I really dig this hardware keyboard for long text entry, such as writing blog posts or other long compositions. The sturdy shape is also great - it makes a great way to stand the iPad up in portrait orientation even if you're not going to use the keyboard itself. But I wish the keyboard could be collapsed down to a flat shape. It's a really awkward shape and size for travel. Ultimately, though, if you want to do serious writing on an iPad, a keyboard is the way to go - and this one is affordable, sturdy and handsome.

armchairdj

Chicago, IL

I really like the Apple iPad keyboard dock. I kept it in my office or in a permanent location to connect the iPad to when i arrive. This things is not portable. In other words, don't expect to use it when you are out on the go, it defeats the purpose of having the iPad. Having said that, I do like the keyboard. However, I have had the iPad for about 8 months now and I cannot say I have actually used the keyboard a lot. It is an expensive addition to the iPad. If your company purchases it for you like mine did, get it. If you are spending your own money, you can do without it. But is nice to have if you have the extra money. It features a full keyboard where the iPad sits in portrait style on the keyboard. Please be aware that you cannot use the case that comes with the iPad with the keyboard dock, only the ipad with no protection. The charging cord goes into the back of the keyboard dock. But you can use the dock without charging the iPad.

docdst

35294

**Bottom-Line**: Overall I like the ***Apple iPad Keyboard Dock***; it's small, stylish, functional, full-featured and highly versatile. The ***Apple iPad Keyboard Dock*** combines a (all white on silver) semi-full-size keyboard, which includes special keys that activate iPad features with a dock for charging the iPad. The rear of the dock contains a 30-pin connector, which lets you connect it to an electrical outlet using the USB Power Adapter that shipped with your iPad, thereby charging the tablet. This same connector also allows you to sync to your computer, and use accessories like the *iPad Camera Connection Kit *and the* iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter* (both sold separately). A standard 3mm audio jack to the right of the 30-pin connector allows you to connect to a stereo, headphones, or powered speakers. I like the feel of the keys; they are soft, yet solid and responsive, and very easy to read. The ***Apple iPad Keyboard Dock*** weighs next to nothing and is compact enough to tot with me when I go into the field with my iPad. Granted the unit is awkwardly designed so it will not fit into a standard iPad case, but it can be managed with a larger bag and a little imagination. There are no batteries to load, and of course the iPad recognizes the keyboard with having to install additional software. One glaring issue: When using the line-out you will lose the ability to adjust volume on the iPad, either via the volume rocker or via the hotkeys on the keyboard, you can't adjust volume! Huh!? The volume defaults to a very loud four bars and anything more you have to adjust on the attached speakers; headphone users you are out of luck unless the set includes a volume control knob or slider. You can still mute audio however. Another issue: you cannot flip the iPad to the horizontal position while using the ***Apple iPad Keyboard Dock.*** This is inconvenient and in my mind cuts my productivity in half. To me this is a grievous oversight in the iPad's design. Another issue: you cannot use the ***Apple iPad Keyboard Dock*** because the case material protrudes out over the dock port too much to make a connection. You can however plug in the 10W power adapter and proprietary USB cable. On an up note, I am more productive using the ***Apple iPad Keyboard Dock***** **than I am using the on-screen keyboard because it large enough to feel comfortable typing at full tilt without making serious mistakes. Those used to the numeric keypad will need to apply elsewhere fore there isn't one attached to this keyboard. **My Viewpoint** Overall I like the ***Apple iPad Keyboard Dock***; it's small, stylish, functional, full-featured and highly versatile. The only other downside is the rather steep cost, but hey it's an Apple product, the moniker has come to stand for simplicity and ease of use as well excellence and for that we all pay a premium.

TheBard

Aurora, IL

Apple announced this keyboard dock when they unveiled the iPad and I have to say that this product is very useful at home when I need to type essays for school, emails, notes, and surfing the web. I purchased this dock for sixty-nine ninety nine plus tax; this is not that bad of a price for an accessory from apple. The only items inside the packaging are the keyboard dock itself, a quick start guide, and the basic apple warranty information booklets. The design of the dock is very good. The dock part has a higher back to it than the iPad dock so your iPad does not wobble as much as it does on the iPad dock without the keyboard. Also, the key board is very nice looking. It matches the silver of the iPad itself. The keyboard itself has different keys than the wireless/bluetooth key board. It has a home button key, a spotlight search bar key, music control keys like play/pause and "Next Song, and a lock key that you can press to lock and then press again to return to the screen that you were previously on without having to do the whole "Slide to Unlock" thing. The reason I gave this item four stars is because it is not very portable. The product does not fit very well in a laptop bag or back pack because of the dock part sticking up; however it is still a great product to use at home. Therefore, I definitely recommend purchasing this product as an accessory for your iPad. 

zackdavidson30

Marietta, GA

I love my apple iPad Keyboard Dock.  on the pro side it is easy to  use and  it does increase functionality.  Set up was a breeze.   I always have my iPad connected to the dock to keep my iPad battery charged.   The Apple iPad Keyboard makes typing in Simplenotes, Pages, Numbers, and Keynotes so much quicker and easier than using the onscreen keyboard on the iPad.  The only con i have is that when my iPad is connected to the iPad Keyboard Dock the iPad is in portrait mode.   I wish there was a way to be able to tilt or have the iPad still connected to the Apple iPad Keyboard Dock in landscape mode.   I mean the connector below the home button on the iPad.  It would be nice if there was a second similar connector on one of the long sides of the ipad, 90 degrees either way from where the  connector is now.

JohnPozega

Groton, CT

I purchased the iPad keyboard dock the same day I got the iPad and it is so helpful.  I use the iPad for my mobile internet browsing, taking notes in classes, email, and blogging.  It would be nearly impossible to do any long term typing on the iPad without the keyboard dock. It makes it really easy to type quickly and it is small enough to fit in my purse.  I also use it to prop up the iPad, since it fits on the dock upright, when I'm watching TV or videos on it.  It types easily and quietly.  While it does feel expensive to buy along with an iPad that already costs so much, it really does increase the functionality of the iPad.  The only thing I don't like about it is that has a slightly awkward shape (where the iPad propping part is) so that it doesn't fit as snugly in my bags as I prefer.   Even with that, I still couldn't live without it.  If you plan to do any real typing on the iPad, it is a must.

ctl1420

Pasadena, MD