Profolio+ from ZAGG: Best keyboard case for the iPad
Summary: I have used many keyboards with the iPad and the newest one from ZAGG is the best of the lot.
The iPad can be a little workhorse when used with a good keyboard, and there are many to choose from. I have tried many of the most popular ones and the newest model from the folks at ZAGG is the best I've tried so far.
When I saw the features of the ZAGG Profolio+ I had to buy one, even though I just bought the previous model from ZAGG a short time ago. The company claimed the new Profolio+ is thinner and lighter than previous models. It also sports a backlit keyboard, something few other models can claim.
My new ZAGG arrived yesterday and I can already state it is the best iPad keyboard I've ever used. In addition to being thinner and lighter than the previous ZAGG keyboard, it has improvements that address everything I wished was better on older models.
The Profolio+ is a folding case covered in black faux leather that has the keyboard on one side of the "book" and the iPad on the other. The keyboard is typical for its class with a top row of special keys for controlling common functions of the iPad. The backlighting is a welcome addition that is quite handy. Not only are there four settings for the backlighting (off, low, medium, and bright), but there are also seven different colors for the lighting. There is a new backlight key for switching intensity and when used with the left/right arrow keys, the keyboard rotates through the different colors.
The new keyboard from ZAGG is functionally very similar to the previous model which I recently bought and reviewed.
See also: New iPad and ZAGGfolio: Compact and fast
The keyboard case has some notable improvements over the previous model:
- Backlighting
- Thinner, lighter
- Easy iPad insertion/removal
- Magnetic lid closure
- Open/close the lid turns iPad on/off
- Keyboard unit is integrated in the case
- MicroUSB charging port is accessible at all times
- Opening case for use is easier than ever
- Battery level key with LED indicator that is always visible
These improvements make the Profolio+ not only the best keyboard from ZAGG, but possibly the best one on the market. It's not cheap but it's a good case and a great keyboard to use with the iPad. There is a cheaper model available from ZAGG without the backlighting for the keyboard.
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Talkback
Why do you always leave out the most important bits?
What is the thickness?
Is it a full keyboard or is it a mini keyboard that is useless for touch typers?
I'll give you an example:
The Surface Touch Cover is 3mm thick and less than 8oz. It is a full size keyboard so that touch typers can use it properly. It does not use a battery so you don't ever have to charge it and since it connects physically, there is absolutely no connection lag when either the keyboard or the tablet wakes up.
Todd is right, for once.
We need real measurements in order to compare this to others we're considering.
Apple keyboard
By itself, iTunes is a fantastic platform from which you can cheaply own the best audio and video content available. I can plug in a pair of $50 speakers to my iPhone, or iPad, (where my audio library is shared) and listen to my favourite music in a concert level of sound. However .......
I have two issues/questions:
(1) a lot of Tablet style devices have been introduced by a half-dozen diverse companies, each offering some intriguing elements, but none that can apparently stand by itself to replace a laptop and/or earlier tablet. Is this true?
Will any of them be compatible with my iTunes content?
(2) I am surprised that I have not heard any negative commentary regarding Apple's keyboard; am I the only one who is driven crazy by its inability to backspace over existing text without deleting it? (Apple's external keyboard, plus every other keyboard in the world, DOES have that ability)
In case there was any doubt, this is why James should be fired
"HP Envy x2 won't sync my Gmail stuff. First Win8 device to fail at this. How to rectify? #WhyWindowsOOBEsucks"
with the obvious answer being:
"@jkendrick Google removed the sync service as of January 29. Only Gmail works. No longer contacts or calendar can sync with mail & calendar."
According to James Kendrick, Microsoft is to blame that Windows out of the box sucks because Google has blocked Windows from working properly with Google's servers.
Hey James, does outlook.com work OOBE? Yes? Okay then.
Seriously James, this is getting pathetic.
Carpel Tunnel?
Wasn't it you who recently wrote about having to go to voice recognition because of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome? If so, good to see you're feeling better.
cheers
Seb
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