[Swordmaker]

This article seems to think that because the 2012 Microsoft Surface had an optional keyboard that because the Apple iPad Pro has an optional keyboard that Apple is somehow copying Microsoft. Hate to break it to the author but the original iPad in 2010 had an optional Apple keyboard when it was released and within three months it had optional keyboard cases as well. . . and there were iPad styluses available for them as well. PING!

Apple 2010 iPad Keyboard
Ping!

The Latest Apple/Mac/iOS Pings can be found by searching Keyword “ApplePingList” on Freerepublic’s Search.

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.

[aft_lizard]

Yeah, nothing to do with the stylus either or anything. Yep its just the keyboard.

[roadcat]

I bought an iPad in 2010, and have that attachable keyboard, been using it since 2010 long before the Surface came out. On my iPad2, I bought an Apple magnetic click cover. Hold it near the iPad, and it clicks into place. Long before the Surface commercials where they copied the iPad click cover. I have several different keyboards, attachable or bluetooth. Don’t use them much, as I prefer using the iPad’s touch screen on the go; if I want to type a lot it’s done on the MacBook. Each way better than the Surface which is a poor combination hybrid.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

I hate those flat keyboards! Is there more of an “old-style” keyboard with raised keys that I can use with my iMac?

[ThunderSleeps]

I just googled and found a 2011 computerworld article about bluetooth keyboards for Android tablets. So it seems MS, in 2012, wasn't the first to realize that tablets and touch screens are great for some things, but a real keyboard is handy too.

Actually I think any and all of these "X had Y first" or "A is copying B" type arguments/debates terribly boring. Who cares, and (to paraphrase Hitlery) what difference does it make? I honestly don't give a vermin's backside who conceived of what first, who brought it to market first, etc. etc. What matters is, is it useful? Is it done well? Yes, even a comparison of X's implementation vs Y's is valid.

I guess my outlook flies in the face of marketing though. Marketing types want us to believe whatever their guys have is new, innovative, yadda yadda... ;-)