Top keyboard/cases for the iPad 3 (gallery) Summer 2012 edition

The unveiling of the Surface Tablets by Microsoft with the clip-on keyboards has opened many eyes to the utility of a thin tablet paired with a keyboard cover. Owners of the iPad can benefit from similar functionality with third party keyboard cases that are currently available.

Not everyone needs a keyboard for their new iPad, but those who do need look no further. This selection of top keyboard/cases is the result of hands-on use of quite a few, resulting in these best of class. All of the cases have  Compaq Laptop Keyboard  that can handle anything from light typing to banging out the next great novel.

All of the keyboards use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to the iPad. They range from super-thin and light models to full leather portfolios for the iPad. If you are thinking a keyboard might be useful, take a look at these and you should be able to make up your mind. Each keyboard is shown in a variety of views to clearly demonstrate what you get with each.

This gallery has been updated with keyboards released since original publication a few months ago. You will find the hot Ultrathin Laptop Keyboard Cover  and the Solar Keyboard Folio from Logitech now in the coverage.