In Search Of A Keyboard

Most of you who frequent this website know of my love of my Apple devices. Despite the name of this website and my multiple Android devices, when it comes to daily use my iPhone and iPad are my goto devices.

One of the devices that I use on a daily basis is my New iPad (or iPad 3 as everyone but Apple calls it.) Since purchasing this device on launch day, I have used it more than my laptop computer. There are not many things that I can not do with this device that I do on my desktop or laptop, except for typing easily. Even though the iPad keyboard is the best tablet keyboard available, I can not type as well on it as I can my laptop or desktop keyboard.

So I finally decided to break down and purchase a keyboard for my iPad. When it comes to keyboards for the iPad there are a couple of different options available.  I could have purchased a standalone bluetooth keyboard and used the iPad case that I currently own. This is the least expensive option, but I did not want to have to carry the bulk of the external keyboard around. To me this defeats some of the purpose behind the portability of the iPad. So I set off in search of a keyboard-cover combination for the iPad.

After standing in the store and staring at the Zagg Portfolio Keyboard and the Logitech Ultra-thin iPad 3 Keyboard Cover, I decided to give the Logitech a try.  To be honest I haven’t had this keyboard for very long, however, I did type this entire article on the keyboard using the WordPress for iPad application and the Logitech iPad 3 keyboard.  So here are my first impressions of the keyboard.

The Logitech Ultra-Thin Keyboard functions as a smartcover on your iPad 2 or iPad 3 attaching to the edge of the iPad with a magnetic hinge the keyboard covers and protects the screen when not in use.  Upon opening the cover, the iPad springs to life thanks to the magnets in the cover.  When in use the iPad locks into the slot on the keyboard in portrait mode and is held at a comfortable 60 degree angle for viewing.  The keyboard connects to your iPad using bluetooth technology and contains all the keys that you would find on a standard laptop keyboard.  The built in battery on the keyboard is recharged using a micro-usb port and according to the manufacturer, a fully charged keyboard will last approximately 6 months on a charge, averaging 2 hours of usage per day.

The Good

• The keyboard really is ultra-thin.  It does not add much bulk to the iPad itself compared to the full case on the Zagg portfolio keyboard.
• The Logitech keyboard is very responsive.  I have not had any trouble with the keyboard keeping up with my typing.  Just for reference, I am usually typing at a rate of 55 to 65 words per minute based on a couple of online speed tests on a normal computer keyboard.  My time is a little less on this keyboard due to the spacing of the keys, however it is still easy to type on.
• The keyboard connected easily to the iPad.  I just turned on the keyboard, turned on the bluetooth on the iPad and choose the keyboard.  Seconds later I was typing away on the new keyboard.
• The keyboard looks good.  I like the look of the black keyboard along with the metallic back that functions as the iPad cover when closed.  Of course, having this metallic back also can be a drawback as well.

The Bad

• Since the back of the keyboard is metallic, I can already tell that this cover is going to get scratched pretty easily.  I have to resign myself to the fact that this cover is supposed to protect the iPad and that it really doesn’t matter if the cover gets scratched.
• Since this keyboard is the size of the iPad it does take a short time to get used to the spacing of the keys.  This really isn’t a big deal but I did think that it was worth mentioning.
• Some may not like the fact that when you open the cover to expose the keyboard you have to remove the iPad from the hinge in order to use it with or without the case.  It is a matter of just a tug on the iPad and it pops right off, snapping it back on is just as simple as using a smart cover, so this is not an issue with me.
• The keyboard stand is designed to hold the iPad in landscape mode.  You can place the iPad in portrait mode, however, the magnets will not lock the iPad in place.  This is not an issue to me since my smart cover is designed the same way and I am used to using the iPad in landscape mode 90% of the time unless I am holding it in my hands.

The Conclusion

Overall I am really impressed with this keyboard.  It looks good, functions great, and seems really solid.  I know that there are plenty of keyboard options available for the iPad but I am happy with the decision that I have made to purchase this device.  Overall I believe that the Logitech Ultra-Thin Keyboard Cover makes the iPad 3 much more useful when it comes to working from my iPad.  If you are looking for a keyboard / cover for your iPad 2 or 3 I would highly recommend the Logitech keyboard cover.  It is a little pricey but for the functionality and protection that it provides for your precious device I think that it is well worth the money invested.

For more information on the Logitech Ultra-Thin Keyboard Cover you can visit the Logitech website here.

Do you use a keyboard with your iPad or tablet?

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