With apologies for raising what is probably a hoary old chestnut by now, but I’m struggling to find a review online that covers my use case.
I would like to use a physical keyboard + iPad combination that will work with it on my knees - not on a table. I’m forced to carry a work laptop around, rather than my writing kit, so I’m looking for something that won’t take up too much space in my bag.
All the reviews of likely suspects (Logitech ultrathin / Apple keyboard + Origami / Folio) all seem to assume you’re going to use it on a desk, so you have space to prop the iPad up and aren’t going to drop it the first time the train hits a leaf…
(I’d be happy to look at an analogue alternative (ie writing in pen on a pad) if anyone can point me at a workflow / software that can accurately convert that to text - my writing isn’t hugely neat…)
Sounds to me like you really want a laptop and a bigger bag
If you have the cash, MBAs on the Apple side or Sony Z series on the Win side are pretty tiny. Both allow you to be much much more awesome than an iPad.
Infact, I’d suspect that, as long as you buy it new in the shops today, the weediest cheapest netbook you can find will probably be cheaper and more powerful than your ipad, and probably similarly sized once you factor in your keyboard.
Not necessarily. For example, I used my iPad earlier this week to write an agreement together with a client that we then both signed on the screen. I was able to do this with the iPad on my lap without the “wall” of a laptop screen between us. In my line of work, this is very important (I know of some psychologists who use laptops in session, but always on a desk - I don’t like this set-up as it means turning away from the client).
Also, I have my iPad with me far more than a laptop (even if I had a groovy ultra-sexy MBA, I wouldn’t carry it with me everywhere my iPad travels). I’m starting to find that I take digital notes where previously I made handwritten ones. Note that I don’t use an external keyboard and do not intend to start.
Of course, monkquixote may have different requirements, so an MBA (or, gasp, a Windows machine) may suit his/her/their needs.
While I can’t give you a recommendation, I can help you rule out one. The Origami, while still a pretty cool case, isn’t stable when typing on your lap.
While the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard is very safe to use in your lap, those magnets holding it in are so strong that you can lift the iPad up shake it and it won’t come loose from the keyboard, as a case though it is terrible. The hinge is ill designed and those magnets are weak, when together and carrying it you can push your thumb across the top and the two pieces will dislodge, also it cannot be folded back. For a keyboard it is great, as a case forget it. The back of the iPad is not protected and what is the worst thing in my opinion is how beautiful it looks when closed. Oh, the magnets may turn it off and on when you open and close it but when closed there is nothing holding it shut but gravity. I’ll admit that I have one but only use it in the house.
Don’t disagree with you Nommibold; there are several instances where the iPad makes for an excellent solution. In suggesting an alternative, I was keying in this case on a couple of indicators from the poster:
“while commuti” - I assumed this was short for “while commuting” and that psychologists rarely hold sessions with clients on busy trains.
“I would like to use a physical keyboard” - I assumed this meant the poster would like to use a physical keyboard.
“that will work with it on my knees - not on a table” - I assumed this meant the poster values stability of connection between the keyboard and the screen, and a center of gravity firmly weighted towards the keyboard instead of the screen.
Basically, the poster wanted something to use on top of theirlap. A laptop sprung to mind for some reason, especially given their relative flexibility and power.
I’d also like to point out that I included a smiley face ( ) in my post, which as we all know is the universal symbol for “I’m being flippant”.
Thanks guys. I did observe someone doing just what I want to do yesterday - iPad & keyboard on lap, with the older Logitech (tray) keyboard - they’d simply ‘stabilised’ their lap by using their back. And possibly shaved their thighs. I digress.
As it happens, I didn’t see them use the keyboard once.
I guess a netbook would make more sense. An MBA is out (I’ve just bought an MBP as I needed a little extra grunt, a network port etc, - I now need to make a similar stop-faffing-about decision about an external monitor as I’m used to a 21" iMac, so the jump to a 24" or 27" Dell Ultrasharp is causing me consumer paralysis, as I have no idea if I want the extra screenspace).
I’ll have a look at the analogue > digital workflow. I’ve always admired writers that draft longhand first. I guess I’ve spent so long using computers to write that I’m more used to what I call collage writing - flitting about in a doc editing as I go. But for portability you still can’t beat paper and pencil.
It’s too bad the MBA is out for you. I sold my iPad and bought a MBA instead. I was constantly hooking up the bluetooth keyboard for writing, so I figured the MBA would be a better choice. I couldn’t love it more. It’s almost the same weight and dimensions as the iPad, and I use it while commuting by train often.
If I didn’t have to do other stuff, it would have been an MBA, no question. I guess I’m not really addressing my requirements unless I get one, possibly refurb. After all, the only thing I want any eletrickery device for is to run Scriv and capture my input via a physical keyboard.
I’m hopeless at consumer decisions. I need to shop like certain other people in my household. This is what I want, therefore I will get it. I will not agonise over all the possible scenarios in which I will use/wear/eat/drink/dance with/travel said item and end up with some compromise that bugs me for the rest of the lifecycle of said product/garment/lunch. I will simply enjoy for what it is.
