The Best of Both Phone, and Tablet
Just when you thought you'd seen every iPad keyboard case design under the sun, along comes the $129 Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad 2. For those who are in love with the idea of the iPad as an office desk accessory, a simple button press transforms this plastic case into a flip-up display and keyboard, so the iPad 2 becomes like a little workstation PC.
Making a good iPad keyboard case is a tricky thing. I've reviewed at least a half dozen already, and the biggest challenge is a simple one: technically, you don't need an iPad keyboard case, or even a keyboard. Typing directly on the iPad's screen will do for many. Still, for the I-want-to-write-a-novel-on-my-iPad set, the temptations of a physical set of keys will always linger. Keyboard cases often aren't comfortable to use; jamming a keyboard somewhere in there adds bulk, and the keyboards, as a result of the retrofitting, tend to be more compressed and less comfortable to use than a simple standalone Bluetooth keyboard.
I've become a fan of Logitech's clever but useful iPad keyboards. The company's simple Tablet Keyboard is an excellent alternative to Apple's Bluetooth keyboard, and includes a stand; alternatively, the Keyboard Case by Zagg doubles as a protective shell, and has small but excellent keys.
The Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad 2 earns the most points for its ingenious design...but not so much for its keyboard. When flat, the case holds an iPad 2 snugly but securely. Folded up, it becomes like a thick back shell for the tablet--it's chunky, but technically I could hold the case in one hand. The case works with Apple's magnetic Smart Covers, so you could take your iPad 2 around in the case with the Smart Cover attached, and even slip it into your bag. I wouldn't recommend that as a habit, though: an iPad 2 with this case on is as thick as a Netbook.
