All iPads An Official Apple keyboard for iPad?

[Ludatyk]

I've been using iOS 9 beta on my Air 2 every since Apple announced that it was available for download, and using my Keys-to-Go Logitech Bluetooth keyboard makes it quite useful for switching apps, browsing the web & obviously typing.

I enjoy the CMD+Tab for switching apps, even when browsing the web... You can actually stroll up/down on web pages using the arrow keys.. And when typing using SpltView allows for the on-screen keyboard to be docked which is pretty neat.

And then, what really got me thinking.. Is the mouse-cursor aspect using two fingers that allows users to go to specific areas of context. And since the iPad has been slumping in sales.. I had read this article stating Apple goal is to push iPad as a substitution to a PC rather than merely something that complements it.

Perhaps, creating an Official Apple Keyboard specifically for the iPad.. That has certain aspects to it that will allow more productivity to help in pushing people to upgrade to the newer iPads. I understand that it's highly doubtful... But with the introduction of SplitView & Bluetooth keyboard shortcut enhancements. Could it be possibly that it pushes users to upgrade?

Here's the article I'm referring to.
Apple’s revised iPad strategy to stress more, not less, PC - Computerworld
https://apple.news/Am6ksOZ2SMGavfdvweWIvFw

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

No.

 

[hojx]

I've been using iOS 9 beta on my Air 2 every since Apple announced that it was available for download, and using my Keys-to-Go Logitech Bluetooth keyboard makes it quite useful for switching apps, browsing the web & obviously typing.

I enjoy the CMD+Tab for switching apps, even when browsing the web... You can actually stroll up/down on web pages using the arrow keys.. And when typing using SpltView allows for the on-screen keyboard to be docked which is pretty neat.

And then, what really got me thinking.. Is the mouse-cursor aspect using two fingers that allows users to go to specific areas of context. And since the iPad has been slumping in sales.. I had read this article stating Apple goal is to push iPad as a substitution to a PC rather than merely something that complements it.

Perhaps, creating an Official Apple Keyboard specifically for the iPad.. That has certain aspects to it that will allow more productivity to help in pushing people to upgrade to the newer iPads. I understand that it's highly doubtful... But with the introduction of SplitView & Bluetooth keyboard shortcut enhancements. Could it be possibly that it pushes users to upgrade?

Here's the article I'm referring to.
Apple’s revised iPad strategy to stress more, not less, PC - Computerworld
https://apple.news/Am6ksOZ2SMGavfdvweWIvFw

Apple's bluetooth keyboard works with the iPad.

 

[sracer]

Apple's bluetooth keyboard works with the iPad.

Technically, yes it does. But it doesn't have iPad-specific function keys. The lack of those keys makes using it less optimal. And then there is the need for a case (if using it on the go). I have Apple's BT keyboard with the Origami case for it. That's a fine combination of one is looking for a full-sized but portable keyboard.

But then again I'm probably the only person on the planet who bought Apple's keyboard for the iPad 1.

 

[Ludatyk]

Technically, yes it does. But it doesn't have iPad-specific function keys. The lack of those keys makes using it less optimal. And then there is the need for a case (if using it on the go). I have Apple's BT keyboard with the Origami case for it. That's a fine combination of one is looking for a full-sized but portable keyboard.

That's what I meant by an Apple Keyboard specifically for a iPad. I mean, there's plenty of iPad specific keyboards out there by various manufactures. I had used the Apple BT keyboard for the iPad before... but I prefer the Logitech keyboard I have now for the iPad.

I know it's pretty much a long-shot Apple would create a keyboard geared for the iPad, but I was just wondering would that spark an interest toward people looking to upgrade.

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

Sounds like a Microsoft thing to me. I'm not sure the fact that tablet sales are "slumping" are exactly indicative of any failure. However, I'm not going to suggest innovation isn't needed here. People are used to the idea of tablets and now it's harder to choose, and definitely harder to choose when the premium iPad tablets don't really offer much more than their competitors. Beautiful hardware, but hasn't changed much over the years either. Making something thinner isn't that big of a deal. I think they should focus on innovating the way we use our tablet. I'm not, however, suggesting anything.

Anyhow, I don't really think a keyboard is something that's necessary for the iPad. If you want a keyboard, use your laptop/desktop.

 

[zamboni52]

I recently bought the Microsoft Mobile Keyboard and it works awesome. I purchased the Belkin Qode Pro and that is the best keyboard/case combo for the Air 2. It has specific iPad keys. It basically turns your iPad into a laptop with backlit keyboard keys. I went with the Microsoft because it will work with any iPad and I already had the Apple leather case so I didn't need the case portion of the Belkin. Here's a link so you can read some reviews. I personally bought mine at Best Buy.
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Universal-Keyboard-Android-devices/dp/B00GWGLUZ0

 

[batting1000]

Had the keys to go keyboard but realized it was incredibly overpriced and ended up returning it for an Anker keyboard on Amazon which works identical for more than half the price.

 

[960design]

This is the one we use for 500 iPads give or take a few. Works great.
http://www.amazon.com/Cases-Wired-Keyboard-Lightning-8-Pin/dp/B00PB0LWBA

BT just doesn't work in a massive deployment environment.

 

[Ludatyk]

Sounds like a Microsoft thing to me. I'm not sure the fact that tablet sales are "slumping" are exactly indicative of any failure. However, I'm not going to suggest innovation isn't needed here. People are used to the idea of tablets and now it's harder to choose, and definitely harder to choose when the premium iPad tablets don't really offer much more than their competitors. Beautiful hardware, but hasn't changed much over the years either. Making something thinner isn't that big of a deal. I think they should focus on innovating the way we use our tablet. I'm not, however, suggesting anything.

