Tablets with keyboard and pen

A keyboard turns a tablet into a writing device for essays, emails and minutes. There are three types: keyboard covers that also protect the screen, magnetically attached keyboards with a trackpad, and separate Bluetooth keyboards. Covers are light and practical but often less comfortable to type on. Keyboards with a trackpad come closest to the laptop feel.

Many cheap Android tablets are sold as a bundle with a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, pen and case. That's convenient, but the quality and durability of such extras vary widely.

Simple styluses with a rubber or disc tip work on any touchscreen, but don't detect pressure and are only suitable for rough input. Active pens such as the Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen or the pens from Xiaomi and Lenovo detect pressure levels, ignore your resting hand and allow precise writing and drawing. These pens are tied to specific tablet models.

For digital note-taking, a tablet with an active pen and a notes app is enough. If you write a lot, plan for a keyboard as well. For school tablets, ask in advance which system the school uses – some schools rely on centrally managed iPads. A used iPad with a pen is a common option on a tight budget.

Used iPads and Galaxy Tabs are often sold together with a pen or keyboard. That can be worth it, because original accessories are fairly expensive new. But check that the pen and keyboard fit the model in question, work fully and that the pen still charges.

With new bundles including keyboard, mouse and pen, also check whether the keyboard layout is German QWERTZ – imported bundles sometimes come with an English layout.