Perhaps this is a little attempt to call tablet computing out. I love my iPad 2 but when typing away post one of my completely awesome posts well though out social commentary’s, I can’t help but think I would prefer a laptop key board instead of the on screen one. Never though i would say that.
So I splashed out, put an offer of $21 on ebay and ended up with this blue tooth keyboard come case, that I am sure rips off logitech in several patents.
It acts as a case, and seemingly fit as the smart cover I bought originally although very smart is starting to look a little bit tatty. Some would say it is from being used as a telescope midway though vegemite toast time, others would say that it is just well loved.
The keyboard/case is matt finish Aluminium, and looks exactly the same finish almost as the iPad
It seems pretty robust, but would be open to scratching just like any metal surface. Some little rubber feet would probably be my only recommendation, but you could buy a set of kicks from Blue Lounge
The angle of the iPad whilst in the support is quite comfortable and connecting the keyboard via bluetooth to the iPad is very easy. As simple as typing a code and hitting enter, then off you go.
Whilst all the navigation is still touch screen, the keyboard has a home button for exiting apps and whilst using it the onscreen keyboard is disabled to that gives you that inch or two more screen size
The actual key board is quite good to use and the manufacturers have steered away from that horrible rubber only keyboard (like the roll up ones) to use a good functioning keyboard.
The key with the square is the substitute home key acting for the home button or five finger pinch gesture. Several other keys act as short cuts, like f5 for example switches to the photo slide show app.
Overall whilst I still do covet a Macbook Air, this will definitely suffice until the day when that happens.
I still do love the iPad and its minimal touchy goodness. Flipboard is hard to pass up, and you don’t need a blue tooth key board for that but when blogging, writing elongated emails, or doing some *real work* at home, this $21 investment has paid off.
It is powered by a L-ion battery, and come with a USB charging cable, when the battery starts to run down, a warning light comes on, it has an on – off switch, but also powers down if not in use after a short but reasonable amount of time.
Great buy for the price. and nice case and band-aid solution in place of a laptop.
I just can’t believe technology like this is just so affordable now.
