Docking stations for tablets. All about docking stations. Universal wireless keyboards

Tablets have become an indispensable gadget for reading, the Internet, movies, and multimedia entertainment. But typing and editing texts on their touch screens is not the most convenient task.

You can solve the problem using a physical keyboard that turns the tablet into a full-fledged work tool.

A full-fledged keyboard in a tablet is needed not only for users who have to type large amounts of text (students, bloggers, journalists),

- representatives of other areas of activity work with e-mail on a daily basis, prepare documents and presentations, and also communicate via Skype and ICO.

All this is more convenient to do with the help of physical buttons, which speed up the typing of texts compared to a touch screen, on which it is impossible to type blindly.

Keyboards for tablets fall into two categories: docking stations (connected directly to the tablet) and wireless (not requiring physical contact with the device).

Docking stations

Tablet docking stations not only have a keyboard, but also contain additional functionality. For example, a built-in battery that extends the battery life of the device.

They can also be equipped with connectors for connecting peripherals. Considerthat docking stations are only compatible with specific models, so when changing a tablet, the accessory will also have to be changed.

Among Android devices, the complete keyboard models are widely represented in the ASUS lineup. Transformer Series Tablets

they are distinguished by expressive design, metal case and radial edge engraving on the back. The youngest model of the series - EeePadTransformer TF300TG - in the initial configuration costs up to 17,600 rubles.

It uses a display with HD-resolution, wireless communication (3G, Bluetooth Wi-Fi). The included docking station is made of plastic, but the manufacturer prudently made the fastening mechanism metal.

On the bottom there are special rubber feet, like a laptop, which prevent the device from sliding on the table surface.

Not without additional connectors - there is a USB port and a card reader on the side faces. With the docking station attached, the tablet resembles a netbook.

Exotic adds the touchpad is an infrequent guest in docking stations. The battery life is up to 10 hours (at average load).

For those looking for a top-of-the-line device, the manufacturer offers the EeePad Transformer TF700T based on the NVIDIA Tegra 3 platform.

The tablet has a 10-inch Full HD display with protective glass, and its battery provides up to 14 hours of battery life.

In the top configuration (with a docking station and maximum internal memory), the tablet costs up to 30,000 rubles.

The docking station with the keyboard as an optional accessory is also available for Samsung Galaxy Tab owners. It serves as a convenient stand, has a familiar QWERTY layout and is sold for up to 3000 rubles.

The body is slightly curved for improved comfort when typing at a desk. However, folding the Galaxy Tab like a laptop will not work. Consider alsothat in most Galaxy Tab docking stations the device is located only vertically.

IPad users who need fast typing will also need to purchase a separate keyboard dock. But app1e tablet boasts the widest selection of such accessories.

In particular, the accessory iPad Reyboard Dock MC533ZM (up to 4000 rubles) is made of aluminum with plastic keys and looks in harmony with the iPad style. The tablet is installed vertically into the docking station.

Universal wireless keyboards

Wireless keyboards are a versatile accessory that works with any tablet, even multi-platform.

This means you don't have to change the keyboard when buying a new tablet. But we must not forgetthat wireless connection with

keyboard will cause the tablet battery to drain faster. And in addition to the tablet itself, you will have to charge the keyboard or purchase disposable batteries.

Quite an original wireless keyboard for Apple tablet owners - Logitech Case for iPad 2. An accessory that also acts as a stand and protective

overlays for the screen, connects to the device via Bluetooth. The body material is aluminum, which is successfully combined with the design of the tablet.

Another model, the Logitech Tablet, connects to the iPad in a similar way. But a separate stand is provided for the tablet itself, which allows you to place the keyboard on the table without being physically tied to the device. Both accessories cost up to 3000 rubles.

The keyboard is universal Genius LuxePad 9100 (up to 1900 rubles): it is compatible not only with iPad, but also with Android tablets. Connects using Bluetooth.

If you need to work with a tablet full-size keyboard, pay attention to Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard5000, which can be used with any device, both Windows, iOS and Android.

This accessory is easy to transport - it is light, compact and slim. The shape of the keyboard is ergonomic and curved. Price up to 2200 rubles.

A4 TECH 7500N Wireless Kit is useful for those who want to have a single kit with a desktop PC and tablet. The kit includes a keyboard with a numeric keypad and a mouse.

Both devices are connected to the tablet via a wireless receiver installed in a free USB port. The kit does not need special drivers, it is powered by AA batteries. It costs up to 1,300 rubles.

The Rapoo E6300 wireless keyboard is made in an ultra-thin format - the case thickness is only 6 mm. The aluminum base gives it the durability it needs when traveling.

