No software Dvorak Layout!?!?

Yes, there is. I didn't set it up recently and thus don't recall the details, and for that I apologize. I think I just used the keyboard setting in the settings app. It works well with the Apple wireless keyboard and the iPad. Unfortunately, it doesn't work with the iPad keyboard by itself. Yes, they should make it work with the iPad keyboard by itself, but in the meantime, you might try a wireless keyboard. If you don't have one, you might borrow one to see how it works for you.

Regardless, all of us Dvorak users agree that all Apples should have full Dvorak capability.

I don't touchtype so the absence of tactile feedback is unimportant to me. What is important to me is that the keys are in the familiar place so I don't waste time hunting for them! Since I've not used a QWERTY keyboard as my regular keyboard in almost 15 years, anytime I'm forced to do so is annoying and frustrating. Since the iPad would largely be a 'toy' for me and a way to introduce myself to Apple products, I'm not interested in jury-rigged solutions.... So I won't buy one until Apple decides to make available this pretty standard option - and maybe I won't even buy it then because this experience has pi**ed me off!

Bye.

I would most certainly want to agree with point618.

Although I have just recently (about 2 years ago) switched to DVORAK I felt that it was a huge improvement.

I do not understand why there is so much hate towards adding this, what do people who use qwerty loose when DVORAK is added to the software keyboards? Nothing right? So especially Philly_phan should stop hating in my honest opinion, it is just an extra option for people who do use it an feel they an type better because of it.

Nobody is forcing anybody to use the DVORAK keyboad against their will, something that sadly is the case for the qwerty keyboard.

Please understand that there is no hate. The issue is nothing more than the undeniable fact that the individuals interested in Dvorak are in such a minority that it's not economical to build the capability into the iPad.

On the other hand, when I see threats that "If I don't get my Dvorak, I'll never buy Apple again," my only response is "Goodbye."

Oh please, stop blowing smoke (up my you-know-what). Under Settngs -> General -> Keyboard -> International Keyboards I can select from 55 different keyboard layouts. There's no reason English (Dvorak) can't be added to that list with two seconds of work. It's a soft keyboard.

Please stop whining and accept the fact that you are in a very small minority.

Philly it has nothing to do with accepting it, because it is is true that Dvorak users are a minority compared to qwerty users. However adding it has nothing to do with economical benefits. It has to do with catering to different needs some users feel they need, they have done it for the mac osx software, doing the same for ios should not be a hassle.

And yes you are hating, being dead set negative without proper arguments is hating in my book.

Goodbye. It's been a pleasure.

Goodbye Philly

I hope one day you will be able to have a proper discussion, with proper argumentation.

Have a nice day.

If Dvorak were around today he would be proclaiming his keyboard the perfect keyboard for handheld devices. He designed it with the idea in mind of maximizing the probability of your next keystroke being struck by a finger on the opposite hand, minimizing the probability of having of two strokes in a row by fingers on the same hand (speeds things up).

Imagine using a split Dvorak keyboard (we can do that on our ipads and iphones) using thumbs for typing (right thumb, left thumb, right thumb . . . It's a quick and comfortable way to type. Notice that vowels and least used consenents are on the left side where most frequently used consenents are on the right. The majority of words are consenent, vowel, consenent vowel.

The real problem that Dvorak had to deal with was the fact that everybody loves change as long as it's to something they're used to. Typists were used to qwerty. Now though, there's even more good reason to use Dvorak. It would be a good thing if someone at Apple keyboard design would go out and learn Dvorak so he or she could experience its benefits first hand. This would give us someone on the inside who could champion our cause.

It's easy to switch back and forth using it on the Mac after preferences setup. just tap on either the U.S. flag symbol or the DV symbol on top of the desktop next to the current time of day. It's great for passwords if you worry about bad guys who monitor keystrokes.

There's no question that Dvorak is a better keyboard. In fact, qwerty was deliberately designed to slow down the typists (so that the type arms didn't get tangled). However, it just doesn't have any major popularity.

We all know by now that you think that, Philly_Phan, and you're right. But that's not the point of the discussion.

All we want Apple to do is add the option of a Dvorak keyboard to the many other optional keyboard layouts. Doing so can't possibly harm you in any way whatsoever, so there's no need for you to be so defensive. This discussion is not something you need to concern yourself about any further -- unless, of course, you have something new to add to the discussion. No? Then ignore it.

I'm not defensive. I'm merely stating facts. Unfortunately for the Dvorak enthusiasts, it's not sufficiently popular to justify any effort.