Keyboard Dock for iPad
Keyboard Dock for iPad
- Connect the dock to your computer with the USB cable included with your iPad to sync iPad and charge its battery
- Connect the dock to a stereo or speakers using an AV cable or a stereo audio cable to play music from iPad
- Use the dock to hold your iPad at the perfect angle to compose email
- Connect the dock to a TV or video projector using a compatible cable such as the iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter
- Connect the dock to an electrical outlet using the iPad 10W USB Power Adapter to charge the iPad battery
The attached keyboard features a sleek anodized aluminum enclosure with low-profile keys that provide a crisp, responsive feel and an ultracompact design that fits on even the most crowded desk. Special keys provide one-touch access to a variety of iPad features – the Home screen, Spotlight search, display brightness, picture frame mode, the onscreen keyboard, and screen lock.
Rating: 
(out of 6 reviews)
List Price: $ 69.00
Price: $ 77.99
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Review by Glenn R. Howes for Keyboard Dock for iPad
Rating:
Short summary: I’ve had this dock at my bedside for a week or so and I am happy with it, but I would not pay a premium over list price for it.
If you have an iPad, you will want a dock. The long charging period for a completely discharged iPad–several hours–means it will be spending a fair amount of time hooked up to the wall and it’s nice if it can do something useful then. You should probably get in the habit of putting it in its dock while you sleep. if nothing else you can use the iPad as an expensive photo frame and music player. If the dock is on your desk, then this dock is definitely the way to go as it will make text entry much less stressful–I would not say much faster, as I can type nearly as fast on an iPad virtual keyboard as on a physical keyboard but it takes much more of my concentration to avoid errors, and my hand position is often awkward on the virtual keyboard. Even if the dock is at your bedside, like mine, the keyboard is still useful as I can sit up to dash off quick notes, and also access the line of specialized buttons along the top row to control the device.
It is my understanding that the keyboard portion of the dock will not work with other iPhone type devices now, but will when iPhone OS 4 is released. In the meantime, you can still use the charging and audio out features. Right now, I’m streaming Pandora audio out of the audio line out from an iPod Touch. Sounds great.
Things to watch out for: You can’t use the dock and the Apple branded iPad case. I’d recommend getting another case, as I do not like the Apple one, too bulky and hard to access the controls–I use a lovely Gelaskin to protect against scratches. The dock does not come with a charger module. You will have to buy a separate 10W charger or use the one which came with your iPad. The dock’s audio out is a line out, which means you cannot control volume from either the iPad or the dock, it will have to be controlled by the sound output device you choose: I have a nice 2.1 powered speaker system with a little twist volume remote. The dock sets the iPad in portrait orientation, so you will not be able to use the full screen size for video playback. There is no mouse support and mice make no sense in the iPad’s GUI, so you will have to get in the habit of going from the keyboard to the screen for direct manipulation.
An alternative would be to acquire a simpler dock and a Bluetooth keyboard. This might be more flexible and would allow you to type in your lap while in bed.
Review by Rob K for Keyboard Dock for iPad
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I got this for my iPad 3g.
What I like:
Dock for connecting to my stereo.
Dock for charging.
What I don’t like:
Keyboard – I assumed this was built specifically for the iPad – however not all keys work to control the iPad. Volume up/down doesn’t work (only mute), and other keys also look like they should control the iPad, but DON’T. ??? Maybe there is another device this is supposed to control?!
Keyboard stability – not so great. It has a large rubber “foot”, but still isn’t stable when typing on. it rocks side to side quite a bit.
POWER! For $69.00 (msrp) I was expecting it to come with it’s own dedicated power. Not so much. So I need to have a power plug, AND usb cable to have a dock that actually is static. What’s the point of having to constantly pirate the power to have it with you on the go?!
So I am planning on returning my “keyboard” dock, and getting the simple dock instead. I’ll use the money saved to buy the extra power cord needed and come out about even.
Pretty disappointing really…
Review by Jared Hall for Keyboard Dock for iPad
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Apple’s iPad keyboard is basically the standard iPad dock melded together with the wireless keyboard. When at home it I find it a convenient companion for iPad recharging or email writing. The best part about it is the line of specialized keys including a home button that jumps right to the apps display (no need to unlock).
However, I’m seriously let down by its lack of flexibility. It requires the iPad to be perched in the vertical position, and even then it sits pretty unsteadily — I usually unplug it while typing to keep it from constantly going back into sync mode with my computer. Although it looks compact in the picture it is roughly as heavy as the iPad itself and doesn’t fold up easily to take on the go. There is a single “line out” for audio on the rear, but using it will disable the volume controls on the device. It seems kind of silly to still have to plug my speakers to the top of the device. A USB or HDMI outlet would have also been a nice touch considering it is supposed to be for the home.
If you are deciding between this keyboard or another, I would definitely go with a bluetooth option if I had another chance to purchase. The I-Connex keyboard looks promising, and there’s sure to be better, more portable options as time goes on. I wouldn’t be surprised in Apple even gives this one a redesign.
Review by Carlton Brumbelow for Keyboard Dock for iPad
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I bought the iPad keyboard dock today at my local Apple store, and after spending the day with it, I have to say that I love it. With this dock, the iPad truly has replaced my laptop. There is an app for everything that I personally need to do, and this keyboard makes typing so simple. The only (and very minor) issue that I found was trying to use the dock on the couch. That issue was easily remedied by placing a book on my lap, under the dock. Great product!
Review by hdtravel for Keyboard Dock for iPad
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Holds your iPad for charging, audio playback and has a wonderful stylish keyboard for typing on. Great for entering text.
Extreme beautiful Apple looks and quality.
I am using it with my iPad 3G 64GB model. I bought one for home and one for work.
I love it !