Adonit
Writer Plus
Based on other reviews and images in
magazines and on the net, I really thought I'd like this keyboard-case
combination, but when compared to the ZAGGfolio and the Logitech, it feels
flimsy and cramped. It just doesn't look like the Adonit design team focused on
anything in particular. The nice metal keyboard housing only offers an okay
keyboard. The little nibs on the corners, meant to keep the iPad from pushing
down on the keyboard, become annoying if you use the keyboard for any period of
time. The bottom "on” switch requires a pen to flip it on (of course, the
expectation is that you leave it on and it sleeps with the iPad, but that may
not be useful if this isn't your only case).This case was engineered to be
cool, but the engineers forgot that good design balances innovation,
aesthetics, and functionality.
Qmadix Portfolio with Removable Bluetooth Keyboard
I’ve reviewed the Qmadix Portfolio before.
I still really like the style of the Portfolio, with its nice leather feel and
smell, and it’s the only case with a removable magnetic keyboard. The
Portfolio, however, with its nicely spaced polycarbonate keys, commits the sin
of the small shift key. I spend way too much time typing in the wrong place, or
touching the screen to return my cursor to the right place after hitting
annoyingly placed arrow keys.
Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG
As I said earlier, this case is a joint
effort between ZAGG and Logitech. The keyboard itself is great, but the
implementation makes it a runner-up. It sports the same great keyboard found in
the ZAGG, but here it is placed inside a tray that I never really got
comfortable with. Like the UItrathin from Logitech, it is meant to protect the
screen during transport, but it leaves the rest of the iPad exposed. It's also
awkward to place the iPad precisely in the case.
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Info
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Price:
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$79.99
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Website:
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www.Logitech.com
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The Belkin YourType Folio + Keyboard
Unfortunately, when you place the YourType
Folio + Keyboard next to the other cases, it looks cheap and under-designed.
And at $100, it certainly isn't cheap. The case employs modern, suede-like
materials, and does so in minimalist fashion. The keyboard itself is pretty
good, with adequate spacing and a good shift key that supports touch-typing
with ease. However, unlike the high-end, glossy plastic and metal combos of
other keyboards, this case is a dull black. The keyboard suffers from Velcro
positioning that can take time to get right after removal. To adjust the
viewing angle, the keyboard must be removed, which is awkward to do in cramped
places like an airplane. Belkin has a nice keyboard, but they could design a
better solution at this price.
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Info
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Price:
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$99.99
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Website:
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www.belkin.com
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Kensington KeyFolio Secure Keyboard Security Case &
Lock
If your gift recipient is a bit paranoid,
or they travel extensively and stay in places without in-room safes, then the
KeyFolio Secure Keyboard Security Case might make the ideal gift. Since this
case is all about making sure your iPad is in your room when you return, it
makes no promises of lightness or ease of use. The heavy plastic and metal back
plate holds the iPad in place above a serviceable keyboard with a good shift
key, but doesn't offer enough room between the keys. The keyboard is removable
and re-aligns with magnets. The back plate includes a slot where a key-based
lock can be inserted. This lock, like all of those from Kensington, should be
wrapped around something relatively immovable before being applied to the case.
As a case, I rather like the rubbery material and elastic closure strap. This
case sells at the high end of the price range, but its security features are
well worth the extra cost If you have any concerns about leaving your iPad
alone in a dorm or hotel room.
KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case & Stand
This Kensington case is attractive and comes
with an adequate keyboard. Although the shift key is small, it sits above the
arrow keys, instead of being buried in them. The case holds the keyboard in
place with magnets, which makes it easy to remove. Unique to this case is a
Velcro fastener on the bottom of the iPad enclosure that securely holds the
screen at your selected viewing angle. This feature leaves the Bluetooth
keyboard with the freedom to wander.
A great gift
To some, a keyboard for the iPad is an
anathema. But for writers and e-mailers, it is a necessity. Not only do
keyboards make typing on the iPad more comfortable, but they also create more
screen space by automatically hiding the on-screen keyboard. If you're looking
for a holiday gift that will please your parents, lover, or colleague, look to
the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard or the ZAGGfolio. If the person already has an
iPad, go with the Logitech, because it will likely work with their existing
accessories. If they are receiving a new iPad, get them the ZAGG, as it'll
likely be the only case they need.
Note: All of the products reviewed here
have iPad 2 and new iPad versions, or a single version that accommodates both.
