Using Apple's 30-pin keyboard dock for a lightning device?

[Riku7]

Bottom line: is it worth it to hunt down an old adapter to make a modern mobile device work with an older accessory?

I've been enjoying the original Apple keyboard with a 30-pin connection and an audio port, but my iPad is getting too old: I use it for synced Notes, but due to the old age, it takes far too long to load the notes, and to edit anything, especially in large files. When I realized that I was using a keyboard-docked iPad next to a modern iPhone that had a Bluetooth keyboard paired to it so I would view the notes on the iPad screen but type the stuff into the iPhone that could handle the processing load, I realized that I should start thinking of getting a new iPad.

But the problem is, I really like the Apple keyboard. There was a time when I acquired one of those iPad covers that has a keyboard, and the feel of those things is just gimmicky, they could never double as a serious laptop replacement that's for typing. Also, I'd rather not get a dedicated Bluetooth keyboard for an iPad because compared to simply sticking that iPad onto the keyboard dock and typing right away, having to pair a keyboard, charge a keyboard, and also buy and carry around something that will hold the iPad upright seems like a massively inconvenient downgrade. (Which is what I feel about a lot of Apple's recent "let's get rid of this and that" moves...)

I noticed that there's an adapter that converts the dock keyboard's male 30-pin connector to a male lightning connector for newer devices. But I'm under the impression that it was intended mainly for chargers, so would I actually be able to use it for the keyboard too? I understand that the adapter adds some height, so would it cause a newer iPad to be left without back support, putting strain onto the connector itself? If yes, is that easily fixable by simply putting some kind of back rest between the iPad and the dock's back rest?

Thanks!

 

[sracer]

I'm happy to hear that I'm not the only one who enjoyed and appreciated the 1st gen keyboard dock for the iPad. I had preordered one on the first day that they were available. I loved how productive I was with that 1st gen iPad. It's a shame that it was quickly discontinued.

The challenges you'll encounter in wanting to continue to use it is that there is only one iPad currently sold with a lightning connector. That's the 9th gen iPad.

A 30-pin to lightning connector will indeed work for connecting a newer iPad to the dock. But you are right to be concerned about the strain on that connector. You'll need to use something (like foam tape) on the back support of the dock to fill the gap between the support and the iPad.

Although I prefer a portrait orientation for the iPad when typing, I have found that the Apple Smart Keyboard Cover for the 9th gen iPad to be a great modern alternative. If you decide to retire that keyboard dock, I highly recommend the 9th gen iPad + ASK cover combo.

 

[Riku7]

Sorry for the delay, I seem to have missed notifications!

The challenges you'll encounter in wanting to continue to use it is that there is only one iPad currently sold with a lightning connector. That's the 9th gen iPad.

...And, I guess I ended up getting that exact one, because now I have an iPad with a lightning connection! The thing is, I hate the black bezel iPads, so I looked up which one was the last white one that's still being updated. The white bezel just makes so much more sense because by reflecting the ambient lighting, it always creates a visually pleasant border that's easy on the eye. Strong contrast is not eye-friendly. Having that white bezel is a bit like what having a backlight for a computer screen to soften the edge contrast for the eyes, as backlights should be about 25-75% of the screen's brightness. People who accuse the white bezel of being ugly and declare the black one as being "the only right choice" are thinking about personal style instead of sensory comfort, unless they use it in dark environments and with the iPad screen inverted so you read white text on black background.
Okay, quite surprising that just one iPad ended up having a lightning connection! And now this is it.

A 30-pin to lightning connector will indeed work for connecting a newer iPad to the dock. But you are right to be concerned about the strain on that connector. You'll need to use something (like foam tape) on the back support of the dock to fill the gap between the support and the iPad.

Although I prefer a portrait orientation for the iPad when typing, I have found that the Apple Smart Keyboard Cover for the 9th gen iPad to be a great modern alternative. If you decide to retire that keyboard dock, I highly recommend the 9th gen iPad + ASK cover combo.

Okay, so it might take a little bit of customising and tinkering, but it can be done... Well, luckily, I have a tendency to do stuff like that, so I just might figure it out. Currently, my iPad sits very steadily in a modified display mount for desks, as I got fed up with trying to find a decent iPad holder. Added some brackets, nuts and bolts to the VESA mount, and voila, now the desk mount apparatus the sturdiest little bracket grab for the iPad, and I can keep the charger nearby with the cable clip that's in the stem. Ironically, I salvaged the most useful brackets from a table mount swivel arm iPad holder that was so bad that it didn't even stay up, so I took it apart to pieces.
I guess I should be able to modify the keyboard, but if anyone has done something like that, I'd like to see examples.

I also strongly prefer portrait mode for typing, and I'm often typing lists and things like that, very vertical stuff. Landscape mode only really makes sense when you have to write something that you need a reference for, on the side. I also think that the iPad covers with keyboards are ridiculously expensive for peripherals.
Currently, I'm using a Logitech K760 solar keyboard for my iPad needs, as it can be paired with up to 3 different devices, and you can switch between them with the press of a button. So it's the same keyboard I use with my main computer, and I can quickly switch to my iPad which sits by the side at all times, as a task manager. Using that keyboard is no problem when the iPad is already sitting in an iPad stand like that, but I miss the dock keyboard when I'm on the go and don't have a separate iPad stand. Also, I wouldn't want to carry my main keyboard around the house whenever I'm using my iPad somewhere that isn't my main work desk. So the dock keyboard would be the mobile one that only has one clear role, and I could leave the Logitech keyboard to its own clear role.