TL;DR: No function keys (F2, F3, etc.) makes this keyboard less useful for work (using Epic, Excel, etc.). However, this is the best case/keyboard solution around, which is why I would still recommend it as long as you know the limitations.
So this tablet and keyboard combination is ostensibly supposed to be a laptop replacement, but the keyboard lacks the function keys that would allow it to do that. While the keyboard itself is well-built, holding the tablet well, and the keys actually feel good to type on (despite being not full-sized), not having the function keys (F2, F3, F4) makes it so that working in Epic or Excel is impossible. Samsung customer service confirmed that there is no way to access those keys from the keyboard.
In Epic, you can customize hot keys onscreen to simulate key presses, to include the function buttons, so I just do that and it isn't too bad, since poking the screen at the F2 is about where the actual key would have been...still way worse that if they had included some function keys. No easy solution in Excel that I couldl come up with. You can pull up other virtual keyboards with the buttons, but that gets in the way of workflow.
I'm typing this review on the keyboard right now and touch typing works decently, with the exception being the top row is so condensed that I will mistype the symbols above (need too shift my finger reach a litte to the left for each one).
There ARE keyboard shortcuts! Many are actually context specific (Home screen vs Samsung internet, etc). Hit the Magnifying Glass + / and you'll get a nice list of what you can do. Ironically, some of them refer to using the F4 and other keys that don't exist on the keyboard...
I do use this on my lap quite a bit, but I really wish it had one additional position to lay more flat like my TabPro S.
I thought that I would hate the S Pen holder, but it actually works really well and isn't as annoying as I thought it would be. It is important to push the S Pen into the holder until it clicks.
I set mine up to not launch DeX on docking, as it tends to be less useful for my multitasking since my main work app (Epic) is not optimized for DeX. Detaching from the keyboard automatically sleeps my tablet, not sure how to change that setting.
I do use it folded back pretty often, and the keys on the reverse side don't bug me too much, but that's likely to be a pretty personal preference.
I've tried some keyboards from Amazon that includes a touchpad, but I can't use it on my lap Folding Keyboard I do really like it though for desktop use! It has function keys
Cons:
- Lacks function keys
- No backlight
- Only one position on the stand
- touch typing the number row is hit or miss
- No touchpad/pointer control
- heavy/bulky
Pros:
- Build quality
- Compact size
- Customize tablet attach/detach actions (mine does not activate Dex)
- S Pen holder is actually pretty good
Hope this helps!
Related
Hello all,
I am looking into getting an HTC Flyer, but strangely I find it a little hard to get precise information as to what I find its most original feature : its stylus.
The thing is, years later, I am still using my good old HTC Blackstone/Touch HD1, its winmo os and its resistive (!) screen.
The reason is, I find using a true, really accurate stylus, as opposed to finger control, is far more comfortable in many cases and, most importantly, brings many functionalities.
I was wondering if you could help me figure if I will get this from the Flyer.
Questions :
1) Is that correct ?
- as an hardware, the stylus/digitizer is very accurate. (I am thinking approx. 0.5mm large selections like the blackstone).
- no handwriting recognition exists at present for the Flyer nor has been announced.
- there is no advanced drawing app for Android that would make real use of such a pen
2) May I :
- disable capacitive sensor when writing or drawing with the pen, so that my hand won't interfere
- make use of really accurate selection, such as :
clicking small items (ex : one small button or link while other are close) on a more or less zoomed out webpage
While editing text, select specific word parts or insert the cursor precisely
- use a Palm OS emu and get its stylus-based features like handwritten letter recognition ?
Thanks for any help/comment on these
fgandcher said:
1) Is that correct ?
- as an hardware, the stylus/digitizer is very accurate. (I am thinking approx. 0.5mm large selections like the blackstone).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is quite accurate in that where you press the stylus is where the mark appears. Pressure sensitivity is also very good. It's far better than a normal capacitive stylus.
- no handwriting recognition exists at present for the Flyer nor has been announced.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. FWIW, Lenovo has handwriting recognition.
- there is no advanced drawing app for Android that would make real use of such a pen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a note-taking app where you can draw to your heart's content, but I wouldn't describe it as "advanced".
2) May I :
- disable capacitive sensor when writing or drawing with the pen, so that my hand won't interfere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then the stylus is near the screen, capacitive sensing is automatically disabled, but it's not perfect. Especially when the stylus has a low battery, you will still accidentally get a touch input here and there.
