Keyboarding your iPad: best keyboard cases

 The Targus Versavu Keyboard and Case swivels the iPad 2 into landscape or portrait.

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

The one differentiating feature separating the iPad from portable computers such as Netbooks for many people, other than the OS, is a keyboard. Yes, the iPad has its own onscreen virtual keyboard, but some will be tempted to explore alternatives to get "serious" writing done.

Keyboards for iPads have drawbacks: they add bulk to your bag, and the Bluetooth connection will add some drain to an iPad's battery life. Aside from that, you'll also have to consider whether you prefer a standalone keyboard, or a case that has a keyboard built in.

Keyboard cases can make for one-stop peripheral shopping, but they tend to be thick and sport compressed key layouts. A standalone keyboard has flexibility and a large, comfortable typing area, but you'll also need to bring along a way to prop up your iPad.

Listed below are the keyboard cases (and one standalone keyboard) we've reviewed over the past year. Many are iPad 2 specific, but a few also fit the original iPad. (Our favorite? Probably the standalone Logitech Tablet Keyboard.)

Targus Versavu Keyboard and Case for iPad 2
Targus' previous Versavu case was notable for its solid construction and ability to swivel the iPad 2 around into landscape or portrait orientation. The keyboard-added version of the Versavu has a thick, protective leather outside and a Bluetooth keyboard ensconced in padded microfiber.

It's the best case we've seen that has a keyboard, but the Versavu works better when the iPad 2's in vertical portrait mode, and the keyboard compresses some of its punctuation keys in an attempt to add space.

Read the full review here.

ZAGGfolio for iPad 2
Zagg makes excellent iPad keyboards (see below), but its iPad folio-style keyboard case is a mixed bag. When folded down into keyboard mode, it's excellent. However, the flimsy-feeling plastic shell pales in comparison with more form-fitting alternatives, and it's hard to remove the iPad 2 once it's in the case.

Interesting plus: the keyboard can be removed from the case, and the iPad 2 will still stand up in the standalone keyboard. Why, then, do you need the case?

Read the full review here.

iLuv ICK826 Detachable Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad 2
iLuv's $99 case (it can be found for even less at some online sites) is all-leather, and even the keyboard has a leather palm rest. The keyboard can be removed from the folio case; it's attached with Velcro strips. The keyboard, however, is very flat, unlike the types of keyboards you find on most laptops. The case stays open thanks to an easel-like stand that pops open in the back, and closes shut with a large flap emblazoned with the iLuv logo.

It's a business-friendly leather case, but it wasn't as comfortable or as stylish as we'd have preferred. Its prop-up-style back stand also means it's virtually impossible to use on a lap.

Read the full review here.

Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg for iPad 2
Zagg's slim, aluminum keyboard doubles as a case of sorts for the iPad 2 (there's also a version for the original iPad), although it only covers the front face and leaves the back awkwardly exposed. Some people might get freaked out by pressing the iPad 2's glass against the keyboard, but rubber bumper pads keep the two separated.

Our proposal: don't consider it a case; think of it instead as a superportable Bluetooth keyboard that has its own stand and forms an attractive and functional package when placed on a desk. For commuting distances longer than the local coffee shop, you'll still want to put this keyboard/iPad combo in a sleeve.

Read the full review here.

Logitech Tablet Keyboard for iPad

Instead of a keyboard case, some might prefer going with a Bluetooth keyboard for their iPad instead. One of the best we've seen that's optimized for the iPad is Logitech's. The wide, full-size keyboard (nearly the same as Apple's Bluetooth Keyboard) feels great and comes with iPad-specific hot keys. Typing on it feels as good as typing at a regular desktop computer. And, unlike the keyboard cases we've seen, Logitech's keyboard uses AAA batteries.

Its most impressive feature, however, might be its sleeve: the magnetically hinged cover folds back and becomes an iPad stand that's perfectly angled, and will accept the iPad in landscape or portrait mode. This stand will support the original iPad as well as the iPad 2. Android users, rejoice: Logitech makes a version for you, too.

Read the full review here.

Apple Wireless Keyboard
Apple's $69 classic may be the go-to keyboard for many of you, simply because you might already own one; it comes standard with the iMac. The clean, crisp white keyboard has excellent response, and its dedicated volume-control and play/pause/skip keys actually work with the iPad. Apple's keyboard uses removable batteries, like Logitech's. It's very thin, but it's also wide and flat, and a bit longer than the iPad. It might require a larger bag than your average iPad murse. Yes, this Apple keyboard technically doesn't include a case at all, but we thought we'd include it because it's probably a solution most people will choose--and, thanks to the Smart Cover's ability to prop up the iPad 2, it's not such a bad option.

