The ZAGGfolio comes in several colors and is available in either a polyurethane or leather cover starting at $99.99. The case consists of a single piece, and the keyboard a second piece. There is a mini USB cable for charging the keyboard, which only needs to be done infrequently.
The keyboard can be removed from the case and used by itself, or left at home entirely if you just want to use the case with the iPad 2. The tablet slides into the other side of the case, an easy process. It is just as easy to remove the iPad from the case when desired.
Once the keyboard is paired with the iPad 2, it will auto-connect for use when the power slider is turned on. The keyboard goes into standby mode to save battery after a few minutes without use, and the power slider turned off for extended periods of no use. Tapping any key wakes the keyboard from standby mode.
The keyboard is basically the same as that of the Logitech Keyboard Case I reviewed, as that is also made in partnership with ZAGG. It is slightly smaller than full size, but allows comfortable typing without compromises. The top row of keys consists of special keys for controlling common iPad functions, including copy and paste. There are volume control keys and a handy lock/unlock key that I use quite often.
The case clips securely closed for transport, and the iPad 2 is well protected at such times. The whole kit is only slightly thicker and heavier than the iPad 2 alone, which makes it a great case for those on the move.
I am able to type at full speed on this keyboard, as I can on the Logitech Keyboard Case I have covered in the past. The keys are well-spaced and contoured just enough on the key tops to make for a great typing experience. This is rapidly becoming my favorite keyboard for the iPad 2, but I will continue to try the other two models I have. I will do a comparison of the three soon.
See also:
- iPad 2 as serious writing machine (how-to)
- Logitech fold-up keyboard for iPad 2: Full-sized, full featured (review)
- Why I bought an iPad 2
- HP TouchPad: Everything you want to know
- Review: Motorola XOOM, brimming with unrealized potential
- Hands-on review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
- Hands on with first 7-inch Honeycomb tablet: Acer A100
- Lenovo IdeaPad K1 tablet: First impressions
- ThinkPad Tablet: Ready for the boardroom
- ThinkPad Tablet vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 as laptop replacement