Accessories

Apple wireless keyboard emerges as the overall winner

With the more than anticipated demand for the iPad, Apple had to create some accessories that would make the device become more user friendly. The iPad wasn't created to be a portable pocket device, it is much larger and packs a bigger punch than something you could carry around in your pocket. If you wanted a pocket device, they've already got you covered with the iTouch or iPhone. Now, Apple has brought the miniature portable computer into their spectrum of quality products. Apple has never failed to produce something that is going to shock the world and change the way we use our favorite gadgets. Recently, the iPad has grown so immensely popular that availability has been delayed to other countries until they can effectively catch up with the demands in the United States.

Our reason for acquiring the iPad tablet was to see if we can replace our Windows 7 laptop. This was probably not the best reason for getting an iPad as it wasn't exactly intended for this. It doesn't have an operating system like a laptop would with a desktop and programs that you can easily click and drag and move around. It is somewhat more of a reliable picture, movie, and gaming device. However, the variety of accessories that are being sold for the device as well as the applications that can change the functionality of the iPad and provide you with a device that is far more capable of replacing your laptop are telling a different story. More and more we are seeing developers focusing on desktop and computer related applications and now we are seeing accessories providing this kind of functionality.

Something that especially appeared to us was the wireless keyboard as well as the keyboard dock from Apple. Both keyboards are suitable for different occasions and will probably be preferred depending on what you're doing. However, it is recommended that you buy them both because it would simply be hard to choose one over the other. However, if you are on a tight budget you will see from this review that the wireless bluetooth keyboard is far superior over the dock keyboard.

When we got to start using the keyboards we instantly noticed the positives and negatives of both of them. Lets start with the keyboard dock. One thing we love is that your iPad is never going to die on you while you're using it. The keyboard dock provides a complete charging station to ensure that you won't drain your battery while you are typing away. Another positive feature of the keyboard dock is that it has been designed for upright positions. Meaning if you are at a desk, a table, or any flat surface where you are going to be sitting in front of it then it is going to suit your needs perfectly. However, one huge negative aspect about the Apple keyboard dock is its functionality while you are using it like you would a laptop. We've found it can be rather difficult to use while in your lap. While not impossible, it does pose a bit a challenge and a couple times our iPad tipped over backwards while in use.

This is one of the main reasons why we quickly turned to the wireless keyboard to see what it had in store for us. Right away we noticed the flexibility with this device. Could you ask for anything better than a wireless keyboard? No cord, no mess, no restraints. It was a perfect match for us and it will probably be a perfect match for many people out there. Whatever angle you are in, whatever surface you want to rest the keyboard on the wireless keyboard is going to suit your every need. There is nothing holding you back. Something else that was very promising is the fact that it works perfectly in your lap. We had absolutely no problem with the keyboard in our lap. Something that did pose a problem was not an issue with the keyboard at all but was exactly what made the keyboard dock a strong competitor. If you don't own a stand or a dock for your iPad, you won't be able to have it sit upright in your lap.

Thankfully, there are lots of keyboard docks and stand available online but the downfall of this is that you have to spend more money. We already spent a lot of money getting our hands on the iPad. Why would we want to spend even more money acquiring all of the additional accessories that help make our other accessories better? Well, we didn't want to but we are happy that we did. Shortly later we couldn't resist from ordering an iPad stand that would effectively hold the iPad while we used the wireless keyboard. When it arrived, the connection between the two was a match made in heaven and the setup worked perfectly. Something we would highly recommend though is that you get the least bulky stand or dock that you can. You don't want to have something huge resting in your lap while you are trying to use your keyboard.

The keyboard dock and wireless keyboard are both full size accessories. They provide you with fairly large physical buttons that is nice when you are not accustom to the touch screen platform on the iPad. Typing away with a touch screen poses a challenge and it can be difficult to get used to. Even as an experienced user we still had our troubles. These keyboards are perfect when you need to write up anything that is more then a paragraph or more of text. The dock will charge your iPad as well as provide some special keys for iPad features. It has a connector in the back and a port to plugin to the electric outlet with the USB power adapter. The dock can easily sync to your computer and work hand in hand with accessories like the iPad Camera Connection Kit. The audio connectors will still be accessible even with the dock intact. The wireless keyboard is thin and takes full advantage of Bluetooth technology as well as providing the kind of functionality you get out of the keyboard dock.

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