Read the full review here.

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The iPad 2's best case scenario, revisited: Looking at Smart Cover-friendly cases

 Smart Cover-friendly back cases: the iPad 2's best case scenario?

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

A month or so ago, I bought an iPad 2. I noticed immediately that the Smart Cover--which, let's face it, most iPad 2 buyers take the plunge on--didn't work with many iPad 2 cases. It seemed to me that a good back cover, plus the Smart Cover, would the best case scenario for the iPad 2. At the time, the first product I could find was a PVC skin from Bodyguardz.

It seemed like a good way to keep the iPad's back scratch-free, but the skin solution has its drawbacks: it doesn't offer much protection otherwise, and I found any attempt to remove it destroyed the skin in the process. What I really wanted was a back-cover design to work with the Smart Cover.

Here are some solutions that have finally come onto the market. Click the gallery above for my hands-on impressions of each, including price and color options.

Related links
‧ What's the iPad 2's best case scenario?
‧ iPad 2 case roundup
‧ Searching for the perfect iPad bag

Most manufacturers seem to be slow to develop hard cases, so there's a good chance you haven't seen some of these options at stores yet.

Having a hard shell for the iPad 2 seems, to me, like the best case scenario. I didn't like the idea of a shell for the original iPad, but with the Smart Cover, a good shell completes the equation. Many people will likely still want to get a sleeve or padded compartment to keep the iPad 2 in, but these products could do the trick for someone who's Smart Cover-obsessed. Or, alternatively, you could always buy a case that has its own cover.

What's your best case scenario? Sound off with your suggestions below.

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The Week in IPad Cases: Deadheads and Back Harnesses

Welcome to our latest iPad case roundup, where we scour the deepest recesses of the Internet to bring you the latest-and sometimes the strangest-in the world of tablet protection. This week's installment is short, but it takes us into the realm of the eclectic with some unique designs. Let's tuck right in!

Dead.net: The Skeleton and Roses (iPad; $78) is not your typical iPad case. Made entirely of hand-sewn leather, it features the skull-and-roses logo from the Grateful Dead's 1971 self-titled album. With its unique design, this case will protect your iPad and advertise you as a Deadhead wherever you go.

Pinlo: The Xyber Pro 2 (iPad 2; $40) is an interesting two-piece case with a back harness designed to keep your tablet's aluminium surface from getting scratched, and a rigid-plastic front cover to protect the screen. The cover can be flipped around and hooked on top of the back harness for maximum convenience while you use the device. The Xyber Pro 2 is available in black, clear, or sky blue.

Speck: The FitFolio (iPad 2; $40) features a custom "cradle" (Speck's term for a form-fitting frame) that keeps your tablet protected without adding significant bulk, along with a cover that doubles as a viewing stand or typing platform. It's available in black, red, or grey.

XenGadget: The Yoobao Executive (iPad 2; $40) is a folio made of genuine leather and available in black, red, or brown. It weighs a little more than six ounces and supports the magical device's magnet-induced sleep feature.

For more Macintosh computing news, visit Macworld. Story copyright c 2011 Mac Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

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Best iPad 2 cases hands-on round-up

The days of iPad content apps in app stores are numbered, if HTML 5 is up to the task of delivering an app-like experience in the browser

Onswipe does something web developers should have been racing to accomplish ever since the iPad was first unveiled: it makes a website -- any website -- into a tablet-friendly experience. (It's already available to everyone who publishes their blog on Wordpress.com.) It uses HTML5 to make a site feel like an app, even though it's running in the browser.

Onswipe points to a future of tablet media delivery

The Week in IPad Cases: Casino Royale

This week's roundup of protection for the iPad and iPad 2 features a number of luxurious and elegant accessories-the kind that you'd find in the designer bag of a high-powered executive or discretely tucked away in the briefcase of an international man of action. And why not? After all, Apple's tablet is as close to the perfect marriage between form and function as the industry has yet achieved. If James Bond were in the market for an iPad to use in his new Aston Martin, he'd be looking for a case here, too.

Bella: The Smart Libretto (iPad 2; $100) is a folio-style case made of genuine leather that can double as a typing or viewing stand. It is available in black, red, tan, or brown.

