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AIDACASE KeyCase Folio Deluxe for iPad Bluetooth keyboard case review
We were expecting a flood of iPad-oriented Bluetooth keyboards to hit the second Apple announced that its tablet would support them, but it's basically been crickets so far -- except for the AIDACASE KeyCase Folio Deluxe, which we first saw hit the FCC in April and is now finally shipping. But after all the wait, is it actually worth $100 to lug this thing around with your iPad? We've been testing a review unit -- head past the break to find out. Update: The video should be working now (if you were having issues). Sorry about that folks! %Gallery-102620%
AIDACASE brings Keycase Folio Deluxe iPad case to the US
We hope you didn't go to the trouble of importing the Keycase Folio from the UK -- AIDACASE has just announced that it's making the iPad case available in the US in a slightly improved "deluxe" version. That naturally includes the same Bluetooth keyboard as before, but AIDACASE has opted to use a micro USB cable instead of an Apple dock connector for charging the keyboard, and it's added a new magnetic flap to keep the case securely closed. Otherwise, the case looks to be identical to the non-deluxe version, and it's available on Amazon right now for $100. Full press release is after the break.
Found Footage: Kensington Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad
OK, admit it. The multi-touch screen on the iPad is amazing for most of the work that you do, but when you're really trying to type a lot of words quickly, the virtual keyboard sucks. We've seen a few similar keyboard cases demoed over the past few months, but this is the first we can remember from a well-known accessory manufacturer like Kensington. When it begins to ship next month, Kensington's Bluetooth keyboard case for the iPad will cost $99. The case has hotkeys for launching the home screen, searching, and controlling media playback, which will keep you from reaching up to tap the screen while you're working. According to the post on Liliputing, the case comes with a Lithium-ion battery that powers the Bluetooth transceiver for up to 3 months on a charge. Blogger Brad Linder noted that the keys have a "soft, rubbery texture," which sounds regretfully like the infamous PCjr chiclet keyboard. Still, as Linder states, that's still better than the on-screen keyboard for fast typing. In other iPad keyboard news, AIDACASE is reporting that their very similar Keycase Folio Deluxe for iPad is now shipping. The $99.99 case looks strikingly identical to the Kensington case, is charged through a Micro-B USB connector, and now has a magnetic flap to keep the folio closed when on the move. For this blogger, I'd rather spend $69 and get an Apple Wireless Keyboard if high-speed typing on an iPad becomes a necessity. [via übergizmo]
KeyCase iPad Folio packs a Bluetooth keyboard, scores FCC approval
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/KeyCase_iPad_Folio_packs_a_Bluetooth_keyboard'; It's not the laptop-style ClamCase iPad case that we saw renders of way back in May, but this so-called KeyCase iPad Folio does manage to do a similar trick, and it's thankfully very much real -- it's just landed FCC approval and is already listed at one online retailer (though it's out of stock). The big selling point here, of course, is a Bluetooth keyboard that fits in the case and props up your iPad while in use, which can also be removed whenever you're looking to lighten the load a little. Unfortunately, there's still no official word on a widespread release for the case, but UK retailer GearZap has it listed at £60, or just over $90.
EFO rolls out credit card-sized iPazzPort mini Bluetooth keyboard
EFO may not have quite reached Brando levels low-cost gadget fame, but it did manage to catch our attention recently with its HTPC-friendly iPazzPort keyboard, and it's now back with another interesting little device: the iPazzPort mini Bluetooth keyboard. As you can see, this one is simply a tiny Bluetooth keyboard, which EFO says is "tailor-made for handheld devices" and, of course, perfect for use with the iPhone or iPad. It's also reasonably cheap -- just $32 -- and it would seemingly be a good starting point for DIY-minded individuals looking to build, say, an iPhone case with a built-in keyboard. Head on past the break for a quick a video, and another shot of the keyboard sized up against an iPhone.
