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Logitech unveils $60 wired iPad keyboard built for classroom abuse
Bluetooth keyboards for the iPad are nice and all, but aren't you going to need to be within a wire's-length to see the thing anyway? To that end, Logitech has announced a full-sized wired iPad keyboard targeted to classrooms with an emphasis on durability and maintenance. It has a spill-resistant design, three-year warranty and key life of over 5 million strokes, according to the company, and comes in either lightning or 30-pin versions. If you don't mind being tethered, the Lightning model will ship in August and the last-gen iPad model in November for $60 each -- but you can pre-order now at the source.
Logitech debuts white Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad, arriving before month's end for $100
Those who live and die by color coordination can breathe a bit easier today, as Logitech has introduced its Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the iPad in white. Like the black model, the accessory operates via Bluetooth and features a battery that's said to provide up to six months worth of go time -- a statistic that's based on two hours of usage per day. You can expect to coat your very own white keyboard with a layer of grime in short order: it's currently available for pre-order on Logitech's website for $100 and is said to hit Apple retail stores later this month. For the curious, you'll find a teaser video after the break.
ZAGG intros a pair of Bluetooth keyboard cases for the iPad, three pairs of gaming headphones
Sometimes at trade shows we see funky-looking Windows 8 devices, other times we see bags filled with a morphing rainbow colors and sometimes we see things whose importance falls somewhere in the middle. That's the situation ZAGG finds itself in this week, as it tries to win attention at IFA amid dozens of laptop / tablet hybrids and 84-inch TVs. The company is in Berlin as we type this, showing off the new ZAGGkeys Pro and Pro Plus, two Bluetooth keyboard cases for the iPad. Both have a magnetic closure, but the Pro version adds backlighting. Those will be available at the end of September for $99 and $129, respectively. Additionally, the company announced a trio of Caliber gaming headphones, including the Stealth, a pair optimized for mobile devices, and the Axiom, which works with Macs, PCs, the Xbox and PS3. Both have in-line controls. Rounding out the list, there's the Vanguard, which offers 7.1 channel audio. Look for these in October, for $60, $90 and $130, respectively. The PR's embedded after the break, though you won't find much more detail there, sadly.
IK Multimedia announces iRig KEYS portable keyboard for iOS devices, ships this fall for $94
If you prefer a set of keys to power your mobile recording sessions instead of a guitar adapter of some sort, you're in luck. The folks at IK Multimedia have just revealed the iRig KEYS portable keyboard peripheral for iOS devices and both Mac and Windows PCs. Packing 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys, the add-on touts a three full-octave range, modulation / pitch bend wheels, an input for a sustain / expression pedal and an assortment of controls for customizing your sound just so. Should you feel inclined, this iRig offering connects via USB to a computer for an "in-studio," desktop tracking experience. The unit is Core MIDI compliant and sports plug-and-play functionality alongside the outfit's SampleTank family of apps. Said software can function on its own on the PC side or as a plug-in for more robust offerings like GarageBand, Pro Tools, Cubase, Sonar and the like. Itchin' to snag one? You'll have to wait until sometime this fall, but when it arrives, the KEYS will set you back €74.99 ($94). %Gallery-163876%
Logitech reveals Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the third-gen iPad, a set of keys that protect your slate for $99
Ever thought to yourself that those Smart Covers would be so much better if they somehow had a keyboard built in? Perhaps not, but Logitech is looking to fill the void anyway. The outfit has announced its Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for this year's iPad. On the business side of the accessory, you'll find a full Bluetooth keyboard with function keys that will last up to six months on a single charge -- that is, if you can manage to limit your use to under two hours a day. Securing your slate during those heavy typing sessions is a built-in stand that sits atop the keypad; however, it appears that you're stuck with only one viewing angle. Around back, the cover will protect that precious Retina display while providing instant on / off functionality like the original Smart Covers did, complete with magnetic clip. Don't fret, it'll also play nice with the second-gen model, just in case you haven't committed to the latest Apple tablet. Available later this month in both the US and Europe, the keyboard cover will cause you to fork over $100 before employing either of its services. Full details are in the PR below and a few press shots wait in the gallery that follows.
