6 great Bluetooth keyboards for your tablet or laptop

Tablets and laptops are getting more and more advanced all the time, but if you want to get down to business, a touchscreen keyboard just won’t get the job done. Serious work needs a big, desktop-grade keyboard, and easy setup with a Bluetooth model makes the following choices a potent combination with iPads, Android tablets, and tablet-only Windows PCs.

Note that we’ve omitted designs that integrate a case or cover, as with various iPad combinations, the Surface keyboard, or the Pixel C keyboard. First-party devices are generally high quality, but we’re focusing on solutions that work with any tablet and any operating system. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also much less expensive.

Best keyboard for the budget-conscious

Anker Ultra Compact Slim Bluetooth Keyboard ($24)

Anker is a trusted budget brand for mobile accessories of all kinds. Previous models of this keyboard definitely took after the Apple Bluetooth keyboard, but the latest revision is more visually distinctive, and packs a much larger battery. Anker claims that it will last an impressive six months with two hours of use per day. On top of that, it’s also one of the cheapest full-sized keyboards Bluetooth around at just twenty bucks.

The keyset is designed to work with multiple operating systems, so advanced functions like page up/page down, volume, and media controls might not match up from device to device.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for the ultra-mobile

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard ($80)

Microsoft has been getting quite creative with some of its accessory designs, and the latest is impressive in more ways than one. This folding design manages to cram a full-sized keyset (including smaller Function and arrow keys) into a tiny package about the size of a standard CD case, sure to fit into even the most overstuffed carry-on bag. It’s also surprisingly comfortable, which is more than can be said for some roll-up designs.

The “Universal” part of the keyboard comes from its agnostic connection, with dedicated keys for Android, iOS, and Windows. The body has limited spill resistance, so while it’s not going to go for a dip in the pool anytime soon, it should be able to resist a few splashes of office coffee. At $100 retail it isn’t the cheapest option (though it’s often sold for considerably less), but it’s a great choice if you want to keep your mobile office as portable as possible.

Read our full review.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for the constant switcher

Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 ($27)

If you often find yourself switching between a desktop, a tablet, and a phone for extended typing, you’ll want to check out this unique design from Logitech. The K480 isn’t as svelte as other options on this list, but it includes both an integrated stand slot for phones and tablets, and a dedicated hardware switch for manually connecting to different devices. It’s an ideal solution for those who don’t like to constantly pick up and put down gadgets.

Control keys for iOS and Android phones and tablets keep these devices under control. The K480 comes in grey or white color options, and with a retail price of $50 (and a street price often below $40) it’s one of the more affordable options available.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for Apple fans

Apple Magic Keyboard ($96)

Apple’s redesigned Magic keyboard is everything Apple fans (and others) could want from a minimalistic Bluetooth keyboard design. The older Magic keyboards had a rolled base that propped the back of the keyboard up and made room for AA batteries. The new version now has a rechargeable battery, so the keyboard lies much more flat. The keys also received an upgrade, and now have a little more weight when typing, which is generally also an improvement. The arrow key redesign is somewhat less welcome, but the advantages to this new design are hard to deny. The Bluetooth battery claims a one month charge, too, so you can carry this keyboard around without worrying about it too much.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for the eco-conscious

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 ($27)

Like to use your keyboard when the sun is shining? Find a seat by a café window or at an outdoor cable, and this Logitech keyboard will power itself, with a charge that Logitech claims can last as long as three months without needing another boost. The keys are a little small, but light and quiet like other modern Logitech keyboard designs. Just make sure that bar at the top stays in the sun!

The downside here is that compatibility is limited: It’s made to work with Windows laptops and desktop PCs. Outside of that, the keyboard may experience functionality issues, so this energy-saving approach is best saved for Windows fans

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for affordable mobile use

Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Keyboard ($9)

Those looking for an affordable Bluetooth keyboard for their mobile devices may find the inexpensive Arteck HB030B perfect for their needs. This compact, 0.24-inch thin keyboard is easy to slip into most computer bags or backpacks, and is compatible with pretty much every common mobile platform. It also comes with a surprising amount of backlighting, with seven different color options and two levels of brightness, for those who need a mobile keyboard in low-light conditions.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

This post was updated on April 24th 2017 by Tyler Lacoma. Added the Apply Magic keyboard, Razer gaming keyboard, Arteck backlit Bluetooth keyboard, and Logitech solar keyboard. 

