Keyboards for tablet computers

Tablet computers are terrific for so many things—but typing isn't one of them. Fortunately, if you're a tablet owner who would rather not hunt-and-peck on a touch screen, accessory keyboards can give you a physical keyboard to use with your tablet, giving you the ergonomics of a laptop and letting you keep the portability of a tablet. Some also serve as covers for your tablet.

Although you can't avoid the touch screen completely when using these keyboards, convenient controls and included stands make typing an easier task.

To test, we looked at available features and ease of use, as well as the size, ergonomics, and portability of the keyboards.

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This Bluetooth wireless keyboard from Apple ($70) can be used on iPads or Mac computers.

What we like: This keyboard is small, weighs 0.7 pounds, has large keys, including some shortcuts, and can be used with Mac computers.

What we don't like: Buttons aren't customized for iPad, so some serve no purpose. There's no stand, or Home or Lock button. It uses two AA batteries, which you must replace.

Bottom line: Its small size makes it well suited for traveling.

This Bluetooth keyboard ($70) is designed for tablets that run on Android OS 3.0 and above. It comes with a case that doubles as a stand for the tablet.

What we like: It has large keys with tablet controls and shortcuts.

What we don't like: At 1.1 pounds (with case), it's a bit heavy. It uses four AAA cells that
you must replace. It lacks Screen Lock and Brightness controls.

Bottom line: It's versatile and compatible with a variety of Android tablets.

This Bluetooth keyboard from Logitech ($100) is designed to be used with the iPad 2 and later versions. The keyboard also functions as a stand and cover for the iPad.

What we like: It weighs 0.7 pounds. As a stand, it's very stable. There are customized keys
for important functions. The built-in battery is rechargeable.

What we don't like: The keys are slightly smaller than on some other models.

Bottom line: Even with the stand, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is lightweight and portable.

This tablet dock from Samsung ($80) is designed specifically for the 10.1-inch Galaxy Tab. It weighs 1.3 pounds and has a built-in stand and connections for charging your tablet or connecting it to a computer.

What we like: The keyboard dock has controls, such as Home, Menu, and Lock Screen, plus app shortcuts. The stand is handy for long periods of typing, and the dock has an additional speaker port.

What we don't like: At 1.3 pounds, it's a bit heavier than the Galaxy Tab itself. The tablet can be used only in landscape mode.

Bottom line: This keyboard dock is versatile and easier to use than typing on the screen.

This Bluetooth wireless keyboard from Targus ($65) can be used with iPads and Windows OS and is Android compatible.

What we like: It's very portable and weighs 0.7 pounds. It has large keys, including a number of keys for shortcuts.

What we don't like: This keyboard isn't customized for specific models. There's no stand or case. And it uses two AAA batteries that you have to replace periodically.

Bottom line: This Targus keyboard is a good choice if you're on a budget and travel often.

This Bluetooth-compatible keyboard ($100) is designed for the iPad 2 and later versions, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (different models).

What we like: It has large keys and doubles as a protective case and stand. There are tablet-specific keys and shortcuts. The battery is rechargeable.

What we don't like: It's bulky and weighs 1.2 pounds. The model for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is a very tight fit for that tablet.

Bottom line: It's a lot more versatile than other keyboards.