Which keyboard should i get? Apple vs Xoom - Galaxy Tab 10.1 Accessories

Hmmm...
Im deciding on a keyboard.
$58 NEW xoom motorola keyboard
$43 USED apple keyboard
my opinions:
xoom is built for an android tablet and has the keys for quicker access.
Apple keyboard is thin and sexy at a cheaper price(but used) + it doesnt have android keys.
Haha I need help deciding on a keyboard.
If you have any other keyboard ideas that are compatible and cheaper. Tell me!

I don't have any ideas for other keyboards, but I can weigh in on the dedicated android keyboard vs. apple keyboard. I've used both, and I have to say that the dedicated android buttons, while nice, aren't really that much more helpful, especially if you plan on investing in a bluetooth mouse as well. I've found that using my Apple Bluetooth keyboard with a Kensington Slimblade Bluetooth mouse is much more efficient in situations where I would need to use a bluetooth keyboard. The Mouse makes it much easier to navigate, and the android keys are on the keyboard to aid in navigation, but aren't all that useful in day to day usage. My advice would be to go with the Apple keyboard if it is in good condition because it being lighter will definitely make up for not having the dedicated android buttons. Aside from that, you can take the money you saved and put it toward a bluetooth mouse.

Apologize for the noob question, but I assume both bluetooth keyboard and mouse work ok with the tab? Any cons to this set up? I might pick up both for school during lectures? TIA

The bluetooth keyboard and mouse work exactly as they would on a regular computer, they pair very easily, and then connect as soon as you turn them on. You can use both at the same time and it essentially turns your tab into an android powered laptop. So far there are no cons that I can see from using this setup. It would actually be a very nice setup for taking notes. Unfortunately, I just finished grad school, so I won't be able to use it for that purpose, although my Galaxy Tab 7 with the Samsung keyboard served me very well in my myriad of meetings with my advisor and during those long nights of research.

rkmj said:
The bluetooth keyboard and mouse work exactly as they would on a regular computer, they pair very easily, and then connect as soon as you turn them on. You can use both at the same time and it essentially turns your tab into an android powered laptop. So far there are no cons that I can see from using this setup. It would actually be a very nice setup for taking notes. Unfortunately, I just finished grad school, so I won't be able to use it for that purpose, although my Galaxy Tab 7 with the Samsung keyboard served me very well in my myriad of meetings with my advisor and during those long nights of research.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice! I'm going to try these items out. Does an actual arrow pop up once a bluetooth mouse connects?

Related

I need a keyboard for my Prophet - what're my options?

Hi everyone... as I mentioned in the title, I need a keyboard for my Prophet, and I'm not quite sure as to what the possibilities are in terms of connections...
Can I use PS2 or USB via an adapter to Mini-USB? Or am I limited to Bluetooth keyboards? Any suggestions as to certain models?
Thanks in advance!
PS2-USB / USB keyboard is certainly a no no. Bluetooth is definately workable, but I think there are these IR keyboard as well. Do a ebay check on these.. there are some for PDA in general, but maybe works for Prophet. Have a try.
Hmmm, I suppose the USB-Nono is because of the missing USB Host in the Prophet? Or is there something I'm missing?
The problem with Bluetooth keyboards, of course, is that they're so expensive... does the Apple Bluetooth keyboard work with the Prophet? It's pretty much the cheapest one available over here in Germany (~60 Euros).
Yes, the missing USB host. And yes, bluetooth keyboards are expensive and you also have the issue of having another device to charge.
I'm not sure about the Apple bluetooth keyboard .. as it being an Apple product, which is quite 'close' (i.e. you can't use the Apple USB mouse/keyboard on a PC, I think). You'll need to do you own research.
hanmin said:
I'm not sure about the Apple bluetooth keyboard .. as it being an Apple product, which is quite 'close' (i.e. you can't use the Apple USB mouse/keyboard on a PC, I think). You'll need to do you own research.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Untrue. Apple keyboards and mice have worked in Windows since about Win 98. I know they work in XP for a fact, no additional drivers required.
I think that as long as any bluetooth keyboard supports the HID profile, it will work in our Windows Mobile devices.
I've attempted to pair my Apple BT keyboard with both my Treo 750v and my HTC Advantage (both WM5).
In both cases, the pairing works OK and the keyboard offers the "Input Device" service. However, I can't get the keyboard to actually do anything beyond this point. The bluetooth icon on the 750v shows that bluetooth is inactive and it doesn't keep a live connection open to the keyboard.
I don't know that it is anything to do with the Apple keyboard but I've not used other BT keyboards to know how it should work. The keyboard pairs and operates perfectly fine with my PS3, for instance, so I don't think it is in any way the device doing anything strange.
How do you get normal HID compliant BT keyboards to work with WM5?
I just got a perfect keyboard for my Prophet last December.
Its a Think Outside (Igo) stowaway BT keyboard. Got it for $30 from amazon.com during Xmas sale. Right now they sell it for around $60.
It works perfectly and it has a PDA stand built in which fits the Prophet nicely. I cannot stress more about the ease of use and quality of the keyboard which is very close compare to laptop keyboard.
I like the power management feature which turns on the keyboard automatically when you open it up and then turns off when you fold it or after there is no activity for certain period of time. It uses two AAA batteries, I wish it uses rechargeable battery with the same mini USB port like the prophet. But so far, I'm impressive with the battery life.
I do not how long the battery will last, but it has been a month and the battery is still good.

