Choosing the Right Tablet Cases, Keyboards & Accessories for Your Business

Invest in portable productivity

If your business values versatile, portable tech, you already know how useful tablet computers can be. You’ll want to invest in tablet cases for protection, tablet keyboards for easy typing and tablet accessories to take advantage of additional features. Here’s how to get what you need.

What to look for in tablet cases

Before you shop tablet cases, you should know which features to look for. First and foremost, you’ll want durability. Cases made of polycarbonate, synthetic rubber, silicone gel and similar materials can protect tablets from everyday hazards. If you need a case that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, consider one made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) instead. Many “rugged” tablet cases use this material.

Beyond durability, the most important feature in a case is whether it actually fits your tablet. There are hundreds of different tablets on the market and some of them keep the same product name from year to year. Because the cameras, buttons and speakers are not in the same position on every device, the best tablet cases are compatible with one—and only one—specific model. Before you buy a case, be sure that it matches your tablet’s model number and year of manufacture.

What to look for in tablet keyboards

While tablets have digital on-screen keyboards, typing on a physical accessory is often faster and more accurate. There are all sorts of tablet keyboards on the market, from specialized cases to versatile Bluetooth accessories. The model you should ultimately buy depends on your typing preferences.

The most important consideration in a tablet keyboard is a comfortable design. You could get a full-size keyboard that lives on a desk or a mini keyboard that’s easy to stash in a backpack. You can also try an ergonomic keyboard, which may help improve your posture and put less strain on your wrist muscles.

If you use a tablet as a dedicated laptop replacement and take it with you everywhere you go. A case with a built-in keyboard is probably the right solution. This way, you can set up shop anywhere—at a desk, in a coffee shop, on an airplane—and start working almost instantly. A good keyboard case should also double as a tablet stand. This lets you see the screen while you type.

On the other hand, suppose you use a tablet mostly as a second screen alongside a laptop or desktop computer. In this case, a small standalone Bluetooth keyboard might be a better option. Many Bluetooth keyboards let you switch back and forth between multiple devices, letting you type on the computer or the tablet as needed.

What to look for in tablet accessories

Since tablets run on common operating systems, you can also use most of the same accessories you would with a computer or smartphone. A Bluetooth mouse or standalone trackpad can make navigation easier. An external hard drive is an ideal place to keep large media files. A portable charger can keep a tablet powered up if the battery runs dry. Wireless speakers are good for presentations, while wireless headsets are good for private work.

If you shop tablet accessories, you’ll find thousands of different products. While every category has different features to look for, it’s possible to make a few broad recommendations. First, be sure that the accessory is compatible with your tablet’s operating system. Bluetooth gadgets tend to work with a broad range of devices, but other products may require tablets from a specific manufacturer to function properly.

Second, make sure you read customer reviews. If an otherwise good brand makes a low quality product, the reviews will let you know. They can also tip you off to details that professional reviews might miss, like how a particular accessory weathers having multiple users.  

Finally, when you buy tablet accessories, consider where you’ll use them. A tall, heavy stand may be perfect on an office desk, for example, but would be impractical to use on the go. A thin, sleek case might fit easily into a handbag, but the device inside wouldn’t survive a fall onto a concrete warehouse floor. Also bear in mind that every case, keyboard and accessory adds to your tablet’s weight, which could make it less comfortable to carry around for long periods.

Build your company kit at Walmart Business

Once you’ve found the right tablets for your business, you’ll want to keep them safe with tablet cases, enhance their productivity with tablet keyboards and optimize experiences with other tablet accessories. You can find all those products and more at Walmart Business.

Sign up for a free Walmart Business account and you’ll be able to set up multi-user accounts with preferred payment options. This way, each member of your staff can get the tablet gear they need. You’ll also be able to see a full purchase history for both in-store and online orders.

If you already have an account, upgrade to a Walmart Business+ membership. With it, you’ll get free shipping from Business.Walmart.com¹ and free delivery from nearby Walmart stores on orders of $35 or more.² You’ll also earn 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards on orders of $250 or more.³  Altogether, your business could save more than $500 per year.⁴

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Restrictions apply.

³ Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply.

⁴ Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business Rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).