Will keyboard work while detached?

[Regicide]

I looked through previous threads for the answer to this but could not immediately find it.

Will the keyboard work while detached? Meaning, can I have the surface on a table and the keyboard on my lap? I know I can do this with a Bluetooth keyboard -- I'm wondering about the keyboard you buy with it.

Thanks.

 

[thelern]

Nope. It requires a physical connection

 

[Regicide]

Thanks. That's a slight bummer.

 

[california86]

Thanks. That's a slight bummer.

It won't work wirelessly out of the box, but I wouldn't be surprised if they release a wireless adapter for the SP3 keyboards like they did with the earlier type covers:
Microsoft Surface Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers | Bluetooth keyboard adapter

 

[Regicide]

Oh I do like that prospect. Thanks for the info!

 

[xandros9]

You could always pick up a third party wireless bluetooth keyboard.

 

[hopmedic]

It won't work wirelessly out of the box, but I wouldn't be surprised if they release a wireless adapter for the SP3 keyboards like they did with the earlier type covers:
Microsoft Surface Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers | Bluetooth keyboard adapter

Given that they have already said that the older TypeCovers will work on the SP3, I would also expect the wireless adapter to work, as well. Keep in mind that they have already said that they are discontinuing this device (don't think they have run out yet, though), so it may be wise to buy sooner rather than later.

 

[xboxonthego3]

They have them on sale at best buy for $47.99. Probably will have to order it.

 

[jedge]

This is kinda off topic, but can anyone tell me if Win8 gestures work on the type cover touch pad? I.e. if i swipe left onto the touch pad will it open the charms panel?
I had a chance to use the SP3 at Best Buy this weekend but didn't think to try this.
Thanks.

 

[hopmedic]

This is kinda off topic, but can anyone tell me if Win8 gestures work on the type cover touch pad? I.e. if i swipe left onto the touch pad will it open the charms panel?
I had a chance to use the SP3 at Best Buy this weekend but didn't think to try this.
Thanks.

I know the swipe from right works to bring up charms on my SP2 TypeCover 2. I haven't tried from top, bottom, or left. I generally do the swipe from right by accident, not intentionally.

 

[Qtweeder]

interesting question, i was wondering the same, thanks for asking

another query i have, is how does the type cover (with backlight) get its power, presumably from the sp3, but how?

 

[mozman68]

interesting question, i was wondering the same, thanks for asking

another query i have, is how does the type cover (with backlight) get its power, presumably from the sp3, but how?

How? When it is connected....that is the only way it works.

 

[Qtweeder]

i accept that, but how? what form of power transmission is it using? some kind of inductive charging?

How? When it is connected....that is the only way it works.

edit: right, i getcha, have seen a proper image of it now, it has contact pins!

 

[Hilma Volk]

Yes this answer is relative because I don't understand the manufacturers. You have this brilliant technology and yet are building ergonomic disasters because the keyboard and screen are so close together on any small device you are gradually creating neck and shoulder problems or serious hand problems. When I use my laptop I put it on a box and use a separate keyboard.

I was hoping these 2 in ones would allow the tablet to be on a holder and use the keyboard that came with it. You manufactures have the technology to do that --- When you sell one I will buy one. Meantime every geek should learn about computer ergonomics.

Big rant of mine.