Dell Streak gets cozy with Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, suddenly looks small (video)
Look what we have here? The Dell Streak sure keeps bringing us more and more surprises -- unlike most Android devices that lack the Bluetooth HID profile, here it is paired up with our wireless keyboard and mouse (Apple's Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse, specifically) without any driver hacks. Streak Smart, who made this discovery, had the same experience as us with its iGo Stowaway keyboard and an unknown mouse -- typing was as smooth as cutting butter with a hot knife, but the mouse couldn't do much due to the lack of pointer and scrolling support. If you insist, the forthcoming Nokia N8 is confirmed to support both devices natively, but it shouldn't be long before we see a mouse hack for the green bot. Hands-on video after the break, and do also head over to the source link if you need more convincing. P.S. -- Since commenter dudeville was asking, here's how to pair the Apple keyboard with the Streak: type a four-digit PIN on the phone when prompted, then type the same number on the keyboard and press the enter key. Good luck!
Nokia N8 meets Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, has a good time (video)
No, we're not revealing some great hidden feature here -- Nokias have been able to pair with Bluetooth devices since pretty much forever -- but throw a complete set of desktop implements together with the Finnish company's greatest new phone, and sparks of interest do fly. In this case, a pair of keen fellas have hooked a portable keyboard and a Logitech mouse up to the N8 and had some fun videotaping their exploits. If you're thinking this would make a pretty killer combination with the N8 plugged into an HDTV, well... you'd be right. Catch the video after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Nokia completes its N8 video tour with media player and HDMI demo
You've seen parts uno and due already no doubt, so let's dive straight into the third and final installment of Nokia's N8 overview. Today we are treated to the Symbian^3 media player, which continues to closely resemble Apple's Cover Flow, but we're sure the companies will work it out between themselves. That cover-centric interface gets tugged around a few times to show the phone can handle it without lag, and we also get to see a repeat visit from our friend Mr. Long Press, which functions as a mobile version of a right-click by popping up a menu of contextual options. The video continues into a look at the HDMI connectivity and points out that the N8 will be compatible with Bluetooth keyboards -- you know, if you're in the mood for an Espoo-approved version of Google TV. See the whole thing after the break. [Thanks, Hythem]
Taiji sneaks a Bluetooth keyboard in and out of its tablet prototype, reminds us of our drug mule days
Just kidding, we were never drug mules. Still, we once watched a film that mentioned drug mules, and boy does this Taiji tablet prototype remind us of that formative experience. Taiji is bringing this 10-inch tablet to Computex (which starts tomorrow), with a VIA C7 M processor and 1GB of RAM under the hood, which looks relatively uninspired until you flip it around and discover the pop-off keyboard around back. The tablet even has its own stand, converting from a slate form to a rather amenable "desktop" computer with no trouble. Sure, you might end up with a thinner tablet if you just buy a keyboard free model and toss a Bluetooth keyboard in your bag with it, but we've gotta hand it to Taiji for ingenuity. Check out a quick demo of it after the break.
Switched On: Stowaway from the PDA era
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. Their screens lacked color and their apps lacked Internet access, but one thing the PDAs of yore had in common with the smartphones of today was text input that couldn't compare to a full-sized keyboard. The challenge, of course, is that full-sized keyboards generally aren't very good traveling companions for pocket-sized devices. In 2000, a startup called ThinkOutside addressed the issue with the first Stowaway keyboard, an ingeniously designed folding keyboard that used the dock connector of Palm PDAs to create a touch-typing experience that fit in your pocket. (Stowaway designer Phil Baker is the author of the book From Concept to Consumer, which explains how ideas become products that get built overseas and ultimately sold back here). ThinkOutside went on to create versions for PocketPCs, infrared (to accommodate incompatible dock connector standards) connections, and then finally Bluetooth. The company was eventually purchased by accessory maker Mobility Electronics, which renamed itself iGo after its flagship power adapter product, and eventually cancelled the Stowaway. At the time, PDA sales were sinking and relatively few handsets supported Bluetooth; most of those that did supported only the profiles needed for headsets and speakerphones, not keyboard input.
