Top iPad keyboards: 2013 First Edition
Summary: Using a keyboard with the iPad is not for everyone, but if you're looking for one you should check out the top models included here. Don't miss the bonus for iPad mini owners.
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ZAGGfolio ready for business
The ZAGGfolio is ready for use just a few seconds after taking it out of the bag. Open it by pulling on the secure clasp on the front and set the iPad in the slot above the keyboard.
Putting it all away is as easy as pulling the iPad out of the slot and snapping the cover closed. Note that unlike the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover previously covered, the iPad does not magnetically secure in the typing position.
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Talkback
Insert comment from NONZEALOT making it all about Surface ReTard
Question for you regarding the ZAGGkeys Flex
Would this also work with the Microsoft Surface RT? I'm wondering because it has been mentioned before that it is impossible to type on the Microsoft Surface RT in portrait mode yet if this works with the Surface RT and can prop it up in portrait mode, that would be extremely useful information for all Surface RT owners who have been dying to type in portrait mode.
Thanks James.
You would lose the precision pointer device
Oh, that's okay, I just rememberd that the Microsoft Surface RT supports bluetooth and USB wired (and wireless) mice so you could use the ZAGGkeys Flex and a mouse (or even something like the apple magic trackpad (how incredibly ironic that this works with the Microsoft Surface RT but NOT with the ipad).
So yeah, this actually does look like a fantastic solution. And the great news is that we don't have to worry about this being a bulky mobile solution that is bad because you have to carry around a big bulky keyboard in with you in the bag. After all, if this was the case, you would have mentioned it, right?
Not sure
Pity
irony
No irony whatsoever. Apple created an operating system for the iPad that is entirely touch-centric, and does not require a mouse. By contrast, Microsoft kludged Windows onto its Surface RT in such a way that some programs [i.e. Office] require a pointing device like a mouse (or are at a strong disadvantage without one), while others don't. The real irony is that Microsoft created a touch-based tablet that requires a mouse.
It's almost like the Asus transformer minus some good stuff
Why oh why can't we be allowed to use mouses? It's pointless outputting to a big monitor whilst connected to my work PC remotely. A mouse would transform that but Apple know best and they know it wouldn't be of any benefit to me.
I'm VERY interested in the ClamCase Pro
That's amazing how adding this $170 keyboard turns your ipad into a $1000 os x laptop. That is a fantastic deal. Buy an ipad, buy this keyboard, install Windows 8 on it (after all, you can install Windows 8 on a macbook air and you are claiming this is a clone) and for $670 you would have yourself a fantastic competitor to the Microsoft Surface Pro.
Do you need an ipad 4 for this to work or will this turn my ipad 2 into a Windows 8 macbook air clone?
LOL. ;-)
Clone in appearance only
Unfortunately
Oh, you should be more careful with your words
Seriously James, you need to be MUCH more careful with your words. You are very good when it comes to highlighting every single little thing that certain other tablets can't do but when it comes to the ipad, we get these vague: this is a laptop replacement, an mba clone.
I hope you understand I'm just doing your readers a service. It would be very easy to read your blogs and if you didn't read very carefully, you might get the impression that the ipad + keyboard was such a good laptop replacement that you wouldn't need to also buy a Chromebook for overnight trips. Speaking of which, you still haven't explained what the ipad fails at that you need to keep a Chromebook at your side to accomplish.
careful with your words
What's this "ipad 4" that you're talking about? I just went to the Apple Store, and the only iPads they had there were the iPad mini, the iPad 2, and the iPad with Retina Display. No "ipad 4" anywhere to be seen. Are you sure that an "ipad 4" even exists? If so, what company makes it, because Apple doesn't have any products called "ipad 4." Is it some sort of Chinese knockoff, because the word "iPad" is all lowercase, and they use a number that Apple isn't using for its iPad line? What are the specs of the "ipad 4," and how do they compare with Apple's iPad with Retina Display? Thanks, toddbottom3.
One last piece of information that would be VERY useful to your readers
So James, would you be so kind as to let us know which of these keyboards use standard size and spacing of keys and which ones cram the keys closer together so that going back and forth between a regular keyboard and a tablet keyboard becomes a HUGE muscle memory issue?
Thanks James. This must have been a lot of work for you to put together. It is amazing how many keyboards there are available for tablets nowadays, especially considering how some people insist that tablets + keyboards are tweener devices. You and I both know better though, right?
good question
Almost full size
There aren't any full size keyboards for ipad?
"I have large hands and can touch type without issue."
That's interesting. So you have no issues precisely hitting tinyk, cramped keys on an ipad keyboard but you simply could not avoid hitting 1 tiny home button on the Microsoft Surface RT while you held it. Amazing how the dexterity in your large hands completely changes with the make of the tablet that you are using.
Too funny.
Whole new level
You have taken these last four posts to a whole new level. Fantastic!!!
The toddbottom3 fan club?
Anyway, the ridiculousness continues and I have to admit that it is actually getting more entertaining, as bizarre as that may sound. Perhaps you and the other MS shills should make sure you continue this farce. Once you are placed in the "lunatic fringe" category, laughing at you instead of getting irritated becomes quite easy.
The real awesome thing about it