iPhone Q&A
Update Published February 8, 2021
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- External Keypad and programming memories. The DXE-SWP8 plugs into the rear of the Icom IC-7610 into the jack labeled EXT KEYPAD. This is shown as connector item 18 in the ICOM IC-7610 Basic Manual (version A7380D-1EX-2). The IC-7610 MENU needs to be accessed to turn on the external keypad. Information about that is in the Icom IC-7610 manual.
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- Best External iPhone & iPod touch Keyboards. Three iPhone and iPod touch compatible keyboards of potential interest include the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480, iClever Portable Folding Keyboard, and Geyes Foldable Wireless Pocket Keyboard. Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard. Photo Credit: Logitech (Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480).
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What is the best external keyboard for the iPhone and iPod touch? Is it even possible to use an external keyboard with these devices?
All modern iPhone and iPod touch models support an external keyboard.
More precisely, all iPhone models starting with the iPhone 3GS and all iPod touch models starting with the iPod touch 3rd Gen -- both released in 2009 -- can support external Bluetooth keyboards.
Although effectively any Bluetooth keyboard will work, including Apple's own Magic Keyboard (available from site sponsor Adorama and elsewhere), and this keyboard is not particularly large.
However, for the iPhone and iPod touch devices, an external keyboard designed to cradle a smaller device is ideal to support it without the need for a separate stand and a folding keyboard is ideal to save space while on the go.
Best External iPhone & iPod touch Keyboards
Three iPhone and iPod touch compatible keyboards of potential interest include the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480, iClever Portable Folding Keyboard, and Geyes Foldable Wireless Pocket Keyboard.
Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard
Photo Credit: Logitech (Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480)
The Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 doesn't fold, so it takes up more space than folding keyboards, but because it is more rigid it is ideal to type with it placed balanced on your lap. It has a built-in slot to hold the device at a comfortable angle, as well.
iClever Portable Folding Keyboard
Photo Credit: iClever (Portable Folding Keyboard)
The iClever Portable Folding Keyboard is a tri-fold design so it is particularly compact and it does not have gaps between the keys. Keys are of uniform size and it is made of high quality aluminum, which gives it a relatively sturdy feel for a folding keyboard. It does not have an integrated stand, though, so you will have to use another stand to hold your iPhone or iPod touch or place it flat on a desk or table.
Geyes Foldable Wireless Pocket Keyboard
Photo Credit: Geyes (Foldable Wireless Pocket Keyboard)
The Geyes Foldable Wireless Pocket Keyboard folds between rows of keys rather than across them which provides a more uniform feel than keyboards that have a henge or henges across the rows of keys. This product is effectively a knockoff of an earlier keyboard from ZAGG, but because the ZAGG product no longer is available, this is a decent substitute. It's a lot cheaper than the original, too.
Of these three, EveryiPhone.com is quite partial to the design of the Geyes, because it both has a built-in stand and folds to save space, which makes it ideal for on the go use. It even will fit in the interior pocket of a coat. However, each of these keyboards have advantage and disadvantages and you may prefer a particular feature of one or another for your particular needs.
iPhone & iPod touch External Keyboard Summary
Regardless of which keyboard you choose, if you haven't tried using your iPhone or iPod touch with an external keyboard, give it a try. An external keyboad definitely can make you far more productive while on the go than just typing with the onscreen keyboard.
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