ClamCase iPad case magically turns your tablet into a laptop
The second we heard the iPad had Bluetooth keyboard support we knew we'd see a laptop-style case emerge, and here we are, watching a rendered product video for the ClamCase, which triples as case, a stand, and a keyboard. Sure, we have our doubts that the Iron Man 2 footage and AC/DC track being used were properly licensed and the product isn't actually real, but we've got a feeling iPad keyboard cases are going to be the playground for accessory manufacturers -- and the trend is just going to intensify when OS 4.0 brings keyboard support to the iPhone. We'll be honest, we can't wait to see what happens when some of these companies let their freak-flags fly -- check the ClamCase video and PR after the break. Update: New video after the break -- one that's decidedly less Shoot to Thrill. %Gallery-92406%
iPad LapDock asks why you'd ever need a laptop, we can think of a few answers (video)
Don't act like you haven't thought about it, every slate device is just begging for the perfect keyboard accessory that can also function as a hard case. Some industrious souls have gotten on the case of building just such a contraption for the iPad, titled it the LapDock, and given it no lesser a goal than to completely obviate the need for laptops. Shh, no need to ruin their halcyonic existence with talk of the added connectivity, functionality, and versatility of laptops, just let it slide. As to the current state of affairs, well, the LapDock looks like a nicely carved wooden case with room for your iPad and Apple Bluetooth keyboard and that's about it. Not the highest of high-tech implementations, but it's still at the, ahem, prototype stage. Go after the break to see if it catches your fancy.
My ridiculously convenient iPad set-up
What happens when an object in motion meets an immovable object? Let me put that another way. Instead of "object in motion," think: "girl skiing." Instead of "immovable object," think "tree." The outcome? A big old "OUCH!", a number of broken bones, and quite a bit of time to be spent at the hospital. Enter geek mom and an iPad. Speaking from (recent) experience, if you're going to get caught up at a hospital for hours and hours on end, with limited access to your home and office, you're not going to do much better than to bring along a few toys like the ones I have with me today. Let me back up a moment. This morning, my laptop died. I'll get around to fixing it but when you're running to the hospital to make sure that you're there at the time you promised, and you were up until 2 the night before, and the laptop is dead, it's time to consider going commando with an iPad. Sure, you'll feel exposed and helpless. The comfort of a normal desktop unit cannot be matched by an iPad's apparently limited abilities. Yet, I totally lucked out today. Between my iPad, wireless Apple Bluetooth keyboard, and a few other strategic goodies, I am actually able to get a little work done today between medical and Xbox consults. (The hospital has a built in Xbox gaming system. Guess who ends up doing IT support for the daughter and running back and forth to the volunteer library to pick out game titles?)
Found Footage: How to connect an iPad to your existing wireless keyboard
Along with Erica Sadun, I had some trouble connecting my shining new iPad to an Apple Bluetooth wireless keyboard. Eventually we both got it sorted out, but there are a few things that you do need to know. My problem was that although I could connect easily to an older BT keyboard, I could not pair with the one that came with my new iMac. My solution was found in this video that showed me that I had to totally get my iMac to forget the keyboard before it could be paired to another device. Obvious? Well maybe to many, but not to me. This video by huskermania walks you through it simply and elegantly.
Want to connect your iPhone and Bluetooth keyboard? There's a (jailbroken) app for that (Update: video!)
The wait has been long, but now there's finally a means by which to connect your dear, yet almost buttonless, iPhone or iPod touch to a Bluetooth keyboard for some more intense finger tapping action. The project that delivered us this teasing video back in February has at long last reached the application stage, where simple commoners like us can use it to synergize our gear -- provided we've had the wherewithal to free it from Cupertino's overbearing clutches first. The BTstack Keyboard app is now available in exchange for $5 at the Cydia store, so if you want to be the first to write a bestseller on his or her iDevice, there's no time like the present. Update: We've done the inevitable and had a quick play with the app ourselves. Pairing our iPhone and keyboard was a veritable cinch, and we were met by delightfully rapid responsiveness throughout, whether using it in Safari, composing text missives, or jotting those novella notes down. You should note that command, cut, copy, paste, and highlighting functions are not yet active, and then hurry along past the break to see a video demo.
Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000: the perfect travel keyboard?
