iPad Accessory Review: Apple iPad Keyboard Dock

Posted Dec 28, 2010 at 7:50PM EST by QJ Staff

Listed in: iPad Accessories Tags: apple

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Before we get into all of the Keyboard Dock's features, lets discuss the keyboard itself. Obviously, having a physical full QWERTY keyboard at your disposal has its advantages. Simply put, it is much more natural to type on a conventional keyboard than an on-screen one like the iPad has. Not only do you get physical keys to type on, but you also avoid putting fingerprints and smudges on the iPad's display. Responsiveness is also better. The chiclet-style keys of the Keyboard Dock are flat and wide, offering plenty of surface areas for your fingers to type on. In addition to the standard fare of keys, the Keyboard Dock also supplies a strip of dedicated keys along the top row that act as shortcuts to many commonly used functions on the iPad. For example, you get keys to access the on-screen keyboard, the screen lock, the Home screen, the brightness adjustment, the search function, and more.

You also get a better angle to type on, and the Keyboard Dock allows you to connect the iPad and stand it vertically for easy viewing as you type. The Keyboard Dock also comes in handy when you want to align the iPad vertically and watch videos. If you need to fit yourself into a tight space such as a small desk, there is no need to worry, as the Keyboard Dock is portable enough to squeeze into most tight areas. Despite its portable size, the Dock is durable and is made out of aluminum. The Keyboard Dock does not only give you access to a physical keyboard, however, as the Dock itself offers plenty of connectivity options that can maximize the entertainment value of your iPad. Music fans can used the Keyboard Dock to connect the iPad to external speakers or a radio for added sound. Video fans can use the Dock to connect the iPad to a projector or television to view media on a larger screen. Of course, to make these connections you will have to purchase separate cables, but it is nice to know that the Keyboard Dock will allow for such flexibility. In addition to the entertainment connectivity, the Dock also provides connectivity for more standard functions. It can charge the iPad in two ways. First, it can be used to connect to an electrical outlet for standard charging. Second, it can connect to your PC via USB to not only charge the iPad, but also sync it. So, if you are tired of using the iPad's on-screen keyboard and want an external keyboard and also desire some extra connectivity, give the Apple iPad Keyboard Dock a strong look. At $69 it certainly is not cheap, but it does increase the power of your iPad.

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