• 2119599.jpg
  • e7e7_aluminum_ipad_case_inuse.jpg
  • e7e7_aluminum_ipad_case.jpg
  • hero_1_20091020.jpg
  • 1_2.jpg
  • 1_4.jpg
  • e65a_ipad_bluetooth_keyboard_case.jpg
  • ThinkGeek
  • e65a_ipad_bluetooth_keyboard_case_open.jpg
Prev Next
1 of 10

iPad keyboards tested on deadline (photos)

With my laptop crippled and a deadline looming, I needed my iPad to stand in as a fully functional word processor. It was the perfect opportunity to review five keyboards designed to get you typing from the tablet's touch screen.

Read Less

Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard

Wouldn't you know it? Just as I was approaching my deadline last week for a CNET commentary on John F. Kennedy's "moon speech" and the current state of the American space program, my MacBook Pro crashed. While the Apple store was installing a new hard drive, I turned to my iPad as my backup word processor. Since I don't like the iPad's onscreen keyboard, I tried a series of iPad keyboards I had on hand to review.

This Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard works well enough, but it provides many of the same problems as the virtual iPad keys. I need the "click" of real keys. Cost: $150.

Updated:
Photo by: ThinkGeek / Caption by:

Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard in action

The laser keyboard is interesting to watch in action, but it distracted me from actual writing.
Updated:
Photo by: ThinkGeek / Caption by:

Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg

The Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg doubles as a protective case. Cost: $99.
Updated:
Photo by: ThinkGeek / Caption by:

Logitech Keyboard Case in harness

The keyboard in the Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg works well, but make sure you hook your iPad into the case properly.
Updated:
Photo by: ThinkGeek / Caption by:

Apple Wireless Keyboard

The Apple Wireless Keyboard works with desktops, laptops, iPads, and iPhones. But I've gone through two, and the number keys failed on both. Cost: $69.
Updated:
Photo by: Apple / Caption by:

Omnio Wow-Keys

The Omnio Wow-Keys can work with a computer, or you can plug in your iPhone and make that into a word processor. Cost: $100.
Updated:
Photo by: Omnio / Caption by:

Omnio Wow-Keys in black

The Omnio Wow-Keys need to be hooked into a PC or Mac for power, even when you're typing into your iPhone.
Updated:
Photo by: Omnio / Caption by:

ThinkGeek's iPad Bluetooth Keyboard

ThinkGeek's iPad Bluetooth Keyboard serves up the best, most effective, and touch-sensitive keyboard I used so far.
Updated:
Photo by: ThinkGeek / Caption by:

iPad Bluetooth Keyboard up close

ThinkGeek's iPad Bluetooth Keyboard doesn't "click," but the keystrokes are confident and clean.
Updated:
Photo by: ThinkGeek / Caption by:

ThinkGeek's iPad Bluetooth Keyboard and leather folio

When you're not typing with the ThinkGeek iPad Bluetooth Keyboard, it folds into a full leather carrying case.
Updated:
Photo by: ThinkGeek / Caption by:
Hot Galleries
See all

The sharp Volkswagen I.D. concept has a little bit of Golf in it

 Concept Cars

A look at Elon Musk's plan to move us to Mars

 Sci-Tech

The Renault Trezor Concept is a Formula E car for the road...sort of

 Concept Cars

This German youth center helps refugees connect and create

 Internet

Refugee camps and city walls show words of hope, anger

 Internet

The BMW X2 Concept is here, better get used to it

 Concept Cars

Every smart home gadget Siri can control

 Smart Home

Hewlett-Packard's history frozen in time

 Tech Industry

THIS SMART IRON COST $1000

How much do you hate wrinkled clothes?

A Swedish company known for its high-end ironing systems will soon begin to sell a smart iron that costs more than $1,000.

Hot Products