- make use of really accurate selection, such as :
clicking small items (ex : one small button or link while other are close) on a more or less zoomed out webpage
While editing text, select specific word parts or insert the cursor precisely
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Gingerbread (which currently ships), whenever you try to use the stylus in a non-stylus app (gmail, browser, etc), it just takes a screenshot and lets you draw on that. However in the Honeycomb leak, the stylus will act like a very small finger in apps that don't have specific support for it.
In general, I'd say no, with the caveat that it might work in Honeycomb. However in an app like Notes, I think it'll still just add a drawing, not select text.
- use a Palm OS emu and get its stylus-based features like handwritten letter recognition ?
Thanks for any help/comment on these
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might be possible in Honeycomb where the stylus can work like regular touch input if you use a third-party graffiti-style input method. (There are some on Android Market) In Gingerbread, I don't believe that would be possible.
Hello, I read that many people like the Logitech PRO keyboard. It seems to be a bit heavy. Generally speaking, which is better? The official samsung keyboard or the Logitech PRO keyboard?
Depends on your use. I prefer the Samsung one, much thinner. The logitech makes the whole package too thick.
On the other hand the Logitech has the better keyboard and offers better protection for bothe the front and back.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Thanks. Do both of them have automatic on/off, copy and paste keys?
The Logitech Pro definitely makes the entire package more book-like, and it also only has one angle setting AND it does not support portrait mode. Those are the only knocks against it, though. I love the keyboard. I use my Note PRO 12.2 for work and having a keyboard every bit as good as a laptop's is the critical feature for me.
The only thing I'm struggling with is trying to remap the hotkeys to my preferred apps. I want the internet key to launch Habit Browser not stock browser, for example. I know it's doable but I haven't had time to really grapple with it.
Hello, unfortunately my options for keyboards are limited. The Logitech PRO is not available in my city.
This is my first tablet. How useful it is to have Android keys on the keyboard? There are two main types:
1) Android specific keyboards such as:
a) Samsung Galaxy Bluetooth keyboard (0.8lb)
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/BKB-10USWEGXAR
b) Samsung Compact Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard(not sure if the spec is correct 0.96lb)
http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/pcs-accessories/AA-SK7PWBB/US
I tried this one. It is very light but the keys are a bit too close. Easy to make mistakes.
2) Android compatible keyboards such as:
Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/bluetooth-illuminated-keyboard-k810?crid=26
I tried it today. Not sure about the weight compared with the Samsung's but the keys are very comfortable to type.
I am trying to choose between these three. Any suggestion?
Hello,
Which of the following two Samsung keyboard is comfortable to type and lightweight?
1. Samsung Galaxy Bluetooth Keyboard EE-BT550
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/EE-BT550UBEGUJ
2. Samsung Galaxy Bluetooth Keyboard BKB-10USWEGXAR
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/BKB-10USWEGXAR
I tried the NotePRO 12.2 Keyboard Cover with keyboard. Although it is light, it is not comfortable to type on due to the long raised strip from the ctrl key to the end arrow key. See the photo:
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/EE-CP905UWEGUJ
Does the Logitech PRO keyboard has this problem? Too bad they don't make a white version. My device is in white color.
The Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810 is very comfortable to type on but heavier to carry than the above mentioned Samsung keyboards.
Thanks.
As a writer, I've been using the samsung bkb10 bt kb and love it. It's light, fast, with great tactile feel, and it has a number of hot keys for the note pro 12.2. It's white and I use it with the great samsung s action mouse. My black 32 gb tab is in a black moko slim case. I didn't want a permanent case-kb like the logitech. I can fit my tab, kb and mouse in a bag a little over an inch thick. Together, the case, kb and mouse cost me $65.00. It's a great set up.
hajime_android said:
Hello,
Which of the following two Samsung keyboard is comfortable to type and lightweight?
1. Samsung Galaxy Bluetooth Keyboard EE-BT550
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/EE-BT550UBEGUJ
2. Samsung Galaxy Bluetooth Keyboard BKB-10USWEGXAR
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/BKB-10USWEGXAR
I tried the NotePRO 12.2 Keyboard Cover with keyboard. Although it is light, it is not comfortable to type on due to the long raised strip from the ctrl key to the end arrow key. See the photo:
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab-accessories/EE-CP905UWEGUJ
Does the Logitech PRO keyboard has this problem? Too bad they don't make a white version. My device is in white color.
The Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810 is very comfortable to type on but heavier to carry than the above mentioned Samsung keyboards.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too am a writer and I'm trying to get by with the Logitech Pro. I opted against the Samsung keyboard because of its raised edges on the lower corners. So far it's a mixed bag. It's just fast enough for me, comfortable and quiet. However, it doesn't put the device to sleep when you close it, doesn't have an obvious (or possibly any) way to reassign macro buttons and the browser macro button always asks you to choose the browser you want if you have more than one installed.