[Q] Asus Transformer-like Keyboard and Mouse?

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone of you know if samsung has a keyboard and mouse similar to that of the Asus Transfomer. I searched over amazon but I couldn't find anything. It is not necessarily made by Samsung, it could be made by other manufacturers.
http://cdn4.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/asus_transformer-625x499.png
Samsung has their own docking keyboard, which works fine. Next to that, as the keyboard is white, I have added a white wireless bluetooth mouse by Logitech, which works fine as well.
Who needs a laptop after that.
Doodle said:
Samsung has their own docking keyboard, which works fine. Next to that, as the keyboard is white, I have added a white wireless bluetooth mouse by Logitech, which works fine as well.
Who needs a laptop after that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen that but what's interesting about the Asus keyboard/mouse is that it is very slim and it can be folded while if you want to hold the samsung keyboard, you will have to use a both hands maybe
No, I use it in my lap as a keyboard without needing two hands. The connection is secure. The mail advantage of the keyboard are that it has a number of special keys, and that it does charge the Tab wile inserted in the keyboard. Mail disadvantage is that it does require you to use the samsung stock software keyboard on the tab. The external keyboard requires that.
SamerBerjawi said:
Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone of you know if samsung has a keyboard and mouse similar to that of the Asus Transfomer. I searched over amazon but I couldn't find anything. It is not necessarily made by Samsung, it could be made by other manufacturers.
http://cdn4.digitaltrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/asus_transformer-625x499.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can get your hands on this official keyboard case, this I think beats the Asus transformer in style and portability, though battery life will take a toll since it's bluetooth. Problem is, I can't see any US vendors selling it.
http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-3126_7-10008260-4.html
i got the keyboard dock as well. Went with the white one instead of the new bluetooth keyboard from samsung with a folding case since i don't wanna use bluetooth to preserve battery life.
The advantage is that its rock steady in its position and you can easily have it your lap on teh bus for example. the downside is that you can adjust the angle. although i'm fine with the angle the way it is but they could have maybe made it a bit more adjustable somehow.
i also got the official usb adapter which i use for mouse, works so far with every mouse i've tried, and its snappy!
i would recommend a wireless mouse with a tiny usb dongle instead of bluetooth. mainly due to battery life. i'm getting one myself, just using a wired mouse atm.
on another note, the usb adapter works quite well also, even tho its a bit on the large side i'm content with it. to my own surprise i plugged in my old usb saitek cyborg gamepad (looks like a x360 controller only you can switch place with the d-pad and left analogue stick) and it worked perfectly with my emulators!
one suggestion on the usb adapter tho, if you're using it for mouse you are better of plugging in the mouse first and then plugging the adapter into the keyboard dock (with mouse already plugged in). Seems like a lot less risk of breaking it that way. that's why i don't like adatpers that much, but guess it's the price to pay when you get as slick and slim tablet as the galaxy tab. no UBS port from start. still it has better placement of the pin connector than ipad for example since you can't have it netbook style in apple's keyboard dock due to that fact, but the galaxy tab becomes just like a netbook when combined with the keyboard dock.
also the keyboard dock is not a hassle to bring along on the road and it feels sturdy and well built. and it's also about half the price of the new bluetooth keyboard with case, at least here in sweden. I might get the bluetooth one for portability since it's obviously a bit less space demanding, but not much compared to the keyboard dock. but at the current price i'll hold off a bit since i'm so satisfied with my solid keyboard dock. feels good to type on too IMO.
i'll end my rant now
Jnn1 said:
If you can get your hands on this official keyboard case, this I think beats the Asus transformer in style and portability, though battery life will take a toll since it's bluetooth. Problem is, I can't see any US vendors selling it.
http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-3126_7-10008260-4.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have this Samsung Folio BT Keyboard. Love it. Works very well. But for home i use the samsung charging kb dock. Love it too

