ZAGG have released another great new product, the ZAGGkeys Solo Bluetooth iPad Keyboard. ZAGG have built a reputation on building great accessories for the iPad; The ZAGGmate, now known as the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG for iPad 2, was probably the most popular iPad case on the market last year. The sleek design was manufactured to the same look, feel and quality standard as an Apple product. Consequently it sold like hot cakes. They also retailed a ZAGGmate case without a keyboard for those who wanted it.
Now ZAGG are back, and this time they have the keyboard without the case!
I think this is a great product that will suit many users who love the iPad’s intuitive touch screen, but miss being able to type at full speed.
Compatibility
The keyboard also doubles as a stand, and supports a range of other devices reasonably well. ZAGG have provided a table showing compatibility with other devices:
ZAGGkeys Compatibility Chart
Lets not kid ourselves here, the ZAGGkeys SOLO is primarily designed for the iPad. However, if you are an iPhone 4 or iPod touch user the compatibility is excellent, and thankfully other major tablet devices do have excellent support in one of either Landscape, or Portrait orientations. The Galaxy Tab works in landscape, while the Motorola Xoom and HTC Flyer work well when used in portrait mode.
Color Options
The ZAGGkeys SOLO comes in 3 color finish options; Black, White and Silver, so you can match the finish to your device, should you wish to do so.
My favorite was the black, but if you love your aluminum finish iPad 1, or want to match your white iPad 2 to it’s keybaord, then you may want to choose one of the other options.
Battery Life
The ZAGGkeys contains a 510 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery, which sounds high tech to me, but all we really need to know is that it will last a couple of weeks before needing to be recharged. This is good news, and what is also good is that ZAGG includes a USB to Micro-USB cable to plug your keyboard into another device and charge it when it needs juice. Whew!
Size and Weight
The dimensions of the ZAGGkeys SOLO matches closely the width of the iPad in Landscape orientation, perfect and just how we would want it.
Length: 9.5 inches (241 mm)
Width: 6.7 inches (170 mm)
Depth: .4 inches (10 mm)
Weight: 11.5 ounces (326 grams)
Conclusion
This is a great accessory if you like to be able to sit down and hammer out emails at speed and the virtual keyboard in the iPad does not quite cut it. Some users won’t need this accessory at all, while others will probably find it indispensable. If you want one you can get it from ZAGG.
Watching movies is one of my favorite activities on the iPad. I like sharing some of the best movies with my friends during our travels. This is why I like to have lots of storage for my files. My iPad surely does not have enough room for everything I’d like to keep, so I’m thinking to buy an external hard drive. As I need it mostly for travels, it has to be as lightweight and as compact as possible. Wireless would also be nice, but I had no idea such an option was available. Until today.
Seagate GoFlex Satellite connects to the iPad via Wi-Fi Network
The Seagate GoFlex Satellite Mobile Wireless Storage sounds like the coolest option. What makes it so cool, is the fact that it is wireless. It gets connected to the iPad via a Wi-Fi standard 802.11 b/g/n network with WPA security. This network works within a 30 feet range and it can be shared with up to three devices, so you can have two other members of your family use the same GoFlex Satellite at the same time with you. With 500 GB storage space, this external hard drive will be roomy enough for all of you. The file transfer from your computer to the Seagate drive is done via USB 3.0 interface. This makes data transfers faster. USB 2.0 is also supported, in case you don’t have USB 3.0 on your computer. FireWire 800 and powered eSATA are also available, but separately.
Setting up the GoFlex Satellite external drive is very easy
What makes the Seagate GoFlex Satellite Mobile Wireless Storage the perfect pair for iPad
Mobility & Flexibility
The GoFlex Satellite is powered by rechargeable battery which provides up to 5 hours of continuous streaming. This should be good for at least two movies. In standby mode, the battery life is 25 hours, enough for most users. The box contains a compact wall charger with retractable pins and a car charger.
