Ways to connect a keyboard to a tablet. All about docking stations What is a docking station for tablets

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

What types of keyboards are there?

Bluetooth – wireless connection; The advantage is that there are no cables, but such a device constantly requires power - batteries or rechargeable batteries. At the same time, they are quite simple to operate and easy to transport;
Bluetooth/USB is a universal connection type. When the batteries are discharged, you can easily get the cord and connect it like a regular keyboard;
USB/micro-USB is the best option, since most tablets have a USB connector;
The docking station is the best of all options, as it already has Bluetooth and USB, is very easy to transport and reliable in operation.

Keyboard

Keyboard appearance

Today, tablets are becoming increasingly popular. Firstly, it has the same functions as a laptop and PC, and sometimes even more, secondly, it is very convenient and easy to transport, and thirdly, you can take it 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 them correctly for each device. Some require practical use, others need office style, and others need to be comfortable to travel with. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to this when choosing.

Working with the docking station

One of the most popular models is the keyboard for a 7-inch tablet, since this option is very light, small-sized and combines the same functions as the 10-inch one.

It is important to know that before you buy one or another option, you need to check whether all the holes on it are suitable for the connectors, whether it is convenient to work with it, whether it is convenient to work behind it, how the keys are placed, whether they are pleasant to the touch, whether they are a comfortable size, since this is precisely the problem of further operation of the device. An incorrectly selected keyboard brings discomfort when working, inconsistencies in the holes will force you to constantly take 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.

Lenovo Tablet Keyboard with Dock

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 wire must be installed in a special connector, which is located at the top of the device. After this, you need to pull the slider next to the “Esc” key, after which the light will light up, which informs you that the docking station is ready to operate. The keyboard 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. A Lenovo tablet device with a keyboard is one of the best choices for working with large amounts of text information.

Dock connector

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

Setup on an Android tablet

How to set up a keyboard, for example, with Android OS, since this operating system is the most common among devices? So, let's move on to the actual setup.

Language settings and input

To configure the layout, switch layouts and other settings, there is a small “Sliders” icon where you checked the box. Click on it and go to settings. Next, Hardware keyboard/Select layout, select Keyboard RU. First, download the ruKeyboard program from Google Play or other sources and install it as a regular application. Next, 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, check the box next to it and go to the Default tab, install Russian Keyboard there too. That's it: 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 peripheral devices. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to check the availability of such a function. Also, if you have a micro-USB connector, you should buy a cable to convert from micro-USB to USB to connect external devices.

After setting up, be sure to restart the tablet, since on some devices the settings take effect after the reboot.

Let's sum it up

An external keyboard is a universal and very convenient accessory, as it expands the capabilities of the 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 themselves. 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 require a special ruKeyboard program.

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

Additionally: if you decide to buy such an accessory, don’t think for a long time, but go and buy it.

Setting up a Russian external USB keyboard on Android 4.0.3

In the rapidly developing era of digital technology, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest mobile electronics. Actually, few people know what a tablet docking station is. But don't think that this is an unusual supernatural alien adaptation. In fact, docking stations are a wide range of accessories for mobile devices designed to provide additional capabilities. They open for users when they connect the device to such a station. What is so specific about them? What are they? 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 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 via a special input. For example, to connect an iPhone, you just had to place its charging socket in a special connector on the music center. Some stations allow you to connect wirelessly using Bluetooth technology.

Of course, music docking stations for Android, for example, have better speakers, which undoubtedly affects the sound quality. That's why some users keep such a device in their arsenal. There’s no need to even talk about convenience: it’s much easier to put your smartphone or tablet on a special box and rather than changing disks or recording tracks separately on them, then inserting them into the drive and the like. Music lovers and those who like to throw a party at home will undoubtedly appreciate it.

Charging docks

A great attribute for a business desk in the office would be a docking station for a tablet or smartphone with a charging function. An excellent solution for people who do not have a place to put the device when charging it. And in general, such a stand looks nicer 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 irritate you.

Wireless chargers have gained particular popularity recently. Some of them are capable even at some distance (sometimes even up to five meters). So they can be quite convenient and useful for you. You will no longer need to constantly pull out the cord when making calls or stand in impossible positions just because your cable is not long enough. By the way, some smartphones from Microsoft’s Lumia line come with such chargers.

Keyboard docking stations are very useful and convenient. They became especially popular after the release of the Windows 8 operating system, positioned as a hybrid axis. That is, it should provide ease of use on both a tablet and a laptop. That's why 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 increased the battery life of the device.

These stands are actually very convenient. For example, the average laptop weighs about one and a half kilograms, while a tablet with a docking station weighs just under a kilogram. 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 keys rather than a touch panel that half covers 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 that functions as both a music center and a charger. In addition to these, there may also be stations for connecting removable media. Their roles can be: USB flash drives and so on. Thus, with the help of simple manipulations, you can transfer information from the drive to your tablet or smartphone.

For car drivers

A simply irreplaceable tool for a car owner is a special car docking station. It is a mounting system for holding the gadget, and also has a standard set of USB inputs or other wires needed in the car. Some of them allow you to provide hands-free operation, that is, 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. Meanwhile, the phone connected to the station will just lie there.

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

The problem can be solved 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 by users who have to type large amounts of text (students, bloggers, journalists),

— representatives of other areas of activity daily work with email, compose 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 typing compared to a touch screen on which touch typing is impossible.

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

Docking stations

Docking stations for tablets 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. Please note, that docking stations are compatible only with specific models, so when you change the tablet, the accessory will also have to be changed.

Among Android devices, models with a complete keyboard are widely represented in the ASUS line. Transformer series tablets

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

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

The bottom has special rubber feet, like a laptop, that prevent the device from sliding on the table surface.

There are also additional connectors - on the side faces there is a USB port and a card reader. With the docking station connected, the tablet resembles a netbook.

Adds exotics The touchpad is an infrequent guest in docking stations. Battery life is up to 10 hours (at average load).

For those who need a device with maximum equipment, the manufacturer offers the EeePadTransformer TF700T model based on the NVIDIA Tegra 3 platform.

The tablet is equipped with 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.

A docking station with a keyboard is also available as an additional accessory for owners of Samsung Galaxy Tab tablets. It serves as a convenient stand, has the usual QWERTY layout and sells for up to 3,000 rubles.

The body is slightly curved, which improves comfort when typing at a desk. True, you won’t be able to fold the Galaxy Tab like a laptop. Please also note, that in most docking stations for Galaxy Tab tablets, the device is positioned only vertically.

iPad users who need fast typing will also have to buy a keyboard dock separately. But The App1e tablet boasts the widest selection of such accessories.

In particular, the iPad Reyboard Dock MC533ZM accessory (up to 4,000 rubles) is made of aluminum with plastic keys and externally harmonizes with the style of the iPad. The tablet is installed vertically in the docking station.

Universal wireless keyboards

Wireless keyboards are a universal accessory and are compatible with any tablet, even those running on different platforms.

This means that when you buy a new tablet, you won't have to change the keyboard. But we must not forget that wireless connection with

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

A rather original wireless keyboard for owners of App1e tablets – Logitech Case for iPad 2. An accessory that doubles as a stand and protective

overlays for the screen, connects to the device via Bluetooth. Aluminum is used as the body material, which goes well with the design of the tablet.

Another model, the Logitech Tablet, connects to the iPad in a similar way. But there is a separate stand 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 3,000 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 via Bluetooth.

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

This accessory is easy to transport - it is light, compact and thin. The keyboard is ergonomically curved. Price up to 2200 rubles.

The A4 TECH 7500N wireless kit is useful for those who want to have a single set with a desktop PC and a tablet. The set includes a keyboard with a number pad and a mouse.

Both devices are connected to the tablet via a wireless receiver installed in a free USB port. The kit does not require special drivers and runs on AA batteries. Costs up to 1300 rubles.

The Rapoo E6300 wireless keyboard is made in an ultra-thin format - the body thickness is only 6 mm. The aluminum base gives it the durability you need for travel.

It operates from 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 the Rapo E6300 is optimized for the iPad, the keyboard is also compatible with devices running Mac OS 05 and Windows. The accessory is sold in black and white colors at a price of up to 1,400 rubles.

conclusions

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

Keyboard option with dock optimal for those who almost always need the fastest possible typing, long-term operation 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 for those who prefer a full-size keyboard and often work with a tablet at their desk.

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

Many users use tablets to frequently work with documents. After all, it is easier to carry around than a laptop, in addition, it has better autonomy, and most often it is cheaper than a laptop. But typing a large amount of text, for example, for students at a lecture or for people in creative professions, on a virtual keyboard is not nearly as convenient as on a physical keyboard, even if we take into account that it has the function of error correction and auto-completion of text. On a regular one, you can type several times faster and even using the touch method, while a screen printer does not provide this opportunity.

