Logitech today announced the upcoming launch of its Wired Keyboard for iPad, a $60 accessory specifically targeted at schools. The keyboard is available in both Lightning and 30-pin varieties and aims to eliminate the complexity of pairing numerous Bluetooth keyboards with their respective iPads in a classroom setting.
“Schools are increasingly purchasing iPads for use in the classroom,” said Mike Culver, vice president and general manager of mobility at Logitech. “While tablets are enabling new ways of teaching and testing, there’s a challenge when a teacher needs to simultaneously pair multiple iPads with multiple wireless Bluetooth keyboards. We developed the Logitech Wired Keyboard for iPad to specifically solve this problem, so students can now simply plug it in and start typing.”
Logitech has also given the keyboard a sturdy design to support the demands of classroom usage, with spill resistance and key lifespan of over five million strokes. The keyboard also includes a dedicated row of function keys to provide easy access to shortcuts for Siri, copy/paste, search, media playback, and more.
The Logitech Wired Keyboard for iPad with Lightning connector is expected to launch in August, with the 30-pin connector version following in October.
Top Rated Comments
While I agree $60 sounds much, considering its for still a relatively small market and a more durable custom design, it may be a fair value.
I would have to agree that bluetooth keyboards would be much cheaper in the long run. Especially with large groups of students. The keyboard I have right now lasts for 1000 hours even, so it lasts you pretty much all semester with one charge. So there's not really a battery issue. Nor do you have to deal with the wires.
Wireless keyboards can be used on different devices too. So if a student happens to need one to use with a Nexus 7/10 or Kindle Fire HD, they could go ahead and borrow it with no issue.
Schools have to think long-term when buying hardware, so this is definitely a no go IMO.
Since portability is not the goal here, it seems like it ought to have at least a stand built in--if not an actual iPad charger even. Maybe that's another product!
Durability (saving money in the end?) is the question. IF it truly holds up, that's worth something.