Rocketfish iPad 2 Keyboard Capsule

Anyone who has ever used an iPad for an extended period of time will know that although it is a phenomenally useful tool, the onscreen keyboard is pain because (a) it lacks the tactile experience preferred by typists and (b) takes up valuable screen real estate. I am not a natural touch typist either so I often end up with the letter 'n' where there should actually be a 'space'. As a result an external keyboard is a sound investment in this instance.

There are literally hundreds of Bluetooth keyboards available and I picked up the Rocketfish capsule for just £11 (about $17 USD at current rates including postage) second hand from Ebay to prove to myself whether I actually wanted a keyboard or not.

The photos will immediately reveal two things about the Rocketfish unit; (1) it is massive and (2) it's ugly. This is not a sleek unit with a lovely appearance, this is a hardcore keyboard case which sheds aesthetics for functionality. For many Apple fans the Rocketfish capsule will be an abomination, but the unit fulfils its role perfectly. The case is sturdy and will protect your iPad from almost everything bar a direct nuclear strike. The keyboard itself features slightly smaller than normal keys but they are well-spaced making it simple and comfortable to use.

Pros
+ Incredible build quality - definitely protects your iPad
+ Great, responsive keyboard with additional function keys for useful tasks like copy and paste
+ Fully compatible with the new iPad too (I know because I checked)
+ Battery lasts weeks between charges
+ Cutouts with rubber 'plugs' allowing access to all the iPad's ports
+ Metal hing mechanism is much more sturdy than some other keyboard cases

Cons
+ Very heavy - adds considerable weight to your iPad
+ Size - see the photo which shows how much thicker the case is than an iPad!
+ Ugly
+ Screen angle is not ideal for use on your lap

The Rocketfish is a great, but not perfect, iPad accessory. It has certainly helped prove that I really do need an iPad keyboard for my freelance writing business, but this one may not be the one. The quest continues...

 

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Full specs available from Rocketfish are available here: http://www.rocketfishproducts.com/products/mobile-phones-gps/RF-ICAP14.html

How to turn on and use Emoji

How to activate Emoji on your iPad:

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPad and open it
2. Navigate in the left panel General
3. Under the General tab scroll down and find Keyboard, tap that to open it
4. Find International Keyboards, tap that to open it
5. Tap on Add New Keyboards, tap that to open it
6. Scroll down and locate Emoji and tap that to set it

How to use Emoji on your iPad:

1. Open an the Messages app or Email (any app where you can type in it)
2. Tap the text box area to bring up the keyboard, next to the .?123 you will see a Globe icon, tap that
3. Scroll the options and pick your Emoji icon and tap your choice(s)
4. To get back to the keyboard just tap the Globe icon again

Have an iPad question? Try me on Twitter @totalipad