Crux360 keyboard case for the new iPad ships May 12th, preorder now for $150
Looking to grab a keyboard case for those heavy typing duties on your new iPad? CruxCase has revealed the latest version of its Crux360 built for the most recent Apple slate with some new features to boot. First, the clamshell now features a snap in front design that allows for quick access when the case isn't needed. There is also a "window cover" that now fully protects the rear panel of the iPad; however, if you really want to show off that Apple logo, the cover can easily be removed to do so. Connecting should be quick and easy too, as this model's power and Bluetooth buttons are one touch instead of the usual press-and-hold type deal. Magnets keep the folding kit shut -- preventing the case from opening up and exposing that precious Retina display to potential hazards. Keep in mind: the Crux360 features a hinge that allows you to rotate your slate all the way back on the keyboard for regular ol' tablet mode and everything in between. Need a bit more info before dropping your $150 on one? Hit the source link below, where you can preorder a unit for before the May 12th ship date. [Thanks, Brian]
Crux360 iPad 2 keyboard case review
Aluminum Keyboard Buddy Case cloaks your iPad 2 in a MacBook Air duvet Crux Loaded case almost turns your iPad into a laptop for $250 MacBook Air review (mid 2011) Yeah... we know. At this point you're probably clutching your funds tightly, eagerly anticipating the release of the iPad 3. But for those of you who recently purchased version 2.0, or perhaps just discovered your need for a Bluetooth keyboard, allow us to shed some light on the Crux360. Sure this isn't the first one of these we've seen, but the full range of motion in the hinge makes this a nice accessory for your Apple slate. We spent a couple weeks putting it through the wringer, so read on past the break to see what we discovered. %Gallery-131743%
Aluminum Keyboard Buddy Case cloaks your iPad 2 in a MacBook Air duvet
Your friends may think that's a MacBook Air sitting on your coffee table -- but they'd be wrong and would deserve to be ridiculed. Taking its aesthetic cue from the Zaggmate, MIC's new Aluminum Keyboard Buddy Case brings both a protective shell and a (nearly) full QWERTY set to your iPad 2. When pressed against the tablet face-to-face, the Buddy Case's magnets will automatically put your iPad to sleep, with its curved back guarding your precious slate from dirt, scratches and Hun invasions. To transition into keyboard mode, all you have to do is slide your 'Pad into a slot and let your fingers roam free. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery, this $50 peripheral also allows users to control their iPad's brightness and media playback. Unfortunately, though, it'll only hold your slate at one, fixed angle, so make sure you have a neck before buying one.
Crux Loaded case almost turns your iPad into a laptop for $250
Plenty of people are happy using the iPad as Apple intended -- as a tablet -- but some of you have been searching for a way to add a sleek keyboard and trackpad to the device since day one. The Crux Loaded clamshell case brings both input devices to the mix, and even packs an external battery within its base, adding 7.5 hours of juice. Sound good? Unfortunately, you'll need to wait until fall to shell out a whopping $249 for the case, assuming Apple opens the Bluetooth iGate to the Loaded's trackpad. You'll also need to hand over $30 for a remote desktop app if you plan to use the combo to control your computer (no, Crux hasn't found a way to run OS X natively on the iPad, as the image above might imply). With its netbook-like price, however, we'd rather keep our wallets Loaded than pay $249 for a case -- but if you've been dying for a way to make your tablet slightly more functional, you may be in luck later this year.