For a more discreet kind of protection, the Verde Cover ($80) is a leather sleeve that fits the iPad 2 with or without a Smart Cover. It features a soft, protective interior and looks like just like an envelope; it's also available in black, red, tan, or brown. Finally, the Veneta Slimmer ($70; iPad 2) is a leather sleeve that includes a series of built-in magnet that put your iPad to sleep as soon as you slip it into the sleeve. The Veneta Slimmer comes in red and is designed to minimize bulk to fit comfortably in your bag.

Belkin: The Access Folio Stand (price unavailable; iPad 2) is a padded folio case that can double as a stand and typing platform. Notable among folios, the Access is made of a padded fabric and sports a handy pocket for carrying an extra cable or two. It comes in black or a black-and-grey woven combination.

Speaking of folios, Belkin has also announced the Slim Folio Stand (price unavailable; iPad 2), which looks like a sleeker, thinner cousin to the Access Folio. The Slim Folio Stand comes in midnight black and sports the capability to act as a stand in multiple orientations. Alas, there's no cool pocket on this one.

Graf & Lantz: This company's iPad Sleeves are built entirely of German felt and designed to snuggly fit your iPad or iPad 2. They come in twelve different colors, each available for $38.

Just in case felt is not your material of choice, Graf & Lantz also offers sleeves of the same design but built entirely of vegetable-tanned leather (the felt is still there, though, to protect your iPad from the inside of the sleeve). These also come in twelve different colors but cost $65 each.

Incipio: The appropriately named Smart Feather is an ultralight polycarbonate shell custom-molded to fit the contours of the iPad 2's back, providing perfect protection without getting in the way of Apple's Smart Cover. Pricing and colours have not yet been announced, but the company expects to start shipping the Smart Feather in May.

(Image Caption: NewerTech's GripStand) NewerTech: The NuGuard GripStand is a snap-on hardshell case that features a cool removable, pop-out stand. The stand can be rotated 360 degrees to position the iPad at virtually any angle. The $30 case comes in black or white.

An optional elevated base is available separately for $20, or in a bundle with the GripStand for $40.

RadTech: The RadSleevz ($25; iPad & iPad 2) are a family of form-fitting sleeves built out of Optex fabric, a RadTech-exclusive material that cleans your tablet's screen every time you insert it into the sleeve (and can be used as a cleaning cloth for your Mac or MacBook's screen, as well). Each sleeve weighs in at just 24 grams and is available in grey, red, blue, green, brown, or black.

The Aero ($16 for iPad; $30 for iPad 2) is a form-fitting, snap-on case made of polyurethane. It covers the back of your tablet and adds just under 4 ounces of weight. It's available in five different colors (six for the original iPad).

SGP: The Carbon is a cool, protective film that adheres to the back of your iPad 2 to provide protection without adding bulk or interfering with the operation of a Smart Cover. As its name implies, the Carbon is made of carbon fiber. It sports cutouts for your iPad's back camera and to keep visible the Apple logo on the iPad's backside. The $20 Carbon is available in black.

For more Macintosh computing news, visit Macworld. Story copyright c 2011 Mac Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

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The Week in iPad Cases: Mix and match

Welcome to another edition of our iPad case roundup, where we scour the deepest recesses of the Internet to bring you the latest protective accessories for your beloved tablet! This week’s batch includes some cases that are definitely off the beaten path, some that were designed for the serious iPad owner, and some that are built for maximum protection. As always, there's a little for everyone—tuck in and enjoy!

Autum's Turncoat

Autum: If you're the serious type who doesn’t think pulling out a fluorescent-pink case in the middle of a meeting is the right way to catch the attention of your business associates, you may want to invest in a Turncoat. This case's $144 price tag makes it clear that this stylish, black-leather offering is not for everyone, but the fact that it supports both the iPad and the iPad 2 (the latter with or without a Smart Cover) also indicates that the company is serious about making products that last. The Turncoat features a soft, suede interior and includes four hand-fastened straps.

AviiQ's Smart Case

AviiQ: The Smart Case (iPad 2; $50) is designed specifically to complement Apple’s Smart Cover by providing additional protection—that looks and feels exactly like the Mothership’s own protector—for the iPad 2's backside. The case comes in the same black, grey, blue, green, orange, pink, or red as the Smart Cover, and it features anodized-aluminium construction combined with rugged plastic for maximum protection.

