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The Kitchen Table

Ipad cover with keyboard?

7 years ago

I'm in the market and wondering whether I really want the keyboard. Do you have one and is it useful or awkward? Any recs?

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Comments (14)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
7 years ago
I had one for my tablet but I never used the keyboard and the way it closed it had the keyboard right against the glass and was causing scratches. I now just get the covers no keyboard.
Bluebell66
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Ditto Raven. I had one originally but got rid of it after not using it for a year or so. It just never felt natural. If I have to do a lot of typing I use my computer. Even if I didn't have a computer to type on, I would still prefer no keyboard on my ipad cover.
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cathrugg--my DH is in IT as well. He helped to some degree with set-up, but not all that much. Not only doesn't/hasn't he used Apple devices, he has been super, super busy lately, so I've been figuring out a lot of this on my own (some trial and error, some via internet queries and searches). I might have email set to manual already, have to check. My Push notifications might be on though, so that might override the ability to set email settings? Brightness set to auto, I believe (automatically dims in lower light situations). Have to check maps setting. I have iPad locator "on", but I think my other locator settings are off. Running down the battery, and then fully charging it (leaving it on the charger an add'l 20-30 min past reaching 100%), helped a great deal. Now if it's 100% when I go to bed, it's either still 100% when I get up, or it's only down 1% or 2%. It also stopped dropping by 10% or more by the afternoon when it's sitting unused all day. Made a big difference. I'll take a look at the things you mentioned and report back! I really am enjoying mine. Would love to have the 4G of the newly unveiled iPad (I'm spoiled with the speed of our home Wi-Fi, so using my iPad on 3G when I have to, does seem a little slow to me at times). When I get a 4G phone and use that as my "hot spot" though, it shouldn't really matter. Not sure how much diff the A5X chip/quad core processor will make vs the A5 chip in the iPad 2, though the demo at the big unveiling yesterday supposedly showed a big diff in speed. Would love to compare the screen resolutions (iPad 2 vs new iPad) side-by-side, to see how visible the difference really is to my eyes. Would not be happy with the increase in weight and thickness, so all in all, I don't feel too bad about getting an iPad 2 instead of waiting for the new one. Mine's 32 GB, which won't be available in the iPad 2 with the release of the new one, so I guess mine will be a collector's item soon! LOL
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Comments (14)
Another Zagg owner here. I have the original iPad and got the Zaggmate shortly thereafter. I wanted something to protect it but also wanted a keyboard, so this fit the bill perfectly. I mainly use my iPad for checking email and surfing the internet, but when I'm typing anything that is more than a few lines, I'll use the keyboard. It's much easier than typing on the touch screen. I would think for taking notes, having a keyboard would be preferable. The case is also very sturdy and is supposed to protect the iPad if dropped. Here is a link that might be useful: Zagg Zaggmate
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I have a Zagg and Clamcase. I like how the ClamCase can be folded to any angle and it stays at that angle, the hinge is strong. Unfortunately, it is plastic and it cracked on the side holding the ipad. So now when I fold it back - the ipad pops out. The case I have for the Zagg is now discontinued but it looks great, I get many compliments. The Zagg case is much slimmer & lighter than the ClamCase. I like both of them equally for different reasons.
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Dedtired- how do you like your new iPad so far? The 10.5" is intriguing but I wonder if it's more than I need so I was curious what you thought. I like the keyboard/cover too. I know how you feel about the mental exhaustion - this week I've been researching cell phones but when I discovered that Verizon will give me $200 additional off an iPad I figured I'd upgrade that too and give my 9.7" to my DDIL. She's pregnant with her first and may find the iPad handier than her big Macbook. As I mentioned in my other thread my son gave me an iWatch a month ago that's still in the box. So I envision moving into my local Apple store while I take their classes - luckily I have 2 Apple stores within 8 miles so I can spread my ignorance around a little. lol
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Elmer J Fudd
7 years ago
sjerin, if you want keyboard entry instead of using your fingers on a screen, have you thought about getting a small Chromebook?

I personally dislike using tablets. We have a couple for specific purposes but I avoid them otherwise. My wife loves and hates her iPad, loves it when doing something that's convenient and hates it when other simple things seem impossible to do.
sjerin
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks, these responses are good to read. Elmer, I already have the ipad and like it; I use to to read, more than anything. For typing I use our desk computer as I don't like typing on a laptop. I thought it might be more convenient to type on an ipad keyboard but I can see it's probably not. Anyone want to recommend a cover without keyboard that is protective but not a pain? Oh, and one that will prop the pad up? The one I previously had only raised it a little.
dees_1
7 years ago
We have Fintie covers from Amazon for Kindle Fire as well as iPad. My husband loves the keyboard and the cover allows multiple "propping" angles. Pretty inexpensive. The keyboard is Bluetooth and pretty responsive, in case you're worried about typing too fast. Much easier than trying to type on screen.
User
7 years ago
My dh uses a Clamcase. He said it's Bluetooth and has good battery life. His is a few years old. He said newer versions have backlit keyboards.
Fun2BHere
7 years ago
I have the iPad Pro with the keyboard cover and I use it all of the time...like right now. I love it!
User
7 years ago
I love my cover/keyboard. It’s like a mini laptop and so much more convenient to use. Mine is a Zagg and I know they’ve gone up in price, but I bought mine for 35.00 on Amazon in the middle of last year. Even at the higher price, IMO it’s worth every penny.
PRO
Anglophilia
7 years ago
When I travel with my iPad, I take my Bluetooth keyboard with me (the one that came with my iMac). Typing long posts is cumbersome on an iPad - didn't like it when I had a laptop, either. I really just prefer a keyboard. It's very easy to pair the Bluetooth keyboard with ones iPad and easy to just toss it into a suitcase/tote bag. I do have a magnetic cover for my iPad that I use when I travel.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I have bought cases from Amazon and eBay with great success. Fenti makes good cases. Just be sure they are specific to your model so everything matches up.
phoggie
7 years ago
I have a cover for my IPad and use it all the time. It is much easier for me to be able to stand it up when reading or typing.
colleenoz
7 years ago
DH is in IT and he bought me a Belkin as he felt it was the best product. I find it easy to use and quite robust but I will say it’s a bit heavy.
joyfulguy
7 years ago
Son gave me a wire to hook a regular keyboard to my tablet ... via a "dongle", I think he called it.

(The tablet that can't connect, this far out).

o j
sjerin
Original Author
7 years ago
Clever son, OJ. I still haven't ordered anything as I've been using the big computer. Must get to that.

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