deskthority

So, I recently got Final Draft for the iPad, which now has me interested in finding a mechanical keyboard that works with the iPad (2) without having to jailbreak it. I've seen some bluetooth mechanical keyboards, namely from xArmor but I'm not sure if they're compatible with an iPad or if they're any good at all. Does anyone have a review of it or any other wireless mechanical keyboard, pros and cons, etc?

I know at one point you could use the cammera attachment for the iPad 1 ( on any iOS device)to plug in a USB keyboard but i have not got it working since iOS5 gave an error but worked fine before this, not sure if you could possibly mod the adaptor or the keyboard to trick the iPad into thinking its an official keyboard

Dude, I saw this on Youtube, Mrinterface! I guess my main concern is that my iPad is a 2, not a 3. Also, I'm really wary about "tricking" or "fooling" the iPad into thinking the keyboard is legit if it's not. Isn't there a mechanical keyboard that caters specifically to tablets and the iPad in particular?

Also, good luck with the science fiction novel! I'm taking screenplay writing in university myself.

Also, love iAWriter.

I've not yet tried iAWriter, but a freebie I do use occasionally on my desktop is Focuswriter. I've installed it on my Raspberry Pi (running Raspbian). Works just fine.

If you're interested in light, portable, simple writing kit, you could worse than grab an Alphasmart. I've got a Neo2, which is the current model - maybe overpriced for what they are, but they're great for distraction-free writing. Older versions (AS 3000 is USB, Pro & 2000 are PS/2 & ADB, original was ADB only) can be had for just a few notes on eBay etc. My brief review here.

I often consider getting an iPad - those all-in-one wallet/keyboard things look like they might die quickly though!

uTron?


http://www.personal-media.co.jp/utronkb ... -ipad.html

I'd have thought a Poker would be better for portability.

How are you guys getting that working with the latest iOS i can get nothing to work on mine now

I use my IBM SSK specifically for the iPad 2. Some PS/2 -> USB adapters work with the camera adapters, some do not. You'll just have to get one and hope that it works, I've found $30 adapters that don't work and $5 that do so just purchase one on newegg or something and hope that it works!

spoiler I wanted to write a full article on this... /spoiler
*
i tested a new ipad 3 with camera connectors and it works with cherry 1800/raptor k1/unicomp/realforce
with blue cube ps2_usb Ibm SSK, g80-1000,1500,3000 works, compaq 11800 : OK

hhkb needs more work with special usb hub, Y cable usb ans external power. and it works

I hope this helps

pro tip, buy something with USB ports and not made by apple, problem solved.
*puts flame suit on*

in other news whos hyped for the microsoft surface PRO, if its done right, this thing could be a fucking beast...i5 and gaming capabilities in tablet form. they even have an optional keyboard attachment with moving keys rather than touch keys. oh and it has usb 3.0 ports...

The ipad is a golden jail. Very nice tablet, the nicest hardware, but deeply wired to apple. Nonetheless some want to use their keyboard with (i am one of them), and for now it works ...

Don't think I'm going to risk alienating my iPad for now. Maybe down the road. I'd love to have an HHKB for it. Gilgam, could you expound on how you got it to work?

Thanks for all the advice, guys!

There is a nice post there http://beastwith.in/2012/05/17/usiung-p ... oard-ipad/

You need
An iPad
a camera connector
a Dr bott usb hub
a Y usb cabble (two USB and a mini usb)
a usb battery (home made or bought one)
a HHKB

iPad - camera connector - usb hub - Y cable - battery on a usb plug and HHKB on the mini usb
It's a little bit over complicated
BUT
it works

Doesnt the filco Bluetooth work with iPad?

http://www.matias.ca/onekeyboard/tactile/

Matias Tactile One keyboard for iPhone, says it also works with iPads and newer iPods (and computers and other bluetooth devices). It is a slightly redesigned Tactile Pro 3 using Alps white switches. The Tactile Pro 4 with Matias-redesigned switches is supposed to be released this month.

They have their own subforum now on Geekhack.

The problem with the Tactile Pro 3 is that the switches are wobbly as hell.

Matias' One keyboard line uses Bluetooth. BTW, the Tactile Prop 4 was supposed to have been announced now, but has been delayed.