Tips iOS5 - Split Keyboard for iPad

Another new feature in iOS 5 is the Split Keyboard for the iPad.  This is really nice for those that like to type with their thumbs.  Which is really helpful when standing and typing with the iPad - as you really want in those cases to be holding on to the iPad with both hands.  

 

To activate the split keyboard.  First go to an app where you can pull up the keyboard - for testing I suggest using the notes app.  

 

 

Then Tap and hold the little keyboard symbol in the lower left.  You will get a pop up message where you can "Undock" or "Split" - select Split.  They keyboard will split in two and move up on the screen.  Then if you press and hold slightly to the right of the keyboard symbol you can move the split keyboard up and down to get it positioned where it feels the most comfortable for you.  You can also slide your thumbs towards the middle of the keyboard to make it grow in size.  

 

Note - getting the keyboard to move up and down or change in size is not the easiest - It is better in Beta 2 then it was in Beta 1 - and hopefully by the time iOS 5 is fully released it will be much easier to position the Keyboard and change its size.  

 

Tapping quickly on the keyboard symbol will hide it.  Tapping and holding on it will give the option to Dock and Merge the keyboard.