6

What are the ways for both an iMac and an iPad to share the same physical keyboard?

If it's possible to share a regular Apple bluetooth keyboard between both devices without jailbreaking the iPad, I think it would be my favored option.

Improve this question
0

8 Answers 8

Reset to default
2

Logitech made a solar bluetooth keyboard allowing keyboard to pair 3 device .

With your apple bluetooth keyboard,

JUC400 Wormhole switch will do this. Or If you use mac, app "type2phone"is a altinative solution.

Improve this answer
1
5

I don't think you can. Bluetooth is designed such that pairing is two-way (computer <-> device). You can't pair to a second device without un-pairing from the first device.

Improve this answer
1
  • Sounds quite logical. Let's hope there's other ways to not have 2 keyboards on a desk.
    – Daniel Jomphe
    Mar 11, 2011 at 15:45
2

Bluetooth only allows pairing with one device at a time.

Improve this answer
2

This might help you, or at least lead you in the right direction.

http://modmyi.com/forums/iphone-news/716935-synergy-ipad-share-your-mouse-keyboard.html

Improve this answer
2

Theoretically using the computer as a middle man, You could set a hotkey to switch between the two? No program exists to do it though :(

Improve this answer
2

This has worked well for me - especially when I turn off the bluetooth on the current device that has the bluetooth keyboard paired, then turn on the bluetooth on the other.

Sometimes, then pair to the closest device when I power cycle the keyboard.

You have to do the initial pairing on each, but I've not had issues using one Apple Bluetooth keyboard with more than one "computer" - be it a Mac or an iOS device like an iPhone or an iPad.

You of course can't have the one keyboard drive both at the same time - this only works in sequence.

Improve this answer
1

An alternative to the regular Apple bluetooth keyboard is the Kanex Multi-Sync Keyboard.

This keyboard can be paired with four devices, paired through Bluetooth with each of the devices just once, and you can then use the Multi-Sync Keyboard with it with just a tap of a button. Another device can be connected through USB.

This keyboard has a numeric keypad built in for those spreadsheet editing, but also features iOS-specific keys for your favorite iDevice. It operates on two AAA batteries, and can also be used in a USB-wired mode if needed.

It retails in the UK at £69.00.

Improve this answer
1

It exists for the Mac, so I guess it could be possible even for Windows.

Type2Phone: Virtual Bluetooth Keyboard

Type2Phone lets you use your Mac as Bluetooth keyboard to your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.

Type on your full-sized keyboard. The text will appear on your iOS device. Prepare text on your Mac and then paste it to your mobile device.

Benefits

  • Use your Mac as a keyboard to type SMS text messages at full speed
  • Send tweets.
  • Update your Facebook status.
  • Chat. With the comfort of a full keyboard
  • Reply to emails on accounts configured only on your iPhone
  • Paste addresses, passwords, … from your Mac to your iPhone
  • Use AppleScript to automate text input to your iPhone

Requirements

  • Mac with Bluetooth enabled
  • Mac OS X 10.6.6
  • iPhone (3GS or later), iPad (all models), iPod touch (3rd generation or later). iOS 3.2 or later
  • Apple TV with software version 5.2 (January 2013) or later
Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .