I know that the iPad uses a touch screen keyboard and I don't have a problem with that. How easy is it to type on a flat surface though? Does is rock back and forth due to the curved back? The rumored flat back on the iPad 2 seems like it would make taking notes and writing much easier with the iPad on a desk. Right now this is the only thing keeping me form buying an iPad now. What do you guys that have iPads think?
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Typing on an iPad
- Thread starter DaREdBaRoN
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Typing on the iPad on a flat surface would be really hard to get used to IMO. I only type using my stylus or holding it like an iPhone (non-landscape) and using my thumbs.
If you are going to be doing a lot of typing, I suggest an external keyboard/case.
If you are going to be doing a lot of typing, I suggest an external keyboard/case.
I do the same.
I wouldn't want to type on a flat surface regardless.
The Apple case gives just enough angle for me.
Really? I can't imagine using a stylus as a primary typing instrument.
I use the Apple case, which provides a nice angle to the keyboard and it works perfectly for me. Overall, especially in landscape mode, the feel is very similar to that of my Apple wireless keyboard, so it wasn't a huge adjustment.
It's certainly not a perfect experience, but certainly not to a degree where I'd recommend an external keyboard.
This provides excellent stability and a nice, comfortable angle for typing.
Failing that, one of the cases with a built-in hardware keyboard (haven't used one though) might be a good idea if you'll be doing a lot of typing.
Agreed. It is a modified short-hand typing stroke
Once you get used to it, it works very well
I am interested in the WPM difference. Has anyone taken a typing test on it and compared it to their usual WPM on a standard keyboard? I know it's not as fast, but I'm really curious.
This blog is quite interesting. http://ipadalone.com/ The author posts on MacRumors sometimes. If anyone has done a comparison, it would be him!
I think I can actually type faster on my iPad than on my MBP! I also use the two and three finger method.
You definitely need a decent case, though, to keep it secure and at a good typing angle. The Apple case is very nice as is the Incase Magazine Jacket case. I have both and switch back and forth now and then.
You definitely need a decent case, though, to keep it secure and at a good typing angle. The Apple case is very nice as is the Incase Magazine Jacket case. I have both and switch back and forth now and then.
A few observations I've made from using it since the 3G was released
1. Hard to do if used to shortcuts
2. Spell Check in pages in poor and a PITA to do. It misses many errors, and its hard to get it to pick up the word.
3. Much better when lower down. I don't know the reason for this, but the lower the desk is relative to me sitting position, the better I seem to do
4. Hard to do more than 1 page
5. Canted case is a must. I use a Quirky case.
My reference point is a uMBP 17 inch laptop, so I may be expecting too much.
1. Hard to do if used to shortcuts
2. Spell Check in pages in poor and a PITA to do. It misses many errors, and its hard to get it to pick up the word.
3. Much better when lower down. I don't know the reason for this, but the lower the desk is relative to me sitting position, the better I seem to do
4. Hard to do more than 1 page
5. Canted case is a must. I use a Quirky case.
My reference point is a uMBP 17 inch laptop, so I may be expecting too much.
As far as the typing action goes I think Apple hit a home run with both the iPhone and the iPad. I like typing on the iPad, but I'm generally sitting at home with it on my lap. I have a cheapie eBay case so it doesn't slip, but I can see the concern about the angle on a table. I guess I need to hang out in coffee shops with it more. 
I ended up picking up an iPad at best buy and I love it. The typing is real easy and I'm almost as fast on it as I am on my MacBook. I used it to take notes in class the other day and it worked great.
i hated typing on it. If I was not near my computer I would type an email on my phone long before on the ipad. If I was going to the trouble of hooking up my bluetooth keyboard... id just use the computer. good for surfing the web, watching a movie somewhere or running apps if sitting on the couch or laying around other than that I did not care for many aspects of the ipad