Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Typing in landscape on the iPad mini

I

i0Nic

macrumors 65816
Original poster
May 17, 2006
1,456
68
Sydney, Australia
What do you think typing will be like on the mini particularly in landscape?

I am thinking of selling my iPad 3 for the mini, but I do use the ipad a lot for typing and taking notes at work. If it's going to be unusable for this then I'll have to rethink.

I have smaller hands/fingers so I'm hoping it will work out. Have any hands on videos or reviews made mention of this?
 
I think the best option would be to go to a store on the 2nd and try it out. There would be plenty available I bet.
 
I was hoping one of the reviewers in the room would try this, but I guess they felt people would rather see them flipping between homescreens...

On my current iPad I touch type like normal, except I often just use three fingers as my pinkee just seems to be hanging off the edge, so 3 is more comfortable. I am hoping I can use 3 on the mini.

Did any of the hands-on photos have the landscape keyboard up? I'm pretty sure I didn't see any...
 
I would really like to know this as well - I'm in the same boat as you are, OP. I guess we'll have to wait until next week to find out.
 
There is about a 2 inch difference in diagonal screen size which will equate to about a 18% difference. If you found that typing on an iPad was hard before, the iPad mini will be about 18% harder to type on due to smaller key size and horizontal keyboard length. I touch type on an iPad now and think that it is acceptable for the size of the device. I'm expecting the iPad mini to not be too large of a difference.
 
people have no problem on the iPhone which is still tiny compared to the mini
 
i would personally just wait for a bluetooth keyboard case to come out for the mini it won't be long until they come out about a month or so. i should of thought you would be a lot better using a regular keyboard typing i use one all the time on first generation iPad 1 i wouldn't use a on screen keyboard anymore they aren't very good compared to regular keyboard and if you are taken notes all the time like you are claim you are doing when you are working then i think thats the best option personally
 
I'm wondering the same thing. I find the I pad sized keyboard quite comfortable for typing, so I think the smaller keyboard will be a little cramped and will slow you down.
 
I'm interested in this as well. I use my ipad to type about three pages a day. The screen is just the right size for me to comfortably type with three fingers per hand. I doubt i will be able to handle a smaller keyboard with the same productivity but only time will tell.
 
Last edited:
if you're gonna be doing as much typing as you claim, then a BT keyboard sounds more appropriate! :)
 
Anyone else planning to use the iPad mini to take notes?

Wonder if anyone will make a specific keyboard accessory like Logitech ulthrathin.
 
I saw a Bluetooth keyboard that folds in half the other day will be perfect!
 
i0Nic said:
Anyone else planning to use the iPad mini to take notes?

Wonder if anyone will make a specific keyboard accessory like Logitech ulthrathin.
Click to expand...

keep in mind the screen visibility will be smaller also, since the keyoard takes up half the screen. If your main use is for notes, I don't think the mini is for you.

IMO, the mini is for travel and a quick email and internet check on the go. Heavy tasks or prolonged tasks such as note taking is for the ipad.
 
megan04 said:
When we can do it on iPhone then what's the problem using iPad mini keyboard?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't take meeting notes on an iPhone, but I would on an iPad. What I'm trying to determine is whether or not the mini will be usable as the 9.7" iPad in taking notes using the landscape keyboard in a more traditional laptop style way.

I think it may be too small for this.
 
i0Nic said:
I wouldn't take meeting notes on an iPhone, but I would on an iPad. What I'm trying to determine is whether or not the mini will be usable as the 9.7" iPad in taking notes using the landscape keyboard in a more traditional laptop style way.

I think it may be too small for this.
Click to expand...

so you're saying typing on an iphone is fine, but typing on a mini is too small? :confused:
 
Yr Blues said:
so you're saying typing on an iphone is fine, but typing on a mini is too small? :confused:
Click to expand...
Is it hard to understand? I type on my iPhone with my thumbs while holding it, I type on my iPad while it's laying on the desk in landscape position. I'm able to type fast on the iPad this way, and was wondering if I could do the same on the mini.
 
iHeartsteve said:
keep in mind the screen visibility will be smaller also, since the keyoard takes up half the screen. If your main use is for notes, I don't think the mini is for you.

IMO, the mini is for travel and a quick email and internet check on the go. Heavy tasks or prolonged tasks such as note taking is for the ipad.
Click to expand...

1024x768 is the same viewing area as an ipad2
 
i0Nic said:
Is it hard to understand? I type on my iPhone with my thumbs while holding it, I type on my iPad while it's laying on the desk in landscape position. I'm able to type fast on the iPad this way, and was wondering if I could do the same on the mini.
Click to expand...

you'll probably have to hold it and type with both thumbs
 
Trying typing on the iPad in the portrait mode. It is not exact but would be closet to the Mini in landscape mode.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back