I'm getting ready for my new iPad, and I wonder if the Bluetooth keyboard is essential. Since it has a large screen, it's hard to type in just like iPhone, so 'm thinking buying a keyboard if it's needed.
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How many people use a Bluetooth keyboard?
- Thread starter oneapplegeek
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I plan on doing so.. just trying to decide between the logitech ultrathin (very portable) and the logitech solar keyboard k760 (better to type on, no batteries required but less portable).
I need it for taking notes and for the time being I prefer lugging an iPad plus keyboard (with its long battery life) than my 7 pound 15.4" notebook that lasts only 4 hours and requires me to bring my charger too.
This may change in the future when I replace my notebook and opt for an MBA or ultrabook, but not sure if I will go that route, or get a larger notebook that could function as a portable desktop replacement. comes down to costs and how I can split the different types of tasks on different devices.
Subjective matter. If you think you need it then get it. If it was truly essential then everyone would have one. If you're not sure then check out the existing threads and reviews out there on the web.
For me, I THOUGHT I needed to get a keyboard, so I got the Apple BT. I've probably used it a total of 10 times in the past 10 months, and that includes the times I first got it and played with it. I usually just grab my pad but leave the keyboard in my drawer at home, so it's not with me and I don't carry it around in a bag or anything, just my pad in my hand. Would probably get more use if it was a case/keyboard where the keyboard is always with the pad. Otherwise it is just taking up space in my drawer. 
I have a separate Apple Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad that I almost never used, because I never thought to throw it in my pack.
I recently picked up the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, and have found myself randomly using that a lot more since it's more convenient to have with me.
So yes, keyboard, very useful. But make sure whatever your setup is that you'll carry it with you or it'll probably not get used much.
I recently picked up the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, and have found myself randomly using that a lot more since it's more convenient to have with me.
So yes, keyboard, very useful. But make sure whatever your setup is that you'll carry it with you or it'll probably not get used much.
I thought it would be good t have one and bought and tried several, keyboards alone and cases with keyboards in them. When it was all said and done, I did not like carrying around a keyboard alone so I took them back. As to the cases, when not using the keyboard, they were not always easy to fold back and hold the iPad and so I ended up not using them.
It ended up that I had to decide why I wanted the iPad and the answer for me was ultra portability and the keyboard, for me, took away from that so I ditched them all and am staying with the built in keyboard.
But as someone else said it is subjective. Some like them, some need them and some don't. I finally decided that I am in the don'ts
HiddenPuppy
It ended up that I had to decide why I wanted the iPad and the answer for me was ultra portability and the keyboard, for me, took away from that so I ditched them all and am staying with the built in keyboard.
But as someone else said it is subjective. Some like them, some need them and some don't. I finally decided that I am in the don'ts
HiddenPuppy
I tried out the Logitech slim keyboard for few weeks, but decided to just use my existing Bluetooth keyboard with Origami keyboard case. I don't use the keyboard much so didn't want to spend more money on something I don't really need. However, once iOS6 allows auto-correction even when using an external keyboard I may use it more often.
For 90% of the time I simply use the iPad keyboard and find it pretty easy to type on. However if I need to do a lot of heavy duty typing, I take out my portable mechanical Poker keyboard. It isn't bluetooth but plugs into the iPad with the camera connector. In my opinion, if I'm going to use a separate keyboard, I want a mechanical one.
I have a few of my favorite mechanical keyboards and they all work fine with the iPad.
I have a few of my favorite mechanical keyboards and they all work fine with the iPad.
I initially owned the Apple BT keyboard but only used it on the few occasions when Working on a specific typing project. Though I took my iPad out with me every day I rarely took out the Apple Bluetooth Kb, or in its Origami Workstation Case either, because it made my bag seem more cumbersome as the keyboard + Origami case length stuck up slighty out of of my Muzetto iPad bag. Owning the Logitech Ultrathin now has changed everything and now I take the Logitech Ultrathin with me everywhere I go with the iPad because its form factor is more compact, thin, and lightweight. I actually store the Ultrathin separately by itself in the front pocket of my Muzetto Bag as this slim pocket is ideal for the Ultrathin to slip perfectly into it yet held securely and without any bulging either. The iPad with SmartCover sits nicely in the bag's main compartment, and the Ultrathin can then optionally be easily called upon whenever needed when composing long emails or writing papers. It takes less than 10-15 secs to slip the Ultrathin out of the bag, turn on the iPad's bluetooth, and switch the Ultrathin Keyboard on, and even quicker to slip the keyboard back in to the carrying bag. Having the Ultrathin now for 2 weeks, I really appreciate its ultra slim lightweight form factor and call on this keyboard regularly now both at home and when out on th road and out and about.
i got this keyboard:
http://slickdeals.net/f/4693838-Motorola-Android-Bluetooth-Keyboard-9-50-at-Staples-B-M-YMMV
it was made by motorola for the Xoom, but it works on the iPad too. It's fantastic. It's fairly lightweight too!
http://slickdeals.net/f/4693838-Motorola-Android-Bluetooth-Keyboard-9-50-at-Staples-B-M-YMMV
it was made by motorola for the Xoom, but it works on the iPad too. It's fantastic. It's fairly lightweight too!
it still is, but it's a clearance item, thus YMMV.
check out:
http://sd.site88.net/
insert Item: 927859 and you your zip code and see if you have a staples store that carries it. It should say Low Stock Clearance Item. If it isn't available, it will say not sold in your location.
