Regarding typing on the iPad, a thumbs layout keyboard as previewed in this Windows 8 video would be great - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13628154 (skip to 00:40). Is there anything like this for iPad now?
The split layouts are meant for when you're holding the tablet. If you've got it on a table or such, you're going to find a traditional layout much more usable. SwiftKey has a toggle button for split/solid on the main keyboard because of this.
OH dear god. Split thumb-keyboard is horrible. Why would I want to make the keyboard any smaller? I used it once on the iPad and that was enough. Ever again.