Best keyboard and mouse

OMDs (oh my days)
why did i waste money buying the iPad. this thing is amazing. i love the galaxy tab 10.1. I just got the 32GB one. i have it connected to my motorola keyboard and mouse. it works so well. its basically a computer. i love it. anyway, instead of buying the keyboard dock, just get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. i absolutely love it.
please if anyone has any suggestions about how to configure the keys on the keyboard, like the apps drawer open key, i would love you to leave a comment.
shelay said:
OMDs (oh my days)
why did i waste money buying the iPad. this thing is amazing. i love the galaxy tab 10.1. I just got the 32GB one. i have it connected to my motorola keyboard and mouse. it works so well. its basically a computer. i love it. anyway, instead of buying the keyboard dock, just get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. i absolutely love it.
please if anyone has any suggestions about how to configure the keys on the keyboard, like the apps drawer open key, i would love you to leave a comment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if I sound idiot (i havent got an android tablet). I have a question, does the motorola keyboard work good on galaxy tab 10.1?
Thanks
Motorola keyboard
O YES it does. works like a charm.only niggle is the dedicated gmail and app drawer buttons dont work. You can live without those trust me. All the other buttons work well asides the two i mentioned. Hope that helps
shelay said:
OMDs (oh my days)
why did i waste money buying the iPad. this thing is amazing. i love the galaxy tab 10.1. I just got the 32GB one. i have it connected to my motorola keyboard and mouse. it works so well. its basically a computer. i love it. anyway, instead of buying the keyboard dock, just get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. i absolutely love it.
please if anyone has any suggestions about how to configure the keys on the keyboard, like the apps drawer open key, i would love you to leave a comment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm considering buying a keyboard for the SGT 10.1 and i was thinking about the Samsung OEM keyboard because it is the nearest to a notebook for the SGT. This Motorola keyboard is a bluetooth one? If so, how long does its battery last? Do u have a link to the keyboard description?
Thx.
I have been using the same batteries for months now. I don't really know how long they will last for. But maybe 3 months or over.
I will include a picture of my setup in a bit
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
portable bluetooth keyboard for the 10.1 that has a touchpad
Hello, does anyone know of a portable bluetooth keyboard for the 10.1 that has a touchpad on it. Right now I am using my PS3 bluetooth keyboard with touchpad and it is amazing. There is a cursor that moves and clicks and it makes it so easy then reaching and touching the screen accurately. I would love a keyboard that has a slot that will also hold the tablet up and in place. Thanks. As much as I love using my PS3 keyboard it is NOT portable LOL. Thanks for all suggestions.
Definitely recommend the Motorola keyboard. There is a post on here that has a link to pick up some with a free mouse included.
TannerBlair said:
Definitely recommend the Motorola keyboard. There is a post on here that has a link to pick up some with a free mouse included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Besides the Samsung OEM Keyboard for the GT 10.1, is there any other keyboard that acts like a dock. The Motorola Keyboard seems fine, but it won't hold the Tab. I want a keyboard that doesn't need a cover with a stand. Does anyone know of one besides the original samsung keyboard?
Just received the Motorola keyboard & mouse combo today. I would highly recommend both of them for use with your 10.1.
Don't know of any docking syle keyboard for the 10.1.
@ coulter6. were u able to map the gmail button or does it work for you? Let me know the other keys that dont work for you. Cheers.
Just received the Motorola keyboard & mouse combo today. I would highly recommend both of them for use with your 10.1.<br />
<br />
Don't know of any docking syle keyboard for the 10.1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for a dock, I know I've seen online somewhere, a keyboard dock that acts as a folding case. It leaves the back of the tab exposed, but it essentially turns it into a portless netbook.
Oops, wrong thread.