Powered by a built-in battery, one charge of which is enough for a whole month of battery life, and the device connects to tablets via Bluetooth.

Despite the fact that Raro E6300 is optimized for iPad, the keyboard is compatible with devices running Mac OS 05 and Windows. The accessory is sold in black and white colors and costs up to 1400 rubles.

conclusions

Choosing between a docking-based keyboard and wireless keyboards depends on how important battery life is to you, the conditions under which you use your tablet, and how often your gadgets change.

Keyboard docking option optimal for those who almost always need the fastest possible typing of texts, long-term work without recharging and do not plan to change

your tablet soon. After all, docking stations are created for specific types of connectors and are incompatible with models from other manufacturers.

Wireless keyboards Suitable for owners of any model, as well as those who prefer a full-size keyboard and often work with a tablet at a table.

In this case, all the advantages of a physical keyboard are manifested: you can conveniently arrange all this economy without using a direct connection.

In this article, we will talk about such an important and connecting device as a keyboard for a tablet. The question immediately arises - why is it, if there is an electronic keyboard? Sure, the built-in keyboard is a good thing, but not when you need to type a lot or spend a lot of time on the Internet.
Therefore, the health of your hands depends on the correct choice of the keyboard.

What are the keyboards

1. Bluetooth - wireless connection; the plus is the lack of cables, but such a device constantly requires power - batteries or rechargeable batteries. Moreover, they are quite simple to operate and easy to transport;
2. Bluetooth / USB is a universal connection type. When the batteries are discharged, you can easily take out the cord and connect it like a regular keyboard;
3. USB / micro-USB is the best option, as most tablets have a USB connector;
4. The docking station is the best of all, as it already has Bluetooth and USB, is very easy to carry and reliable to use.

Keyboard

Keyboard appearance

Today the tablet is becoming more and more popular. Firstly, it has the same functions as a laptop and a PC, and sometimes even more, secondly, it is very convenient and easy to transport, and thirdly, it can be taken out at any time and start working on it immediately. There are a huge variety of keyboards, but they are divided into two types: docking station and case.

Of these, the most convenient and practical option is a keyboard-case, which combines two functions: protection from mechanical and other damage and the actual text input function. There are a lot of options for such a universal device, but you need to choose the right one for each device. For some you need practical use, for others - office style, and for others - to make it convenient to travel with him. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to this when choosing.

Docking Station Operation

One of the most popular models is the keyboard for the 7 "tablet, as this option is very lightweight, small in size and combines the same features as the 10".

It is important to know, before buying this or that option, you need to check whether all the holes on it are suitable for connectors, whether it is convenient to work with it, whether it is convenient to work with it, how the keys are placed, whether they are pleasant to the touch, whether they are of a comfortable size, since this is precisely the problem of further operation of the device. An improperly selected keyboard brings discomfort when working, inconsistencies in the holes will make you constantly pull out and insert the tablet back, and a poorly made model contributes to the development of hand disease.

Now we will talk about how to connect a keyboard to a Lenovo tablet. Lenovo mainly uses docking technology as shown in the pictures below.

Keyboard for Lenovo Tablet with Docking Station

As you can see, it is very comfortable, small-sized, and the keys are the same as on a regular keyboard.

Appearance

To connect the docking station, the cable must be inserted into a special connector located at the top of the device. After that, you need to pull the slider next to the "Esc" key, after which the paw will light up, which informs about the readiness of the docking station. Klava can also be used as an additional battery, which, when fully charged, can extend the tablet's operation up to 30 days. Charging is done via micro-USB. Lenovo tablet device with keyboard is one of the best choices for working with large amounts of text information.

Dock connector

As for the special software, it is not needed at all. You just need to connect the tablet to the docking station - and you can immediately work and control the tablet without first installing drivers.

Setting up on an Android tablet

How to set up a keyboard, for example, with an Android OS, since this particular operating system is the most common among devices? So, we proceed to direct tuning.

Language setting and input

To customize the layout, switch layouts and other settings, where you checked the box, there is a small icon "Sliders". Click on it and go to the settings. Next Hardware keyboard / Layout selection, select Keyboard RU. First, download the ruKeyboard program from Google Play or other sources and install it like a regular application. Next, we connect the keyboard itself via USB or host-USB (be sure to check for the presence of the host function in the device, which allows you to connect external devices), and go to Menu / Settings / Language and input /. We see the Russian Keyboard program installed there, put a checkmark in front of it and go to the Default tab, put the Russian Keyboard there too. Everything: the program is configured and ready to use.

