Now that you have your iPad protected, you can get it all set up and working and start using it to surf the internet, play games or zoom around the world on Google Maps. If you want to do more than just basic typing on the iPad, you may want to grab yourself an external bluetooth keyboard, which will make the job easier and faster. I wonder how long it will be until we get RSI claims from the finger joint jarring high impact of typing on a flat, non-resistant screen rather than a nice keyboard?
There are a few options available to you if you want to use an external keyboard with your iPad. Firstly, there is the iPad Keyboard Dock, which will allow you to secure the iPad in portrait mode and have it connected directly to a standard Apple keyboard. If you are going to be using your new iPad in an office, then this might be the best option as it provides a secure housing and stand too. Shame it does not work in landscape orientation though.
Apple have also produced a special iPad keyboard (available at launch) that is designed to be used with the iPad alone, but just looks like one of their usual keyboards.
The other option is to use a wireless or bluetooth Apple keyboard, the same as you would with any other iMac or Macbook. These keyboards run on batteries, but will give you the most freedom to place your iPad where it is most natural for you. The iPad dock is good, but if you want to put the pad at a different angle, you are scuppered. A bluetooth keyboard and an other 3rd party stand or dock will allow you to do this. Simply pair the keyboard with the iPad and you are free to type in any application such as the Mail client or Pages.
 3 in 1 iPad 2 smart case + Apple White Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard + Stylus Pen $59.95 |