BodyGuardz's Armor Carbon Fiber

BodyGuardz: The protective-film company’s Armor Carbon Fiber (iPad 2; $30) has been updated to fit the iPad 2. The Armor is noticeable for offering excellent scratch protection without adding significant bulk to the iPad. In addition, according to the company, the Armor Carbon Fiber includes one of the company’s screen protectors at no additional cost, thus providing end-to-end, scratch-free coverage of Apple’s tablet. The new model is available in black or white, matching the iPad 2’s colors.

Innopocket's EliteFolio Carbon Fiber Case

Innopocket: The EliteFolio Carbon Fiber Case (iPad 2; $199) is made entirely out of carbon fiber—except for its durable steel hinges, capable of rotating a full 360 degrees. The case's design allows it to act as a stand in a variety of different positions, including as a typing platform, while the tough outer material provides complete protection for your iPad. The EliteFolio is currently available for preorder, with expected delivery around the end of April.

Killspencer's iPad Case

Killspencer: The misnamed iPad Case (iPad & iPad 2; compatible with Smart Cover; $150 and up) is actually a bag that provides plenty of extra pockets for personal items and fits both the original iPad and the iPad 2 (the latter with or without a Smart Cover). The bag is available in four different models: black twill, black leather, and canvas salvaged either from the Vietnam War or Operation Desert Sand. Its handy shoulder strap makes carrying your iPad a snap.

Speaking of bags, the company’s Weekender 2.0 ($375) is a duffel bag that, in addition to being great for travel, features a waterproof internal zip pocket for your iPad. It comes black twill, olive drab, and the same two canvas styles.

M-Edge: Where to begin? M-Edge has updated several of its protection accessories to be compatible with both the iPad 2 and its elder sibling. These include simple sleeves such as the Slip ($50; currently on sale for $15), and the Touring ($35); Each includes a handy pocket for additional storage space and features a generous amount of padding for maximum protection. The Touring is available in orange, blue, green, black, or red; the Slip can be had in black canvas with leather trimming.

M-Edge's Journey Bag

In the bag space, the company offers the Hip Bag ($50; currently on sale for $20), which features a shoulder strap and is available in black or a decidedly eye-catching magenta with lime green accents; and the Journey Bag ($40), which is available in blue and includes additional space for cables, power supplies, and the like.

M-Edge also produces a number of sleeves and folios, such as the leather-clad Executive ($50; currently on sale for $40) and tough-fabric Latitude (price unavailable), each of which is available in several colors. The Platform ($40) adds its own twist to the genre by opening in portrait mode and featuring a convenient strap that helps you hold the iPad securely in one hand. The Capital (iPad 2; price unavailable) combines a three-point mounting system to hold the iPad firmly in place with a durable exterior and a large front pocket. A variant of this case also includes an integrated stand that provides a whopping fifteen viewing angles.

Finally, the company has also announced the Cambridge and Classic jacket cases. The former will be available in grey or brown canvas, while the latter will offer a brown or blue exterior. Prices for either line of cases are not yet available; each is described as “coming soon.”

NYC Subway Line's Neoprene iPad Case

NYC Subway Line: This company’s Neoprene iPad Case (iPad; $32) is a neoprene sleeve case that features a full-color print of the entire New York City subway system—undoubtedly handy for those who need to figure out how to navigate public transport in the Big Apple, and cool for those who wish navigating public transport in the Big Apple were one of their needs. The case also features a single-color print of the subway system inside, and the case's zipper closure sports a special token puller.

SwitchEasy's Cara

SwitchEasy: The rather unique Cara (iPad 2; $50) looks like it would fit well in a James Cameron movie, or, perhaps, a documentary about the advanced technologies of a mysterious alien race. The case is built out of a tough elastometer material that, according to the company, offers superior flexibility and compared to regular silicone. SwitchEasy also includes a durable, scratch-resistant, polycarbonate screen shield, as well as two portable fold-out stands (one in black, the other in white—to match your particular iPad 2 model). The case's high-gloss finish is available in black, white, red, or red with a white back.

The more traditional-looking Canvas (iPad 2; $50) is a folio-style case made of a hybrid polycarbonate/canvas design that mixes protection with style. It provides full-body protection, doubles as a viewing stand or typing platform, and even sports a magnetic closure to put your iPad 2 to sleep. It comes in black, brown, grey, and tan.

