I just ordered one of these form Zagg, for my iPad2:
http://www.zagg.com/accessories/zaggfolio-ipad-2-keyboard-case
While I love surfing da web with the iPad, I do find that I avoid posting/replying to forums, blogs, social networks when I only have a virtual keyboard. I'm hoping this will solve that problem.
I also have a iPad1 and bought a Zaggmate case/keyboard for it which turned out to be defective. I may try again on that, because while I've tried several of the hand writing note taking apps, it's just plain faster to type something on a bluetooth keyboard than try and write with a stylus the size of a crayon.
rcjordan, now that several months have gone by, do you still like the Zaggmate?
I don't own an iPad yet, but here's the case I'd be yearning for if I did:
http://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLATES/PRODUCT/Product.asp?Params=Category=15-225|Level=2-3|pageid=8284
I own several items from Levenger and give them top marks for both quality and utility.
I have the ASUS Transformer with keyboard dock.
I find I use it with the keyboard most of the time now - the only times I seem to use it as a tablet is 'in the pub', and even then I usually have the keyboard dock in my bag just in case.
> keyboard most of the time
Yeah 4Eyes you summed up what I've been thinking - that I'll use the iPad more if I have a proper keyboard at hand. I just ordered a Zaggmate for the iPad1. Now each tablet will have a keyboard.
Handhelds are interesting: you don't know how exactly you will use them until you get to try them in the wild.
I think the standard size (ie iPad and my Transformer) is just too big for 'hand holding' for any serious work.
I still think the optimum size is probably 7" - but there aren't really any decent ones out there yet.
QuoteHandhelds are interesting: you don't know how exactly you will use them until you get to try them in the wild
Yeah - that boundary between phone/tablet/netpad is still very blurred.
Part of me is thinking that all I want from a phone is a non-smart phone that is small, has a good battery life, decent camera, and is good at making phone calls. Back this up with an 7" tablet, and my laptop when I need it, and I would be happy.
... but who knows... I never thought I would end up using the keyboard on my Transformer all that much - its use is not just as a keyboard, its a stand, a portable charger (even when not plugged in to a power point), and somehow feels less 'droppable' when using it.
It very much depends on the device. I find that I used the virtual keyboard on my old iPhone 3Gs, and just my iPhone in general, more than I do my Android phone. I think that is part of the reason I'm adding to my iPad kit, is because I find it cumbersome to type on the Android phone.
When I had it, I liked the virtual keyboard on the HP Touchpad, way better than the iPad keyboard, although you still didn't want to type more than a short paragraph on it.
I use 'swype' on the phone - far better than any "proper" screen keyboard (not as good on the tablet though)
The Zaggfolio is in and it is everything I wanted in one case:
1. Keyboard. About the size of a netbook keyboard. Most say they can type at about 70 - 75% speed of a laptop and that strikes me as right. Works great, light weight.
2. Case: Protects. Props the tablet up at a good reading and touchscreen angle. Because the tablet and keyboard both slide into the same case it makes the whole unit more stable while on your lap, whereas the older Zaggmate seems to work better on a table.
3. Both tablet and keyboard can be removed from case for adapting to many different working environments.
Winner.