Sigh. Oh, and go on, it’s Friday, I’ll have another one. Sigh
I think that getting a keyboard for your iPad is a good idea, better than a laptop, and that reason being that Scrivener for the iPad is under development. When that becomes a reality is everyone going to ignore it? I don’t believe so. Find a keyboard, buy a keyboard, and get ready.
I’m tempted to take a contrary view and be smart but (a) my heart isn’t in it (you got me with “Nommibold”) and (b) I’m not that smart.
P.S. You might be surprised where psychologists work with their clients. The problem with busy trains though is it’s hard to get a seat to be able to use your lap…
monkquixote: Why don’t you try some of the iPad note apps, both handwriting recognition and (onscreen) keyboard entry? Some of the modified keyboards are actually very good (see Notability, iA Writer and WriteRoom for excellent examples). Even buying all of them to trial will cost less than an iPad keyboard. And a combined keyboard/iPad case will cost less than Windows netbook which will cost less than a MacBook Air. But if you’re going to buy a laptop, you may as well get one you like, is reliable, and will use the same software as your MBP…
I always thought that I would buy a keyboard when I finally got an iPad, but now that I have one (great birthday present!), I find that I dont miss a separate keyboard nearly as much as I thought - especially when using apps like those named above.
I do find myself carrying a stylus around and making handwritten notes more than I thought, but have not yet committed to a text conversion app.
I’m typing this on my iPad using a Typi from Ipevo. It’s a suede-like case for the iPad that magnetically holds a very thin, bluetooth keyboard. The case acts as a stand for the iPad. It is designed to function best while on a desk, but if I keep my knees together, I can type reasonably well with it on my lap. Hope this helps.
I’m currently typing this on an Incase Origami Workstation and Apple BT Keyboard and iPad (no case) - on my lap. It seems fine. It also works great for typing outside in a zero-gravity chair…ahh. And it cost less than half of even the most basic MBA. Not that I’m not lusting after one of those, but I actually like the flexibility of the iPad for post-work surfing and its tiny form factor in general.
I tried the Logitech Ultrathin but knew that long term I would not be happy typing on the keyboard. I am very used to the Apple chiclet keyboar and type 100-120wpm and am not interested in readjusting to smaller keys. I found I was mistyping a lot. I also didn’t like the angle; it was too vertical for me, and it wasn’t terribly stable on my lap.
Another option is to use the Apple keyboard naked and this nifty beanbag case to hold the iPad stable behind it. I pop the iPad into this case when I’m not typing, and I’ve wondered whether I need the Origami Workstation at all. However, it’s a bit bulky when traveling, and you might not want to commute with something that bulky. I am keeping the Origami as I figure it protects the keyboard in my bag and I will use it when traveling. It also adds a bit more stability to the keyboard when typing in your lap. I pretty much exclusively type and use the iPad while on a couch or reclining chair.
Bodymama…I know that’s not quite right, but it sounds dead kinky …you obviously haven’t a bulls notion apropos the Scrivener cesspit/quagmire you’ve just jumped into, otherwise you wouldn’t be offering an apology. Most of the weirdos that frequent these forums, wouldn’t know an apology if it was tattooed on the inside of their eyelids.
Welcome aboard Scrivenr, mama…and feel free to jump in and out whenever the urge grabs y’.
Take care
Vic
I have a Speck case, who’s cover folds around the back to make a prop (like the magnetic Apple one, only without magnets). I use an Apple external wireless keyboard with it in my lap with a simple lapdesk (flat surface with a beany-bag bag sewn on the bottom, nothing fancy). The parts are loose together, but work well. The Speck case is a wrap-around type so I can rest the keyboard against the rim of the case and look down at my lap and see what I’m doing while not taking up too much real estate.
I use a Targus CityGear bag made for 10" netbooks, the iPad in the padded side and the keyboard next to it.
As for apps, I use IA Writer, Notebooks, or Pages.
Only downside I have is that the keyboard occationally turns itseld on and I can hear something playing from my bag. Oh well… The voices in my head don’t usually mind.
A little late to the party, but I have two more suggestions:
A LiveScribe pen - though if your handwriting is iffy and/or you’re not used to writing longhand, you may not get much mileage out of it. I’m finding mine invaluable for searchable plot notes, though.
An Alphasmart, if all you want to do is typing plain text, not editing or formatting. They’re light, as robust as hell, with an awesome battery life and cheap too. I used to use one on the bus to work, which necessarily meant on my lap.
) in my post, which as we all know is the universal symbol for “I’m being flippant”.
…you obviously haven’t a bulls notion apropos the Scrivener cesspit/quagmire you’ve just jumped into, otherwise you wouldn’t be offering an apology. Most of the weirdos that frequent these forums, wouldn’t know an apology if it was tattooed on the inside of their eyelids.