Tuff-luv's Multi-View Stasis

Tuff-luv: The Multi-View Stasis (iPad 2; ￡35 and up) is a gorgeous folio-style case that comes in brown, red, or natural hemp, each with faux-leather trim. The case doubles as a viewing stand that provides multiple angles, and it includes all the appropriate magnets for putting your iPad to sleep when you close the front flap.

The Tri-Axis (iPad 2; ￡29 and up) is a folio that can be used to prop up your device in landscape or portrait orientation, or to carry it around. The case supports multiple viewing angles in each orientation and comes in six different models that include several leather and synthetic-leather combinations.

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Cool iPad Cases and Covers For Good Prices

The iPad is said to be the best device you can possibly use to surf the net. Surf the net, view your favourite photos, watch exciting videos and much more with this astounding device. Are you thinking of buying the Apple iPad soon? Well then I think you shouldn't hesitate and also buy an iPad case.

Basically your iPad case will make it easier for you to protect your main device. Although this is true the iPad cover may also be able to improve the usability of your iPad in various ways.

It will of course be up to you to decide which design you will choose for the case and cover of your iPad. What will the best iPad case be for you? The iPad is not yet available, yet thousands of designs for cases and covers have already been made for this new apple product. Decide what colour you want your case to have, and what design. This is not all! Not at all! Due to the many hot apple iPad accessories available you will also be able to choose the material out of which your accessory will be made. Anything from wood to titanium. Maybe an interesting plastic? Flexible rubber? Or maybe aluminium? What will it be?

Some designs might also allow the user to exploit their iPad further. The best iPad covers can make the iPad become a perfect eBook reader through intelligent design. You could even buy two cases. One could be for trips and holidays, while the other for office use.

You may also be interested in very weird designs. Imagine a case in the shape of an airplane, or the case that would scare you to death in the morning because it seems to be a fierce tiger. (Don't worry; weird designs can go very far, actually becoming quite creepy)

Why not buy your iPad accessories as fast as you can? Be sure you want hesitate to buy the iPad itself if it hasn't yet appeared in your country. If you really want your iPad your accessories will be as important as the device itself and will help you use your iPad to its full potential.

You should also not forget to buy some kind of tool to carry your iPad around. It could be a briefcase, or maybe a backpack. Either way have fun surfing with your new iPad!

Check out this post on best iPad cases for a collection of more Apple iPad accessories, covers and protection bags, plus indication to places where you can get the best deals for such products, online.

iPad Cases Are Necessary to Keep Your New Investment Safe

If you've got an iPad, or are getting one in the near future, make sure you take the time to look at good quality iPad cases. The best iPad case is designed not only to help your iPad look its best, but to protect it knocks, drops and against keys and other items in your bag.

The iPad is extremely popular as a gadget that can be taken wherever you go. But with anything so portable, it puts it at risk of damage. Here is a quick explanation of the various vulnerabilities of this gadget:

Scratches: Even just leaving the iPad in a handbag next to your keys could leave you regretting not buying an iPad cover case.

Moisture: Some iPad cover/cases are designed to be waterproof and protect against any liquid that could come into contact with the gadget.

Dropping: Even the best quality iPad case can't stop you from dropping your iPad! But they can help to give an extra layer of protection to help keep the device working properly.

iPad Cover/ Case Choices

Now you know all about the ways in which you can damage your iPad, it's time to stop it happening!

Invisible Screen Protectors: These offer the basic protection of adding a thin layer of plastic over the screen of your iPad to prevent scratches. These can also be added to the back of the iPad. Although they can be a bit fiddly to apply, once they're on you won't even notice!

Skins: iPad skins can come in either soft or hard materials, and basically fit themselves tightly around the shape of the iPad to protect it against minor bumps and scratches.

Sleeve: A sleeve is simply a fitted pouch for your iPad which is useful for keeping it protected against dirt etc.

Folio: This is a very professional-looking, folded case that can give a high level of protection. They're usually made out of hard materials.

Hard Vs. Soft Cases: There are many more types of iPad case that make use of either hard or soft materials. Some are very thin and offer little protection, so the best iPad case is generally one that's either padded or in a tough material that can withhold bumps.

The best option is to find an iPad cover/ case that suits the way you use your iPad. It's important to keep your iPad protected - it's an expensive device, after all. Just make sure that any case fits your iPad properly to keep the functions accessible when it's on.

Finding a high quality iPad cover case is necessary when you own a high-value portable gadget. Take a look at my iPad reviews blog for more advice on all kinds of protective iPad accessories.

iPad Covers and Cases