Is S3 + keyboard like an ipad mini?

[pcguys]

I hope I am not violating etiquette because I just posted a similar (yet different) question in the Note 2 forum:
http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-galaxy-note-2/263585-save-me-ipad-mini.html#post2663743

But:

I'm trying to convince my friend who is an in-the-field journalist (frequently out all day) NOT to buy an ipad mini with logitech keyboard.

He thinks he'll be more productive if he gets an ipad mini with keyboard for pounding out gmails.

It seems to me carrying an ipad mini with keyboard in addition to all his gear is a bad idea.

QUESTIONS:
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What is your experience with an S3 with a keyboard for gmail???

Is it useful?

Is it too much of a pain because you constantly need to touch the screen?

Thanks,
Mike