6 great Bluetooth keyboards for your tablet or laptop

Tablets and laptops are getting more and more advanced all the time, but if you want to get down to business, a touchscreen keyboard just won’t get the job done. Serious work needs a big, desktop-grade keyboard, and easy setup with a Bluetooth model makes the following choices a potent combination with iPads, Android tablets, and tablet-only Windows PCs.

Note that we’ve omitted designs that integrate a case or cover, as with various iPad combinations, the Surface keyboard, or the Pixel C keyboard. First-party devices are generally high quality, but we’re focusing on solutions that work with any tablet and any operating system. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also much less expensive.

Best keyboard for the budget-conscious

Anker Ultra Compact Slim Bluetooth Keyboard ($24)

Anker is a trusted budget brand for mobile accessories of all kinds. Previous models of this keyboard definitely took after the Apple Bluetooth keyboard, but the latest revision is more visually distinctive, and packs a much larger battery. Anker claims that it will last an impressive six months with two hours of use per day. On top of that, it’s also one of the cheapest full-sized keyboards Bluetooth around at just twenty bucks.

The keyset is designed to work with multiple operating systems, so advanced functions like page up/page down, volume, and media controls might not match up from device to device.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for the ultra-mobile

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard ($80)

Microsoft has been getting quite creative with some of its accessory designs, and the latest is impressive in more ways than one. This folding design manages to cram a full-sized keyset (including smaller Function and arrow keys) into a tiny package about the size of a standard CD case, sure to fit into even the most overstuffed carry-on bag. It’s also surprisingly comfortable, which is more than can be said for some roll-up designs.

The “Universal” part of the keyboard comes from its agnostic connection, with dedicated keys for Android, iOS, and Windows. The body has limited spill resistance, so while it’s not going to go for a dip in the pool anytime soon, it should be able to resist a few splashes of office coffee. At $100 retail it isn’t the cheapest option (though it’s often sold for considerably less), but it’s a great choice if you want to keep your mobile office as portable as possible.

Read our full review.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for the constant switcher

Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 ($27)

If you often find yourself switching between a desktop, a tablet, and a phone for extended typing, you’ll want to check out this unique design from Logitech. The K480 isn’t as svelte as other options on this list, but it includes both an integrated stand slot for phones and tablets, and a dedicated hardware switch for manually connecting to different devices. It’s an ideal solution for those who don’t like to constantly pick up and put down gadgets.

Control keys for iOS and Android phones and tablets keep these devices under control. The K480 comes in grey or white color options, and with a retail price of $50 (and a street price often below $40) it’s one of the more affordable options available.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for Apple fans

Apple Magic Keyboard ($96)

Apple’s redesigned Magic keyboard is everything Apple fans (and others) could want from a minimalistic Bluetooth keyboard design. The older Magic keyboards had a rolled base that propped the back of the keyboard up and made room for AA batteries. The new version now has a rechargeable battery, so the keyboard lies much more flat. The keys also received an upgrade, and now have a little more weight when typing, which is generally also an improvement. The arrow key redesign is somewhat less welcome, but the advantages to this new design are hard to deny. The Bluetooth battery claims a one month charge, too, so you can carry this keyboard around without worrying about it too much.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for the eco-conscious

Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 ($27)

Like to use your keyboard when the sun is shining? Find a seat by a café window or at an outdoor cable, and this Logitech keyboard will power itself, with a charge that Logitech claims can last as long as three months without needing another boost. The keys are a little small, but light and quiet like other modern Logitech keyboard designs. Just make sure that bar at the top stays in the sun!