Bluetooth Mouse and Keyboard

Has anyone tried using both a bluetooth mouse and keboard? I want to use both to take notes in class, read powerpoints, etc. Mostly easy basic stuff like that.
I am thinking of getting the Minisuit keyboard since it seems to balance well inside the slot. I don't want a full case, so this seems like the best option for me right now. unless some can tell me of an option that comes with a stand like this, that is cheaper....
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Tablet-Keyboard-Windows-Android3-0/dp/B009JPBPWO/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
The mouse part is confusing me. There seem to be a lot of brands I'm not familiar with. And many mice with poor reviews. Does anyone have experience with one that has worked well at a fair price?
Thanks!
EDIT: Or will any basic bluetooth mouse work? I figured it had to be designed to work with android.
drewmey said:
Has anyone tried using both a bluetooth mouse and keboard? I want to use both to take notes in class, read powerpoints, etc. Mostly easy basic stuff like that.
I am thinking of getting the Minisuit keyboard since it seems to balance well inside the slot. I don't want a full case, so this seems like the best option for me right now. unless some can tell me of an option that comes with a stand like this, that is cheaper....
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Tablet-Keyboard-Windows-Android3-0/dp/B009JPBPWO/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
The mouse part is confusing me. There seem to be a lot of brands I'm not familiar with. And many mice with poor reviews. Does anyone have experience with one that has worked well at a fair price?
Thanks!
EDIT: Or will any basic bluetooth mouse work? I figured it had to be designed to work with android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used the Logitech K810 keyboard successfully, and I've used Microsoft's Wedge mouse successfully, but I couldn't get both of them to work at the same time. I did not troubleshoot, and it's possible there's a way to fix the glitch, I'm just reporting my experience.
I love the Logitech keyboard. Originally I bought it for occasional use and traveling, but it's so good that I use it as my everyday keyboard at my desk. Just as advertised, it pairs smoothly with up to three devices. When I use it at my desk, I use a regular (not Bluetooth) wireless mouse.
My Anker Ultra-Slim keyboard and Microsoft Notebook Mouse 5000 work together just fine on my 2013 N7. Sometimes I first have to unpair and re-pair them to get them to connect but after that they work.
I use Logitech K810 keyboard and T610 mouse. Both are Bluetooth and you can switch when using it with your PC or MacBook.
Works great... But the problem is that the mouse sometimes just last out of the blue. Had to reboot. There is a thread in Google forums that discussed this and this is a known flaw that Google has not fixed.

What does the keyboard do that any BT KB doesn't?

