Many iPad owners have admitted that despite the devices apparent shortcomings compared to a standard PC, they still find they’re using it more than a laptop for day-to-day web browsing, email and other productivity tasks.
The small size, 10-hour battery life and ease of operation all count in its favour, of course, but the real attraction for many is the instant-on — press the power button and the iPad is ready for use immediately, with no waiting for the operating system to load or the device to wake up from sleep mode.
Unfortunately, the lack of a keyboard is a disincentive for many potential owners and although the on-screen keyboard is perfectly usable, it eats into screen space and is a chore to use for anything more than short emails.
A separate Bluetooth keyboard is the obvious answer, but that’s just one more thing to remember to pack and carry around, but the Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2 takes a different tack.
This add-on external keyboard for the iPad 2 (it won’t work with the original iPad, sadly) doubles up as a sturdy case when not in use — the iPad 2 flips around and clips to the inside of its aluminium frame. For typing, the keyboard clips on to the iPad 2 for both landscape and portrait use for an effective traditional laptop set-up. The case connects to the iPad 2 via Bluetooth and is battery powered, and recharges over USB.
The Keyboard Case for iPad 2 has only just been announced in the US for $99 (about £60) and there’s no news on UK availability just yet, so watch this space for further details.