The downside here is that compatibility is limited: It’s made to work with Windows laptops and desktop PCs. Outside of that, the keyboard may experience functionality issues, so this energy-saving approach is best saved for Windows fans

Buy it now from:

Amazon

Best keyboard for affordable mobile use

Arteck HB030B Universal Slim Keyboard ($9)

Those looking for an affordable Bluetooth keyboard for their mobile devices may find the inexpensive Arteck HB030B perfect for their needs. This compact, 0.24-inch thin keyboard is easy to slip into most computer bags or backpacks, and is compatible with pretty much every common mobile platform. It also comes with a surprising amount of backlighting, with seven different color options and two levels of brightness, for those who need a mobile keyboard in low-light conditions.

Buy it now from:

Amazon

This post was updated on April 24th 2017 by Tyler Lacoma. Added the Apply Magic keyboard, Razer gaming keyboard, Arteck backlit Bluetooth keyboard, and Logitech solar keyboard. 

BlackBerry KeyOne vs. Galaxy S8: Keyboard or curves?

If you’re looking for a new smartphone right now, it’s not easy to look past Samsung’s latest release. The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus is an eye-catching, curved beauty that boasts an impressive set of features. However, the more affordable BlackBerry KeyOne is also hitting the market, and if you harbor fond memories of the physical keyboards that marked BlackBerry’s peak, it may just reel you in.

These two Android smartphones actually have quite a few similarities on paper. For a little more help deciding, read on as we delve into the specs and pit BlackBerry’s KeyOne against Samsung’s Galaxy S8.

Specs

BlackBerry KeyOne

Samsung Galaxy S8

Size
149.1 x 72.4 x 9.4 mm (5.87 x 2.85 x 0.37 inches)
148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0mm (5.9 x 2.7 x 0.3-inches)
Weight
180g (6.35oz)
155g (5.5oz)
Screen
4.5-inch IPS LCD
5.8-inch AMOLED
Resolution
1,080 x 1,620 pixels (433 pixels per inch)
2,960 x 1,440 pixels (570ppi)
OS
Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Android 7.0 Nougat
Storage
32GB
64GB
MicroSD card slot
Yes
Yes
NFC support
Yes
Yes
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Samsung Exynos 9 Series 8895 (International)
RAM
3GB
4GB
Connectivity
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Camera
12MP rear, 8MP front
12MP rear with OIS, 8MP front
Video
2,160p at 30fps
2,160p at 30fps
Bluetooth
Yes, version 4.2
Yes, version 5.0
Fingerprint sensor
Yes
Yes
Other sensors
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, iris scanner
Water resistant
No
IP68
Battery
3,505mAh
3,000mAh
Quick Charging
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
No
Yes, Qi and PMA
Ports
USB-C, headphone jack
USB-C, headphone jack
Marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Color offerings
Black
Black, silver, orchid grey, blue (international), gold (international)
Availability
May 31, other carrier support coming in summer

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, Samsung

Price
Starts at $550
Starts at $720
DT review
First Take
4 out of 5 stars

In terms of performance and raw power, this is a walkover for the Galaxy S8. Samsung’s smartphone sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor in the U.S. or Samsung’s octa-core Exynos 8895 in some international markets. Both are a great deal faster than the decidedly mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 that you’ll find in the BlackBerry KeyOne. You’ll also find 4GB of RAM in the S8, compared to the KeyOne’s 3GB of RAM. If you don’t care about cutting edge performance and the latest games, then the KeyOne should still have enough under the hood to satisfy, but it’s a distant second here. The bottom line is that the S8 should be faster at loading apps and games, and snappier when swiping around.

Winner: Galaxy S8

Design, display, and durability

Galaxy S8

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The Galaxy S8 could be the most attractive smartphone we’ve ever used. Curved glass edges melt into a rounded metal frame seamlessly. By ditching the physical Home button, Samsung has maximized the screen, packing an impressively large display into a svelte body. The build quality is impeccable. The BlackBerry KeyOne by contrast feels very chunky, but it does also have a very slightly curved screen that folds into an aluminum body. The obvious difference is the full QWERTY keyboard that sits below the screen.

