So, you think you can live with your iPad but you could be so much more productive if you didn’t have to put up with the “soft” keyboard on the screen. I don’t know about you, but I like the feel of a full stroke keyboard so I thought I’d go looking for a keyboard for the iPad that was wireless. I hate dealing with wires and the whole idea of the iPad is to be totally portable right?
So I got an email offer for the keyboard below. I jumped right on it as it was the right price and I am just a sucker for a gadget add-on. If you visit my blog at all, I think you understand.
Nice aluminum casing with built in rechargeable battery!
So upon ordering and receiving my Hype HY-1023-BT keyboard, I was duly impressed with it’s appearance and overall quality. The aluminum matched very well with the iPad and the key action was very nice. The aluminum itself was a bit flimsy and not as good a quality as the aluminum on the iPad itself, but then again what is? However, what I really liked was the way that you could prop up the iPad in a slot in the keyboard and get a psuedo laptop experience.
Wow, it looks like a mini-laptop in this mode!
But the real the kicker was that I could place the keyboard on top of the iPad and have it become one protected compact unit as shown below.
Protected like a clamshell. Keyboard snaps on face of iPad.
OK, so enough of the physical coolness of this keyboard. How does it really work and is it worth the price of admission?
After using this on and off for a week, here’s my quick list for your consideration.
PROS:
- Great protection for the iPad face. Great and secure fit.
- Full key action is great for long sessions of writing and / or email answering.
- Blue tooth pairing is easy and wakes up every time without incident. It will even go into powersave mode if you forget to turn off the power switch.
- Rechargeable battery uses a standard mini-usb for charging.
- Combo touchscreen and keyboard is nice and you get used to it fast.
- Lots of curious looks and compliments.
CONS:
- If you have any kind of case or protection on your iPad already, you have to remove it to fit this keyboard cover. I had a nice Belkin TPU cover along with the Apple smart cover that had to be removed. This leaves the back of the iPad vulnerable.
- Taking the cover off is not so easy. It takes a bit of effort to snap off and then insert in the stand. You also have to turn on the Bluetooth keyboard to get a connection.
- If your battery dies, you are outta luck.
- I found I didn’t use my iPad as much because it was work to get it setup.
- It’s too much like a laptop now.
I think the last two items in the CONS column seal the deal. I found that the convenience of whipping out the iPad for a quick session was defeated. It took a while to set up the iPad and the immediacy was compromised. So I went back to my TPU case and Apple Smartcover. It may not be as cool, but it makes the instantaneous usage of the iPad much easier. Apple got it right.
However, if you want t a full sized keyboard and you don’t want to spend the bucks for the one from Zagg or Loitech ($100), then this is an awesome alternative. Oh yeah, how much did I pay? I got it through a GroupOn Deal for around $25! For that price, it’s a steal.
Did you have any problem initializing? I bought one on Groupon, let it charge for 6 hours. The Bluetooth light comes on but it does not connect. The audio symbol comes on when the key pad is close to the iPad 2.
Did you receive an instruction manul or sheet? I did not.
Stan Satz
Stan,
I had no problem connecting at all. It seems odd that the audio light comes on. Perhaps your iPad Bluetooth profile configurations need some modification? Also, I did get some basic instructions with mine, but they were REALLY basic. Obvious really. The keyboard connects like any other Bluetooth device. I’ve had no issues with mine since I got it. I must admit that I don’t use it a whole lot though. I got pretty good at typing on the on-screen keyboard. For more intense typing, I just use my new i7 Macbook Pro.
I simply could not leave your site prior to suggesting that I extremely loved the usual info a person provide to your guests? Is gonna be back continuously in order to check up on new posts
do you have instructions for multimedia keys? there were no instrctions with mine.
thanks
Jayhawk – Hmm, I do recall that there were instructions that came with mine. However, I can’t say I ever looked at them. It was pretty easy to set up and I haven’t used the multimedia too much. I mostly use the keyboard when I need to type a long note or email.
I don’t have a plug to charge my battery. How long does the last while using & what is the expected life of the battery? If the battery will no longer charges, what are you’r options?
Well, the battery life is dependent on so many variables. If you remember to turn it off after you use it, it should last several weeks. I’ve never had it die on me. I would expect the battery to last several years, but that’s just a guess. I haven’t had it that long. If the battery no longer charges, change it! I am sure there is a way to get in there to change the battery. At the prices of these things and the pace of technology, you’ll probably move onto another unit before the battery life is a problem.