Summary: This
keyboard turns the iPad into the thinnest and lightest laptop ever
produced. It has already become my favorite keyboard for the new iPad.
I
write over a thousand words a day, every single day, many of those on
my iPad. That’s only possible by using an external physical keyboard.
There are some good ones available, and this brand new one is the best
I’ve tried so far.
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover
combines the Apple Smart Cover with a full keyboard. The single unit
from Logitech is thinner than the new iPad, and weighs only a few
ounces. It attaches to the iPad using the same magnetic hinge used by
the Smart Cover.
Once the cover is attached to the iPad, simply folding it closed
produces a single unit for transport. The brushed aluminum bottom of the
cover is exposed when closed, presenting a solid aluminum surface
combined with the iPad’s back.
Opening the closed cover is a simple operation, and to use the iPad
with keyboard requires a simple removal of the cover from the tablet.
The iPad is then placed into the white slot on the keyboard, with the
iPad home button to the right. A strong magnet grips the iPad firmly in
the keyboard, in fact the whole unit can be lifted by grabbing the top
of the iPad with one hand.
This disengages the magnets holding it in place with an audible tone
that indicates when the iPad can be easily lifted out of the slot.
The iPad smart cover technology is fully supported by the Logitech
unit, with the iPad turning on and off by opening and closing the cover,
respectively. There is a noticeable click when the iPad is inserted in
the keyboard slot for use, and another distinct noise when the iPad is
disengaged from the slot for removal. Removing the iPad from the
Utrathin Keyboard Cover is as simple as tilting the iPad forward, which
disengages the magnets holding it in place.
The iPad can be used with the keyboard in portrait mode without any
magnetic gripping action. This is stable when used on a flat surface.
The chiclet keyboard is not quite full size but even with large
fingers handles fast touch typing. The five rows of keys contain all the
expected keys, with the addition of a set of function keys that handle
special functions on the iPad. These include cut, copy, paste, volume
up/down, and media player controls.
This keyboard has two function keys not found on other products that
have turned out to be very useful tools. They are keys that highlight
one word left or right with a single tap. It is very useful to be able
to precisely highlight blocks of text in any app with just a few taps of
these keys.
The Logitech cover uses Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to the iPad.
It charges via an included microUSB cable, and according to Logitech
should last about six months on a single charge. The keyboard goes in
standby mode to save battery when not in use, and there is power switch
for turning the unit off entirely.
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is a fantastic cover for
transporting the iPad securely. The aluminum surface looks good and is
quite durable to handle the bumps of the road. The magnetic hinge system
is easy to use and unique among iPad keyboard accessories.
The keyboard is currently available from Logitech for $99. It works
with the iPad 2 and new iPad 3, but owners of the first generation iPad
are out of luck as it does not work with early models.
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