Clamcase iPad keyboard case review
We know you've been on pins and needles since we cleared up some of the confusion regarding the Clamcase, but a review unit finally landed on our doorstep to put through the paces. If you need a refresher, this was one of the earliest iPad keyboard cases to be introduced, but has only started shipping recently after some manufacturing woes. We've had sometime to put this baby through the paces so read past the break for the lowdown. %Gallery-116485%
Clamcase iPad keyboard case hands-on
The folks from Clamcase stopped by our trailer this afternoon with some of the first finished products to roll off the assembly lines, and while we didn't get to spend as much time as we would've liked, we got to take a ton of photos of this intriguing accessory that essentially converts your iPad into a netbook. In our few moments actually using the thing, we can say that it's got a sturdy build quality and a decent keyboard; although there's a fair amount of travel, it just feels a bit cheap. It's also a bit cramped, but as the company rep pointed out to us, it's as large as they could've made it without adding to the iPad's already large bezel. We'll update this post when a real review unit lands back on our trailer front door, but for now enjoy our photos below. %Gallery-113355%
Clamcase iPad keyboard case / stand now on sale, ships January 2011
Surely you haven't forgotten about Clamcase! Since we first caught wind of this guy, a smattering of iPad keyboard cases have come to light, but quite a few folks have apparently been waiting for the original to materialize. This week, the company opened up the pre-order hotline for the device, hawking it for the not-exactly-bargain-bin price of $119. It's available in any color you want, so long as it's black, and if all goes well it'll hit the shipping docks next month. It's definitely the nicest of the bunch based on pictures alone, and it's not like it'll have to try awfully hard to beat the rivals that have already let us down. So, what's it going to be? You in for one? Update: Thanks to a snazzy gift card, it's just $99 for a limited time. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Adonit Writer adds one more option to the iPad folio + keyboard barrage
We weren't too fond of the AIDACASE KeyCase Folio, but we should've known a flood of alternatives would be hitting the market shortly thereafter. Adonit dropped us a line to say that its rival is in the final stages of production and should be ready to order by Christmas, and while the final edition will add a lot of polish, there's a gallery of pre-pro shots just below for your perusal. The Writer iPad folio + keyboard combines a Bluetooth keyboard with a case, and the board itself slides on a magnet for maximum positioning awesomeness. There's also a quick iPad release, auto-keyboard sleep function and an exterior that'll look far sexier than what you're seeing here. Hit the source link to be alerted when it goes on sale, and as for pricing, expect to part ways with $120 or so. Or $420 when combined with a Colorware Grip for iPad. %Gallery-106021%
Writers' software month: iA Writer
I posted a few days ago that October is turning out to be a wonderful month for writers who enjoy trying out new word processing software. Today I want to tell you about an iPad app.There are a ton of word processing apps for the iPad and, in my opinion, Pages is still the best by far due to the rich feature set. This might change, however, if Apple ever decides to open up their styled-text and other iWork suite APIs to developers. Until then, it's hard for one iPad word processor to really distinguish itself from the next in a significant way. One app that has, however, is called iA Writer. iA Writer has two features that I haven't seen in other iPad word processors. One of those features is called Focus Mode. While in Focus Mode, everything except for the three most recent lines of text are blurred out. The idea behind this is that it focuses the writer just on the words or thought flow that is immediately in his mind. Focus eliminates everything but the words; you don't see any auto-correction text, tool bars, or spelling errors. The feature took me a while to get used to, but once I did it became something I wish that desktop word processors would adopt.
ClamCase iPad case magically turns your tablet into a laptop
The second we heard the iPad had Bluetooth keyboard support we knew we'd see a laptop-style case emerge, and here we are, watching a rendered product video for the ClamCase, which triples as case, a stand, and a keyboard. Sure, we have our doubts that the Iron Man 2 footage and AC/DC track being used were properly licensed and the product isn't actually real, but we've got a feeling iPad keyboard cases are going to be the playground for accessory manufacturers -- and the trend is just going to intensify when OS 4.0 brings keyboard support to the iPhone. We'll be honest, we can't wait to see what happens when some of these companies let their freak-flags fly -- check the ClamCase video and PR after the break. Update: New video after the break -- one that's decidedly less Shoot to Thrill. %Gallery-92406%
Apple's iPad keyboard dock, case and other accessories get the hands-on treatment
Apple didn't give us a great amount of time with its newly unveiled iPad today, and as you've likely seen, we spent the bulk of our allotment touching the unit itself. Lost in the proverbial shuffle were a number of the unit's launch accessories, including the admittedly intriguing keyboard dock ($69), case ($39), iPad Dock Connector to VGA adapter ($29) and camera connection kit ($29). Each of these doodads seem to look and feel exactly as you'd expect 'em to, though we're still baffled by Apple's decision to make you pay extra for access to the world's most widely accepted connector. We're also somewhat appalled (but not surprised) by the $39 price tag purportedly attached to the stripped-down case, and while the $69 MSRP on the keyboard dock is apt to cause some grumbling, at least there are a few iPad-specific keys on there to make it (marginally) worth your while. Dig in below for more on each. Read - iPad keyboard dock hands-on Read - iPad case hands-on Read - iPad Dock Connector to VGA adapter hands-on Read - iPad camera connection kit hands-on