Mine was an open box, so i got 10% off which is pretty nice.
And just in case people do get it, the problem is it doesn't connect as per the book's instructions. So just hold the power button and letters VAR and your iPad should detect it properly!
Happy Hunting
also, as a heads up: for those interested in Logitech products, i believe if you register a logitech product with logitech, they send you a 20% off coupon code.
http://register.logitech.com/?ClickID=a9rw0tv9soalznvs00kasokalntksvvaasaa
[i haven't tried it, but i think you receive a coupon within 24 hours]
This would drop the ultra thin $99 orig - $20 discount = $79
And the solar becomes $79 orig. - $16 discount = $63
http://register.logitech.com/?ClickID=a9rw0tv9soalznvs00kasokalntksvvaasaa
[i haven't tried it, but i think you receive a coupon within 24 hours]
This would drop the ultra thin $99 orig - $20 discount = $79
And the solar becomes $79 orig. - $16 discount = $63
I'm on my third generation of iPad, and just recently decided to get a bluetooth keyboard. I purchased the Logitech solar keyboard folio, and so far I can say it was worth it. The keyboard seems a little cramped, but all in all that's more of a limitation due to the overall size of the iPad. Otherwise I'd say a keyboard isn't a must, but all a matter of personal preference.
I guess it's subjective. I will try to use the device WITHOUT the keyboard, and I will decide to buy it if I need it. I feel like it's essential as I read responses, but I don't want to turn in my ipad to a laptop Thanks everyone for sharing your settings!
Thanks everyone for sharing your settings!
i got two of those codes but they don't work on check out on their site.. very annoying. still waiting for their reply email about it.
the process of getting the code is very easy, all you do is just give an email and pick which logitech product you bought from them. done. no serial # or anything to show as proof.
sometimes it takes a day or so for the codes to actually work, it took me 3 days for it to work.
if you want, you're better off calling their sales department instead of waiting for an email.
I suggest you buy a hard bluetooth keyboard
I suggest you buy a hard bluetooth keyboard,it like a real kebard,and with stand function,like a book,easy to carry and type.about USD$39,free shipping
I suggest you buy a hard bluetooth keyboard,it like a real kebard,and with stand function,like a book,easy to carry and type.about USD$39,free shipping
I guess it's subjective. I will try to use the device WITHOUT the keyboard, and I will decide to buy it if I need it. I feel like it's essential as I read responses, but I don't want to turn in my ipad to a laptop
Well, two things: if you're one of the lucky ones and happen to be a touch typist, then a full blown keyboard is the one for you; but if you're like me, a speedy two-fingered typist, you'll soon get used to the Ipad keypad.
I own this below and it works well despite being generic.
http://www.amazon.com/SANOXY-Bluethooth-Keyboard-for-iPad/dp/B004HCO4GI/ref=pd_cp_pc_2
In reality I use it maybe twice a week at most. I find that it's a little bit more acceptable in a business environment to get the iPad out when you have a keyboard so you feel less self conscience to use it so if I am writing more than 300-400 words, I tend to get it out. But couldn't justify the expense of an Apple BT keyboard as I prefer to put the cost towards my next iPad purchase which no doubt is coming in March 2013
This may also work.
http://www.amazon.com/PortaCell-Alu...AM/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1339763544&sr=8-10
http://www.amazon.com/SANOXY-Bluethooth-Keyboard-for-iPad/dp/B004HCO4GI/ref=pd_cp_pc_2
In reality I use it maybe twice a week at most. I find that it's a little bit more acceptable in a business environment to get the iPad out when you have a keyboard so you feel less self conscience to use it so if I am writing more than 300-400 words, I tend to get it out. But couldn't justify the expense of an Apple BT keyboard as I prefer to put the cost towards my next iPad purchase which no doubt is coming in March 2013
This may also work.
http://www.amazon.com/PortaCell-Alu...AM/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1339763544&sr=8-10
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I'm super fast in typing on my iphone, but iPad is bigger and I have to strech my fingers too much, and it's not fast enough.
So, i still can't decide. If I just can't use the touch screen keyboard, I would definitely get the keyboard, but I feel like i can do it, just inconvenient.