Agrajag27 said:
doesn't have an obvious (or possibly any) way to reassign macro buttons and the browser macro button always asks you to choose the browser you want if you have more than one installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try External Keyboard Helper Pro for that
Spere, do you say that because you've found it to work? Frankly, I grabbed the demo and am entirely confused by it. I don't see anything about how to reassign buttons. I tried to scan the keyboard scan code but it doesn't work. Instead of providing a scan code it just loads the app Logitech assigned. Makes me think it's hard-coded.
Agrajag27 said:
Spere, do you say that because you've found it to work? Frankly, I grabbed the demo and am entirely confused by it. I don't see anything about how to reassign buttons. I tried to scan the keyboard scan code but it doesn't work. Instead of providing a scan code it just loads the app Logitech assigned. Makes me think it's hard-coded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said it as an idea. I use that app with my old Logitech keyboard. If buttons seems to be hard coded, don't know would shortcut be changeable if you somehow find key codes for those button? I can also try it tomorrow..
For what it's worth, I spoke to Logitech support today and they essentially were useless. They said this keyboard has hard-coded application keys that cannot be changed and that the browser bug isn't a bug. The old, it's a feature! You get to pick which browser you want every single time you hit the button.
Does Samsung Keyboard support Arabic?
hi,
just a quick question, does any of both Samsung Keyboards support Arabic? or can be added in any way?
Thanks
Shaderach said:
The Logitech Pro definitely makes the entire package more book-like, and it also only has one angle setting AND it does not support portrait mode. Those are the only knocks against it, though. I love the keyboard. I use my Note PRO 12.2 for work and having a keyboard every bit as good as a laptop's is the critical feature for me.
The only thing I'm struggling with is trying to remap the hotkeys to my preferred apps. I want the internet key to launch Habit Browser not stock browser, for example. I know it's doable but I haven't had time to really grapple with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings > General > Default Applications
Just change default internet browser
pirata****zu said:
Settings > General > Default Applications
Just change default internet browser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's my question: Have you tried this yourself or just basing this on common knowledge? Why do I ask? Because, at least for me and on every Note Pro I've tried with that keyboard (took it to the store to try a few units) that doesn't work.
One of the main bugs of the keyboard is that when you hit the Browser macro button, it doesn't matter what browser is set as the default. It's going to pop up a dialog box asking you to choose the default. No matter what you hit next (Always or Just Once) it will ask again and again and again. It's actually in your best interest to say Just Once. Why? Because wasting your time by saying Always will just cause another box to pop up telling you how to clear the default setting later if you don't want that. Saying Just Once at least skips that step.
I'd be curious to see what would happen if you only have one browser installed but both "Internet" and "Chrome" come preinstalled on the device so there's no testing that unless you root and freeze one of them. I haven't had the need to root yet so I haven't.
Agrajag27 said:
I'd be curious to see what would happen if you only have one browser installed but both "Internet" and "Chrome" come preinstalled on the device so there's no testing that unless you root and freeze one of them. I haven't had the need to root yet so I haven't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm right, you don't need to have root to freeze Chrome
Go settings - general - applications - all - find Chrome from list and choose it - select Turn Off
I don't have my NP with me right now, so I'm not sure if that path is correct, but you'll find it
Spere said:
If I'm right, you don't need to have root to freeze Chrome
Go settings - general - applications - all - find Chrome from list and choose it - select Turn Off
I don't have my NP with me right now, so I'm not sure if that path is correct, but you'll find it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that. It actually helped gain more insight into the problem but doesn't actually provide a solution.
So, turning off Chrome allows the Browser key to work without annoyance. The only problem is, it only works for the default Browser called "Internet". There is no way to turn off that browser.
It got me wondering about the other keys. I want my own calendar app to launch but turning off the default calendar seems risky.
I have the Logitech keyboard and I really like it. I was worried about the extra weight and thickness but I'm glad I went with this one. It feels more like an actual notebook in terms of utility because it's easier to bring it around with me or throw in a bag without it getting damaged.
There are a couple issues that I did have which may not be specific to this keyboard. One was that when you hit space while still holding down shift it does not insert a space and instead displays the current language which is super annoying (apparently I hit space before releasing shift A LOT). You can fix this by simply changing to a different virtual keyboard app (eg: the default google keyboard or swiftkey). The other issue I had is that the back button is in the position where you normally have escape key but it doesn't always seem to function the same as escape would. I think it is actually a different key code. I fixed that by remapping caps lock to escape (so now I have no caps lock but I never use that anyways).
