Android Tablet Keyboard Setup: A 3-Step Guide

Android Tablet Keyboards: A Comprehensive Guide

More than a year has passed since the first iPad was released, and now viable tablet alternatives are becoming increasingly available. The ongoing legal disputes between Apple and Samsung demonstrate the intensity of the emerging competition.

The latest Android tablets running Honeycomb are proving to be competitive, even according to assessments made by Apple themselves.

Setting Up Your Android Tablet Keyboard

If you’ve recently adopted an Android 3.x tablet and are experiencing difficulties with the on-screen keyboard, this guide offers assistance. It details the process of configuring the touchscreen keyboard.

Furthermore, we will recommend an alternative keyboard layout that includes a comprehensive set of special characters, mirroring the functionality you may be accustomed to.

Tips for Touch Typing on Android

For those proficient in touch typing, several techniques can enhance your experience. Consistent practice can demonstrate that the purchase of an external keyboard may not be required.

Consider these points as you adapt to the touchscreen interface. Developing muscle memory will significantly improve typing speed and accuracy.

Exploring Keyboard Options

Default Keyboard: Familiarize yourself with the layout and available features.
Alternative Keyboards: Explore third-party options for enhanced functionality and customization.
Special Characters: Locate and utilize the special character input method.

Ultimately, mastering the Android tablet keyboard is achievable with dedication and the right approach. The built-in features, combined with practice, can provide a satisfying typing experience.

Understanding Android Keyboard Choices

The following screenshots illustrate the standard Android 3.x keyboard layout. It's important to note that the example displayed utilizes the German QWERTZ configuration.

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While this keyboard features generously sized keys, it lacks numerous crucial characters. Unfortunately, not all of these missing characters become accessible through the ?123 key.

Access to the current keyboard’s settings is achieved by selecting the tools button, located in the lower-left corner of the keyboard interface. In the provided illustration, this is the key positioned in the bottom-left. To explore different keyboard layouts, tap the keyboard icon situated in the bottom-right section of your Android taskbar; this will reveal a list of installed options.

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If your work requires frequent use of special characters, and you are comfortable with smaller key sizes, exploring alternative keyboard options is advisable. Hacker's Keyboard is a recommended choice, offering a variety of layouts including German, Russian, Spanish, and French.

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Hacker's Keyboard presents a comprehensive five-row key arrangement, encompassing nearly all characters found on a traditional keyboard. Within its settings, you can configure options for both portrait and landscape orientations, and adjust the keyboard’s height to your preference.

Configuring Your Tablet's Touchscreen Keyboard

Comprehensive touchscreen keyboard settings are accessible via > Settings > Language and input. Within > Keyboard settings, you can define your > Current input method (the default option), manage the > Input method selector, and > Configure input methods.

It is advisable to begin by examining the final entry in the list, which allows for customization of touchpad functionality and default keyboard behaviors.

Keyboard Customization Options

For instance, you can enable features like automatic capitalization, automatic correction, or haptic feedback (vibration) upon key presses.

Certain keyboards also permit the selection of > Active input methods, effectively determining the languages supported by the keyboard.

Auto-capitalization: Automatically capitalizes the first letter of sentences.
Auto-correction: Suggests and applies corrections to misspelled words.
Haptic feedback: Provides a subtle vibration when a key is pressed.

These settings enhance the user experience and can be tailored to individual preferences. Adjusting these options ensures the touchscreen keyboard functions optimally for your needs.

Touchscreen Keyboard Typing: A Guide to Effective Use

Utilizing a touchscreen for typing presents unique difficulties. A primary challenge lies in accurately locating keys due to the absence of tactile feedback. This lack of physical cues also hinders the ability to consistently return hands to the standard 'home row' position.

Furthermore, maintaining a stable hand position on the tablet can be problematic. Accidental activation of menus or unintended key presses are common occurrences.

Even with accurate key presses, the touchscreen's responsiveness can sometimes lag behind rapid typing speeds.

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These obstacles pose significant hurdles for individuals accustomed to traditional touch typing techniques. It may be necessary to adapt and potentially relearn typing, shifting from a ten-finger approach to a more coordinated three or four-finger method.

However, if you wish to attempt touch typing on a touchscreen, consider these suggestions:

Position the touchscreen at a slight angle.
Support your wrists on a stable surface, such as a table.
Maintain a 'home position' by hovering your fingers over the on-screen keyboard.
Utilize your index finger for the spacebar to avoid activating the taskbar with your thumbs.
Practice typing at a reduced speed.

Is the built-in touchscreen keyboard adequate for your needs? If you're contemplating an external keyboard, explore this resource and its associated discussion: Why Tablets Shouldn’t Have Keyboards Included With Them [Geeks Weigh In].

If you are still deciding whether to purchase a Tablet PC, this article offers valuable insights – 5 Things To Consider Before Buying A Tablet PC.

What is your typical tablet usage, and how frequently do you engage in typing tasks?

Image credits: Bigdigo, italianestro