iPad onscreen keyboard vs Smart keyboard vs Bluetooth keyboard case vs Bluetooth keyboard for iPad 2017.

[akash.nu]

As some of you may know, I am seriously thinking about buying the new iPad 2017 to replace / work alongside my existing iPad 4. My main objective is to use the iPad as a laptop replacement for light work related activities such as mainly emails, documents processing and other daily stuff that may not necessarily require a laptop to begin with. I'd like to mention here that I hardly watch anything on any of my iOS devices other than short videos either on the social networks or something work related.

While at it, I was wondering if getting a keyboard accessory will help me with productivity. Although I'm really good with touch typing, I just thought it may help to have a physical keyboard for longer period of typing.

Now, I did buy a Logitech keyboard case for the iPad 4 back in the days but found the keys were way too compact and tightly placed. Also the case kept the iPad at an awkward angle, which didn't really make the experience enjoyable and I ended up returning it.

I was wondering if some of the members use any keyboard accessories with the iPads and what type of keyboards are they. Also what made them choose the specific type of keyboard.

 

[chrfr]

As some of you may know, I am seriously thinking about buying the new iPad 2017 to replace / work alongside my existing iPad 4. My main objective is to use the iPad as a laptop replacement for light work related activities such as mainly emails, documents processing and other daily stuff that may not necessarily require a laptop to begin with. I'd like to mention here that I hardly watch anything on any of my iOS devices other than short videos either on the social networks or something work related.

While at it, I was wondering if getting a keyboard accessory will help me with productivity. Although I'm really good with touch typing, I just thought it may help to have a physical keyboard for longer period of typing.

Now, I did buy a Logitech keyboard case for the iPad 4 back in the days but found the keys were way too compact and tightly placed. Also the case kept the iPad at an awkward angle, which didn't really make the experience enjoyable and I ended up returning it.

I was wondering if some of the members use any keyboard accessories with the iPads and what type of keyboards are they. Also what made them choose the specific type of keyboard.

Just to clarify, are you talking about the new iPad Pro or the regular iPad that was also released in 2017?
Only the iPad Pros can use the Apple Smart Keyboards.

 

[akash.nu]

Just to clarify, are you talking about the new iPad Pro or the regular iPad that was also released in 2017?
Only the iPad Pros can use the Apple Smart Keyboards.

I'm talking about the regular iPad. Wondering if having the Smart Keyboard is any way better than any other keyboards.

 

[576316]

You need to be clear which iPad you’re talking about, as there’s no official Apple keyboard available for the regular iPad, only the the 9.7, 10.5 and 12 inch Pros. The ‘2017 iPad’ has the same form factor as the iPad Air 2 but with upgraded internals, it’s being referred to simply as ‘iPad’.

Personally, if you’re planning to do long periods of typing on the iPad, I’d definitely recommend a physical keyboard. The onscreen keyboard is good for short bouts of typing, but anything prolonged and you’ll quickly wish you had something physical - though everyone is different. Personally, I use a completely wireless keyboard from Logitech with my iPad mini 4 for lecture notes, and this works really well. It’s called the Logitech Keys-To-Go and they come in bright colours and are totally separate to the iPad (not a case). The keys are a chiclet style, and it has a wipe clean ‘fabric’ cover. The typing experience is more than adequate and I haven’t charged it since Christmas, and it still claims to be fully charged.

I hope some of this might have been of some use to you.
[doublepost=1499033498][/doublepost]

I'm talking about the regular iPad. Wondering if having the Smart Keyboard is any way better than any other keyboards.

There is no Smart Keyboard for the regular iPad. They only make them for the Pro models. So you’re looking at third party solutions (see my other post).

 

[lax28]

I briefly tried the ASK for my iPad Pro but quickly returned it for a keys to go key board. That thing is the best Bluetooth keyboard I have used. Only complaint is it cannot stay paired to two devices. But otherwise the thing is great.