Got an iPad? Meet My New Favorite iPad Companion

by Lori Cunningham

Before my trip to Detroit for the Forward with Ford symposium, the Joy Factory* sent me a wireless keyboard and SmartSuit2 iPad 2 case to try out during the trip.

A couple of months ago, I bought the iPad 2.  Believe me, it was after much deliberation.  I believe strongly that the new and upcoming Android tablets are strong iPad 2 competitors.  However, because I did not own an Apple product, I haven’t been able to test and review a number of products and apps on the market.  I also wanted to ensure that when I compare Android products to Apple products, I had experience with both to back up my opinions.

I am enjoying my iPad 2 experience, though I have some frustrations over some missing handy controls (found on the Android), but hey, that’s for another article.

I often use my iPad 2 while lounging on the couch or bed.  I love being able to read e-mails and articles on the web away from my desk.  However, responding back to e-mail’s is not an easy or fast task using the touchscreen keyboard.  I tend to want to type as if I were texting with shortened words, which looks strange when it’s an e-mail you’re sending.

In order to be more efficient in reading and resounding to my e-mail’s, a Bluetooth wireless keyboard will do the trick!

I love using the Joy Factory Arpeggio Bluetooth wireless keyboard.  It’s extremely lightweight and flexible – I can use it

on my lap, while laying down, even in a cramped airplane seat!  It has a blue light to indicate that it’s partnering with my iPad 2.

Features:

• full compact keyboard
• soft touch keyboard buttons
• mini USB connector cable
• low battery indicator
• works with iPad, iPad2, and Macs

Pros:

• full size keyboard buttons

• compact

• lightweight

• works well

• battery charge lasts a long time

Cons:

• no way to tell how much battery is left

• comes in one color – silver

• is about 1/2 inch bigger than the iPad, making it harder to fit iPad portfolio cases

• can only be charged via USB, no wall plug (though it can plug it into your iPad 2 charger plug for this)

A Mom’s Perspective

My productivity with the Joy Factory keyboard has increased my iPad use tenfold and opened the possibilities of how I use it.  With the keyboard, I can now leave my netbook in my hotel room and use the iPad instead to take notes.  No more lugging that heavy netbook in my purse!

Same with flying, I used my keyboard with my iPad to type up this post.  I wouldn’t have ventured touch typing this post otherwise.

The Arpeggio  keyboard sells for $59.95 alone or with an included iPad/keyboard case sell for $99.95  and can be purchased online at  The Joy Factory.

If you have an iPad or any tablet for that matter, I cannot recommend enough getting a keyboard to enhance your productivity.  For me the Joy Factory Arpeggio Bluetooth keyboard works out great because it’s silver just like the silver SmartSuit2 cover on my Ipad 2.  Do you use a keyboard for your tablet?

*The Joy Factory provided the Arpeggio keyboard in exchange for my honest review.