Will the iPad be Type-able?

For the past year, speculators in the technology industry have been talking about Apple’s tablet computer. In January of this year, Steve Jobs finally unveiled the tablet computer, and announced that the iPad, as it is now properly called, will hit the shelves sometime in March. Now, as consumers and technology enthusiasts prepare for Apple’s latest device, the big question that looms in the minds of many is whether the iPad will provide consumers with typing capabilities.

Tech bloggers and reporters are buzzing with questions and comments about whether the iPad will succeed in this recessionary market. And many believe that the iPad’s keyboard will be the determining factor in this regard. Most people are at least somewhat familiar with a touch screen. Those who have not used a touch screen personally, have probably at least seen an iPhone or iPod Touch, both of which have touch screens.

As consumers may remember, the touch screen that has now become commonplace on iPhones and Touches was not always so acceptable. In fact, when iPhones first hit the market, there were many in the industry that believed consumers would never embrace the touch screen technology. However, as the years have passed, consumers have grown adept at typing on the small touch screen of an iPhone. And to many, Apple’s touch screen has quickly become the method of choice when it comes to smart phone typing.

So the question that people are contemplating today is whether the iPad will take off at the same rapidity as the iPhone. So far, there seem to be mixed reviews in the technological world. A CNN.com blog post from January 29 discussed the iPad’s touch screen, and revealed that not everybody is pleased with how well it functions. The blog author, in fact, reported marked dissatisfaction with ease and comfort of functionality. However, the blog did note that others tried the iPad’s touch screen and were quite impressed with how well it worked.

Chances are pretty good that there will be those who quickly adapt to the iPad’s touch screen, and others who prefer other methods of typing. But even those who find the iPad’s touch screen disagreeable will have options to make the iPad a very attractive device. Every iPad is equipped to connect with a keyboard. And as Apple lovers know, Apple provides consumers with the latest in keyboard technology.

Apple’s wireless keyboard is the best selling keyboard on the market right now, and for good reason. It uses Bluetooth technology to connect with Mac computers, and it will be compatible with the iPad. At under $50, this wireless keyboard provides the solution for those who are skeptical about the iPad’s touch screen.

Ultimately, every consumer will have to arrive at his or her own opinion about the touch screen on an iPad. Until the iPad is released next month, however, consumers will not have many opportunities to have a go at the touch screen. Until that time, our basis for speculation remains limited to the opinions of the select few who have thus far sampled the iPad.