Has anyone noticed anything? I keep reading how this tablet has been designed for use with the keyboard, but nothing concrete has ever been said, that I know of. Sure, it's sleek and it's magnetic and it charges from the tablet. But actual KB functionality, how is it different than, say, a Logitech K810 or any other bluetooth keyboard, especially those designed for Android, with a proper home (and sometimes recents) button?
One peeve I have always had with Android is the way it handles the US International layout. It's not the same standard MS and Apple (iOS) use. To input something like an "á" you need to press Alt. I wonder if they'll ever fix that. In the meantime I use the splendid app External Keyboard Helper, but if you're not rooted it's not 100% seamless, you need to manually select EKH in the input dialog when connecting the BT keyboard.
andy o said:
Has anyone noticed anything? I keep reading how this tablet has been designed for use with the keyboard, but nothing concrete has ever been said, that I know of. Sure, it's sleek and it's magnetic and it charges from the tablet. But actual KB functionality, how is it different than, say, a Logitech K810 or any other bluetooth keyboard, especially those designed for Android, with a proper home (and sometimes recents) button?
One peeve I have always had with Android is the way it handles the US International layout. It's not the same standard MS and Apple (iOS) use. To input something like an "á" you need to press Alt. I wonder if they'll ever fix that. In the meantime I use the splendid app External Keyboard Helper, but if you're not rooted it's not 100% seamless, you need to manually select EKH in the input dialog when connecting the BT keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I, too, am curious about this. It is pretty cool how the keyboard kind of completes the design. However, I can't really justify spending $150 on it when I have a $20 Anker BT keyboard that works perfectly fine with my Nexus 10, and should work the same with the Pixel C.
a lot of manufacturers make accessories in an attempt to increase profits from sales, google is no different. google places a big checkmark on design issues throughout all the products it deals with. the design is what sets this keyboard apart, not the function. google even offers two designs of the keyboard. it was interesting to me that each design cost the same to the buyer when it appears from the specs that the folio would probably cost more to make.
Google should have never advertised the keyboard accessory like it was necessary when it definitely isn't. It made people think that this device would be more productive than any other android tablet when it's not. Even a iPad Air 2 with a keyboard is more productive due to tablet optimized apps than any android tablet except maybe for Samsung tablets who at least try to make interface customizations for tablet optimization.
It's worth every penny
As someone that bought the keyboard, heck I bought the Pixel BECAUSE of its keyboard - I also bought the excellent Dell 7840 and it's keyboard, and have 5 BT keyboards in various storage nooks around the house, used on my Note 10.1 or iPad original - so I know a thing or two about what I want. Oh, and I recently sold my semi-loved Chromebook Flip to help fund this beast of a tablet...
Anyway - this is the first typing experience I've had on a tablet that makes it feel like a laptop. So what, you ask? So I was looking for a great typing experience for productivity reasons. And the keyboard (not folio) delivers this in spades. Yes the design integrates perfectly with the tablet. Yes the magnetic system and charging mechanism are awesome and very Apple-like (the old Apple that designed products to JUST WORK and perform so well it was almost magic). Yes the pitch is great - no your enter key is not identical to a laptop but you can get used to it (and I am not a great typist).
The real thing that makes a difference tho? Funny enough its that dang hinge. The ability to customize the angle of your screen is HUGE. Don't underestimate the difference 5 degrees makes when you are on your lap, then on an aircraft seat table, then at a restaurant - every bit is welcome and makes the experience BETTER.
So would I recommend the keyboard? If you are ponying up for this tablet (and lets be honest there are number of good alternatives at less cost), and you intend to do any amount of typing, do not think twice - buy the keyboard at the same time - you won't regret it.
Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk
davedigerati said:
It's worth every penny
As someone that bought the keyboard, heck I bought the Pixel BECAUSE of its keyboard - I also bought the excellent Dell 7840 and it's keyboard, and have 5 BT keyboards in various storage nooks around the house, used on my Note 10.1 or iPad original - so I know a thing or two about what I want. Oh, and I recently sold my semi-loved Chromebook Flip to help fund this beast of a tablet...
Anyway - this is the first typing experience I've had on a tablet that makes it feel like a laptop. So what, you ask? So I was looking for a great typing experience for productivity reasons. And the keyboard (not folio) delivers this in spades. Yes the design integrates perfectly with the tablet. Yes the magnetic system and charging mechanism are awesome and very Apple-like (the old Apple that designed products to JUST WORK and perform so well it was almost magic). Yes the pitch is great - no your enter key is not identical to a laptop but you can get used to it (and I am not a great typist).
