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third-gen iPad

Keyboarding your iPad: Best keyboard cases

(Updated April 26, 2012, with two new keyboard cases.)

The one differentiating feature separating the iPad from portable computers such as Netbooks for many people, other than the operating system, is a keyboard. Yes, the iPad has its own onscreen virtual keyboard, but some will be tempted to explore alternatives to get "serious" writing done.

Keyboards for iPads have drawbacks: they add bulk to your bag, and the Bluetooth connection will add some drain to an iPad's battery life. You'll also have to consider whether you prefer a standalone keyboard, or a case that has a keyboard built in. Some cases have compressed keyboards, and others manage to fit a full-size one. You'll also have to learn to live without a trackpad.

For your comparison-shopping help, here are the keyboard cases I've reviewed. … Read more

Simple hack runs Verizon's LTE iPad on AT&T's 3G network

We all know that a Verizon iPad 4G and an AT&T iPad 4G won't ride on each others' LTE networks, because they've each locked the models that they sell to their networks alone. But what if you could work around these business-shielding limitations to surf 3G on another carrier's network?

That's exactly what one owner of Apple's new iPad is claiming has happened with the Verizon iPad. MacRumors forum member jsnuff1 noted that inserting an AT&T micro-SIM card into the device and updating the iPad's carrier settings to support an … Read more

You should still wait online, not in line, for a third-gen iPad

As the latest iPad nears its official availability date of March 16, those who haven't preordered already are left in a quandary.

To no great surprise, newly placed Apple iPad orders now won't ship for another 2-3 weeks. So, should you try waiting in a line at an Apple store or retailer on Friday instead for your iPad fix? … Read more