Writing on a tablet with a portable Bluetooth keyboard is easier than ever. Of late, I have to work from different locations daily. This situation has forced me back to my ASUS tablet and the Logitech keyboard. I wrote an article on the combination of the two of them earlier this year. They make a formidable pair.
Let’s Talk Weight
My current laptop is a seven-year-old 13.3″ ASUS Zenbook (named Zeus) that weighs in at 3.2 lbs. It is thin and light, but not as easy to carry as a 9.7″ tablet and small keyboard. First, the charging cable is larger, and second, the battery is getting weaker as it ages. It is still the original battery. I have upgraded the hard drive from a 128 GB SSD to a 480 GB SSD. The battery will probably be the next replacement required. I’m not sure I can upgrade the RAM, but it would be nice.
Back to the Keyboard
The Logitech Keys-to-Go Bluetooth keyboard is the ultimate in thin and light. I have the one made specifically for Android that seems to no longer be available on Amazon. They made the blue one for Android, a red one for iPad, and a black one for Windows. The Windows keyboard is the only one showing up on Amazon now. They are all interchangeable, but each has a few special keys set aside for OS functions specific to each one.
My amazement continues as I use this keyboard and in how easy it is to type. The keys have a good feel and enough travel to let you know the key is depressed. The built-in battery lasts a long time, then a quick connection to a charger with a Micro USB connector puts the green light back on. It is a fantastic device.
Living in the Past
I used a 12.1″ Dell laptop for about eight years, so I’m used to a smaller keyboard. It was my work and personal laptop, and I loved it. I had to retire it when both hinges broke. A sad day.
The Logitech keyboard is even smaller than the one on “Baby Dell,” but the spacing on the keys is enough to touch type. I’m not as fast as I was when I was typing every day, but it is getting better with each use.
Fresh and Cool
I have used this combination for a few days now, writing in the WordPress Android app. Currently, this works because I have WiFi available. The WordPress app requires a connection to the website but has no offline function. The app would not even open when I tried it last year. I’m not sure what I will do when I end up somewhere with no connection. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there, I guess.
I have enjoyed writing regularly again. It gets my brain active, and after a bit, the creative juices begin to flow. It is something I have missed.
Back to Writing
When writing, I use the Grammarly app as well as the Hemmingway app. I have not figured out an easy way to incorporate either into this portable writing process. When I have completed writing on the tablet, I upload it as a draft to my WordPress site and finish formatting on my laptop. By uploading the document, I can check the grammar and sentence structure before publishing. So far, the process seems to work.
I know there is a Grammarly keyboard for Android, but I don’t think it will work while I’m using the Logitech keyboard. I may have to experiment with that.
New Goals
Since I have committed to getting my writing chops back in shape, this combination is helpful. I throw them in a small bag and head out the door. The bag has a charger and cables for the tablet and phone, so no need to remember to grab extras.
I will try to give an update as I continue this new journey.
What portable tech are you using? I’m always open to new ideas.
Oh, and you DO name your tech devices, don’t you? Or is it just me?