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iPad Keyboard solutions
Posted by Marcus in iPad accessories, News
If you use your iPad for any heavy duty typing you would of quickly realised that the onscreen keyboard is not 100% efficient, it’s ok for short spats of typing (I actually journal on it but wouldn’t want to go much more than that) so what are your options?
Official iPad keyboard.
The official iPad keyboard is a great when your iPad is static, sitting on your desk perhaps. You are limited to only portrait docking which isn’t the best solution when using some typing apps, but it is well designed (hey it’s Apple what did you expect?) and looks good.
Pros: Great for your desk, charges your iPad as you work.
Cons: Bulky if you want to put it in your backpack, you have to remove you iPad cover if you use one.
Available for £56.93 at Amazon
Apple Wireless Keyboard
So you want a more travel friendly solution? You could do worse than looking at the official Apple wireless keyboard. These usually ship with the current range of iMacs but being bluetooth it’s very easy to setup and use it with an iPad. Unlike the official iPad keyboard its not as bulky and a great deal easier to slip into your backpack without the docking attachment. This allows you to use the iPad in Portrait or Landscapes modes with ease. It is however an extra item you will need to pack in your backpack if your travelling.
Pros: Light and less bulky, allows your iPad to be used in any position.
Cons: It’s another item you need to pack, you may even need a stand for iPad, your iPad is not charged by the keyboard.
Available for £52.75 at Amazon
ZAGGmate Case and Keyboard
The ZAGGmate case offers Aircraft-grade aluminium protective case, with a built in bluetooth keyboard. A really good solution for anyone that travels with an iPad and needs a keyboard from time to time.
- Aircraft grade aluminium with a bead-blasted, hard-anodized finish that matches the iPad
- Military grade high-density padding for superior drop protection
- Innovative hinge provides ten angles for viewing and typing in both portrait and landscape orientations
- Stylish, thin and lightweight
- Large, flat base allows for use on a soft or uneven surface such as a lap or on a bed
- Embedded wireless Bluetooth physical keyboard
- Special function keys for music control, volume control, slidewhow, home, search etc
Pro’s: Protects your iPad, all in one solution, iPad can be used in any orientation, keyboard rechargeable.
Con’s: Does not charge your iPad.
Available for £89.95 from MobileFun.co.uk
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I really like this post. I really like the keyboard options for the iPad, because I do agree that I wouldn’t use the iPad keyboard for anything other than quick notes. I must say that my favorite is the ZAGGmate Case and Keyboard. It’s just an all in one thing and I don’t even mind that it doesn’t charge your iPad while using it. Honestly I think more people would be prone to buy the ZAGG rather than the two wireless keyboards that you would probably only use at home or at the office but you can use the ZAGG anywhere. Great gadget!
Given that this is a “feature article”, the number of options on review is particularly poor. A recent visit to a Mac shop showed about another 3-4 options that are not listed here, including options from Kensington …