Apple (MC184LL/A) Wireless Keyboard

One of the complaints I have heard from my fellow (Elitist) iPad users is that the on-screen keyboard is hard to use in either the vertical or horizontal position.  I personally have not had any issues with the on-screen keyboard; I can use it effectively in either orientation; hell I can even type with two hands with the keyboard is flipped horizontally. 

But, I am currently evaluating two different models of the iPad for usefulness of the device in our corporate environment, so along with an Apple iPad 64GB 3.G Tablet, I also ordered an Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi Tablet, and for just for evaluation purposes (for an additional $69.00 at Apple.com) I ordered the Apple Wireless Keyboard. 

The Apple Wireless Keyboard is an all-white on silver semi-full-size keyboard, which includes special keys that activate iPad, and other Apple mobile device features.  The Bluetooth-enabled keyboard is powered by (2) AA-sized batteries (included) and utilizes intelligent power management system conserves battery life. So when you’re not using the keyboard, it automatically powers down. The instant you start typing, the Apple Wireless Keyboard turns back on. Use the convenient on/off switch to turn the keyboard off when you're away from your iPad for an extended length of time. 

Because its wireless and so thin you can use the Apple Wireless Keyboard on your desk, on your lap, the leg of a couch, or anywhere within 30 feet of your iPad (or Mac).  The compact design takes up 24 percent less space on the desktop than full-size keyboards, so you have extra room to move the keyboard around to a place and or position that best suits your needs. 

Use the function keys for one-touch access to a variety of iPad features such as screen brightness, volume, eject, play/pause.  Special-purpose keys along the top provide one-touch access to a variety of iPad features, including: the Home screen, Spotlight search, display brightness, picture frame mode, the onscreen keyboard, screen lock and multi-media controls.  

Installing, or should I say mating up with the Apple Wireless Keyboard is relatively simple.  After I turned the Bluetooth antenna on my iPad the device issued a code to type into the wireless keyboard.  After that, type away.  The Apple Wireless Keyboard features a sleek anodized aluminum enclosure with low-profile keys white keys (silver lettering) that provide a crisp, responsive feel and an ultra-compact design that is small enough to fit in the tights spaces, or the most crowed desktops.  I like the feel of the keys; they are soft, yet solid and responsive, and very easy to read.  The Apple Wireless Keyboard weighs next to nothing and is compact enough to tote with me when I go into the field with my iPad.  And the unit is light enough and thin enough to slip easily into my backpack.     

Unlike the Apple Keyboard Dock I can control the volume and mute on my iPad from the Apple Wireless Keyboard.  The inability to control the volume on a device plugged into the audio output port on the Apple Keyboard Dock is a disappointment to say the least, but the functionality of the wireless keyboard makes it right.

On another up note, I am more productive using the Apple Wireless Keyboard 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.

Overall I like the Apple Wireless Keyboard; 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.