Travel Technology - IPad keyboard

I've been looking into buying the Logitech Ultrathin, Brookstone or Kensington.I haven't completely ruled out the Apple keyboard though it doesn't provide much of a cover. I want something that will act as a cover, be secure and make the IPad into a laptop for traveling. I don't like writing emails on the IPad so I think a keyboard may provide the solution I need when I travel. Any suggestions out there?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1346509-ipad-1st-generation-keyboard-case.html?highlight=ipad+keyboard

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1262474-ipad-first-gen-keyboard-case-recommendations.html?highlight=ipad+keyboard

I've gone through a few keyboards and finally fell in love with Logitech Ultrathin.

I have this model: http://store.micgadget.com/ipad3-keyboards/314-smart-keyboard-for-the-new-ipad-3.html but got instead on eBay for half the price. Brand names in states charge $100 for essentially the same. Excellent when traveling as folds like MacBook Air.

One caveat - since it's 'free-standing' when used in typing mode, be careful it doesn't tip [never has for me but always careful]. Also, keep in mind, keyboards for iPad are notoriously small, regardless of brand...

I have the same one as DTSM, it has a tendency to tip especially - if you are editing documents in portrait mode - but apart from that it's a great, easy to use keyboard.

EDIT: I use the older version of that same model, and it looks like that one will make the tipping issue a lot less prevalent.

Will these keyboards require me to remove the acrylic snap-on protector that covers the back of my iPad? It's hard to tell from the pictures, and I really don't want the back unprotected.

I realize that there are many different manufacturers of these types of protectors, but I'm pretty sure the mechanism to attach them all is virtually identical.

I have a NEW Trent K331 that I'm satisfied with. It's a 2 piece plastic shell type. I paid about $35 for it online (don't recall where) which is significantly less than the "name brand". Only complaint is that the business ends of some microUSB chargers are not long enough to reach the charging port on the keyboard when it's in the cover.

I use the apple keyboard and love it. I use it for both my iPad and my MacBook when I have it in a vertical dock.

I use the apple keyboard and love it. I use it for both my iPad and my MacBook when I have it in a vertical dock.

That is probably the best option out there - use a keyboard that is designed to be a keyboard, not one that is designed to fit in a case.

That is probably the best option out there - use a keyboard that is designed to be a keyboard, not one that is designed to fit in a case.

Let me second that. ScottC warned me but I got one anyway (the Zaggmate). I used it for maybe 5 minutes and absolutely hated it. Tried it the next day and again, hated it even more. Virtually impossible to do anything but hunt and peck on.

if you buy a bluetooth for an ipad 1 will it also work on an iPad 2 or the New one ?

Soarer

if you buy a bluetooth for an ipad 1 will it also work on an iPad 2 or the New one ?

Soarer

Yes and no - the keyboard will work, but the physical case may not. iPad 2/3 are virtually identical, iPad 1 was totally different.

Hi

Has anyone used a generic Bluetooth desktop keyboard with an iPad ?

There are a few times when I need to type a longer report than is "fun" with the touchscreen keyboard.

thanks for your ideas

Soarer

I'm going to give another vote for the Logitech Ultrathin. I find it easy to type on and it doubles as a durable stand for your iPad which makes it easy to watch movies on.

Thanks for all the insight here! I've been pondering a purchase of a keyboard for my iPad recently.

I use the Apple Wireless Keyboard with my ipad - have tried a few others but none came up trumps for me personally.

Battery life is good and the size isn't as much trouble as you might think.

I picked mine up on a whim really at Dixons T5 - I was struggling to feed my 'must buy something from Dixons T5' addiction when I happened upon a pile of these in the corner - think it was £50ish - turned out to be a good investment - unlike some other things I've randomly bought at that store in the past!

I already have the iPad2 and apple keyboard. Problem is carrying them in a bag or backpack. Is there any case or bag that is made to include the two of them? I haven't been able to locate one but find that incredible. Any thoughts?

Does anyone have suggestions for a keyboard that's small to be used with the iPad that can support reprogrammable keys to change the layout? Unfortunately, there's no mechanism to remap keys arbitrarily, so you're stuck with whatever Apple deems the most common layouts.

I highly recommend a folding keyboard for traveling around. It's like a build-in case.

Targus used to make an excellent one that folded up into something the size of an iPhone, with a metal back that was tough as rocks. No longer.

The Logitech 920 Foldup Keyboard (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FKK8NO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005FKK8NO&linkCode=as2&tag=flrtk-20) looks like the next best thing. Folds up, holds the iPad, and turns off when you close it up. I can vouch for good Bluetooth performance on my Logitech MiniBoombox speakers!
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41A-GClE8vL._SL500_AA300_.jpg.

This free app makes custom keyboards, might check it out

http://unicode.ljudmila.org/

I just bought the Targus bluetooth keyboard last week. I'm currently using it on a trip and I think it's pretty nice. This is my first bluetooth keyboard and I really like the size, not too small, not too big. Overall it seems pretty well built.

I spent probably too much time researching and testing different options, there are many great ones, I'm very much sold on this one, for this year anyway, function and great style.
New Trent IMP36w.
The most stable also using iPad 2 in portrait or landscape on my lap or wherever, and when at a table I can push the screen further away and use the keyboard while removed if I want.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Trent-IMP36W-Bluetooth-adjustable/dp/B005VVTU40