Docking station for Android

The most common problem when connecting an external keyboard is the lack of support for the host function, which is responsible for the tablet's ability to work with external peripherals. Therefore, be sure to check the availability of such a function before purchasing. Also, if you have a micro-USB connector, you should buy a micro-USB to USB cable for connecting external devices.

It is imperative that you restart the tablet after setting it up, since on some devices it is after the restart that the settings take effect.

Let's sum up

An external keyboard is a versatile and very convenient accessory as it expands the capabilities of your tablet and can be used instead of a laptop. The variety of keyboards in colors is very large, so every owner will be able to choose something suitable for himself. Tablets with a docking station are very easy to set up and do not require any drivers. Those devices that are connected via USB on Android OS need a special ruKeyboard program.

Docking stations are a practical solution for work. They are able to extend the operating time of the tablet without a network, while connecting various peripherals to it to increase the range of possibilities.

Additionally: if you decide to buy such an accessory, don't hesitate, but go and buy.

Setting up a Russian external USB keyboard on Android 4.0.3

In the booming digital era, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest in mobile electronics. Actually, few people know what a tablet docking station is. But do not think that this is an unusual supernatural adaptation of aliens. In fact, docking stations are a wide range of mobile device accessories designed to take advantage of additional capabilities. They are opened for users when the device is connected to such a station. What is so specific about them? What are they like? What devices are they made for? We will get answers to these and many other questions below.

Docking stations for tablets and other mobile devices

The most popular are probably the music docking stations. They gained wide popularity thanks to Apple after the release of the iPod. They represent one or more speakers to which you can connect any device through a special input. For example, to connect an iPhone, you just had to put it with a charging socket in a special connector on the music center. Some stations allow wireless connection using Bluetooth technology.

Of course, music docking stations for Android, for example, have better speakers, which unconditionally affects the sound quality. This is why some users have such a device in their arsenal. It's not even necessary to talk about convenience: it's much easier to put your smartphone or tablet on a special box and than to change discs or record tracks separately on them, then insert them into the drive and the like. Music lovers and partygoers at home will surely appreciate it.

Charging docks

A perfect attribute of a business desk in the office will be a docking station for a tablet or smartphone with a charging function. A great solution for people who have no place to put the device when you charge it. And in general, such a stand looks prettier than a long wire with a phone that dangles on the table and interferes with work. And so - put it on the docking station, and let it charge itself. And the wires won't annoy you.

Recently, wireless chargers have gained particular popularity. Some of them are capable even at a certain distance (there are even five meters). So they can be very convenient and helpful for you. You will no longer need to constantly pull out the cord when making calls or stand in unimaginable positions just because your cord is not long enough. By the way, with some smartphones of the Lumia line of Microsoft, such chargers are included in the kit.

Keyboard docking stations are very useful and convenient. They became especially popular after the release of the Windows 8 operating system, which is positioned as a hybrid axis. That is, it should provide the convenience of working on both a tablet and a laptop. Therefore, they began to appear. They came with a stand in the form of a keyboard, like a laptop, to which the tablet itself was connected. Some even had a built-in battery, which extended the battery life of the device.

These stands are actually very handy. For example, an average laptop weighs about a pound and a half, while a tablet with a docking station weighs just under a pound. Some are even five hundred grams. It all depends on the manufacturer. This solution will be much more pleasant for business people who constantly carry a tablet with them and need the convenience of a laptop. Indeed, it is much more convenient to work in a text editor, typing characters using the keys, and not the touch panel, half covering the screen. Even the global giant Apple could not resist and released the iPad Pro, to which you can connect a keyboard.

Universal docking stations and others

Universal docking stations combine several functions at once. For example, there may be one stand with the functions of both a music center and a charger. In addition to these, there may still be stations for connecting removable media. Their role can be played by:, USB flash drives and so on. Thus, with the help of simple manipulations, you can throw information from the drive onto a tablet or smartphone.

For car drivers

Simply an indispensable tool for a car owner is a dedicated car docking station. It is a fastening system for holding the gadget, and also has a standard set of USB inputs or other wires needed in a car. Some of them allow you to provide hands-free operation, that is, you can use your smartphone without touching it. For example, if there are special buttons on the steering wheel, you can make or answer calls using them and talk on the loudspeaker through the on-board computer. And the phone connected to the station, meanwhile, will just lie there.

