Ion’s iType is a (nearly) full-sized keyboard add-on for Apple’s iPhone. It doesn’t try to become an all-in-one expansion hub for the iPhone, adding speakers or external connectors, but simply functions as an alternative to tapping at the on-screen keyboard. Anyone spending a large amount of time typing emails or even trying a little word processing should be able to see the appeal straight away.

The phone docks flush with the iType, which may make it harder to see when placed on a table in front of you, but looks ideal for use in a lap. The iType includes its own built-in battery pack, which lets it charge the iPhone while the two are connected. The keyboard should be available in the second quarter of 2010, priced at around $110.