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I want to use either of my two iPads for simple word processing similar to TextEdit.
One iPad is full size but old, model = MC769LL/A
The other is a newer mini, model = ME279LL/A
I have available a usb wired keyboard and mouse, and a wireless Apple keyboard and mouse.
What software will work to do simple word processing?
How will i connect a keyboard and mouse to the iPad?
iPad mini, iOS 12
You cannot use a USB wired keyboard.
For a bluetooth keyboard follow the instructions that come with the keyboard. Generally you put it into discoverable mode.
then go into the iPad’s settings, bluetooth. It should see the keyboard then you follow the instructions to pair them. Usually the ipad says something to the effect of ‘type in these four numbers to pair’ or something like that.
For your ipad 2, it is around 10 years old and running iOS9.3.5(6) so there may be issues using it and finding compatible apps now. The current OS is 13 with 14 to come this fall.
If its just simple text entry then you can use the Notes app and fix the formatting later.
You cannot use a USB wired keyboard.
For a bluetooth keyboard follow the instructions that come with the keyboard. Generally you put it into discoverable mode.
then go into the iPad’s settings, bluetooth. It should see the keyboard then you follow the instructions to pair them. Usually the ipad says something to the effect of ‘type in these four numbers to pair’ or something like that.
For your ipad 2, it is around 10 years old and running iOS9.3.5(6) so there may be issues using it and finding compatible apps now. The current OS is 13 with 14 to come this fall.
If its just simple text entry then you can use the Notes app and fix the formatting later.
You likely cannot use the mouse, although the wireless apple keyboard should connect.
I have Documents to Go which I like, but you do get Pages free from Apple if you’ve purchased/activated a new device.
and microsoft also has mobile versions of word. That said, apps are generally a skinnied down version of their mother programs so they may be lacking in various features. They’ll be good for basic word processing but major formatting can be a bit challenging.
Thank you Skydiver119. Your response applies only to using the mini 2 , not the iPad 2 (full size), right?
I did download Pages on the mini. I need very little formatting, I can do that on my iMac. This is for entering text in draft version for later final formatting and revisions
I would prefer using the iPad 2 for its larger screen but I cannot find many text writers available. Pages will not download to the iPad 2.
Again thank you
Also, do you know of online instructions for how to set up the keyboard either wireless or usb wired?
You are welcome. I’m old fashioned in that I need a keyboard to type on so have use a variety of Bluetooth keyboards over the years. My only other tip is to keep an eye on the keyboard battery life. Some last months, some less, Some are rechargeable, some have replaceable batteries. If the latter, make sure you have spares. Because Murphy’s law is that your keyboard will die at the most inconvenient time.
the keyboard I will try is a Mac keyboard with mouse that came with the 2019 iMac which of course recharges. I have a USB keyboard with a number keypad that I prefer with the iMac.
If that works maybe I will just use Notes which is linked to the iMac via iCloud already
thank you again, Skydiver119
use an iPad for word processing