The real thing that makes a difference tho? Funny enough its that dang hinge. The ability to customize the angle of your screen is HUGE. Don't underestimate the difference 5 degrees makes when you are on your lap, then on an aircraft seat table, then at a restaurant - every bit is welcome and makes the experience BETTER.
So would I recommend the keyboard? If you are ponying up for this tablet (and lets be honest there are number of good alternatives at less cost), and you intend to do any amount of typing, do not think twice - buy the keyboard at the same time - you won't regret it.
Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't doubt that the keyboard is high-quality, but that wasn't my concern. I already have very good BT keyboards and I don't mind not having the hinge. As far as I can tell, this keyboard doesn't have a home key? Does it have a "recents" key, or do you just Alt+Tab like on any other one? Right away I can see that since there's no right Alt I couldn't use US Int'l layout for Spanish characters very comfortably (imagine having to use only left Shift for caps). I would still have to use External Keyboard Helper I guess.
I think I'm in a similar situation as davedigerati. I used a Nexus 10 with a bluetooth keyboard for years previously. It was a very similar experience. At times, I'd get ddoouubbllee keys, but nothing major. Everyone can complain about the Android ecosystem, but I actually enjoy using Android w/ a keyboard (and a mouse!).
...but this keyboard 'feels' better. I'm not talking about the key action or even typing experience. The hinge and magnets makes it feel like a laptop. When I used my Nexus, I'd throw it in the laptop pouch of my backpack. My keyboard would go in the main section. With the Pixel C, it's much more like a laptop.
davedigerati said:
It's worth every penny...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I really like the keyboard, I'm not really sure I'm ready to say it's worth every penny. This thing was expensive! I generally have no use for backlit keyboards; the keys have all been in the same location for years....but since they've messed with some of the keys, it may have been useful. I'd take 1 month of battery life in exchange for backlit keys and some way to know the battery status.
The lack of some character keys is quite annoying. I mean, I guess I'll get used to pressing [...] + [shift] +[o] for a bracket (that took much longer to type than I'd like to admit), but it's not optimal. I'd also really appreciate a delete key or the ability to make [...] + [backspace] = delete.
Considering you can buy a nice, portable BT keyboard for around $30 and you could probably get a nice case for around $30; I'd say the Pixel C keyboard is at least worth $100. I mean, you're getting a solid keyboard that you don't have to worry about charging (ever), a ridiculously awesome magnetic hinge that functions as the best tablet stand I've ever seen, and protection for the tablet itself. It provides a nice, compact method to take both devices with you. Maybe the other $50 is covered by the aesthetics? So conflicted...
Android doesn't display the virtual "touch keyboard" when a hardware keyboard is detected and because of that, what's unique with the Pixel C keyboard is that the OS "knows" when to activate the hardware keyboard and not, depending on its position relatively to the tablet.
kgersen said:
Android doesn't display the virtual "touch keyboard" when a hardware keyboard is detected and because of that, what's unique with the Pixel C keyboard is that the OS "knows" when to activate the hardware keyboard and not, depending on its position relatively to the tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean if it's attached or not? Any BT keyboard will do the same when it's connected or disconnected. Android will activate the soft keys when the BT keyboard is no longer connected. For instance, with the Microsoft Foldable keyboard, I fold it, and Android enables the soft keys. I open it, and they get disabled. There is also a toggle to enable soft keys with the BT keyboard connected if you want.
andy o said:
You mean if it's attached or not? Any BT keyboard will do the same when it's connected or disconnected. Android will activate the soft keys when the BT keyboard is no longer connected. For instance, with the Microsoft Foldable keyboard, I fold it, and Android enables the soft keys. I open it, and they get disabled. There is also a toggle to enable soft keys with the BT keyboard connected if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you take the tablet and move away from a BT keyboard while staying in BT range the OS doesn't switch to soft keys.
if you move the Pixel kb under it or away from it even a few centimeters the OS switches to soft keys. There is a positioning involved. That's just what I meant.
But I agree it's a minor feature.
Main advantage of this keyboard is the mechanicals - I find it so much nicer to use than my N9 from a holding or desktop position.

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