Has anyone got the F1-F12 function keys to work with this? So far when I hit FN+MACRO it will just open the browser or calendar or whatever.. I was hoping this wouldn't be the case.
The ZAGG keyboard and Samsung keyboard has blue F1-F12 keys on them, so I was hoping this one would function that way also.. It's really annoying when using remote desktop.
So far I haven't been able to find any way to remap the keys on this thing..
I'm really hoping some more keyboard options emerge for this tablet..
I'm afraid we're all pretty screwed with this tablet with regard to keyboards. The Samsung keyboard is fully functional but doesn't hold the tablet. It just sits in a slot in the keyboard so it's unstable when sitting in bed, etc. The Zagg is very low quality and this one is the best of the lot but has a number of seemingly permanent problems that Logitech appears to have zero interest in addressing. I used to have some pull over there years ago but now my e-mail to upper management didn't even get a reply.
Can someone recommend a good keypad for the Tab S,I find the Samsung keypad to small.i installed the Jellybean keypad which was a lot better but could not get the back key to work so I uninstalled it.anyone got any ideas.Thank You.Longlegs
Try SwiftKey Tablet on Playstore
Lo Xa thank you installed Swiftkey and its a lot better.Thanks Again.Longlegs
The best keyboard for tablet that I would recomend is, thumb kerboard. It has a lot of customizations - like key height, width, and spacing between the keys, keyboard height etc. So if you have time to tincker a bit, I think you'll like that the best
Sent from my SGH-I317M using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I vote for TouchPal
I also vote touchpal.
Swiftkey for me on my 8.4 lagged horribly. Not to mention it was slow opening and closing. I actually think my review was removed because i said the same thing on the play store lol
TouchPal because:
1) delete word gesture (from backspace)
2) numbers by gesture (UP from upper row)
3) symbols by gesture (DOWN from lower row).
4) predictive text (works quite nicely for me)
5) sentence based prediction (for frequently used phrases)
6) quick access of speech input
7) quick change of input language
Cons:
It does lack the cut/paste gestures of swype
No uppercase Gesture (but usually you find uppercase in the suggestions)
No auto uppercase for "Du", "Ihr" etc (this is German specific and uppercase depends on the grammar)
I highly agree with the Thumb Keyboard recommendation. I got Thumb Keyboard 4 free from the Amazon Appstore awhile back and it's the best one for tablets. Especially if you're typing in landscape position. The letters are split into sections to the far left and right, and they have arrow keys and numbers in the middle. It's my Go-to Keyboard for any tablet.
Why would anyone vote for Touchpal X?
Since I bought my Tab S 10.5 I'm still evaluating which keyboard suits my needs best. I crossed Touchpal off the list very quickly as it doesnt support landscape mode typing: srsly there is no split option available?!
Swiftkey does many things very well, but the two things I noticed are: I got only two predictions shown in total in thumb mode and there is still to date no chinese language support. Although my wife is using her IPad Air most of the time, it's still nice to have Chinese input available without having to switch to another keyboard. Otherwise the typing experience is lightning fast. Although this might be because I used Swiftkey on mg GS3 for the last two years.
Kii Keyboard fits nearly all of my needs. It just got one very big minus: the suggested word is in the middle of the screen and unreachable for any fingers without breaking them.
I guess my search will continue some more.
I assume some of you got the 8.4 version and don't require smooth thumb handling in landscape mode. 10.5 users may shine some light upon my troubles.
you are right, it does depend on the form factor. I have the 8.4 tab and I do type mainly in portrait orientation. I do gesture based input at almost same speed as on a full size physical keyboard. Probably 50% times faster than finger typing on the touchscreen (in landscape) and 2 times faster than thumb typing. So I don't really need a (split) thumb typing mode.
With swifkey you can change the form factor depending the orientation !
ie : normal in portrait, split in 2 in landscape
You can also make it floating, which is very useful
pibach said:
you are right, it does depend on the form factor. I have the 8.4 tab and I do type mainly in portrait orientation. I do gesture based input at almost same speed as on a full size physical keyboard. Probably 50% times faster than finger typing on the touchscreen (in landscape) and 2 times faster than thumb typing. So I don't really need a (split) thumb typing mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question 'What's the best keyboard app to use?' isn't as easily answered as it may look like at first glance. Nothing tops a physical keyboard, that's for sure. But with the right app we might come close enough.
Whoever answers this question should also state his preferences and device usage style.
I like Thumb Keyboard because you can custom assign the top row of buttons to various handy functions such as copy, paste, smiley face, etc.
