Mobile Technology

Logitech announces iPad 2 case with built in keyboard

Logitech announces iPad 2 case with built in keyboard
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
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The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
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The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
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The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
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The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
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The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
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The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
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The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
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The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
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Logitech has entered the seemingly insatiable iPad accessory market with a case that should appeal to those looking to use their new iPad 2 for something a bit more productive than playing Fruit Ninja. The Logitech Keyboard Case for the iPad 2 is made from aircraft-grade aluminum to match Apple's tablet, features a built-in wireless keyboard and is lined with high-density padding to keep the tablet safe and secure and prevent the keyboard from touching the screen, even if dropped.

The physical keyboard, which is charged via USB, connects to the iPad 2 via Bluetooth and comprises a full QWERTY keypad with special function keys for music, volume, slideshow, home and search controls. The case's flexible hinge makes it easy to switch from touchscreen to keyboard input and can support the iPad in either portrait or landscape mode.

The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate
The Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, aka the ZAGGmate

The case, which protects the screen and sides of the iPad, only adds about a quarter of an inch (6 mm) to the thickness of the slimmed down iPad 2 and could be a more convenient solution than carrying around a separate keyboard – even if it's a folding Bluetooth keyboard.

Anyone familiar with the ZAGGmate with keyboard case from ZAGG will recognize that it is identical to the Logitech offering, with a partnership between the two companies giving Logitech worldwide distribution rights to the ZAGGmate case. The Logitech Keyboard case is expected to be available in the U.S. this month and will retail for US$99.99. If you can't wait or are after a case for the original iPad, they are still available from ZAGG for the same price.

View gallery - 7 images
5 comments
5 comments
Ken Lovell
Zagg has made on of these for some time. Really good quality. iPd 2 version just started shipping.
John Lloyd-Jones
This looks like a pretty good idea. I don%u2019t know how much Apple charges for a case, but if it%u2019s like everything else they do, I%u2019m sure there%u2019s a premium. If you want a case, you might as well get a keyboard with it.
Gizmo Guy
I ordered one of these a while back and am now returning it. While it looks really cool it has what is in my estimation a serious design flaw. It works just fine on perfectly horizontal surface with no vibration. That being said, the iPad will slip out of its support if inclined even slightly forward. So lap use is definitely out, and I suspect airplane use might be problematic. For those who will only use it at a desk I suppose it would be fine. But many us who have bought the iPad got it specifically to not use it at a desk. For desk use most laptops are superior anyhow.
This is a shame as it seems to be a well constructed unit and it wouldn\'t take much of a design change to make it a really nifty accessory. Perhaps I\'ll try again if they bring out a version which allows for really portable (i.e. non-desk) use.
Billy Jean
I like this a lot! I\'m going to get one and then an iPad Soul Sleeve to carry it around in.
Aldwin Chan
I have a similar aluminium keyboard case that only retails at around 25 dollars http://bit.ly/WAj0ld