Moving onto the screen itself, Samsung is the clear leader in the smartphone market with its Super AMOLED technology, and the S8 offers 5.8 inches of bright, vibrant, clarity. The BlackBerry KeyOne has an unusual, slightly squat, 4.5-inch display, because the front of the handset must accommodate that keyboard. It is respectably sharp, but it can’t compete with the best.

If durability is important to you, then things are less clear-cut. The S8 boasts an IP68 rating, which means it can take a dunk without dying. But when it comes to potential drop damage, that edge display is awfully fragile and expensive to fix, whereas the KeyOne has a solid frame to protect it and is designed to be able to withstand a tumble or two.

Winner: Galaxy S8

Battery life and charging

With a whopping 3,505mAh battery, the BlackBerry KeyOne has enough power to keep on ticking for a long time. Coupled with a smaller, lower resolution screen, we expect that battery to last perhaps well more than a days between charges, but we’ll have to test it out to make sure. The Galaxy S8 has a decent 3,000mAh battery which delivers average day-long performance.

Both phones have USB Type-C ports for fast charging, but only the Galaxy S8 supports wireless charging on both the Qi and PMA standards. Obviously, if wireless charging is important to you, the lack of support in the KeyOne could be a deal-breaker, but it scrapes a narrow win here for the longer battery life.

Winner: BlackBerry KeyOne

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

On paper, the BlackBerry KeyOne and Galaxy S8 are neck-and-neck in the camera department with both sporting a 12-megapixel main camera, and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. There’s also phase detection autofocus, HDR, and 4K video recording, but that’s where the similarities end. In reality, the S8 is far superior with larger sensors for better low-light performance, extras like optical image stabilization, and snappier performance.

Winner: Galaxy S8

Software

While the S8 ships with Android 7.0 Nougat and Samsung’s TouchWiz UI on top, the BlackBerry KeyOne boasts the latest Android 7.1.1 Nougat and it’s almost stock. Samsung offers some interesting and useful extras including, smart gestures and shortcuts, iris scanning as an unlock method, special Edge screen panels, and the Bixby assistant, though we’re not too impressed with the latter in its current form.  You can even get the DeX dock to use the S8 as a desktop replacement.

BlackBerry folds its suite of apps into the mix and some tweaks to make better use of the keyboard, which also supports gestures. One important factor in the KeyOne’s favor is the commitment to regular updates from BlackBerry, which will include Google’s monthly security updates for Android.

Winner: Tie

Price and availability

The Galaxy S8 has romped several categories in this comparison and that starts to make more sense when you compare the pricing. The BlackBerry KeyOne is significantly cheaper, with an unlocked handset costing $200 less. If you can’t buy outright, you can get an S8 from AT&T for just $25 per month with no money down, but it means signing up to a long, two and half year contract. We’re not sure on contract pricing for the KeyOne just yet, but it will certainly be cheaper than the S8.

Samsung Galaxy S8
BlackBerry KeyOne
AT&T
$750 or $25 per month for 30 months
$550
Sprint
$750 or $31.25 per month for 24 months
$550
T-Mobile
$750 or $30 per month for 24 months with a $30 down payment
$550
Verizon
$720 or $30 per month for 24 months
$550

Unfortunately, the KeyOne has been delayed slightly. It was originally touted for an April release, but this has been pushed back until May 31.

Winner: BlackBerry KeyOne

Overall winner: Galaxy S8

Whatever way you slice it, the Galaxy S8 is a better smartphone. Lightning fast performance, a gorgeous screen and design, and a host of extra features and functionality make it a clear winner here. Having said all of that, the BlackBerry KeyOne is the best BlackBerry in a long time and it offers great battery life, solid security, and, of course, that physical keyboard. If you’re a fan of the BlackBerry brand you’ll probably love the KeyOne, but if you want the best phone then it’s the S8 all day long.