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

Some manufacturers have begun to equip their devices with an additional keyboard in the form of a docking station or hard case. But, unfortunately, most models are not equipped with this accessory, and you will have to spend money to purchase it. Let's 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 in a few movements. There are two types of such keyboards - a hard docking station and a softer case. The tablet may have a special interface that allows the connection to be made without the need for other settings. The best option is the docking station, as it can easily be placed even on your knees. In addition, it may have a built-in battery, which will extend battery life. The case is not so convenient for working on weight, since it is softer, and the buttons will simply sag 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, you just need to plug the keyboard's USB connector into the corresponding connector on the device. After this, instant recognition will occur, and in some cases, drivers will be installed. The connection will take literally a couple of seconds without the need to connect any additional adapters.

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

But on the iPad everything is much sadder. It is unlikely that it will be possible to create such a connection through a wire, because Apple has not endowed its equipment with such support. You can take a chance and use Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or something similar. The system will display a message indicating that there is no 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 communication is possible on any mobile OS. There are both branded keyboards recommended by the manufacturer for a specific tablet model, and universal ones 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 blinks;
Click “Search for devices” on the tablet, select the desired keyboard, enter the pairing code. Most often it is 0000 or 1234, but it is better to check the instructions.

In a couple of seconds the connection will occur and you will be able to print any texts.

Conclusion

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

Do you use a keyboard on your device? Tell us how you made the connection.

Smartphones, laptops, tablets have become an integral part of our lives. We no longer notice how small devices with a bunch of useful functions are instantly at hand, no matter where we are: at home or at work, in the city or hundreds of kilometers from civilization. However, the modest dimensions of smartphones or tablets do not allow them to fully demonstrate the excellent quality of music, video and data transfer, and the necessary connectors are often not available on the case. In this case, a docking station becomes a useful addition for portable electronics. Let’s look at the question of what a docking station is and what exactly it is intended for 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, printing and other peripheral devices. Once the gadget is connected to the docking station, together they form a single media device.

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

Dock features

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

The simplest and most popular option is charger. More interesting models have several connectors for simultaneously connecting two or more chargeable devices. Power can be from the mains or from the built-in battery pack. There are 2 in 1 models.

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

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

Acoustic docking station for iPhone

There are docking stations that you can use display a video or picture on the big screen(TV, computer monitor). For this purpose, 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 gadgets in hardware.

One of the most useful docking station options is “external memory”, 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 local network connection. Moreover, this could be joining a network of gadgets. To implement this feature, the docking station has an Ethernet port for a network cable.

A docking station can expand the capabilities of, for example, a phone to a laptop. For this purpose the device has keyboard function. This can be a built-in element (its own keyboard) or the ability to attach a third-party (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 choices and control settings (playback order, volume, etc.) from your seat, without approaching the device directly.

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.

Compatibility of docking stations with other devices

Dock stations come in the following formats:

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

Universal devices often have many different outputs, but at the same time 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 many more options: ports for connecting a monitor, keyboard, and speaker system. They can sync your phone with your computer. There is only one question when purchasing: compatibility with the user’s phone.

Docking stations designed to work with a specific device 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 a larger number of peripheral devices). An example of such docking stations is stations for smart watches or fitness bracelets.

How to choose a docking station

When purchasing a docking station, you should consider the following aspects.

Expanding the functions of the laptop

Very often laptop owners encounter 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 audio ports, PCMCIA, ExpressCard, COM slots are added to the standard set of ports in the laptop. The laptop docking station may also include a power supply, which will slightly speed up the process of charging the device.

Some models are additionally equipped with another battery and a large hard drive slot.

Depending on the laptop manufacturer, there are different types of connectors for connecting the docking station. Therefore, as in the case of smartphones, it is better to opt for a docking station from the same company as the laptop. However, there are docking stations with standard connectors, and the connection occurs 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 desktop PC. Using the station, you can connect an external monitor and keyboard, optical mouse, network cable, modem, office equipment - scanner, printer, etc. Thus, if you are in doubt about what to choose: a stationary PC with all the components or a mobile and compact laptop, you can come to compromise option 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 keyboard, if necessary, using a 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 to perform everyday tasks.

If you often need to transfer data are you using a hard drive?, then a portable docking station can also be useful for more comfortable and efficient 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 body. The most important thing to consider when purchasing 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 offsets the convenience of transmitting large volumes of information.

Docking stations for tablet computer

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 on both the tablet and the user’s computer. At the same time, transformable computers 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 frequently travel on business or just relax away from home. Entering text in the editor is not very convenient, even using the virtual touch keyboard - it takes up a lot of space on the screen. A portable keyboard is indispensable here.

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

A docking station for a tablet significantly expands its capabilities - it functions as speakers, a charger, a keyboard and a 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 for extending the battery life of the device, recharging the battery and providing 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.