Anyhow, I don't really think a keyboard is something that's necessary for the iPad. If you want a keyboard, use your laptop/desktop.

The idea I'm making is Apple is attempting to push the iPad as much more than just a tablet.

I mean, it's similar to what Microsoft doing yet Apple vision is having an OS specifically for Mobile & one for their Laptop/Desktop... And I don't think Apple wants to blend the two, but try to sale customers that an iPad is capable of doing much more. Although the shadow covering the iPad is that's it's not powerful as a laptop...

 

[Denmac1]

Technically, yes it does. But it doesn't have iPad-specific function keys. The lack of those keys makes using it less optimal. And then there is the need for a case (if using it on the go). I have Apple's BT keyboard with the Origami case for it. That's a fine combination of one is looking for a full-sized but portable keyboard.

But then again I'm probably the only person on the planet who bought Apple's keyboard for the iPad 1.

No..make that 2 of us...

I already have the Apple Smart case, which makes a good cover. I also have the Mac Case cover that I use for traveling with my Mac Case flight jacket.
But sometimes, I would like a good function keyboard case for other reasons. The Belkin looks good, but I'm trying to find out the difference between what appears to be the same unit, but the model #'s are different. However with the advent of iOS9 and the ability to split screen, I just might hold off on a roughly $100 purchase to see if someone (maybe Belkin), updates their boards to handle the new functions that iOS9 will bring to the iPad. I have the iPad air 2 and am very happy with it.

 

[malih]

It's called iPad Pro.

It'll be unusual for Apple to create a keyboard separated from the iPad.
At best they'll make a keyboard cover which will would usually only fit the newest devices.

 

[Pakaku]

It's called iPad Pro.

It'll be unusual for Apple to create a keyboard separated from the iPad.
At best they'll make a keyboard cover which will would usually only fit the newest devices.

It would be unusual for Apple to make an iPad Pro in the first place.

 

[malih]

It would be unusual for Apple to make an iPad Pro in the first place.

I thought so too.

But someone on other thread pointed out that it can be a device tailored for professionals, it's a Pro like Mac Pro, it may not always fit normal users, but very useful for professional users,

Of course this is just his/her guess but I think that makes sense, so maybe it's not so unusual after all?

 

[sracer]

No..make that 2 of us...

I already have the Apple Smart case, which makes a good cover. I also have the Mac Case cover that I use for traveling with my Mac Case flight jacket.
But sometimes, I would like a good function keyboard case for other reasons. The Belkin looks good, but I'm trying to find out the difference between what appears to be the same unit, but the model #'s are different. However with the advent of iOS9 and the ability to split screen, I just might hold off on a roughly $100 purchase to see if someone (maybe Belkin), updates their boards to handle the new functions that iOS9 will bring to the iPad. I have the iPad air 2 and am very happy with it.

I'm hoping that Apple adds support for pointing devices in iOS9. (a feature that they may want to keep hidden until they announce the next gen iPads) In that situation, I expect the major players like Logitech and Belkin to offer a keyboard cover with a trackpoint or touchpad.

 

[Ludatyk]

I expect the major players like Logitech and Belkin to offer a keyboard cover with a trackpoint or touchpad.

This.

That's what I'm hoping Apple would create for the iPad. We can use 2 fingers on-screen, but what happens when we use a BT keyboard. It would be awesome if Apple or the major players implement some type of trackpoint using a keyboard.

 

[Thares]

This.

That's what I'm hoping Apple would create for the iPad. We can use 2 fingers on-screen, but what happens when we use a BT keyboard. It would be awesome if Apple or the major players implement some type of trackpoint using a keyboard.

Like a mouse. Or a trackpad. Which would result in the final piece of what makes an iPad a MacBook. Hello Surface.

 

[Ludatyk]

Like a mouse. Or a trackpad. Which would result in the final piece of what makes an iPad a MacBook. Hello Surface.

Windows 10? Meh... I like what Microsoft did with Windows 10, but since I have an iPhone... I like the handoff/continuity aspect I have with my iPad.

But I'm not asking for a trackpad... But something that replicates the two finger when moving/selecting context with the on-screen keyboard.

 

[Cape Dave]

All Apple has to do is make the new rMB keyboard into an external case and DONE. Slim, great typing experience, and has trackpad Just make sure to BACKLIGHT it, Apple! Why the lack of backlit external tablet keyboards? Do not say battery because you could turn off the lights!

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

Windows 10? Meh... I like what Microsoft did with Windows 10, but since I have an iPhone... I like the handoff/continuity aspect I have with my iPad.

But I'm not asking for a trackpad... But something that replicates the two finger when moving/selecting context with the on-screen keyboard.

That's coming in iOS 9 as far as I was concerned.

 

[Ludatyk]

That's coming in iOS 9 as far as I was concerned.

Well, iOS 9 allows that for on-screen keyboard... but there's no trackpad or trackpoint which @sracer indicated that Apple or any other major manufactor could create a BT Keyboard that has that ability.

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

Well, iOS 9 allows that for on-screen keyboard... but there's no trackpad or trackpoint which @sracer indicated that Apple or any other major manufactor could create a BT Keyboard that has that ability.

You know what, re-reading it, I misread your post. My bad.