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.
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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
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
Related
Wondering what people do for a case for the keyboard. When you go places do you just carry the keybaord open like that?
I just got it and love it. Just wondering what you all do.
Thinking about having my grandma knit something for it...
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
Are you folks useing the Wireless Keyboard for ATRIX™ / XOOM™*? If so how about a review on this keyboard? does it work well with the xoom? and if so why is it a better keyboard for useing with the xoom? THANKS!
Apparently I like warming up old, cold threads
I am also thinking about the "official" Motorola BT keyboard. I played with it for a few minutes in the Verizon store and I liked it (minus the price tag). I was wondering if it has any option to be charged or connected to a power source in any way or if it runs on batteries exclusively. My ultimate goal is to design my own portfolio that I can use with the keyboard.
I have the Motorola ARTIX / XOOM bluetooth keyboard. I really like it. It comes in handy when you need to type out a long email. I really like the shortcut buttons, it has them for Gmail, Browser, Contacts, Messaging (doesn't work on the XOOM), Search, Home, Menu and Music. It also has volume controls, stop, play and track forward / back buttons. It is a little laggy, but I figure that's just because it's bluetooth. It takes 2 AA batteries, and I don't think that you can use anything else, no place to plug in a charger or anything. The more I use it the more I like it actually. The hard part is shelling out $70 for it.
i have the keyboard. The only lag I expierence is when typing on forums. For email and talk it is very capable. Also very light and compact. Would purchase again. I could do up a review when I get home.
A review would be much appreciated the two things stopping me from buying it are 1. How portable it is and 2. If its worth the price tag
I owned and returned it.
portability was decent, largeish as far as BT keyboards go but nothing major.
price is more than double other similar keyboards, but it has the dedicated keys, which you might like
quality I found to be on the cheapish side, given the premium price.
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
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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Thanks for the advice! I'm going to try these items out. Does an actual arrow pop up once a bluetooth mouse connects?
I just bought the Motorola Bluetooth Keyboard at Best Buy. It paired easily with my GT 10.1. I did some test typing and so far it seems to work just fine. I detect no delay in keyboard response, even when the keyboard goes into sleep mode.
The Android specific keys (back, home, search, menu) work well. One oddity is that the keyboard has an "End" key, but no "Home" key for moving the cursor. However, you can use Alt-Left for Home and Alt-Right for End. Alt-Up goes to the top of the page and Alt-Down to the bottom.
There is one key that I haven't figured out yet. It is to the left of the "End" key, in the top row. The symbol is three horizontal lines. Anyone have a clue?
The keyboard feels like it has a bit too much resistance when typing. Comparing it to the full size keyboard that I'm using now on my PC, it probably is no worse than this keyboard. I guess it just feels that way because the Motorola has chicklet keys, which don't have as much travel as a full size keyboard. I'm sure I'll get used to it.
Speaking of full size keyboards, the Motorola looks like it has the same spacing as a full size keyboard, not the smaller spacing that most netbooks have.
The keyboard feels solid and does not flex when typing. Between the rubber feet and the weight of the batteries, this thing doesn't slide around the table.
I also looked at the Logitech Bluetooth keyboard (same price). I decided on the Motorola because it has a separate row of function keys above the numbers.
You get no stand with the Motorola. This isn't an issue with me, as I have the Samsung cover, which doubles as a stand. The Motorola comes with two AA Duracell alkalines.
I have a cheap padded zipper case that is made for a 10 inch netbook. The keyboard does fit into this, but is a snug fit. I can carry both the keyboard and the GT in this padded case.
I probably wouldn't have gotten a Bluetooth keyboard yet, but I had a $50 gift card. I actually went to BB to get the USB dongle, but they couldn't find them. The computer showed stock, but they were nowhere to be found.
I am pleased with my purchase. The keyboard is well made and works great. BTW, it is a Bluetooth HID profile device, so it should work with non-Android devices as well.
They had this keyboard on sale for $48 from 12 midnight to 8 am this past Wednesday on BestBuy's website.
I wish I would have gotten it. I am getting better at using the on-screen keyboard, so I wonder if I would have used the physical keyboard as much.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
The key you're referring to is the equivalent of tapping the menu button on your Android device.
BTW: I've had problems pairing this with a Samsung Galaxy SII running stock v2.3.5 firmware. Even when activating the HID device mode by holding down the V, A, and R keys while powering on doesn't help. I tried another SII with older firmware and that worked fine. A passkey would come up which you could then respond to. Something like that happens in the newer version, but it disappears in a flash giving no chance to react. I'm hoping the upcoming ICS update will sort this out.
*Typed on my Moto BT keyboard via a PC.
You guys have seen that it's on sale for $25 on icemonkey right now, right?
Review: Rapoo E6500 bluetooth keyboard (written in Polaris Office w/E6500)
Ordered the Rapoo E6500 from eBay (seller name by request)(am not affiliated with the seller). Shipment tracking showed 2 days from Shenzen to San Francisco, then 4 more days to the Los Angeles area. Total cost was ~$50USD
Packaging was great, envelope was a watertight bubblewrap coccoon inside of which was another plastic bag around the boxed keyboard.
