TR Forums

Anyone use an iPad2 with a third-party keyboard e.g. Logitech? Good/Bad/Ugly?

I'm looking at going with an iPad Pro w/ magic keyboard (or whatever Apple branded it) for someone who would like a tablet but also be able to do word processing -- but that's a hefty price difference if an iPad2 paired with a keyboard from Logitech or the like would work just as well (or perhaps better if Logitech made a better keyboard for it than Apple's offering).

Probably not the answer you were looking for,but-
Get a Surface Pro 4-Problem solved.......................

Moved to Apple Sanctuary.

Work's got several iPad 2s and 3s (and other models) with cases featuring Bluetooth keyboards from Zagg and Logitech. Seem to work pretty well.

I use this cheap Logitech with an iPad Pro, works fine, pairs instantly. 

Standard disclaimer about iPad Pro: I think it is an awesome device, if you use it in a way that takes advantage of its tablet features. If you're not using it primarily in tablet mode (and taking advantage of the stylus), I think there are cheaper and better ways to get the job done. Namely, if they switch to a windows tablet/ 2-in-1, they get a full-fat MSFT Office package. I wonder if you can still pick up a non-pro Surface 3 somewhere, that would be my ideal for a light tablet that I could plop down and do some more serious word processing on when needed. 

Not sure if it's helpful to your case but I try to make sure the keyboards have an F12 or Eject key, as the iPad uses that for the soft keyboard show/hide control. Otherwise IIRC you can't get the software keyboard to appear at all if the hardware one is connected.

I had a few edge cases where the users needed something specific from the software keyboard so the ability to toggle between hardware and software keyboards helped them out quite a bit.

I've used a generic bluetooth keyboard with my old iPad 2 and it worked flawlessly.

I also use a generic bluetooth keyboard that works fine on original iPad and iPad Air 2.

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Ultrath ... B007PRHNHO
I still use Logitech's Ultrathin keyboard with my old iPad 2 as well as the newer Air. They all pair and operate well together without issue, especially with Safari and MS Word. The layout and keypress feel is spot-on, battery life is good for months. Its mounting trench is physically compatible with my newer iPad Air as well, although the latter will lean farther back without a smartcase on to thicken its edge. Best of all, the bottom of this keyboard fits most iPad 2 rear covers.

Still, the iPad 2 can be a bit slow with some popular apps. The bluetooth keyboard on the other hand, I see being useful for 2-3 more years

Funnily enough, I use a Microsoft Wedge bluetooth keyboard with my ipad. Works just fine.

The standard keys on bluetooth keyboards normally work with mobiles enabled for BT input. Logitech even has a wireless keyboard that can switch between Windows, iOS, and MacOS formats I believe.