Case with removable keyboard??

[eddieras]

i just got an ipad2. i'm trying to find a case with a removable keyboard. I'll be using it to do basic typing (corrections of dictated reports) and not really typing full blown documents. I'd like the flexibility of removing the keyboard and being left with a lighter folio-type case (i assume).
anyone use something like this - i saw one (iLuv) but the pix online were not very helpful.
thank you in advance for your assistance
ed

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

i just got an ipad2. i'm trying to find a case with a removable keyboard. I'll be using it to do basic typing (corrections of dictated reports) and not really typing full blown documents. I'd like the flexibility of removing the keyboard and being left with a lighter folio-type case (i assume).
anyone use something like this - i saw one but the pix online were not very helpful.
thank you in advance for your assistance
ed

I use a folding Bluetooth keyboard with my iPad. The keyboard folds into two and has a faux leather case into which it fits. It's then really small. The keyboard is powered by regular non-rechargeable batteries, which last several weeks of intensive use. The folded keyboard is so small that there's never the temptation to leave it behind. It has some iPad specific keys too - 'Home' for example, which are great and it's good to have cursor controls.

You can purchase it from Amazon...Freedom i-Connex. It's necessarily fairly flimsy, but it's great to be able to type on a (nearly) full-size keyboard if you're a touch typist.

Tim

 

[eddieras]

thanks for the quick reply Tim.

sometimes i'd also be using this on a train commuting - dare i say 'laptop' - it will be on my lap! so i may want one that holds the ipad as well - not a bad device though.

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

thanks for the quick reply Tim.

sometimes i'd also be using this on a train commuting - dare i say 'laptop' - it will be on my lap! so i may want one that holds the ipad as well - not a bad device though.

OK - then maybe the Zaggmate keyboard is what you're after. It's a combined keyboard/case - they're an iPF sponsor, but the keyboard/case (they do just a case too, so you'll need to make sure you look for the keyboard/case) is often advertised in the headline adverts in iPF if you're accessing it using Safari and not the app.

Tim

 

[jsh1120]

i just got an ipad2. i'm trying to find a case with a removable keyboard. I'll be using it to do basic typing (corrections of dictated reports) and not really typing full blown documents. I'd like the flexibility of removing the keyboard and being left with a lighter folio-type case (i assume).
anyone use something like this - i saw one (iLuv) but the pix online were not very helpful.
thank you in advance for your assistance
ed

Might not fit your requirements, but my solution was to purchase the Apple bluetooth keyboard and the Incase Origami Workstation. The latter is actually a case for the keyboard alone that opens to provide a stand for the iPad. The iPad has a SmartCover and a back case from Speck. The two pieces, iPad and keyboard case go into my bag along with my 4G wifi hotspot (I have a wifi only iPad) power cable, headphones, etc.

This arrangement gives me maximum flexibility. If I don't need a keyboard, I can use the iPad alone. If I have typing to do, I have a stand for the iPad along with the keyboard that can sit on an airline table or my lap.

Total cost is $100 USD, about the same as the Zaggmate/Logitech case. The advantage is that I don't need to carry or use the keyboard if I don't need it.

 

[eddieras]

thanks - i just watched a video review of that -very interesting. is it stable on your lap?

i just found this one too
Compagno Bluetooth Keyboard with Carrying Case for iPad [WKB-2000CB] - $79.99 : ADESSO Inc, Your Input device specialist

 

[jsh1120]

thanks - i just watched a video review of that -very interesting. is it stable on your lap?

i just found this one too
Compagno Bluetooth Keyboard with Carrying Case for iPad [WKB-2000CB] - $79.99 : ADESSO Inc, Your Input device specialist

Have to admit it isn't very stable, but it is usable. The problem with using the Origami Workstation on your lap is that the folding cover flaps that are attached to one another via velcro form a triangular support when it's open and supporting the iPad. If you keep your knees together, no problem, but that may be a gender-related issue for some.

The Compagno you cite may be better in that regard, though the advantage of the Incase Origami is that though the support forms a "point" of the triangular support behind the iPad, it's about five inches behind the iPad, lowering the CoG and making it more stable and less top heavy on a table or desk. YMMV but I simply don't like using a keyboard on my lap. If it comes to that, I usually just suffer with the virtual keyboard on the iPad screen.

