Knockoff Apple keyboards on eBay?

[porcupine8]

Anyone tried one of these keyboards? Unless the sellers are using fake photos (which I assume would be reflected in their feedback), these seem to be pretty close knockoffs of Apple's bluetooth keyboard:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-Bl...?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item43a7ba520e

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-W...?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item45fba51896

I know, I know, you get what you pay for. But right now I'm hesitant to drop $70+ on a keyboard, so unless these fall apart in a month I'm seriously considering one. The main difference I see is that these take AAAs instead of AAs and don't have the round bit to prop it up along one side. (But there must be somewhere for the batteries to go, so I'm guessing it's just not propped up as much.)

 

[IrishVixen]

Interesting. The one concern from a design perspective that I can think of is that Bluetooth is a serious battery hog. People already complain about how frequently they have to replace their AA batteries--and AAAs are a lot smaller capacity-wise. What you save upfront could cost you in the not-so-long run if you're having to replace batteries frequently.

Other than that, I'd probably at least consider it if I didn't already have the Apple version.

 

[jsh1120]

Don't know a thing about the product but I'm always a little suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true. Especially if they're from a no-name vendor that sports a big American flag along with an assurance that it works with "Andorids" (sic) devices.

If you're looking for an alternative to the Apple Wireless Keyboard at a more affordable price, you might want to consider the Targus keyboard ($44) or the Microsoft 6000 bluetooth portable keyboard ($32.)

I haven't used the Targus but it's a good solid brand with excellent specs (scissor key design). I have the Microsoft keyboard and it's truly great. Superior in some ways, in fact, compared to the Apple Wireless Keyboard. (I have both.) BTW, I've had the Microsoft keyboard for about two years and I might have replaced the batteries once. I can't recall.

http://www.amazon.com/Targus-Blueto...N3WU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1314054605&sr=8-5

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-2XJ...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1314055095&sr=1-2

 

[IrishVixen]

Don't know a thing about the product but I'm always a little suspicious of deals that seem too good to be true. Especially if they're from a no-name vendor that sports a big American flag along with an assurance that it works with "Andorids" (sic) devices.

If you're looking for an alternative to the Apple Wireless Keyboard at a more affordable price, you might want to consider the Targus keyboard ($44) or the Microsoft 6000 bluetooth portable keyboard ($32.)

I haven't used the Targus but it's a good solid brand with excellent specs (scissor key design). I have the Microsoft keyboard and it's truly great. Superior in some ways, in fact, compared to the Apple Wireless Keyboard. (I have both.) BTW, I've had the Microsoft keyboard for about two years and I might have replaced the batteries once. I can't recall.

http://www.amazon.com/Targus-Blueto...N3WU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1314054605&sr=8-5

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-2XJ...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1314055095&sr=1-2

That Microsoft one looks awesome, and the price is great. Reviews look good too. I think I'd definitely pick that over the EBay one.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I'd buy one but I sure wish I could get a full keyboard+number pad.

 

[Fank]

ipad2 keyboard

http://www.macally.com/en/product/ipad2.asp


Macally just came out with one for the ipad2 . . .

 

[neonbright]

I have a knockoff Apple keyboard, it is fine with me. I have had it for sometime and have not change out the batteries as of yet. For the money I give them a 7/8 out of 10.

 

[jsh1120]

I'd buy one but I sure wish I could get a full keyboard+number pad.

The Microsoft 6000 keyboard has a separate numeric keypad (also bluetooth). Together they go for about $45 on Amazon. Unfortunately, while it works like a charm on my Windows laptop, the iPad does not support the numeric keypad as far as I've been able to determine.