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Question

Large keyboard for a tablet

by Apr 24, 2014 10:01AM PDT

I am looking into buying my first tablet. Like most tablet users, I plan on using it to browse the internet, stream tv/movies, and play games. But I also want to use it in the office. As a research mathematican, I am looking to use it to write papers. This can be done with nothing more than a plain-text editor, so no problem with the software. However a tablet certainly isn't setup for this kind of work, so I want to make a sort of workstation.

The main trouble I'm having doing this is finding a keyboard. Most tablets don't have usb ports, so I'm looking for a bluetooth one. Problem is that every bluetooth keyboard I find is designed to travel well: small and light. I want something large and solid.

I found this adapter: http://handheldsci.com/kb that allows me to take a usb keyboard and use it as bluetooth. So I can just get any usb keyboard I want (say, Logitech G11), and use that.

I'm wondering if (a) there are any cheaper alternatives to this adapter (say one without a battery) or (b) if there are any large, sturdy, bluetooth keyboards.

Discussion is locked

13 Posts
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Clarification Request
Without a battery?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 24, 2014 10:16AM PDT

Something will need to provide power. But I use a BT (BlueTooth) keyboard so I don't have to cart around an adapter. I also have picked up combo case+keyboard systems. Keep in mind the office does such work so I can try a lot of things like the Transformer, and many others.

The thing is, what if you find you hate the word processor (it rarely can format it for printing) or tire of how we sync?

Be sure to try this out or get the tablet return policy up front.

In fact, let's hear why a tablet at all.
Bob

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The adapter stays in the office
by rghthndsd Apr 24, 2014 10:22AM PDT

I'm fine with the adapter plugging it - it's sole use will be for when I am in my office.

> But I use a BT (BlueTooth) keyboard so I don't have to cart around an adapter.

As I mentioned, I am unable to find a suitable bluetooth keyboard. Perhaps you know of one that is large (like the Logitech G11 large) and sturdy?

> The thing is, what if you find you hate the word processor (it rarely can format it for printing) or tire of how we sync?

I use latex - a typesetting system primarily used in academia. As I mentioned in the OP, all I need is a plain-text editor, I have no software issues whatsoever with a tablet.

> In fact, let's hear why a tablet at all.

My primary interest in a tablet is to use it to read documents (pdfs) on the go.

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There's a link at Logitech.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 24, 2014 10:27AM PDT
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboards

Some look pretty big. BTW, I've used Logitech's with their USB adapter on our ultra large tablet and other Androids without trouble. You might not need BT at all. Just wireless and Logitech's Nano adapter.

I know stores are loath to field great folk today. Mostly they want to vend boxes.
Bob
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Nano adapter requires USB
by rghthndsd Apr 24, 2014 10:32AM PDT

Thanks for the link, indeed Logitech is one of the first places I looked. Unfortunately the nano adapters requires USB, and many of the tablets I have been looking at would not support it. I was finding so few tablets (Acer A200, Toshiba Thrive, and MS Surface are the only three I've found) that I started looking at the bluetooth adapter. Perhaps there is a way around this? Can one get a base of some sort that allows a usb connection to a tablet?

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Then you have to keep looking.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 24, 2014 10:37AM PDT

Your adapter looks like a way out. But the MS Surface RT for me is a no-sale. Well unless it was free. Microsoft has been so restrictive that I can't use it. No one I know buys those.

As to the base, I never needed one. You sound like the folk that insist on laptop docks.
Bob

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Took a quick look around the office.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 24, 2014 10:41AM PDT

Let's see, we tried the nano adapter on Nexus 7, Acer DA220HQL, Asus Transformer TF300, Viewsonic Gtab, Kindle Fire HD and some others that are not in the office today. I'm guessing you need to demand a lot from your suppliers now. DEMAND they show you this working.
Bob

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How are you using the nano?
by rghthndsd Apr 24, 2014 11:33AM PDT

How are you using the nano receiver on say the Nexus 7? There is no full sized USB port, only a micro usb. Please explain.

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We used one of the OTG cables for the test.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 24, 2014 11:57AM PDT

Too much on the web about that. While I do like the Nexus I don't advise folk get that one when it comes to how you envision its use. I listed those we tried and in no way was listing what I'd advise on.
Bob

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OTG cables don't allow one to charge and work simultaneously
by rghthndsd Apr 24, 2014 12:34PM PDT

As I may be using this to work for quite a while, I don't believe this is a good solution to my problem. So far the adapter I linked to seems to be the best.

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True
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 24, 2014 1:19PM PDT

And why it didn't nod to the Nexus. So why isn't what you lead with a good idea? Or any of the BT models at Logitech? I can't guess why you want to use a tablet at your desk. I tried that as a test and I was back to my laptop in a week.
Bob

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And then there are these.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 24, 2014 1:24PM PDT
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Answer
I use an Apple blue tooth keyboard
by Apr 25, 2014 10:42AM PDT

I have several tablets including a Windows tablet and the blue tooth Apple keyboard works on all of them. Like you I bought one of those smaller blue tooth ones and I hated it. I also have a mini adapter to USB for a regular keyboard which works well also.

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Answer
Consider Logitech's BT keyboard for iPad
by Apr 26, 2014 4:38AM PDT

I am using the Logitech Bluetooth keyboard for iPad with my iPad2. What I like about it is that it is wider than those case built-in keyboards, so the typing is easier. It is Bluetooth but don't know if it is compatible with non-iPads.

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