A deciding point for me, frankly, was that I'm very, very picky about the quality of the typing experience. I'm a fast typist and I like a solid feel with no flexing. (Think the Lenovo or old IBM keyboard feel.) Therefore, I always hesitate to purchase a keyboard I cannot get my hands on before a purchase.

The various bluetooth "folding" keyboards just don't cut it, imo. In fact, my favorite mobile keyboard is the Microsoft 6000 Bluetooth mobile keyboard. It's great! Good tactile feel and capable of very fast typing. I typically use one with my laptop. Unfortunately, it's somewhat larger than the Apple keyboard and while that makes for easier typing, it's a bit more of a challenge in the portability department. The Apple keyboard comes close to the Microsoft in terms of typing experience and that's why I purchased one for the iPad.

Of course, all this OCD means I travel with a 15" laptop and Microsoft keyboard, necessary for my work at customer sites, along with the iPad and its Apple keyboard/Origami Workstation combo that I use on the plane. I'm experimenting with the Apple keyboard for both the laptop and the iPad so I don't have to carry two keyboards, but so far the Microsoft keyboard is just too good to give up.

 

[Prometheus]

OK - then maybe the Zaggmate keyboard is what you're after.

I have seen the videos and I am quite impressed by that keyboard case. However he will have to carry the keyboard everywhere. I think they are being sold by Logitech, isn't it?

 

[LARQ]

What about the NEW TRENT IMP38B case with wireless keyboard

 

[eddieras]

i can't seem to get the trent website loaded- is that keyboard removable?

 

[VanHalen]

i just got an ipad2. i'm trying to find a case with a removable keyboard. I'll be using it to do basic typing (corrections of dictated reports) and not really typing full blown documents. I'd like the flexibility of removing the keyboard and being left with a lighter folio-type case (i assume).
anyone use something like this - i saw one (iLuv) but the pix online were not very helpful.
thank you in advance for your assistance
ed

Might not fit your requirements, but my solution was to purchase the Apple bluetooth keyboard and the Incase Origami Workstation. The latter is actually a case for the keyboard alone that opens to provide a stand for the iPad. The iPad has a SmartCover and a back case from Speck. The two pieces, iPad and keyboard case go into my bag along with my 4G wifi hotspot (I have a wifi only iPad) power cable, headphones, etc.

This arrangement gives me maximum flexibility. If I don't need a keyboard, I can use the iPad alone. If I have typing to do, I have a stand for the iPad along with the keyboard that can sit on an airline table or my lap.

Total cost is $100 USD, about the same as the Zaggmate/Logitech case. The advantage is that I don't need to carry or use the keyboard if I don't need it.

What are your thoughts about the size of the keyboard? I have looked at your solution and am leaning towards it for the same reason as I don't always need a keyboard and I can use the smart cover I already bought. But a bigger issue for me is the size of the keyboard. Zaggmate/Logitech looks sexy but lacks a full size keyboard (92% is what I believe is it's size). I have netbook PC with the smaller keyboard and hate it. I need to decide this weekend as I am traveling next week.

 

[eddieras]

thanks for the tip on the Trent case - looks good but i don't think the keyboard is removable.

 

[jsh1120]

What are your thoughts about the size of the keyboard? I have looked at your solution and am leaning towards it for the same reason as I don't always need a keyboard and I can use the smart cover I already bought. But a bigger issue for me is the size of the keyboard. Zaggmate/Logitech looks sexy but lacks a full size keyboard (92% is what I believe is it's size). I have netbook PC with the smaller keyboard and hate it. I need to decide this weekend as I am traveling next week.

If keyboard size is critical to you, I'd recommend the Microsoft 6000 Bluetooth Travel Keyboard. It leaves you with the problem of storage. That's not a dealbreaker, however, if you have a notebook case capable of accommodating both the both the iPad and the keyboard. (I have a Timbuk2 netbook messenger bag that works. Not stylish, but utilitarian.)

