iPad keyboards tested on deadline (photos)

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.

The laser keyboard is interesting to watch in action, but it distracted me from actual writing.

The Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg doubles as a protective case. Cost: $99.

The keyboard in the Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg works well, but make sure you hook your iPad into the case properly.

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.

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.

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

ThinkGeek's iPad Bluetooth Keyboard serves up the best, most effective, and touch-sensitive keyboard I used so far.

ThinkGeek's iPad Bluetooth Keyboard doesn't "click," but the keystrokes are confident and clean.

When you're not typing with the ThinkGeek iPad Bluetooth Keyboard, it folds into a full leather carrying case.