While a number of accessory companies announced their lineups for the new iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display last week following Apple's media event, one big name in the business, Logitech, remained silent. The company has, however, now revealed its plans for the iPad Air in announcing a series of three keyboard case/cover accessories and a simple folio-style case for the new device.
The three keyboard products each feature a built-in Bluetooth keyboard with maximized key size for a fast and fluid typing experience. The Logitech Folio Protective Case offers tablet protection without a keyboard, and is Logitech’s thinnest and lightest folio for the iPad Air.
The new products include the following:
- FabricSkin Keyboard Folio ($149.99): Water-resistant and wipe-clean surface offers a Bluetooth keyboard with full-size keys and extra shortcut keys for fast access to system function. The case weighs just 0.9 pounds and measures 0.7 inches thick, with up to three months of keyboard battery life on a single USB charge, and is available in three different colors.
FabricSkin Keyboard Folio
- Ultrathin Keyboard Folio ($99.99): A similar general design to the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio, but not as water resistant and slightly thicker due to the use of individual keys. The Ultrathin Folio is the same weight as the FabricSkin model and offers the same three-month battery life, with four color options available.
Ultrathin Keyboard Folio
- Ultrathin Keyboard Cover ($99.99): Protecting only the front of the iPad Air when closed, this cover weighs just 0.73 pounds and measures 0.29 inches thick. The aluminum cover include an integrated keyboard offering up to three months of battery life on a single charge, with three different colors available.
Ultrathin Keyboard Cover
- Folio Protective Case ($49.99): A simply folio-style case protecting the iPad Air on front and back but without an integrated keyboard, this case is available in four different colors.
Folio Protective Case
All four accessories are launching in November, but Logitech is currently taking pre-orders for the products. The iPad Air debuts in the first wave of countries this Friday, November 1.
iPad (16gb) + keyboard for productivity = ~$600-$700....
I don't know about you guys but I would much rather spend the $400-$500 more and get a fully fledged system, a 13" air...
Then I'd rather spend the $600-700 more to get a retina MBP to get a more fully fledged system. Oh, let's spend even more to get a fully fully fledged Mac Pro!
I wish Apple would have come out with a keybord cover of their own. I think Microsoft has a small advantage by having one.
Yes. The MS keyboads are integrated into the Surface design, allowing them to use the power of the tablet (no battery to charge in the KB) and transfer data without using BT. Also,the new MS keyboards are both backlit.
BTW, just in case someone has been confused by the reviews around: keyboards are as optional for Surface as they are for iPad. Surface is 100% functional without external keyboards. The on screen keyboard is great. That said, if you need to type a lot, the MS keyboards are very useful (and quite expensive :-()
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what specifically is the value-added advantage?
Some advantages of having a 1st party keyboard are:
[LIST=1] * No need to charge the battery in the keyboard (power from the tablet) * No waste of power due to the use of bluetooth. -No battery and no BT in the keyboard helps to make it thinner, lighter and more reliable.-
* The tablet is aware of the position of the keyboard (eg: disables the keys when you fold in to the back). * The OS can take advantage of special characteristics (eg. gestures on the "touch cover") * The whole design tablet+keyboard looks more consistent.
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I think that question was answered when it was announced that the dimensions of the iPad have changed ;)
Then I'd rather spend the $600-700 more to get a retina MBP to get a more fully fledged system. Oh, let's spend even more to get a fully fully fledged Mac Pro!
I don't know about you guys but I would much rather spend the $400-$500 more and get a fully fledged system, a 13" air...
Yep. Already ordered the new Ultrathin Keyboard Case for the iPad Air. Can't wait.
BTW, just in case someone has been confused by the reviews around: keyboards are as optional for Surface as they are for iPad. Surface is 100% functional without external keyboards. The on screen keyboard is great. That said, if you need to type a lot, the MS keyboards are very useful (and quite expensive :-()
----------
Some advantages of having a 1st party keyboard are:
[LIST=1]
* No need to charge the battery in the keyboard (power from the tablet)
* No waste of power due to the use of bluetooth.
-No battery and no BT in the keyboard helps to make it thinner, lighter and more reliable.-
* The tablet is aware of the position of the keyboard (eg: disables the keys when you fold in to the back).
* The OS can take advantage of special characteristics (eg. gestures on the "touch cover")
* The whole design tablet+keyboard looks more consistent.