Brando is now offering a Slim Bluetooth Keyboard that is compatible with Windows, Mac and various mobile devices including the iPad. $37 will get you a 52 key USB rechargeable Bluetooth keyboard with a footprint approximately 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches. That’s pretty small for touch typing, but fine for thumb typing. I’ve yet to try a keyboard with my iPad. What about the rest of you?
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I’ve used the Apple BlueTooth keyboard, just to prove that it works, but not for long sessions. The virtual keyboard works extremely well, and is fine for me, since I’m not a touch typist. I do notice that some folks who carefully place their hands on the home row before typing a single letter don’t get on well with the virtual keyboard, however. Don’t think this small replacement would work for touch typists, however. Cool idea, however. I could see using this in your lap, below the table, with your iPad on the table, to keep from drawing attention to your taking notes during a presentation or interview.
Seems redundant to have a physical keyboard that is even less usable than the virtual keyboard…at least with the virtual one, it can’t be lost.
@RainyDayInterns – an unexpected advantage of using a hardware keyboard is that you’ve got the whole screen available. The iPad actually prevents the software keyboard from appearing if you’re using an external keyboard.
Personally I have no problems with the onscreen keyboard, but I could see using a hardware one if I were typing anything longer than an email.
Looks too small, and is just more pieces to carry around.
I want a portable keyboard for one reason – writing reviews and longer emails when I travel and decide to leave the Macbook home 🙂
We found out 4 year old Stowaway is a very nice companion to the iPad:
http://www.rainydaymagazine.com/RDM2010/RainyDayEngineering/Week15/RDEApr0610.htm
When folded, the size is very portable. It is a lot more usable for extended typing than the virtual keyboard. The only problem is the integrated stand was not designed to handle the weight of the iPad. Horizontal placement of the iPad is not very stable and vertical placement definitely will not work.
I have both the Stowaway and the Apple Bluetooth keyboards. I prefer the Apple one even though it is larger (though wafer thin).
If typing speed and accuracy are important, go for the Apple one. I find the Stowaway slows me down when I type numbers, since I have to hit a function key to activate the top row for numerals. Also the Stowaway is less stable when you type on the outer edges, as they “float” above the tabletop when you unfold the two halves.
@rainyday….
Thanks for the tip…I never thought to try my Stowaway with the iPad…works beautifully and unlike my Palm doesn’t require I install software!
@chen I have a different model of the Stowaway with a dedicated number row, so I don’t have your problem. Though, typing with it in your lap isn’t nearly as stable (I’d guess) as the Apple Bluetooth keyboard. I’ll take transportability of the folding keyboard, though (and I already own it, so I don’t have to buy anything).
I’m very interested in trying this. The virtual keyboard is great for single finger typing, but I think I can type much faster with my thumbs.