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Hands On With the iPad Keyboard Dock
By Dave Peterson | April 8, 2010
One of the big selling points of the iPad is that it doesn’t have a keyboard. All input can be entered through the touchscreen, and when the device is turned to portrait orientation it can provide a nearly full-size keyboard across the lower half of the screen. But that’s still typing on glass, lacking the tactile feedback touch typists rely upon.
Fortunately, there are a couple of options. Wireless keyboards, both those made by Apple and from other manufacturers, can connect to the iPad through Bluetooth. Another choice is the iPad Keyboard Dock.
On first glance, it looks identical to the key layout found on the Apple Wireless Keyboard, but there are actually some differences with the inclusion of iPad-specific keys in the top row (the F-keys, although they don’t carry F designations on this keyboard).
- The key that should be esc duplicates the action of the “Home” button on the iPad.
- F1 key goes to the Search screen.
- F2 and F3 are brightness. They’re both moved over one from positions on the regular keyboard.
- F4 puts the iPad in photo frame mode.
- F5 brings up the on-screen keyboard. When it’s up, the iPad will accept input from either source.
- F6 is a blank, apparently dead key. It makes me wonder if there’s a possibility for future expansion there dictated by software.
There are two ports on the back, one for connecting the standard iPad/iPod/iPhone data cable, and the other an audio line out jack for connecting external speakers.
Typing works very well, and is virtually identical to the feel of typing into any computer. Typing is faster, not only for the physical keys, but for details like not having to shift keyboards to access numbers and symbols (required on the onscreen keyboard). It should be noted that this really is for use on a desk or table, not for balancing on a lap. The iPad sits on the connector well enough if it’s standing still, but give it much of a tilt one way or another and it will fall off. If you’re looking for a keyboard to use in more relaxed positions, you’ll do better with a Bluetooth option.
When the Keyboard Dock was announced, a common question was whether it would work with an iPhone. Sad to say, an iPhone doesn’t even fit on it. the connector is too close to the back support. What about an iPod Touch? That does fit on the connector, but doesn’t respond to the keyboard input. This accessory is for iPad only it seems, but for that device, can give faster keyboard entry for larger projects that might involve the Pages or Numbers apps.
Topics: Gadgets | 10 Comments »
April 9th, 2010 at 7:34 am
Nice Review, it’s disappointing that the iphone and ipod touch are not compatible with the dock but Steve did say during the 4.0 preview that one of the new features will allow the connection of bluetooth keyboards.
April 9th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Thanks for that Dave! I hadn’t realized it was out. I planned to get one, but I’m happy enough with the Bluetooth option, I think I’ll just stick with that and buy extra docks. It seems like there needs to be one in every room of the house.
April 9th, 2010 at 7:46 am
For those wondering, I’d like to point out that an iPad inside the Apple iPad Case will not fit in the Keyboard Dock. However, the iPad becomes easier to take in and out of the case each time, presumably due to stretching.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:07 am
Thanks for the writeup!
One question I had — what were your impressions of having the screen (i.e. the iPad) so close and low because of its perch right above the keyboard? Since I normally hoist my monitors above my desk to create good viewing angles and cut down on neck fatigue, I’m interested in hearing your opinion.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:12 am
@Spamboy – It’s not the ergonomically-optimal looking straight ahead posture, but it’s about the same as working with a laptop on a desk or table. I didn’t feel any neck fatigue working with the dock.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:38 am
I think that with the advent of iphone os 4 there is no need for the iphone to be compatible with the keyboard dock as support for bluetooth keyboards is being added, now all we need is a small kickstand for the iphone
April 9th, 2010 at 8:54 am
I have been using the keyboard since Tuesday when it arrived via UPS. I have used it with Pages, Keynote and email. I am very pleased with the product. Only problem is when first opening a web page for data entry, ordering from Amazon, you must touch the screen in the entry box. Then the tab key will work with the rest of the page.
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:20 pm
You are wrong about the keyboard not fitting an iPhone. I am typing this on my iPhone 3GS with it sitting in my iPad’s Keboard Dock. Try it again…it works perfectly for me.
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I suppose I should add that I’m on OS 4.0.
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:35 pm
Thanks, Russ. The fit still worries me. The phone seems to push up away from being fully seated and I suspect it might loosen the connector if I tried it too often. I haven’t installed 4.0 yet, still on 3.1.3, and it doesn’t respond to the keyboard with that. Maybe the new case design of the next iPhone will fit better and with 4.0, the dock will be a good accessory for the iPhone.