Sent from my SM-T705
For now I will stick yet again to Swiftkey. I tried most if not all present keyboard apps and Swiftkey suits my typing habits in landscape mode best. Although it's far from perfect. Compared to all other apps it has no major drawback except maybe for some missing languages.
Could anyone host orginal samsung keyboard ?
I have an strange issue. Can resize stock keyboard , and can't make it undock.
Icon of those are disappeared :-\
Geilerzucker said:
Nothing tops a physical keyboard, that's for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the experience with physical keyboard is quite restricted in Android. I am using it with an Apple Wireless Keyboard. It is fully functional with shortcuts and special keys.
I was using it in conjuction with a BT Mouse.
But android UI isn't build for mouse control andf you don't really get a cursor, true cut-n-paste, or full undo. And, no gestures (using GMD gesture control).
So finger based navigation is much quicker than mouse.
Also you do waste time changing from input to navigation (true for both, mouse and touch based).
Overall, I am quicker with touch based navigation+swyping, than with a physical keyboard.
I also tried wireless touchpad, but that's even worse.
I'm surprised by the large black bar across the finger print scanner. Couldn't the notification buttons exist in that space, so that the home screen can use the entire display, similar to Samsung devices? I assume the touch digitizer actually exists in that black space. I noticed the scanner already operates as a home button, all that is needed is that the other two buttons are moved to the dead space on either side.
I find it odd that in landscape mode the display is off-centre to the left, especially the keyboard.
This is one of the things I dislike the most about this tablet. My Oneplus 3 works exactly as you described, and it's perfect that way.
Yeah, I'll be honest, when I researched this device and read reviews, it was not at all obvious that space on each side of the scanner was wasted. It just seemed like a no brainer that the android navigation buttons would be there.
The other thing that through me off is that the camera on the 8.4 inch model sticks out like 5mm. You cant lay the device down flat on a table, the camera takes too much pressure and might get damaged.
These two things really disappoint me, starting to regret my purchase.
ahernandezsanchez said:
This is one of the things I dislike the most about this tablet. My Oneplus 3 works exactly as you described, and it's perfect that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
got to settings, system, system navigation, off screen navigation button. Now the navigation bar is gone, the finger print scanner selects back if you touch it, home if you hold it, and open apps if you swipe it.
We all have our likes and dislikes don't we...
The first thing I look at when evaluating a tablet is do they have the stupid capacitive buttons on them! Which I hate. And to boot, mfg like Samsung switch them, so if you use 2 devices like a tablet and phone, you have to get used to one one way and one another... sheeeeeesh
The soft navigation buttons can be hidden (swipe up when u need them), change order, even add additional navigation, not so the hard ones, they are permanent. And they seem even more permanent (if that's such a thing) when they are backwards.
Personally, any device with hard capacitive buttons should just be thrown out the window.
I want to type in the small screen to write in the big screen, but I want to use another keyboard (like Hackers Keyboard) instead of LG keyboard. Because I want arrow keys, CTRL key... Is it possible?
I think this phone would hace more productivity if that was possible.
Similarly. I use SwiftKey for most of my texting and everything in portrait mode. When I Wing the phone out I generally switch to the LG keyboard prior to opening the second screen. It's not as good for word prediction and everything but it allows you to move it between the upper and lower screens. I don't know of any other keyboard yet that has that feature besides the stock LG keyboard. Pretty easy to do. There's a little keyboard icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. Click on that that will allow you to switch between keyboards.
kaluna00 said:
Similarly. I use SwiftKey for most of my texting and everything in portrait mode. When I Wing the phone out I generally switch to the LG keyboard prior to opening the second screen. It's not as good for word prediction and everything but it allows you to move it between the upper and lower screens. I don't know of any other keyboard yet that has that feature besides the stock LG keyboard. Pretty easy to do. There's a little keyboard icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. Click on that that will allow you to switch between keyboards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like LG to add more symbols in its keyboard, mainly: arrow (cursor) keys, CTRL, ALT. These keys are perfect to edit text. I would like to communicate this matter to you so that you can make the keyboard more complete. It would be easy for them.
diejuse said:
I would like LG to add more symbols in its keyboard, mainly: arrow (cursor) keys, CTRL, ALT. These keys are perfect to edit text. I would like to communicate this matter to you so that you can make the keyboard more complete. It would be easy for them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A quick way to move your cursor is you long hold on the spacebar and then you can slide your finger left and right to move the cursor. It actually works pretty well. And I hate to admit it, but I think they stole that idea from Apple.
I didn't know that feature! Thanks! It's good but it' s not enough. I need more like a PC keyboard with arrow keys, CTRL and ALT keys for my purposes.
Any changes with the Android 11 update?
Goof app to have on the phone