Best keyboard/ case combos for the new iPad 3

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    There are quite a few keyboards available for the new iPad, and through extensive hands-on testing we have gathered the best of the best. These are keyboard/ case combinations for those wanting a keyboard combined with a case to throw in the gear bag and head out the door.

    Each keyboard/ case covered is shown in 3 poses: closed at it is packed in the bag (along with thickness reference for comparison); open for typing front view; and a side view that shows how the case works with the iPad.

    Information is given for each keyboard indicating pricing and where it can be found online. There is also a link to a full hands-on review of each case.

    Don't miss the full mobile tech coverage by James Kendrick at ZDNet Mobile News.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    This new keyboard from Logitech turns the new iPad into the thinnest and lightest laptop replacement on the planet. It attaches to the iPad using a magnetic hinge like the Apple Smart Cover, and securely attaches to the iPad for typing using the same technology.

    See the full review at ZDNet Mobile News

    Logitech, $99

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    Here is the Ultrathin open and ready for business. The iPad fits in a slot that holds it at a good viewing angle. The magnets holding the iPad in place are so strong the entire assembly can be picked up by grabbing the top of the iPad and lifting off the table.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    Viewing the iPad/ keyboard assembly from the side shows the chiclet keys that are great for typing, and the iPad seated in the keyboard slot.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    The ZAGGfolio protects the front and back of the iPad when closed, yet opens for typing in a flash. It used Apple Smart Cover technology to turn the iPad on/off when open/closed.

    The keyboard is removable from the case for use. There is a slot above the keyboard for holding the ipad at a good viewing angle.

    See the full review on ZDNet Mobile News.

    ZAGG, $99.99

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    Opening a simple latch on the case is all you need to do to get this case ready for typing. The iPad fits in a slot above the keyboard. The keyboard is good for fast touch typing even though is is not quite full size.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    Looking at this case from the side shows the case mechanism for propping up the iPad for typing. The iPad is easily removed from the case so it can be used in portrait orientation if desired. The keyboard unit can also be removed from the case for those times when it's preferable to use it without the case.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    The Solar Keyboard Folio is a standard portfolio case for the iPad that is very thin and light yet contains a good keyboard.

    It is also charged by two solar panels on the cover that keep the Bluetooth keyboard going without charging, unlike all other keyboards in this series.

    Logitech, $129.99

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    Logitech's latest keyboard for the iPad is a thin portfolio that contains an outstanding keyboard. It has its own battery but never needs charging as the keyboard is solar-powered.

    The two panels on the back of the case when closed charge the battery so it is always ready to go.

    See the full review on ZDNet Mobile News.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    The Solar Keyboard Folio charges with ordinary room light. It uses Apple's Smart Cover technology and when the iPad is opened and set in one of two keyboard slots the keyboard automatically connects to the iPad via Bluetooth.

    Opening and closing the Solar Keyboard Folio turns the iPad on/off appropriately.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    The Solar Keyboard Folio allows working with the iPad in two different display angles.

    The media position as shown in this photo is designed to facilitate watching video at a comfortable angle. When the iPad is in this position the Solar Keyboard Folio displays only two rows of keys which become dedicated media player controls.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    This keyboard was one of the first to appear for the iPad, and it is still a solid performer. It consists of a keyboard tray that is brushed aluminum on the bottom. The iPad is snapped in the tray facedown for safe transport in the gear bag.

    The iPad slips in the standard slot above the keyboard for typing, but sits loose without magnetic gripping. It can't really be used in the lap for this reason as it needs to sit firmly on a flat surface.

    See the full review at ZDNet Mobile News

    Logitech, $79.99

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    This keyboard is sturdy yet very light, and is a good performer on the road. The tray format is good for both transport and typing, and it works with both the iPad 2 and the new iPad 3.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    This view shows clearly that the keyboard case is barely bigger thant he iPad, making it a nice small package when closed for transport.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    This case is a full portfolio case for those who prefer that type of case. it is constructed out of faux leather which looks and feels like the real thing. It is thicker and heavier than the other cases in the series, but not unbearably so.

    The keyboard is not quite as good as the others in the series, but is acceptable for lighter typing sessions. The keyboard is removable from the portfolio for use away from the iPad, or for those who only need the iPad and portfolio for particualr sessions.

    See the full review at ZDNet Mobile News

    iLuv, $119.99

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    This case allows using several viewing angles for the iPad to suit the particular user. The entire keyboard unit attaches to the case with Velcro for easy removal.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    This view of the case shows the adjustable stand behind the iPad . It also demonstrates how long the keyboard and iPad are when open for business.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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    This is the only full sized keyboard of the lot. It achieves that full size by opening up origami-style and snapping into place. Because of the keyboard size it is the best pure keyboard of the lot.

    It only works with the iPad 2 as the thicker iPad 3 is too thick to fit the exact dimensions of the case. It is no longer produced by Logitech, resulting in the honorable mention.

    See the full review on ZDNet Mobile News, 

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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Updated Summer 2012 edition: We have gathered the best keyboard/ case combos for the new iPad.

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There are quite a few keyboards available for the new iPad, and through extensive hands-on testing we have gathered the best of the best. These are keyboard/ case combinations for those wanting a keyboard combined with a case to throw in the gear bag and head out the door.

Each keyboard/ case covered is shown in 3 poses: closed at it is packed in the bag (along with thickness reference for comparison); open for typing front view; and a side view that shows how the case works with the iPad.

Information is given for each keyboard indicating pricing and where it can be found online. There is also a link to a full hands-on review of each case.

Don't miss the full mobile tech coverage by James Kendrick at ZDNet Mobile News.

Caption by: James Kendrick

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