iPad keyboards in the test

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Can the iPad replace a laptop? This question occupied me since the first Apple tablet two years ago came on the market. At that time I took a self-test: For three days, I typed my reports from the IFA in Berlin exclusively on-screen keyboard. The result: weight and battery life of the tablets were fine, typing on the screen but in the long exhausting. From then on I carried a notebook with again – until now.

Because now there are several manufacturers that offer iPad cases with built-in keyboard. Some are more elegant, trimmed to some stability and some designed consistently for many voters. And there are also some versions that are just cheap and just enough for casual users.
They all have in common is that they are only suitable for frequent flyers. Instead of using cables via the so-called Dock Connector to connect wirelessly using Bluetooth with the Apple Tablet . But the use of Bluetooth is banned at many airlines on board the aircraft.

On the train, in a café or on the sofa that disturbs no one. Fear that a while the power goes out, you have to have little. The manufacturers of between eight (Trekstor) and 60 (Belkin) hours endurance for their wireless keyboards. The standby time of up to three months (Belkin).

What are the differences in iPad keyboards else is, between the noble and the rugged, between cheap and expensive, shows our comparison devices.

A prolific writer of case: Belkin Folio Keyboard

Belkin Keyboard Folio is strictly a cover for the iPad, but one with a built-in keyboard. A principle by which many vendors have designed the tablet supplement.
The Keyboard Bag from Belkin is something like the Mercedes of his class. With its thick seams and perforated outer shell, it has the appearance of sports car seats, has a robust and durable. Over time, they will certainly start an interesting patina.

Among this stable outer shell, the iPad at least well protected. One downside: Apple‘s Tablet is slim through the protective shell to a thick Klopper, yet more powerful than many laptops. Another drawback: The iPad to put in this case, requires some effort. Once it is there, it will be reluctant to pull out again.

For all switches, connectors, and the camera recesses are incorporated into the envelope. That’s a plus. Belkin’s highlight, however, is the keyboard. Although relatively small, it can be just as quick as typing on a normal PC keyboard. The keys are individually sprung, offer a very good writing feel and work exactly. Remarkably, the additional keys to select the various features of texts are offer quick access.

For many writers is the keyboard alone Belkin Protective Case for a good recommendation. A little more promising for the new iPad YouType designed protective cover to be set, at which the keyboard is removed from the shell.