iPad Keyboards For Apple's Tablet
Wireless BlueTooth & iPad Dock Keyboards "Made For iPad"
After an initial DELAY -- Apple is now offering it's own iPad Dock Keyboard options as part of the basic accessories they'll provide. The iPad Keyboard Dock combines a dock with a compact, full-sized keyboard. The Apple iPad tablet also comes with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR built-in, letting you connect to devices like wireless BT headphones, speakers, or other Bluetooth keyboards.
Flexible BT Keyboard
Ultra-Compact Bluetooth
USB Rechargeable
Mini Bluetooth Keyboard
iPad or iPhone 4 iOS4
USB Rechargeable
iPad Specific
Keyboard Control Keys
This video gives a quick overview of the unique keytops and functions the Apple iPad Dock keyboard has for iPad. Home, Search, Screen-Lock and Media playback function keys among them:
Dock vs Bluetooth Keyboard For iPad
The iPad's Bluetooth is different from the iPhone in important ways: You can associate iPad with wireless keyboards, which work around the issue of needing to type text directly onto the screen's virtual keyboard. Most Bluetooth keyboards will wake the screen directly. But with an Apple wireless keyboard - you can also set the screen brightness, adjust volume, and skip and pause iPod playback. Do note that after you connect to an available Bluetooth keyboard, you'll have to power the keyboard off in order to be able to bring up a virtual keyboard again. Do be aware Apple doesn't support printers or other Bluetooth profiles which it potentially could, outside of A2DP stereo speakers and headphones.
-The Apple iPad's support for Bluetooth will open an interesting range of wireless key input options - from compact to full size keyboards - with iPad specific features implemented in custom function keys. As an alternative, you can use any Bluetooth keyboard you want, instead of Apple's keyboard and dock option. Standard Apple Wireless Keyboard - Dual Use for Mac or iPad.
Deciding on which type of keyboard is right for you and your iPad tablet use is made a lot easier by this great article at MacWorld.com. Lots of good insights on the differences between Apple's iPad keyboard offerings.
USB Keyboards On An iPad?
The somewhat rather mis-named 'Camera' kit Apple recently released is proving to be a bit more versatile than originally thought. Because it comes with an iPad Dock to USB connector (as well as an SD Card Dock) - people are finding that *IF USED WITH A POWERED USB HUB* the kit will support a USB keyboard on the iPad. Most keyboards simply draw waaaaay too much power for the tablet to support. Same can be said for hard drives - unless they're self-powered, you'll need a powered Hub to transfer photos from the hard disk. USB headsets and microphones seem to work without a hitch for audio and VOIP uses.
-Since using USB devices other than digital cameras aren't technically supported by Apple - you're on your own with this solution. But do check out this MacWorld article about the iPad Connection Kit, and watch this interesting video from YouTube:
3rd Party iPad Wireless Dock connector Keyboards "Made For iPad"
Planning on getting an Apple iPad? Computer accessory manufacturers are making input devices with Apple tablet users in mind. Among these Wireless iPad and Dock connector Keyboards you'll see MacAlly, Logitech and other alternatives worth pondering beyond Apple's own offerings.
Planning on getting an Apple iPad? Computer accessory manufacturers are making input devices with Apple tablet users in mind. Among these Wireless iPad and Dock connector Keyboards you'll see MacAlly, Logitech and other alternatives worth pondering beyond Apple's own offerings.
Cheap Import iPad Dock Connector Keyboards
It won't take long for overseas peripheral makers to compete with the Apple iPads keyboard offerings and bring new tablet input options to market. Soon we'll see - and 3rd party devices for iPad tablet computers shortly after it's introduction.
On-Screen vs External iPad Keyboard
Frankly a lot of people get frustrated using the iPhone OS's onscreen interface for keyboard input. As with the iPhone and iPod Touch - some users will opt for an external Apple iPad compatible keyboard for their tablet giving them faster input and typing accuracy. You can use any Bluetooth keyboard for an iPad that you want, instead of Apple's keyboard dock. (However, you cannot use a Mac compatible Bluetooth mouse with an iPad.) Stay tuned as the iPad Accessories and peripheral market explodes...
Other Peripherals For Apple iPad
Initially, Apple shipped the iPad before many of it's promised add-ons did. Many companies quickly shipped protective iPad cases and sleeves, but there was a frustrating delay before Apple shipped the iPad Dock keyboard, USB and SD Card Camera Connection Kit, Video Adapters and other 'Made For iPad' chargers and accessories.