Pictures:
Bubble wrap: db.tt/10NloTOJ
Bag: db.tt/PDYz82QF
Box: db.tt/2ZFGBvD2
Keyboard: db.tt/NntCV3vS
Inside the box: the keyboard, a USB mini B cable and a manual.
The keyboard had just enough charge to pair - easy process although initially I missed that ENTER is required after the pairing code. I blame old eyes.
This version of the Rapoo is designed for Android in that the top row of keys (which double as Function keys) are hard-wired to: Home, Back, Search, Web, email, Rewind, Play/Pause, Fast Forward, Mute, Decrease Volume, Increase Volume, and finally, Lock.
At the bottom near the space bar is a Menu key which brings up the application menu.
I haven't figured out what the actual Function keys do or how to program them. In addition to F1-F12 there are FnPgUp, FnPgDn, Fn-Home, and FnEnd, all of which are handy to have.
Key action is good, F and J are embossed so touch typists can find them. Not being one of those I find myself adapting pretty well to the smaller layout but accuracy is not yet what I want.
Some quirks:
Del is right above Backspace but I don't find myself missing either often. Certainly hitting backspace a fair amount right now!
There is a Windows key; doesn't seem to do anything here.
The apostrophe and bracket keys are at the bottom right - I have to look to find them.
The unit is a sturdy steel tray with the logic board and battery bonded to the bottom back, giving it a wedge shape. The bottom front edge has little rubber feet. It has a power switch on the bottom and a physical connect button. So far it has auto-connected for me and so I haven't needed the connect button.
Best Feature: Build quality
Worst: CAPS LOCK - same gripe with every keyboard. Don't want it at all, especially doesn't need to be one of the biggest keys.
Will update with battery life information as it's learned.
Thanks for your review.
I almost purchased the E6300 for my Note (E6300 is the Apple iOS version), and luckily I found your review.
My only concern with the keyboard is that is it too small?
The last keyboard I had for a portable was a Sony PEGA-KB100 for Clie. It was about 240mm wide when open. I felt it was an excellent design with scissor key action and the key to key pitch was just right for my hands.
Could you measure the letter key sizes, and the approximate pitch from key to key?
Do you know if the key switch actions are scissors design?
Keith
Which version of Android are you using it with?
I have purchased the E6300 to use with my Nexus 7 (Android 4.1.2 stock) but I have to re-pair it every time i want to use it.
If I turn it off and then a bit later on again it connects just fine, but no key on the keyboard works.
I have this same problem on my Nexus 7 and my Droid 4 running 4.0.x
I have read reports from other people saying the keyboard used to work with Android 2.3 but having the same problem after upgrading to 4.x.
If you can confirm this keyboard works with android 4.x I will get mine exchanged.
I have also Nexus 7 and E6300. Disconnect problems drive me nut!!! Should I exchange it to E6500? I just want to be sure that E6500 has no problem...
Regards.
skd said:
I have also Nexus 7 and E6300. Disconnect problems drive me nut!!! Should I exchange it to E6500? I just want to be sure that E6500 has no problem...
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got myself an E6500 and it works like a charm.
The keys tend to 'stick' if I have bluetooth mouse paired at the same time (e.g. pressing 's' results in 'ssssssssssssssssssss'), but this is more related to the Nexus 7 as it gets better or worse when switching between different kernels.
Ok many thanks. I have sold my E6300 and bought an E6500 from ebay
(I'm using lingo wireless usb mouse. I have heard problems about two bluetooth devices...)
Regards.
Hi Guys!
I've been wanting to get a decent wireless keyboard and mouse to use on my S3.
I've seen the cheap mini ones with a mouse pad on ebay, but I'd be after a proper mouse and a real enough sized keyboard to type with.
Has anyone tested the Apple bluetooth keyboard and the magic mouse? I see those as beneficial for transportation, flatter and easier to store away. Minus the price of course
I've seen that a few like Toshiba, Samsung, Motorola have done their own portable keyboards for such uses, but very few seem to have bluetooth mice any more which can be paired.
So, your ideas, XDA?
Pretty much after posting this I hopped on ebay and looked around. There were some cheap Motorola Atrix Work and Play Kits going, so I ordered one, not really caring about the dock it comes with. Arrived this morning.
The box was pretty heavy. The dock actually feels very solid and high quality, shame you cant use it here... unless I break one of the connectors off leaving just the micro usb........ tempting. But then it's still a bit oversized.
Onto the keyboard. Very solid, good feel with the keys, standard laptop size. Function keys for app shortcuts don't work (although they register a sound on the phone), but the media keys do. play/pause, stop, skip, volume up/down mute. Search (opens google now) menu key, home key, back key. Seems to be able to wake my phone and unlock it too
My only issue is it seems to be similar to the american keyboard layout. A couple of keys are different though, so it maybe some european country's standard.
The mouse I am pleased with. It's standard size for a mini-mouse, again feels solid. All buttons and scrolling work fine.
Now to try and make it work with various FPS games. I may have read in a few places that it's possible.
Kurai Kitsune said:
Function keys for app shortcuts don't work (although they register a sound on the phone)
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If you have root go into /system/usr/keylayout/ and mod the text files, you should be able to assign them to anything as long as you know what code you want them to open, take a look at the atrix files to see what they were generating
Sent from my GT-I9300T using xda app-developers app