 "Logitech ZAAG iPad2 Keyboard Case")
Apple device accessories are, if anything, numerous and that’s an understatement. But that is one the more enticing reason to own one of their products. There’s quite a bit of innovation that goes into an iPad/iPhone accessory and Logitech’s iPad 2 keyboard Case from ZAAG is just one of these products. Here’s a closer look.
Design
The ZAAG keyboard case has been designed specifically for the iPad 2. It’s built, not only to provide third party support to the device, but also to be a protective casing for transport. It’s quite light weight and therefore adds just a little more to the overall weight of the iPad 2. The keyboard case is quite compact but, naturally bulks up the tablet a bit as well, taking it up from its 8.3mm depth to about 15mm. It’s nevertheless still quite portable.
Charges via micro USB
A connect button (with an LED indicator) and power switch (also with an LED indictor) are located just above the little ridge that’s designed to hold the iPad. This slot allows you to use the tablet in either landscape or portrait quite easily. It’s precision cut to fit the iPad 2 specifically. Made from aircraft-grade aluminium, it’s as sturdy as they come. The four corners of the keypad are soft edged to help secure the iPad safely and prevent drops or compression from damaging the tablet. Edges are filed down.
Although it’s well balanced, we don’t recommend trying to walk around with this balanced on your palm and working. It tends to be quite heavy with the tablet propped up. The iPad is quite secure, but don’t take a chance. On one side is a micro USB port that can be used for charging the device.
Neatly packs it away for transport
The keypad itself is very neatly laid out with individually spaced keys that make for comfortable typing. The keys are soft and won’t require much of an effort at all to tap, which is great for those with high grade typing skills. Although they’re not anything like Apple’s own, found on the MacBooks or iMacs, Logitech has managed to make their’s quite neat. Convenience keys for quick access to your photo gallery, music player (with Volume control), device search, Desktop, screen lock etc. are available on the top row.
Comfortable to use keys with plenty of shortcuts
Performance
Pairing the keyboard with the iPad 2 is a simple task. Just like you would a Bluetooth headset, pairing is a quick process. Switch on your Bluetooth radio on the iPad and on the keyboard, locate the keyboard on the tablet, type in the code and you’re done. If left on the tablet and the keyboard will auto pair each time, you’re in the vicinity, so in case you find you’re not able to pull up the virtual on-screen keyboard, just switch off your Bluetooth, as it could be connected to the keyboard that’s close by.
Using the keyboard on a rather extensive basis we found that it is indeed a very capable product. The keys are as comfortable as most netbooks and the spaced out keys ensure that you have enough of movement while typing. The various shortcuts for selecting text (Shift+Arrow) or skipping words (alt+Arrow) etc. works like a charm and the integration between the two devices is quite seamless.
The built-in battery can go on for as long as your iPad has charge and much after as well. On a single charge we’ve been using the keyboard for over 4 days with quite a bit of usage on a daily basis without ever switching off the device. That’s quite impressive.
Holds it securely in Landscape as well
The Bottom Line
The keyboard ‘accessory’, if you can even call that, is priced at a whopping Rs.4,995. That’s quite a price to pay for an add-on, then again that’s just how Apple likes it. The Ecosystem for Apple is not for those with a tight grip on their wallets. However, for those who love the iPad and are looking for some way to enhance its capabilities with a fresh perspective, the Logitech ZAAG Keyboard case, as pricey as it may be, fits that bill.
The precision with which this keyboard is cut, gives it a very sophisticated and business-like feel. The ZAAG keyboard also takes the iPad 2 tablet, that’s already equipped with a well designed virtual keypad, to a netbook-akin status.
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