Tablets with the ability to connect a keyboard are convenient because they do not take up much space. They are used for typing by students and office workers; thanks to their small size, they are also indispensable when traveling. The best tablets with keyboards, differing in their operating features and functionality, are described in detail below.
People's choice:
| Name | Price |
| 1. Lenovo IdeaPad D330 | from 30,000 rub. |
| 2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 (3rd Gen) | from 100,000 rub. |
| 3.Microsoft Surface Pro 7 | from 125,000 rub. |
| 4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e 10.5 | from 35,000 rub. |
| 5. Apple iPad Pro 12.9 | from 150,000 rub. |
Mini rating tablets with keyboard
Advantages and disadvantages of a tablet with a keyboard
Apple ipad pro tablet with keyboard
Tablets to which a keyboard is connected are classified as multimedia stations with universal functions.
The main advantages of the devices are:
- Compact and mobile;
- Autonomy – charged equipment can be used where there is no electrical network;
- Multifunctionality - the gadget is suitable for reading, typing, watching movies, solving work and educational problems;
- Equipped with an easy-to-use keyboard ;
- Possibility of installing an additional memory card ;
- Maintainability of main components.
Despite all the advantages, the universal gadget also has disadvantages. Such equipment initially does not have a powerful cooling system and a large-capacity storage device, which affects the quality of the device’s operation.
The cost of a tablet with a keyboard is sometimes comparable to the price of a good laptop, so before purchasing you should evaluate all the pros and cons of each of the electronic assistants under consideration.
Keyboard Keys That Improve Tablets
Keyboards connected to the tablet primarily differ in size. They are much smaller compared to the devices used with computers. Other differences include:
- Absence on some models of a numeric keypad located on the side. It is not needed if you plan to only type text. But if you have to work with a large volume of numbers, then you should buy a number pad separately or a full-fledged keyboard;
- Key layout . For Windows-based tablets, a device with keys arranged in the order ctrl, fn, start, alt is suitable, for Mac – fn, ctrl, option, cmd. But there are also universal models, on which both options are printed on the keys in different colors. When connected to a gadget, the required values are activated automatically;
- Expanded functionality of the F1 – F12 keys . With their help, you can adjust the brightness, volume, and pause. Some models have “insert” and “cut” keys;
- Additional keys . Depending on the design of the keyboard unit, it may have keys for switching between several software or for selecting them, for locking.
Portable keyboards differ from regular ones in the shape, location and size of the keys. To make the device convenient during operation, you need to pay attention to these parameters when choosing the most convenient option for yourself.
Options for connecting keyboards to the tablet
There are 4 main types of keyboards according to the connection method:
- Wireless . Synchronized via Bluetooth or radio. Convenient due to the absence of wires and the fact that they are compatible with any gadgets;
- Wired . Connect via USB port. These are inexpensive and practical models with a high response speed;
- Keyboard stand . Fixed to the body using built-in magnets. Easily removable, so the tablet can be used in normal and extended modes;
- Case book . There is a button panel on one side of the accessory and a stand on the other. A book case with a keyboard expands the functionality of the tablet and protects the electronic device from mechanical damage.
How to choose and what to pay attention to
The keyboard for the tablet is chosen taking into account the operating features of the gadget. If the electronic assistant will be used in stationary conditions, that is, in the office or at home on a table, then full-scale keyboards with a full set of keys are more suitable.
video: how to choose a tablet with or without a keyboard
Compact models are preferred by those who use a tablet on the road, at school, or on the street.
In addition, you should pay attention to:
- Connection method;
- Material of manufacture. Most keyboard units are made of plastic, but there are devices reinforced with metal;
- Height, location and travel of keys;
- Degree of protection of the device from moisture;
- Font option - for Russian speakers it is better to choose models with symbols in their native language.
For those who use tablets for gaming, it would be useful to have a backlit keyboard. When purchasing devices that operate via a wireless interface, you need to consider the type of power source. These can be AA batteries or a rechargeable battery; charging the latter usually lasts for 8-10 hours of continuous operation. Some keyboards come with a mouse; its presence makes working with the tablet easier.
Which keyboard is better: removable or non-removable?
A number of tablets are already initially available with an external keyboard. The non-removable block increases the weight of the device, but if it is present, there is no need to think about expanding the capabilities of the device as needed.
Removable keyboards are valued for the ability to detach them at any time, since a touch screen is sufficient to solve many tasks. Therefore, they choose between devices with a fixed and attached keyboard, depending on their needs.
Customer Reviews
Bender.R
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 10.5 SM-T835 64Gb
Device: looks good, good build, good screen, instant face scanner, amazing sound from external speakers. Keyboard case: excellent key travel, good keyboard for this form factor. DeX: the advantages of Android in the desktop experience. You can use the DeX mode without an external monitor (you can also use a monitor, max resolution is 1920×1080 60Hz) DeX has been thoroughly worked on - it is stable and suitable for everyday use. The option to automatically enter DeX mode when connecting a monitor works great; you can use the tablet at this time (or turn it into a touchpad, depending on your taste). Many applications support right-click context menu (eg chrome). Linux on DeX: the ubuntu image for Samsung was prepared by canonical themselves, so it’s hard to call it a makeshift mode - Samsung got down to business seriously. Visual studio code and intelij are installed out of the box, everything works well. In other words, we get almost full-fledged Linux. If something cannot be done in regular DeX, then in Linux on DeX you have a full-fledged desktop Linux in which you can do everything. Advantages over ultrabooks - the best lte modem (ultrabooks with a poor old lte modem start at a price tag of 100+tr), the best touch experience (and the presence of a touch screen in general), a tablet/laptop (with a case), the ability to SMS/calls (hardly with this size, this can be used often, but it’s definitely a good bonus), lighter ultrabooks don’t exist in nature (even with a case). I took it only because of DeX. A lot of time has passed since DeX was a baby rattle. I’ve been working in DeX/Linux on DeX for two weeks now (external monitor + bt keyboard, mouse) - the work is quite stable, after a little breaking and getting used to, you begin to understand that the advantages of android (zero time gap when waking up, a more native touch interface than Windows, native push notifications, social network clients, mobile chrome - it doesn’t consume the battery and falls asleep quickly) make the device more flexible than a similar one on Windows (surface go, for example) - especially on the road. To summarize, for me personally the s4 tab was able to replace an ultrabook.
Alex
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab YT-X705X 64Gb
It’s nice to see things in which ideas are put not only about creating another faceless mass-market product, but above all about creating a conceptually original and at the same time more practical gadget, commendably, it was 143% successful! For build quality and quality of materials, form factor and stand 5+. Thin frames, display using in-cell technology, no air gap, expanded support for google assistant (Qualcomm Aqstic™), jbl stereo speakers coupled with Hi-Res audio outputs, lte version with a SIM card, yes, this is a smart tablet!
