The ultimate iPhone accessory for typists: Pocket keyboard.

[elagache]

Dear WeatherCat "mature" gadget junkies,

I must confess that I've never liked any of my iPhones I've owned.  However, I couldn't understand why exactly.  I didn't have the same feeling for my iPad.  However, I bought a ZAGG case for my iPad that included a standard keyboard at the same time.  So my iPad has always been much more of a ultralight notebook than a "naked" iPad.

ZAGG recently introduced another product, the Pocket Keyboard:

http://www.zagg.com/us/en_us/keyboards/pocket-foldable-keyboard

I checked the dimensions and realized I could carry this keyboard in my fanny pack along with my wallet and other routine items.  However, this keyboard was a bit expensive and I wasn't sure if it was something I would really use.  Lucky for me, ZAGG had a very good sale last week and I bought the Pocket Keyboard for almost $20 off.

When I set it up, I immediately realized why I disliked my iPhone.  I have been a competent typist for 35 years.  Nothing provides the speed of text entry like a keyboard.  Even the best "texters" will be blown out of the water by even my mediocre typing.  Moreover, having a keyboard changes the way you approach choices like passwords.  Having worked at the San Diego Supercomputer Center, I learned the correct strategies for making secure passwords.  The most secure passwords use letters (upper and lower case,) numbers, and punctuation.  With a keyboard entering such passwords is routine.  Every-time I had to enter my Apple password on my iPhone was a royal pain! 

There is a video on You-Tube showing the features of the Pocket Keyboard:

http://youtu.be/t4rGZyqAQes

I'm not sure how much I'll use mine, but I'm quite sure it will improve my relationship with my iPhone!

FYI, . . . Edouard

[xairbusdriver]

I'll take a look at your "find". But I'd never rely on typing to enter secure, unique, and extremely non-humanly rememberable Passwords/phrases! 1Password works on every Apple device in the family! Naturally, the passwords are always synced... Absolutely no typing required!

[elagache]

Dear X-Air and WeatherCat victims of Apple's constant nagging . . .

I'll take a look at your "find". But I'd never rely on typing to enter secure, unique, and extremely non-humanly rememberable Passwords/phrases! 1Password works on every Apple device in the family! Naturally, the passwords are always synced... Absolutely no typing required!

I don't use 1Password, I use Password Wallet, but it appears to operate in a similar manner.  The problem in the case of the Apple account password is that periodically Apple will ask for that password before completing the installation process (as upgrading versions of iOS.)  In that case, you don't have assess to any applications on your iPhone - yet.

It is possible to use a easy to enter password for that situation, but obviously, that puts all your Apple exchanges at risk.  With a keyboard for any of your iOS devices, you can enter passwords in the same way no matter what the situation is.

In addition, 1Password has the same limitation as Pasword Wallet, it has a master password.  That master password needs to be as secure as any.  So once more it should be a complex mix of letters, numbers, and punctuation.  With a keyboard, accessing your other passwords is easy.  If you have to use display keyboards for a complex password, you are back in the mess once more.

Cheers, Edouard

[xairbusdriver]

I've never seen the iOS ask for my Apple ID without being able to close the dialog. Not saying it doesn't happen, I've just never seen it. I have seen the iPhone request my Apple ID, at inopportune times, but there has always (knock on wood) been a cancel button. I can then go to 1PW and copy the ID and go to Settings->iCloud to paste it in.

Main reason I've stayed with 1PW is that I knew a fellow who worked on the app 10+ years ago. I think it is now even available for Windows! 8+|

True, a password manager uses a password, but that's the only one you need to remember, keyboard or not. True, a keyboard, assuming it is a full version, will allow you to enter some things that the iOS can't.

However, once you no longer have any device in your personal possession, you have totally lost control over its security if the thief is also a 'professional' hacker. Unless that's the case, however, there's no point in making it easy for them to access your info by using only a few memorable passwords. "Memory" is what computers are made of!