Smartphones, laptops, tablets have become an integral part of our life. We no longer notice how small devices with a bunch of useful functions in the blink of an eye are at hand, wherever we are: at home or at work, in the city or hundreds of kilometers from civilization. Nevertheless, the modest dimensions of smartphones or tablets do not allow to fully demonstrate the excellent quality of music, video and data transfer, and the necessary connectors on the case are often not available. A docking station becomes a useful addition for portable electronics in this case. In the question of what a docking station is, and what exactly it is intended for, we will understand a little below.

A docking station is a stationary device that allows you to expand the functionality of mobile equipment (phone, laptop). In particular, this device becomes an intermediary for connecting acoustics, printers and other peripheral devices. After the gadget is connected to the docking station, together they make up a single media device.

"Docking station" translated from English means "docking station". Imagine a docking of spacecraft for further flight in the vastness of our Universe. This is done for longer orbital operations, increasing the life support resources of spaceships, and facilitating further flight and piloting. In a narrow sense, the device dock does the same thing - it allows you to recharge the gadget and make it more functional.

Docking station capabilities

The docking station has many functions from simple charging to complex programming.

The simplest and most popular option is charging... The more interesting models have several connectors for the simultaneous connection of two or more rechargeable devices. Power can be from the mains or from the built-in battery pack. There are 2 in 1 models.

The ability to recharge from a battery is an indisputable plus, making the docking station suitable for mobile use (for example, in tourism).

Some docking station models have built-in acoustics... A simple option is just columns. Advanced - speakers and even a subwoofer. Such a device allows you to play music from your phone in a decent quality. For music gourmets, a station with separate speakers and a bass reflex subwoofer is the best choice.

IPhone Speaker Dock

There are docking stations with which you can display video or picture on the big screen (TV, computer monitor). For this, the device has a special port, usually HDMI. A more interesting option is a station equipped with a wireless data transmission device (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). To display images on a large screen, you don't even need to connect hardware gadgets.

One of the most useful docking station options is "external storage", that is, data storage... A gadget with a built-in storage can store large quantities of documents, photos, videos and other data from the phone.

The next possible option is lAN connection... Moreover, it may be joining a network of gadgets. To implement this feature, the docking station has an Ethernet port for a network cable.

The docking station can expand the capabilities of, for example, a phone to a laptop. For this, the device has keyboard function... This can be a built-in element (its own keyboard) or the ability to attach an external (external) keyboard.

Some devices have remote control... This option will be especially convenient for those who use the docking station to play photo, video or audio files. The remote control will allow you to make a choice, control settings (playback order, volume, etc.) from a place, without approaching directly to the device.

A docking station with advanced functionality turns even a fairly simple phone into a full-fledged computer on which you can work with text and graphic documents, watch photos and videos, listen to music, store large amounts of information and work with them.

Docking station compatibility with other devices

Docking stations come in the following formats:

• universal;
• for a specific type of system (Android, iOS);
• designed to work with a specific gadget.

Universal devices often have many different outputs, but very narrow functionality. They do not have connectors for connecting to a PC or keyboard. Basically, such stations are used as multi-row charging.

Docking stations of the second type have much more options: ports for connecting a monitor, keyboard, speaker system. They can sync the phone with the computer. The purchase question is one: compatibility with the user's phone.

Device-specific docking stations provide virtually limitless possibilities for mobile devices. In addition to all the functions described above, highly specialized options are added that are compatible with a specific phone model (applications, the ability to connect more peripheral devices). An example of such docking stations are stations for smart watches or fitness bracelets.

How to choose a docking station

When buying a docking station, you should consider it in the following aspects.

Expanding laptop functions

Very often, laptop owners are faced with lack of connectors, ports, card slots. Buying a docking station solves this problem. To help the user, additional USB connectors, PS / 2, several types of video outputs (VGA, S-Video and DVI), analog and digital ports for audio, PCMCIA slots, ExpressCard, COM are added to the standard set of ports in a laptop. A laptop docking station may also include a power supply, which will slightly speed up the charging process.

Some models are additionally equipped with one more battery and a large slot for a hard drive.

Depending on the manufacturer of your laptop, there are different types of docking station connectors. Therefore, as is the case with smartphones, it is better to opt for the docking station of the same company as the laptop. However, there are docking stations with standard connectors, and the connection is via the USB interface.

By synchronizing a laptop, netbook or PDA with a docking station, you actually become the owner of a full-fledged computer that performs the same functions as a stationary PC. With the help of the station, you can connect an external monitor and keyboard, an optical mouse, a network cable, a modem, office equipment - a scanner, a printer, etc. compromise and use a docking station. It is not necessary to purchase a laptop with a wide diagonal and a full-fledged keyboard, it is much more profitable to connect a monitor, mouse and keyboards if necessary using the Docking station. At the same time, the laptop will remain light and comfortable to use, you can take it with you on a trip and use it for everyday tasks.