5 songs you need to stream this week: Real Estate, Chris Stapleton, and more

Every week, there are thousands of new songs hitting the airwaves — and it’s just too much for your two ears to handle. With all those options, you can’t be wasting your time on tracks that deserve a thumbs-down click.

But don’t worry, we’re going to save you the hassle. We listen to some of the most-hyped and interesting songs each week, and tell you which are worthy of your precious listening time.

Here are our top five songs to stream this week. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our Spotify page for a playlist of our weekly picks, which can also be found at the bottom of this post.

Real Estate — Stained Glass

Chicago indie giants Real Estate appeared on KCRW radio this week, performing Stained Glass from their recently released album In Mind. The song showcases 12-string guitar and the band’s classic eighth-note-driven drum groove, which helps it hop happily through your ears throughout its nearly 4-minute runtime.

Chris Stapleton — Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning

Those feeling down about spring rain will take solace in this recently released version of Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning, a sad song made famous by Willie Nelson, and performed here by country singer/songwriter Chris Stapleton. Stapleton takes a more rambling, vocal-driven approach than Nelson did on his version, with gentle background vocals from his wife, Morgane, on the chorus. The second track released from Stapleton’s upcoming album, From A Room: Volume 1, the song feels like a continuation of the simple and gorgeous musical aesthetic that drew so many fans to 2015’s Traveller — a breakout hit that won Stapleton CMA, Grammy, and ACM awards.

Big Boi — Kill Jill (Featuring Killer Mike and Jeezy)

Famed rapper Big Boi (one half of legendary Atlanta rap crew Outkast) pairs up with fellow southern rappers Killer Mike and Jeezy on his latest trap-influenced single. A hard-hitting track that was released in honor of Killer Mike’s birthday (which also happened to be 4/20), this is a single you’ll want to listen to on your way to the party next weekend.

BNQT — Mind Of A Man

A new indie rock supergroup that features members of Band of Horses, Franz Ferdinand, Grandaddy, Travis, and Midlake, BNQT has shared a groovy new song driven by the voice of Travis’ Fran Healy. The group’s upcoming 10-track album, Volume 1, will feature each band member on lead vocals on two tracks, giving them a cool and ever-shifting musical aesthetic. Mind Of A Man features a simple and deep-pocket drum beat set against a wall of sound that includes strings, keyboards, and numerous guitars. It’s easily our favorite single from the band thus far.

Sam Craighead — Regality

A beautiful piano and horn melody opens up Regality, the newest song from Columbus-based musician Sam Craighead’s upcoming solo album, The Tuesday Night Music Club. A steadily evolving song that continuously grabs your ears, with every layer of the jangly pop number perfectly placed, this is a dynamic arrangement that you’ll want to really dig your ears into over repeat plays.

That’s it for now, but tune in next week for more tunes — and check out the playlist loaded with our recent selections below:

RoamingMan might be the easiest way to stay connected anywhere in the world

Smartphones and laptops are essential tools in daily life. Whether you want to read the news, watch a movie, or simply chat with a friend, chances are you do so on your phone. Dependence can breed frustration, however, when you step across a border and find that your smartphone no longer works. Although international travel has never been easier, data plans have yet to catch up. There are few things worse than being in a foreign land, ready to sit for a spell, only to realize you can’t check your Facebook feed or favorite subreddit. Local Wi-Fi may not be up to snuff, and you don’t have an international data plan.

If buying an international data plan or a SIM card for whatever country you visit seems too expensive or annoying, consider renting a mobile hotspot. These devices function as a tether between your devices and the internet, allowing you to connect easily and without sharing the link with nearby users.

The RoamingMan mobile hotspot is an Android-powered Wi-Fi hotspot with “cloud SIM” technology. This means that it gives you data — at 4G, no less — no matter where you are in the world. You’ll have to pay for your data, and the device throttles you after a daily 500MB limit. But at just $10 a day for 4G data wherever you roam, the RoamingMan is useful.

You can rent a device from RoamingMan’s website, telling the company the range of dates you want to use it for, then mail it back to them using a label they include.

