Seriously, what did I really want for my iPad that I didn’t have? I wanted a combination case and external keyboard. I’ve been using the TouchType, a Kickstarter project I reviewed last month, but it uses my Apple Wireless Bluetooth keyboard and it was getting a little too bulky and heavy for me to carry around all the time. In my opinion, heavy and bulky defeats the purpose of using an iPad to begin with.
Enter the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover. I read a few early reviews and seen some photos of the Keyboard Cover on their Web site. It appeared to be the perfect solution for what I wanted, lightweight, slim, functional and very stylish. I ordered it, and it arrived this week. I was right, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is exactly what I was looking for and more.
Let’s look at some of the features:
- Works with iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation)
- Quiet Bluetooth Keyboard with extra shortcuts built in.
- Stylish aluminum screen cover that is lightweight and beautiful
- The Cover securely attaches to your iPad—thanks to the clever magnetic clip
- Instant On/Off automatically wakes your iPad when you open the cover, and sends it to sleep when you close it
- The Bluetooth keyboard can carry a 6 month battery charge, rechargeable via a USB cable
- Free engraving on the cover
What do I like about the Keyboard cover from Logitech? A lot of things. As mentioned, I love the design and the overall look of the cover. When it’s on the iPad it covers the screen and exactly matches the back of the iPad to make the unit appear to be a single, slim unit, not unlike the Macbook Air. I love the look and feel of the cover when I attach the iPad to the magnetic slot when it’s time to type. The angle of the iPad in the slot is perfect for me and secure enough to allow me to touch the iPad screen when the keyboard just cannot handle what needs to be done on the screen. I like the feel of the keyboard, even though it’s smaller then the normal keyboard. I also like the fact that Logitech added function keys with the number keys at the top of the keyboard to do many of the tasks that were difficult to do on the iPad alone.
The function keys allow you to call search, cycle through enabled languages, toggle the onscreen keyboard, select the previous word, select the next word, cut, copy, paste, play/pause, mute, volume down, volume up, and lock. Basically you lose some function key abilities that you have on your Mac, but they’re replaced with some abilities that are more appropriate and useful on the iPad.
What didn’t I like or felt was missing from the Keyboard Cover? First and foremost, you’ll notice that Logitech calls it a cover and not a case. The reason is obvious, it’s not a case, it just covers the iPad screen not the back of the iPad. You may still want a sleeve to keep your iPad and cover safe from drops and crashes. (I have a foam sleeve that fits in my briefcase and does the trick). Another aspect of the Keyboard Cover that bothered me a bit was the black plastic around the keys and the top of the keyboard. It proved to be a real fingerprint magnet. Logitech already knew that fact because they sent a cleaning cloth along with the cover. Other then these two complaints, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover was just what I was looking for, and more.
You can order the cover direct from Logitech for $99.99. Depending on your iPad needs, the Ultrathin should not disappoint.