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Bluetooth-Mobile-Keyboard-6000/dp/B002NP8XJ0/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306057750&sr=8-2-fkmr1"]Amazon.com: Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000: Electronics[/ame]


[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Timbuk2-122-Classic-Messenger-Bag/dp/B003386CVC/ref=amb_link_287989822_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo&pf_rd_r=1482Y3D2TANE5G40KMRE&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1253093242&pf_rd_i=B000TGSVQK"]Amazon.com: Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag: Clothing[/ame]



The advantage of the Msoft keyboard is that its keys are full size and the keyboard itself is ergonomically curved so you don't feel as cramped as you would with the Apple keyboard. Doesn't fit as well as the Apple keyboard on an airline tray table, since it's wider overall and the curved form factor adds a bit to its front-to-back length, but it's very comfortable to use.

The Msoft keyboard has a plastic housing compared to the Apple's aluminum, but I've found the former to be very durable and to travel well. Furthermore, the Msoft keyboard comes with a separate number pad, so if that's important to you, it's especially sweet. Finally, the Microsoft keyboard is about $25 less than the Apple.

So now you have a bag (if you need it) that holds both a very good keyboard and a bag that accommodates both it and the iPad. The only thing lacking is a stand for the iPad that holds it at an appropriate typing angle. Amazon has a number of stands that should meet your needs.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=iPad+2+stand&x=0&y=0"]Amazon.com: iPad 2 stand[/ame]


OK, it's a cobbled together solution, no question about it. But if you want a detachable, very good keyboard, a stand that lets you hold the iPad in either landscape or portrait orientation, and a bag that will hold the iPad/SmartCover combo, the stand, the keyboard and a sandwich or two, it does the job at a cost competitive with the Zaggmate or even less if you already have a laptop/netbook bag.

 

[VanHalen]

What are your thoughts about the size of the keyboard? I have looked at your solution and am leaning towards it for the same reason as I don't always need a keyboard and I can use the smart cover I already bought. But a bigger issue for me is the size of the keyboard. Zaggmate/Logitech looks sexy but lacks a full size keyboard (92% is what I believe is it's size). I have netbook PC with the smaller keyboard and hate it. I need to decide this weekend as I am traveling next week.

If keyboard size is critical to you, I'd recommend the Microsoft 6000 Bluetooth Travel Keyboard. It leaves you with the problem of storage. That's not a dealbreaker, however, if you have a notebook case capable of accommodating both the both the iPad and the keyboard. (I have a Timbuk2 netbook messenger bag that works. Not stylish, but utilitarian.)

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Bluetooth-Mobile-Keyboard-6000/dp/B002NP8XJ0/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1306057750&sr=8-2-fkmr1"]Amazon.com: Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000: Electronics[/ame]


[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Timbuk2-122-Classic-Messenger-Bag/dp/B003386CVC/ref=amb_link_287989822_3?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=hero-quick-promo&pf_rd_r=1482Y3D2TANE5G40KMRE&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=1253093242&pf_rd_i=B000TGSVQK"]Amazon.com: Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag: Clothing[/ame]



The advantage of the Msoft keyboard is that its keys are full size and the keyboard itself is ergonomically curved so you don't feel as cramped as you would with the Apple keyboard. Doesn't fit as well as the Apple keyboard on an airline tray table, since it's wider overall and the curved form factor adds a bit to its front-to-back length, but it's very comfortable to use.

The Msoft keyboard has a plastic housing compared to the Apple's aluminum, but I've found the former to be very durable and to travel well. Furthermore, the Msoft keyboard comes with a separate number pad, so if that's important to you, it's especially sweet. Finally, the Microsoft keyboard is about $25 less than the Apple.

So now you have a bag that holds both a very good keyboard and a bag that accommodates both it (if you need it) and the iPad. The only thing lacking is a stand for the iPad that holds it at an appropriate typing angle. Amazon has a number of stands that should meet your needs.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=iPad+2+stand&x=0&y=0"]Amazon.com: iPad 2 stand[/ame]


OK, it's a cobbled together solution, no question about it. But if you want a detachable, very good keyboard, a stand that lets you hold the iPad in either landscape or portrait orientation, and a bag that will hold the iPad/SmartCover combo, the stand, the keyboard and a sandwich or two, it does the job at a cost competitive with the Zaggmate or even less if you already have a laptop/netbook bag.

Thanks, I hadn't considered the MS brand but I use one of their curved keyboard for my desktop. I will check it out today.