What's the best keyboard for the iPad?, getting ready to start school again and I want to use it for papers,notes.

I use a folding Bluetooth keyboard - it folds into a very small space and fits into a faux leather pouch. It's so small that you're never tempted not to take it with you. There are several models available - see Amazon - and some have dedicated iPad buttons - for 'Home', 'Volume' etc. Having a (nearly) full-size keyboard is essential if you're going to be doing a lot of typing or you're a touch typist. Battery life is a couple of months and the keyboard automatically goes to sleep after you've not typed for a while. Hitting any key wakes it up again and re-activates the connection to the iPad.

Tim

Zagg2 (or original Zagg if you have iPad 1), is amazing. Charges via USB, seconds as a case for it, and a great stand for putting your iPad on to watch videos, even if you aren't using the keyboard!

iPad 2 Keyboard Case - iPad 2 Cover & Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard | Logitech Keyboard Case By ZAGG for iPad 2

Awesome thanks a lot

I've used two models.

() I usually use the Apple Wireless keyboard in conjunction with the NCase "Origami Workstation," a keyboard case the "unfolds" into a stand that holds the iPad in either portrait or landscape orientation. Very good keyboard, (I'm picky about keyboards.) And it is both compact and doesn't feel cramped. Should be noted, though, that while you can control brightness and volume from the keyboard, other iPad functions (e.g. Home button) cannot be controlled from the keyboard and the arrow keys are problematic, sometimes they work and sometimes not depending on the app.

I prefer it to the Zaggmate/Logitech all-in-one case/keyboard combo but it does require a separate case or bag to hold both the iPad and the keyboard case.

() Another option is the Microsoft 6000 travel keyboard. It's superior to the Apple version in several ways. First, it is an outstanding, not just a "very good" keyboard. And unlike the rectangular Apple keyboard it's curved (but flat) for better ergonmics (no wrist strain even after hours of typing.) It's also about $25 cheaper than the Apple keyboard ($44 on Amazon as I recall.)

Unfortunately, it doesn't work with the Origami Workstation keyboard case. It's a couple of inches "longer" (left to right) and while that's an advantage in terms of typing ease, it's a bit less portable (but only slightly.) I use it with my 15 inch laptop and occasionally with the iPad if I'm composing a long document. As with the Apple keyboard, control of specific iPad controls is limited to volume, brightness, and in some apps to arrow functions.

() I haven't used any of the recently released "foldable" keyboards. But I've used them in the past and found models I've tried to be lacking in good "feel" and not very durable. (As I said, I'm picky.) If you value portability over other considerations and don't expect to type for long stretches, they may work well. (And as noted in a post above, some actually have dedicated iPad keys (like Home) that even the Apple Wireless keyboard lacks (inexplicably.)

Thank you for the great response

+1 on the Zagg mate. It also has dedicated keys for wake, volume, etc.
Look on the Zagg mate review thread that has about 600+ responses. About the third post or so down from the beginning of page 1 is a list of shortcut keys and combos
http://www.ipadforums.net/showthread.php?t=14057
[Personal] Review of ZAGGmate (Bluetooth Keyboard/Case)
My only gripe is it's not back lit, making it impossible for me to type in dark conditions without lots of errors.
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Sound like the zagg is the way to go,I'm new to apple so everyones advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone

Originally Posted by jsh1120

I've used two models.

() I usually use the Apple Wireless keyboard in conjunction with the NCase [InCase] "Origami Workstation," a keyboard case the "unfolds" into a stand that holds the iPad in either portrait or landscape orientation. Very good keyboard, (I'm picky about keyboards.) And it is both compact and doesn't feel cramped. Should be noted, though, that while you can control brightness and volume from the keyboard, other iPad functions (e.g. Home button) cannot be controlled from the keyboard and the arrow keys are problematic, sometimes they work and sometimes not depending on the app.
...

I too am a fan of Apple's Wireless Keyboard. It is one of the best "portable" keyboards that I've used... bar none. It always pairs beautifully and has a wonderful feel to it. Until now, I had been trying unsuccessfully to find a proper case to protect it while on the road, which basically is... well constantly. I had been using a larger bag to carry both the keyboard and the iPad along with a couple of cables etc., but felt a bit uncomfortable with the way things could press upon the keys unless I was extra careful.

I saw your post today and had the time to look around a bit. I noticed that a local Best Buy had it in stock, purchased it, and am using it for the first time now to write this. While I had heard of the Origami Workstation (big name lol), I never really took the time to examine it closely until I came across the compelling wording in your comments above. What can I say... love at first sight/touch? With the SmartCover draped over the back, it is not only incredibly functional but quite the "looker" as well. As you know it is also extremely stable, at least in landscape which is the only way I've used it so far. Thanks so much for this high quality recommendation, I truly appreciate it and will keep my eye out for you in an attempt to somehow give something back.

Originally Posted by iPad 2

Check out the Menotek pal, it's a nice all round keyboard for lecture notes and homework alike.

This one looks great too, thanks for pointing it out iPad 2.