IPad Keyboard Dock

The iPad Keyboard Dock is a keyboard accessory from Apple that attaches to early iPad models with a 30-pin dock connector. It was introduced with the first iPad on January 27, 2010 and shipped later in April. It was discontinued on March 2, 2011 with the introduction of the iPad 2, though it continued to be listed in the Apple online store for sometime longer.

Support
Though the dock is specifically sized for the original iPad, it will also accommodate subsequent models with 30-pin dock connectors. It will work with iPhones, including newer devices with Lightning connectors if an adapter is used. It also includes an additional 30-pin port for charging along with a 3.5 mm headphone jack for external audio.

Reception
The physical keyboard eliminates the need for the built-in software touchscreen keyboard. It was criticized for only attaching in portrait mode, and not landscape mode. A workaround is to use a 30-pin dock extender cable.

Articles

 * Apple iPad Keyboard Dock review by Donald Bell at CNET (2010-04-20)
 * Apple iPad Keyboard Dock review by Ed Hardy at TabletPC Review (2010-04-13)