First, you should check with your mobile carrier to see if they offer affordable international plans. If not, you should definitely consider a Wi-Fi hotspot.

RoamingMan might be the easiest way to stay connected anywhere in the world

Smartphones and laptops are essential tools in daily life. Whether you want to read the news, watch a movie, or simply chat with a friend, chances are you do so on your phone. Dependence can breed frustration, however, when you step across a border and find that your smartphone no longer works. Although international travel has never been easier, data plans have yet to catch up. There are few things worse than being in a foreign land, ready to sit for a spell, only to realize you can’t check your Facebook feed or favorite subreddit. Local Wi-Fi may not be up to snuff, and you don’t have an international data plan.

If buying an international data plan or a SIM card for whatever country you visit seems too expensive or annoying, consider renting a mobile hotspot. These devices function as a tether between your devices and the internet, allowing you to connect easily and without sharing the link with nearby users.

The RoamingMan mobile hotspot is an Android-powered Wi-Fi hotspot with “cloud SIM” technology. This means that it gives you data — at 4G, no less — no matter where you are in the world. You’ll have to pay for your data, and the device throttles you after a daily 500MB limit. But at just $10 a day for 4G data wherever you roam, the RoamingMan is useful.

You can rent a device from RoamingMan’s website, telling the company the range of dates you want to use it for, then mail it back to them using a label they include.

First, you should check with your mobile carrier to see if they offer affordable international plans. If not, you should definitely consider a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Gene editing could lead to a vaccine for arthritis

Right now, arthritis treatment tends to be an all-or-nothing proposition: the drugs you take affect your entire body, causing havoc with your immune system and leaving you prone to infections. But how do you narrow the treatment to just those areas where you feel pain? Genetics, apparently. Researchers have used CRISPR gene editing to turn stem cells into cartilage that releases a biological anti-inflammatory drug when they encounter inflammation. It not only limits treatment to the affected area, but responds only when there’s a pain flare. You only get relief when you need it.

The team has only just started testing these custom stem cells in mouse models of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. However, the dream is that they’ll eventually be used to replace arthritic cartilage and, for all intents and purposes, serve as a vaccine against arthritis. That, in turn, could prevent the secondary damage that makes arthritis that much worse. On top of this, the scientists believe their basic approach could apply to any condition where there’s a “feedback loop.” Imagine if you could treat diabetes with cells that trigger insulin production in response to glucose, for instance. This kind of automatic cell-based medicine may be years away, but it is on the horizon.

Via: ScienceDaily

Source: Stem Cell Reports

Tesla ends SolarCity’s door-to-door sales pitches

Tesla is used to selling cars online, but that’s not how the recently acquired SolarCity liked to roll — it preferred door-to-door sales pitches to get panels on your roof. Thankfully, you won’t have anyone interrupting dinner going forward. Tesla has revealed that its solar energy division will stop those door-to-door sales in favor of internet and retail operations. It’s what “most of our prospective customers prefer,” the company says, and the other sales channels should more than make up for the loss. That will shake up jobs, but the roughly 1,000 people affected will either be moved to other sales methods or get a chance to interview for other positions at Tesla.

These in-person sales were sometimes effective, but it’s not hard to see why Tesla would shake up its strategy. It’s indicative of a maturing home solar energy market, particularly in Tesla’s home turf of California. Why chase after fewer and fewer customers through sales reps, especially when you’re effectively asking homeowners for an on-the-spot commitment to a solar panel installation? Tesla has already said it would focus more on saving money with its solar business than boosting its sales, and there’s no question that face-to-face sales are expensive when success is far from guaranteed.

As it is, SolarCity’s methods aren’t exactly in sync with Tesla’s upscale, relatively low-pressure sales approach. While the electric car and solar panel groups sometimes aim at very different audiences (one is eager to splurge, the other is trying to scrimp and save), the end to door-to-door sales should create more of a united front when Tesla pitches its eco-friendly vision of the future.

Source: Reuters