any idea how I can change this ?
Franck, Sinanian
Paris, France
A web log?! on 15 April 2009:
[...] [...]
Becky on 5 May 2009:
hey when transferring pictures etc to my wireless laptop from my e71, how do i do that? i thought it was as simpl as switching my bluetooth on, to find my windows vista laptop. i can't find my usb cord; hence why i am so desperate to transfer my files!!
please help!
Becky91
Mark Guim on 5 May 2009:
You might need to pair the two devices together first. There should be an option on the E71 that let's you select which bluetooth device to transfer to.
Melt Faces » Blog Archive » My Setup: Nokia E71 as slide remote on 12 May 2009:
[...] no secret that I use my Nokia E71 for just about everything. One of my favorite uses is as a remote control for my slides, letting me wander away from my [...]
dass on 31 May 2009:
Nice post
POSTIEGIRL on 26 July 2009:
THANKS, WAS THNKING ABOUT THIS MYSELF, BUT PURELY FOR EYESIGHT PURPOSES….., SO I AM NOW LOOKING FOR A WIRELESS KEYBOARD…IS THE APPLE THE ONLY ONE THATS COMPATIBLE?
tjejoy on 21 September 2009:
I bought this keyboard. Overall it has been fantastic. I saved AUD 600.00 on buying a netbook and I was able to take notes at a seminar for a week without problems. Everyone around me with a laptop was struggling to find a power point as the couldn't last a day by my E71 kept going and going.
MINOR PROBLEMS
The only problems I have had with it are when I have either paired the
keyboard to something else or paired my phone to something else. Normally I just had to try a few times and then it worked but the last time I couldn't get the keyboard to re-pair with my phone until I turned it off and on again.
A couple of times it has behaved as though I had a key held down. I just
had to disconnect the keyboard and reconnect it.
There are some things the keyboard won't do that you still need the phone for. Such as when you save a file in QuickOffice to modify the file name you have to use the main button on the keyboard.
The other thing I would recommend is that if you get one don't allow
automatic connections. It's easy for one of the keys on the keyboard to be held down when it's in a bag or something.
OVERALL FANTASTIC
These are only minor problems and in general I have found it to be
excellent. I'm still on the original batteries. I really like it when someone calls and I have the keyboard connected; I can answer the call and put them on load speaker from the keyboard.
Mike H on 3 October 2009:
Nice one, the information is very useful but did you get anywhere with the keyboard mapping, the Pound sign (£) is SHIFT+Right ALT+4 and the Euro sign (€) is Right ALT+5. Can the keyboard be re-mapped to English style?
Mike H on 3 October 2009:
To POSTIEGIRL: The official keyboard for the Nokia E71 is the SU-8W. I seem to be only able to find these on Ebay, the Nokia website doesn't seem to ever have any
John on 23 October 2009:
Sweet setup!
I'm trying to do the same, but I've had some issues, was wondering if you could help:
1) Does the “ctrl” key work for you? Say in QuickOffice? The reason why I'm asking is that I want to be able to delete words quickly using “Ctrl + Backspace”. Unfortunately it didn't work when I tried this on a friend's E71
2) I prefer to use Bullets in Quickoffice, and have different indentation to take notes (one point, sub-point etc). I couldn't get the bullet to indent using “Tab” key. Could you suggest a workaround? I really do need a multiple-layer format!
Would appreciate any feedback, thanks!
Mike on 11 December 2009:
Nice to see you doing this… though your post is nearly a year old at this point. I've been using the Apple keyboard on the Nokia e61, but professionally instead of as a student. Same result, same reasons. It works great.
opcon on 12 December 2009:
“ctrl + shift (the up arrow button) + cursor left or right”
this will highlight a whole word, for quick deletion.
or hold the “shift” button, and cursor up, to highlight a whole line.
E61 was better, it had a separate Ctrl key.
opcon on 12 December 2009:
“ctrl + shift (the up arrow button) + cursor left or right”
this will highlight a whole word, for quick deletion.
or hold the “shift” button, and cursor up, to highlight a whole line.
E61 was better, it had a separate Ctrl key.
Lekedayo on 6 June 2010:
Which type of Apple Wireless Keyboard or is it any type at all
Lekedayo on 6 June 2010:
Which type of Apple Wireless Keyboard or is it any type at all