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Using iPad/keyboard dock combo in your lap

Hello all!

My ancient Windows laptop that we use as our secondary computer is dying, and we are seriously considering replacing it with an iPad. Something like 95 percent of the time, this computer is used by my wife, sitting in the recliner in our office, for Web surfing and light email -- in other words, pretty much exactly what the iPad is designed for.

It would sometimes be useful for her to have a real keyboard, though, since she sometimes uses the laptop to take notes at meetings or write longer emails that might get frustrating using the on-screen keyboard (she is a touch-typer). I am wondering how awkward it would be to use the iPad with the keyboard dock not on a solid surface, but sitting in a recliner or on a couch. I know the iPad is quite light but because of the keyboard plugs in in portrait mode it looks like it would be somewhat top-heavy in that configuration.

I know I will get responses here telling me that the iPad is not a laptop replacement and blah blah blah, to which I say pre-emptively: YES, I KNOW THIS. Like I said, virtually all of the use that it would see would be just what it's designed for. I'm sure that using the plug-in keyboard in one's lap would be more awkward than using a real laptop; I'm just trying to find out if it would be doable, so that the iPad wouldn't be completely useless in those scenarios.

Thanks in advance,
Josh

Macbook 2.4 GHz, Mac OS X (10.6.3), 4 GB RAM

Posted on Jun 19, 2010 11:26 AM

Reply
16 replies

Jun 19, 2010 2:23 PM in response to Joshua Fruhlinger2

I agree with Barbara. I mostly use my iPad whilst sat on my recliner, and I find the bluetooth keyboard great for this. I too touch type and the external keyboard is a must for me... and ok, it's not a laptop replacement but if you've got a main computer, net book etc and need a little something extra then it's brilliant. From your description of what it'll be used for, I say get one, think it'd suit ur mrs down to the ground.

Jun 20, 2010 6:32 AM in response to Joshua Fruhlinger2

Not more awkward than it would be to try to keep the connection perfect between the dock and the keyboard and the ipad, and then you also don't have the cord trailing all over the place. I would worry about the fact that in your lap it's almost impossible to maintain a rigid angle, and over time I wouldn't be surprised if this didn't damage either the ipad or the keyboard, putting that stress of pushing and pulling up and down on the connection point.

Jun 24, 2010 6:00 PM in response to Barbara Brundage

The connector on the Apple keyboard is of bad design. The leverage that the iPad places agains the dock connector tab on the keyboard (because it only docks to the keyboard in the portrait mode) puts too much stress on that connector tab.

I have had to have two keyboards replaced, because the connector tab came loose, and they have only been used on my desk.

Apple should have put a dock connector on the landscape side of the iPad itself (too) so that you could put the iPad into the keyboard in the landscape position, which would put less physical stress on the keyboard connector tab.

I could never imagine using the thing on my lap in the current embodiment.

This keyboard connection makes it almost impossible to use on an aircraft as well, and should be redesigned.

Dec 12, 2010 2:31 PM in response to Barbara Brundage

Barbara Brundage wrote:
There are a number of more comfortable options since this thread was started back in June.

???

I'm sure there are, but iirc the ZaggMate was just released recently. I know a more padded version of the "case with integrated keyboard" was just released by somebody, but I really prefer how Zagg handles supporting the iPad in both orientations for use.

Dec 12, 2010 3:38 PM in response to Michael Morgan1

I just bought the Zaggmate w/keyboard. Mostly, I like it. It is a bit top heavy, though. The keyboard is small but I got used to it pretty quickly. Th folding support worries me a bit as it seems a bit flimsy and if it broke, the device would be much less usable. Haven't used it enough to have a god idea about battery life. It does use a microusb charger so it's easy to charge.

Jan 30, 2011 9:31 PM in response to Barbara Brundage

I just bought an Ipad dock keyboard used in perfect condition form OWC for $27.95 and am laying down on the sofa with my back supported typing this message. I have a pillow resting on my knees to support the back of the iPad and it is working fine, though I am not a fast typist. I struggled between the Bluetooth keyboard and the dock but when I found that dock for $28 I figured if I didn't like it I am only out $28. I looked at the $100 Zagg but it does not protect the back of the iPad so I would still have to take the iPad in and out of a case if I want to protect the back and since I already have a nice case I did not want to spend another $100 plus a skin to protect the back. I was worried about getting use to any new Apple keyboard with the chick let keys but I have to say I like them and may but a BT for my Mac.

Using iPad/keyboard dock combo in your lap

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