Earlier this year, one of our dear readers wrote in asking the collective audience which wireless keyboard was the best out there for their living room. We've since seen all variations of that very inquiry, but the most common one was this: "what's the best wireless keyboard for travel?" As more and more users resort to netbooks for getting things done on the go, more and more users are pulling their hair out as they attempt to bang out this month's sales report on an 85 percent full-size keyboard. A few months back, Microsoft let loose a new Bluetooth 'board that seemed perfect for the weary-eyed jetsetter, and we've been toying with it for the last little while. It's easily one of the thinnest and lightest keyboards we've seen, and the carry-along-or-don't numeric pad is certainly a nice touch. But is this slab of circuitry really what your digits need when typing on the go? Hop on past the break for a few of our impressions. %Gallery-80363%
Ask TUAW: iMac processor upgrade, 27" iMac as display, wireless input devices, and more
Happy holiday, and welcome back to Ask TUAW, our weekly troubleshooting Q&A column. This week we've got questions about upgrading an iMac processor, using the 27" iMac as a display, sharing a Magic Mouse and Bluetooth keyboard with a Linux machine, and more. As always, your suggestions and questions are welcome. Leave your questions for next week in the comments section at the end of this post. When asking a question, please include which machine you're using and what version of Mac OS X is installed on it (we'll assume you're running Snow Leopard on an Intel Mac if you don't specify). And now, on to the questions.
New Apple Bluetooth keyboard and mouse arrive at the FCC
Well, well, what's this? A new Apple Bluetooth keyboard and mouse have arrived at the FCC, and they've got new model numbers of A1314 and A1296 -- the current wireless keyboard is A1255 and the Mighty Mouse is A1197. That's pretty much all we know for now, but these keyboard dimensions are also smaller than the current model, which rules out a return of the numeric keypad -- sorry to dash your hopes, Excel jockeys. Is this the new keyboard rumored to accompany an iMac refresh? We'll have to wait to find out -- but on a similar note, AppleInsider says Steve Jobs himself is leading the development of this new mouse, featuring some kind of multitouch and potentially housed in an aluminum shell. That would certainly explain those multitouch mouse patents we've seen in the past, as well as bring the desktop mousing experience in line with the multitouch action found on the MacBooks -- AI says the new mice somehow enable iPhone-style kinetic scrolling, which would definitely be interesting. So... you want to maybe schedule an event to launch all this stuff, Steve? Update: And... Apple's managed to yank the images out of the FCC filings, which is about as fast as we've ever seen that happen. Update 2: Revised images have been posted, carefully cropped to show only the relevant FCC labeling -- although model numbers remain. This is absolutely the fastest we've ever seen the FCC database change, it's rather impressive. Update 3: AppleInsider's revised their post to say an aluminum mouse is just speculation, so this thing could be plastic after all. Read - Apple Bluetooth keyboard at FCC Read - Apple Bluetooth mouse at FCC Read - AppleInsider post on new mouse
Microsoft's Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000: barely thicker than a stack of hundies
It'd be downright appalling to ever tote around a keyboard that's thicker than your current laptop, and you can bet the suits in Redmond recognize that. To that end, Microsoft has introduced this ultraslim Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000, which is just barely thicker than an AAA battery at the rear. Naturally, the curved board gets even thinner as it slopes toward the front, though it's the optional number pad that really steals the show in terms of cuteness. The BT-only device utilizes a so-called Comfort Curve design to keep your wrists from cramping up after a few lines of text, and if you're interested in claiming one as your own, get ready to shell out $89.95 when it ships next month. Oh, and as for that number pad? $44.95. Yeah, ouch. [Via HotHardware]
LG's LBA-C300 Bluetooth 'QWERTY Card' is the best calculator look-alike you've seen all week
We could just hug LG for this one. The LBA-C300, which just ran by the FCC, is the texting equivalent of a Bluetooth headset -- a Bluetooth device that allows you to operate your phone without actually pulling out your phone, except this time it's for hitting your peeps with rapidly a rapidly composed "LOL" or "LOL, U R." The generous keyboard looks incredibly typable, and while the entire unit borders on the size of some phones on the market, it means you can leave that bulky numeric keypad dumbphone or hard-to-use touchscreen smartphone in your pocket or bag and get some real communication done with the QWERTY Card. You can also view and store contact info, peep a clock, set an alarm and work you calendar from the device -- the Bluetooth pairing means you can even remotely control your phone's camera, though obviously much of this functionality depends on what phone you pair it with, LG phones are likely to get much better treatment. No word on release date or price, but we'll probably know more once LG actually announces the device officially.[Via Unwired View]
