The included multitouch keyboard of Microsoft's new tablet, Surface is getting some techie love after time spent frustrated working with touchscreen keys. Want to give your iPad the Surface treatment with an external keyboard of its own? If you find yourself wishing your iPad was more like a laptop or the laptop was a little more tablet, you'll want this MacBook-lookalike keyboard case ($75). Should you want the best of both computing worlds, we have seven more case and keyboard combinations in the slideshow. don't worry, no small, hard-to-use silicone keyboards around here — these keyboards are as close to the real thing as you can get!
6 iPad Cases With Great Keyboards
Sure, the iPad is beautiful and portable, but one of its major shortcomings is the fact that it's hard to power through work or emails by typing on a touchscreen. Luckily, many iPad cases with built-in keyboards are now available to bridge the gap. If you wish your iPad was more like a laptop, check out these six amazing case and keyboard combos. And don't worry, no small, hard-to-use silicone keyboards around here — these keyboards are as close to the real thing as you can get!
All-in-One Keyboard and Case For Tablets
Touch-screen typing got you down? The solution may be these all-in-one RightShift Bluetooth keyboard and tablet case by Solid Line Products. Available for iPad, iPad 2, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab, the keyboards provide 90 hours of continuous life when fully charged on the device's lithium-ion battery. With many Bluetooth keyboard options available for tablets, the sleek design of these accessories make them the perfect on-the-go productivity enabler.
Do You Know Your Keyboard History?
Have you ever thought about when the first keyboard was invented, or why keys are ordered the way they are? Everyone uses the keyboard, but few people know the history behind it, or why we have keys like shift, control, and command. Take the quiz and become keyboard savvy.
The ZAGGmate Case Comes With a Keyboard Built Right Inside
Apple's iPad is convenient because it's portable, but its onscreen keyboard doesn't always cut it — especially if you're trying to type with any speed. You could drop $69 for Apple's Keyboard Dock (and worry about how you're going to transport it), or you could check out the ZAGGmate case with built-in keyboard for $100.
The case is made from sturdy aluminum that matches and protects your iPad; a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard is built right in. The keyboard includes special function keys for music controls and other shortcuts, and the case allows you to display your iPad in either vertical or horizontal orientation. Plus, it's thin — the keyboard case adds about 1/4 inch to your iPad.
A version of the sturdy ZAGGmate case without a keyboard is also available for $70.
Geek Out: Would You Pay $130 For This Keyboard?
There are some gadgets that have a justifiably high price, and there are some that, well, don't. Here's an example of one I'm torn over: Razer's Black Widow Gaming Keyboard, a mechanical keyboard that took three years to develop and comes in two models, an $80 standard mechanical keyboard, and a $130 Ultimate Version.

Find out more details about each and share your thoughts after the break.
Do New Phones Signal the Death of the Keyboard?
The latest crop of smartphones to hit the market — from the iPhone to the just-announced Droid X — have a few major design elements in common. One is a large screen, and the other is the absence of a keyboard. Some analysts are predicting that these phones may spell the end of the physical keyboards on phones.
With so many phone designs and options, I don't think the physical keyboard is going away anytime soon. Especially since so many smartphones are used for business, and a keyboard lends itself to making messaging and emailing easier. But supporters of the argument claim that the shift away from keyboards "has been a long time coming." What do you think?
Source: Flickr User HUNGa1
Disney Gets Serious About Tron Peripherals
I'm excited about the upcoming Tron sequel and I'm not afraid to show it. This year's E3 brought a slew of Tron-inspired electronics and peripherals, and now Disney has made its line official. Coming on strong with iPod docks, office equipment, and gaming controllers, you can turn your home into a Tron shrine of tech goodies, and tide yourself over until the film hits theaters this December. Oh, and the video game looks pretty sick, too.
Notables include the Keyboard ($129), Data Disk iPod Dock ($249), and Xbox 360 controller ($50), which all glow with blue light-up accents. All tech toys will be available this Fall through Amazon, Best Buy, and Gamestop. Check out a few of the items below!
Dock Your iPod on Your Keyboard
How have I never seen one of these keyboards before!? The iConnect Media Keyboard ($150) comes in Mac and PC versions and has a dedicated spot for your iPod or iPhone to dock. Both keyboards are designed with your computer in mind; the Mac version is constructed in silver and white, the PC in black.
Each features a sliding iPod dock and two USB ports for connecting your mouse or other device. Special dedicated media keys allow you to control your music or movies directly from the keyboard. There is also a built-in wrist rest. Plus, when it's docked, your iPod will charge and sync with your computer. I'm a fan of this keyboard — the design is great, and it keeps your device easily accessible while still connected.
Star Wars Keyboard: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?
Check out this Mac- and PC-compatible keyboard, all decked out with Star Wars pride. The Star Wars Keyboard ($40) is a standard size and also includes 11 shortcut buttons like "home" and "email" along the top.
It's gold, with black buttons, and features an illustration of Yoda in the top right corner. If you're a big fan, I'd imagine this is a must-have; would you let Yoda grace your keyboard? Too bad this wasn't available in time for Star Wars Day earlier this month! What do you think?


