Reviewed by Tong Zhang
Editor's Ratings (1-5): 4
What's Hot: Sturdy build, great keyboard layout, lightweight.
What's Not: Leaving the back of the iPad 2 exposed, the key spacing is a bit cramped.
ZAGG is a well-known accessory maker who made popular products such as invisibleShields. Their iPad keyboard cases became very popular with the release of the original iPad and now they are offering keyboard cases for the iPad 2. In fact these cases have become so popular that Logitech picked it up and rebranded it as the Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2 by ZAGG. And with this partnership, the keyboard case for iPad 2 gains a wide distribution channels under the Logitech branding.
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2 is a Bluetooth wireless keyboard that doubles as a case. The keyboard connects with the iPad 2 easily via Bluetooth and works with all the applications we tested it with including some games.
Design
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2 by ZAGG is designed as a case and keyboard. It measures 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.43 inches and fits the iPad 2 perfectly. To use it as a case, make sure you fold the small stand first and put your iPad 2 face in. The case has a soft rubber surround on the edges and soft surface that makes contact with the iPad 2?s screen, and it won?t scratch the tablet?s screen. The case is very form fitting, and will likely not work with your iPad 2 in another case. We tried using the Case-Mate?s Barely There case on the back of our iPad 2, the tablet won?t fit in the Logitech Keyboard Case. So it?s likely you will use this case with the iPad 2?s back exposed or a skin that doesn?t add thickness the sides of the tablet.
The Logitech case is made from airplane aluminum with a high-grade finish. It?s absolutely sturdy and will protect the iPad 2?s screen from just about anything. The Logitech Keyboard Case weighs 12.2 oz. which feels incredible light for a case with a full keyboard. The case has a cutout for the power button and the 30-pin connector, so you can turn on or off the tablet and charge or sync it without taking it out of the case. The keyboard case has a microUSB port for charging with the included USB cable. If you use the case on a desk or any non-slippery surface, the keyboard will work just fine. But in case you do end up using the keyboard on a slippery surface, the Logitech Keyboard Case comes with four small gel feet that you can stick to the case to prevent from slipping.
Features and Quality
Most of iPad cases we?ve seen have an alternative keyboard surface: silicone covered keys. The Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG has a normal keyboard surface, much like the ones you find on a Lenovo notebook. The keyboard has a standard layout and one outstanding feature: it has both shift keys, unlike the Brando iPad 2 Case or the Kensington KeyFolio. The 6-row keyboard has an iPad-specific row that includes Home screen key that replaces the Home button, and it does not only launch the home screen, if you double tap it, it will bring up the multi-task bar showing all running applications. Other keys launch Search, Sideshow, virtual keyboard, and functions such as cut/paste, undo/redo when combined with the Option key. There are also multi-media control buttons on the keyboard including volume keys, play/pause/fast forward/rewind, and a screen lock key.
The keyboard surface feels very natural to type on, and the keys have good travel. The only thing that might take you an hour or so to get used to is the spacing of the keys. It feels a bit cramped in. Above the keyboard on the left corner, you will find the power on/off button for the keyboard, the connect button for Bluetooth connection with your tablet and LED lights for battery and charging status. And above that is a pretty wide grove where you can stand your tablet in, and behind the grove, there is a small folding standing to pop up your tablet while it?s standing in the grove. If you don?t need the case part of the Keyboard Case, you can fit just about any tablet 9.7? or smaller in the grove to use with this keyboard via Bluetooth. The weakest link seems to be the small folding stand which is quite thin. We haven?t had this keyboard for months to test the endurance of the stand, but the folding joint is just a thin line.
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2 has a built-in rechargeable battery that?s 510 mAh in capacity. The battery should last you a few weeks of normal use, and the keyboard will automatically go to sleep when not in use. You can hit any key to wait it up.
Conclusion
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2 by ZAGG is a nicely designed and well made case. It provides excellent protection for the tablet?s screen and sides, and the keyboard has a very nice surface. The keyboard layout is the best we?ve seen so far on an iPad keyboard case, and Bluetooth works smoothly with the iPad 2. The case doesn?t protect the back of the iPad 2, and the keyboard stand is a bit fragile. Other than that, the Logitech Keyboard Case is a great travel companion thanks to the lightweight and sturdy built.
Price: $99.99
Web site: Logitech
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