If you frequently using a hard drive, then a portable docking station can also come in handy for more comfortable and operational work. In this case, it connects directly to the PC. All you have to do is insert the hard drive into a special slot on the "dock" case. The most important thing to consider when buying a storage station is the required hard drive, or form factor, as well as the interface and connection type.

There are docking stations that allow you to connect several hard drives at once. Their cost is certainly higher, but this more than exceeds the convenience of transferring large amounts of information.

Tablet PC Docking Stations

For a tablet, the most convenient and popular are "docks" in the form of a keyboard. They became widespread with the release of Windows 8, which meant comfortable work both on the tablet and on the user's computer. At the same time, computers-transformers with a keyboard stand were released. A tablet was connected to this stand, and some stands were also equipped with an additional battery.

Docking stations are very convenient when working with a tablet - they weigh much less than the same standard laptop. The tablet and docking station are convenient for people who often travel on business or just vacationing away from home. It is not very convenient to enter text in the editor even using the virtual touch keyboard - it takes up a lot of screen space. The portable keyboard is irreplaceable here.

Apple, for example, has released an iPad Pro to which you can connect a keyboard.

The tablet dock greatly expands its capabilities - it functions as a speaker, charger, keyboard and design with all the necessary connectors - the choice is entirely up to the user.

Thus, if you intend to improve your gadget, then feel free to go to the nearest store for a docking station. This is the optimal solution to extend the battery life of the device, charge the battery and reveal all the necessary functions. Docking stations have a different price range depending on the specific manufacturer, but in any case, you will definitely not regret this purchase.

Many users use tablets for frequent document work. After all, it is easier to carry with you than a laptop, in addition, it has better autonomy, and is often cheaper than a laptop. But typing a large amount of text, for example, for students in lectures or people of creative professions, on the virtual keyboard is far from being as convenient as on the physical one, even if we consider that it has the function of correcting errors and auto-completing the text. On a regular one, you can print several times faster and even using a blind method, while the screen does not provide such an opportunity.

There are situations when you need to turn a tablet into a full-fledged laptop

Some manufacturers began to complete their devices with an additional keyboard in the form of a docking station or a hard case. But, unfortunately, most models are not equipped with this accessory, and you will have to spend money on its purchase. Let's take a look at how to connect a keyboard to a tablet on various operating systems.

Docking station or case

The most reliable and convenient option. Allows you to turn your tablet into a full-fledged laptop with several movements. There are two types of these keyboards - a hard dock and a softer case. The tablet may have a special interface through which the connection is made without the need for other settings. The best option is the docking station, so you can easily put it even on your lap. In addition, it may have a built-in battery, which will extend the battery life. The case is not as comfortable to use on weight, as it is softer and the buttons will just flex under your fingers. The cost of a branded case or docking station can be quite high.

Wired connection

The most popular way to connect. If your model runs on Windows, just plug the USB keyboard connector into the corresponding connector on the device. After that, instant recognition will occur, in some cases the drivers will be installed. The connection will take just a couple of seconds without the need to connect any additional adapters.

For tablets based on Android, you will already need a special adapter - wiring that has a microUSB connector at one end for connecting to the device, and at the other end - a regular USB in order to connect the keyboard. All modern models support OTG technology, which allows you to connect various external equipment. After you plug the equipment into the necessary interfaces, in just a couple of seconds you can use it, for example, for fast typing. By the way, you can add wireless keyboards equipped with a USB receiver in the same way.

But on the iPad, everything is much sadder. It is unlikely that such a connection can be created via a wire, because Apple has not endowed its technology with such support. You can take a chance and use the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or something similar. The system will display a message about the lack of support, but you can ignore it by simply clicking OK. In some cases, the keyboard may work.

Wireless connection

The simplest and most reliable option is a Bluetooth connection, since this type of connection is possible on any mobile OS. There are both branded keyboards recommended by the manufacturer for a specific tablet model, and universal, suitable for any device.

To create a connection, perform the following manipulations:

• Activate Bluetooth on the tablet, put the keyboard into pairing mode until the indicator on it flashes;
• Click on the tablet "Search for devices", select the defined keyboard, enter the pairing code. Most often it is 0000 or 1234, but it is better to clarify in the instructions.

In a couple of seconds, a connection will occur, and you can print any texts.

Conclusion

Now you know that typing large texts on your tablet is easy with an external keyboard that can be connected either via a wired connection or via Bluetooth. This option will cost less than a branded case or docking station.

Are you using a keyboard on your device? Tell us how you connected.