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.

John Lewinski

June 2, 2011 1:14 p.m. PT

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ThinkGeek

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.

Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard in action

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ThinkGeek

Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard in action

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

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ThinkGeek

Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg

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

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ThinkGeek

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.

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Apple

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.