Last month, I decided to pick up a keyboard for my third-generation iPad. I had been debating whether I should buy a MacBook Pro or get a keyboard case for the iPad instead. After giving it a lot of thought and reading reviews of various keyboards, I finally decided to buy the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard (pictured above). Here’s a quick review:
It’s super thin and light weight! The keys are plastic but have a nice feel to it. Call me weird, but I like that “clicky” sound of the keyboard.
What I really like about this keyboard is the fact that all the function keys/features actually work, unlike those cheap knock-off keyboards. The function keys allow you to:
- Toggle between the Home screen and the apps you have open
- Go to the Spotlight search right from the keyboard
- Switch between the English and international keyboards
- Switch between the keyboard and the iPad touch keypad
- Cut, Copy and Paste
- Select and highlight text (very convenient!)
- Play/pause music right from the keyboard
- Control volume
- Lock/unlock your iPad
The keyboard itself resembles the Apple keyboard as it has the familiar ‘Command’ key. It uses a bluetooth connection to connect to the iPad. The keyboard has a rechargeable battery that’s expected to last 6 months. After that you would have to charge it (the charger is included in the box). I’ve used the keyboard for a little less than 3 weeks and did not need to charge it even once! I admit I didn’t use it for very long hours (probably at least an hour every evening), but it’s still pretty impressive that I didn’t have to worry about recharging the keyboard.
While the keyboard is great, here are some things that you may want to be aware of:
- The magnetic strip on the keyboard holds the keyboard in place so it is less likely to fall back (and it’s pretty good). However, it doesn’t prevent it from falling forward. You have to be very careful, how you hold the iPad. If you’re going to keep the keyboard and iPad on flat surface, you have nothing to worry about.
- The aluminum back of the keyboard is pretty nice and helps to protect the screen, however it will not protect the back of the iPad.
- The keys seem slightly crammed together but then again that is expected of a small and thin keyboard.
- This is definitely not a laptop replacement.
- This device is only compatible with the iPad 2 and on. This may not work with the first generation iPad.
If you are in the market for buying a keyboard for your iPad then this is a great companion for your idevice! It looks pretty sleek too. If you have any questions about the product, leave me a comment below and I would be happy to answer them.
