why no mouse support for iPad?

[DMelanogaster]

I find that cursor placement and text selection work very well by using the arrow keys on the bluetooth keyboard. In fact, that's how I prefer to select text even on a desktop -- with the keyboard, not the mouse.

This is very exciting! after you place the cursor, how do you "mouse" it so that you can highlight e.g. a word, and then how do you cut the text? are there Control keys on the keyboard?

I am craving a keyboard for my iPad but haven't bought one because of the lack of a mouse.

 

[egdeaile]

iPad with BT Keyboard

Hi,

I use my iPad with the Apple brand keyboard. For a stand, I use a document holder. It is very stable, and I can position the iPad in portrait or landscape. The BT keyboard experience is excellent, and I find I can use it almost exclusively in Pages for word processing. If you are trying to select a word, you can simply tap it with moderate success. If you need to highlight a good amount of text, you can then drag the little blue dots to where you want it. You also have the option of using the SHIFT key and the arrow keys like you would on a desktop.

It is not quite as good at editing as a desktop, but it is adequate. I enjoy using my iPad more to write while on the go than to edit.

I have also found that for other apps (such as iThoughtsHD) that keeping the ipad in portrait mode and typing with one hand can be very effective at inputing short text or even emails. This requires a little practice, but I have become relatively quick with this input method.

If you want a BT keyboard, there are several options, but I picked up mine refurbished on eBay for like 35 bucks including shipping. WAY better than new, and way better than most other keyboard options out there. With the APPLE brand keyboard, I also get to use most of the function keys (ipod control, brightness).

Good luck with your decision. I find I love my iPad more and more the longer I have it. I was unsure about it at first, but it has been worth the money, and I use it for everything from my online college courses to reading novels to watching television/movies to writing (fiction), and on and on.

 

[Night Spring]

This is very exciting! after you place the cursor, how do you "mouse" it so that you can highlight e.g. a word, and then how do you cut the text? are there Control keys on the keyboard?

Yes, there are control and arrow keys on the keyboard. You shift+arrow to select text, then ctrl+c, ctrl+x, ctrl+v to copy, cut and paste. Just like on a regular keyboard on a computer.