When we pre-ordered our iPad, we had a hunch that the keyboard dock would be a very important element in the iPad user experience.  A functional keyboard and desktop typing-solution seemed essential to do two things:

1: Actually replace the laptop/desktop for office document creation, which probably accounts for 95% of non-browser based use on today’s computers.

2: Help current typers bridge the gap between the desktop model of computing to a (we think) more malleable and invisible interface future.

We put the dock through some quick tests, and here are our thoughts.

THE DOCKING BIT

Our first concern was whether we would actually want to look at the thing on our desk while the iPad was off playing somewhere else.
 Not surprising for an Apple product, it is rather handsome, in the way that their current aluminum keyboard is handsome.

Aesthetically, it’s basically their wired keyboard without the wire, with a unobtrusive white plastic “tail” rising from the back.

The little “tail” is the iPad dock.  Its sticks up higher than I expected, but considering the 1.5 lb heft of the iPad, the few inches of backrest are reassuring.

Like all Apple docks, it securely connects via the 30 Pin USB.  But also like all Apple docks, we don’t always feel secure having the actual USB connector bear so much of the connective brunt, so to speak.

Between the USB connection and the white plastic tail, the iPad isn’t going anywhere. When you jab, slide and swipe your finger along the screen, the whole dock does jiggle just a bit.  Considering how much you need to touch, slide and swipe using a word processor like Pages, I would have preferred a heavier base with a connection that secures around the entire base of the iPad.

But as it is, the connection, security and weight is actually better than what I expected the slimmer-at-all-costs designers at Apple to deliver.

THE KEYBOARD BIT

This is simple- look at a current Apple keyboard, and you are looking at this dock’s keyboard- with a few welcome changes.
 Apple overall kept it simple and familiar, but did update with a couple neat quick keys.  Located to the far left of the top row of keys is your very own Home key.  Sure, you could press the one on the front of your iPad, but having it accessible to your typing fingers does smooth out the workflow a bit.

Next to the Home key is one for Spotlight search.  Again, this is a welcome addition.  If you are typing in Pages and need a quote from an email, you press Home, Spotlight, then multitouch your way to your mail.  Actually, pressing Home when you are looking at your home screen also brings up Spotlight.  A smart touch.

You also have a dedicated button for pictures and screen lock, less useful but very nice.

DACHA THINKS:

A good first effort by Apple.  The accessory makers will have their hands full making a keyboard dock leaps and bounds better than this.  And the case makers (including Dacha Works) are going to have their hands full too.  This keyboard dock leaves no space for accepting a protective case.  This wasn’t a problem so much for the iPhone, because frankly using an iPhone dock was neither a necessity nor necessarily always the best option.

That said, I highly recommend this dock for anyone intending to create with the iPad.

I think this Keyboard Dock is a required purchase for those hoping to replace their netbook.