When it first came out in fall 2005 I put the I-Tech Virtual Laser Keyboard (abbreviated “VKB”) through its paces as a mobile keyboard for a Treo 650 smartphone. This article is a result of my experiences. Some aspects of the review relate only to its use with a Treo, while others are relevant across the numerous Bluetooth devices the VKB can connect to. If you don’t have the time to read the whole article you can scroll straight to the bottom for the 2 minute version.  I've also noted ratings for certain aspects of this review in bold for easier skimming.

I originally wrote this article in Winter 2005 for another (much more highly trafficked) site I worked with and posted it in the Texxors forums. Since the forums are now gone, I am reposting it here. There have been some changes in how cell phone companies approach DUN since then, but I'm sure some of the information is still useful if you're having trouble setting up Bluetooth Dial Up Networking on a Treo 650. When I first heard about the Bluetooth Dial-up Networking feature I thought it sounded like one of the coolest potential uses for the 650 that I had heard of. I mean, imagine having internet access through your laptop, just like you have at home, anywhere that you can get cell phone reception. Around the same time I first heard about DUN for the Treo, I was having difficulties finding a place where I could eat and work at the same time that had an internet connection. I was ecstatic! DUN would mean I could work and eat at that biker dive up the street where they hadn’t even upgraded the grill since 1965 much less considered adding internet access. But I think I must have run into every possible problem in getting it set up. Once I finally got everything to work I thought I would write a quick, down and dirty article on some solutions for problems that hung me up and that others may be running into as well.

Let’s face it, like 115% of the world uses Microsoft products.  So if you’re on a career path that requires heavy use or knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite anything that you can do to distance yourself from the average user is a Good Thing.  There are all kinds of technical certifications out there, but the only approved certifications for Microsoft Office products are the Microsoft Office Specialist exams (MOS, formerly MOUS). This summer, I took 4 Microsoft Office Specialist 2003 exams, enough to achieve the “Master certification” status.  This article is a summary of how I successfully prepared and is meant to help others who are interested in getting certified.