Being wireless, this external hard drive is perfect while traveling, because you can use it without taking it out of your bag. The drive is compact and lightweight, easy to find a place for in your bag or inside a large pocket. It’s less than half the size of my current external drive, so I’m very happy about getting one before my next travel.
Simple setup & easy access to your media
The Seagate GoFlex Satellite is compatible with all iPad versions, iPod Touch, iPhone and many other smartphones and tablets. Establishing a connection between the disk and your device is very easy, all you need to do is to connect to the Wi-Fi network that appears on your networks list. There a little drawback here: the iPad can connect to only one wireless network at a time. This means that you won’t have internet access while using your GoFlex Satellite disk. It’s still awesome for long flights, when you can’t use the internet anyway.
The media files stored on the external drive can be accessed via any web browser. Loading them from the computer is easy, thanks to Media Sync, a free application which quickly syncs your media library. For Apple devices, Media Sync is available on the App Store.
Data protection
The disk comes with the Seagate G-Force Protection Freefall Sensor Technology. In case of an accidental drop, it switches automatically to a non-operating state, thus avoiding data losses that may occur in such situations.
Seagate GoFlex Satellite Specifications:
Size: 4.72” x 3.46” x 1.26”
Weight: 0.588 lb
Storage capacity: 500 GB (more than 8000 hours of music or 160,000 photos or 125 DVD quality movies or 125 hours of HD video)
Battery: non-replaceable Li-Ion
Wi-Fi standard: 802.11 b/g/n, with WPA security
System requirements:
Smartphone, iPad, tablets and computers with web browser and Wi-Fi connectivity standard 802.11 b/g/n
Computer operating systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.5.8 minimum
Generally speaking, it will recognize and play any type of file supported by the applications on your device.
What’s in the box:
Seagate GoFlex Satellite is small, compact and lightweight
GoFlex Satellite mobile wireless storage device
USB 3.0 USM adapter with detachable USB 3.0 cable (if USB 3.0 is not available on the computer, it will work with USB 2.0)
USB to DC cable
Compact wall adapter with retractable pins
Compact car charger
Quick start guide
The GoFlex Media application enables searching for files or filtering by keyword. There is no possibility to import your saved playlists from your computer or to create new ones. This issue seems to have bothered several users, who wrote about their experience on Amazon. However, if you can live without playlists, the GoFlex Satellite is still a nice option to have your media with you while traveling.
The disk has 3 year limited warranty. It belongs to the Seagate GoFlex Storage System. This makes it easy to upgrade whenever there’s a new interface or some other improvement launched.
The Seagate GoFlex Satellite Mobile Wireless Storage is new. It’s also a first time for Seagate, therefore many users perceived it as “work-in-progress”. Nonetheless, Seagate is a strong name in the storage industry, so they are probably using the feedback they are getting now to perfect the product. You can read more about the Seagate GoFlex Satellite Mobile Wireless Storage on Amazon. It is eligible for FREE shipping as part of the Super Saver Shipping program.
This 20 items accessory bundle from Crazy On Digital includes all essential iPad 2 accessories such as screen protectors, leather case, earphones with microphone, chargers and various cables and connectors. You can find it on Amazon. If you are new to the iPad and you have no idea about what accessories you need to buy, this is a very good package to start with. It covers both protection and functionality needs. The only item it lacks is a stand, but you can do your research and order that separately later on.
The main point in purchasing such a package for your iPad is convenience: you get everything with just a single order. Besides, the price for the whole bundle is less than the price of many iPad cases out there, so it’s definitely worth considering.
This is what the Crazy On Digital iPad 2 Accessory Bundle contains:
red leather case
4 TPU cases: clear, gray, purple and blue
3 screen protector sets
chargers: a wall charger and a car charger
2 earphones with microphone, suitable for Facetime or Skype calls
2 headphone splitters
2 fish winders
cables: one regular and one retractable auxiliary cable
one wristband, which has nothing to do with the iPad 2, but which is quite cool
The Crazy On Digital iPad 2 Accessory Bundle fits the 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 3G and Wifi Apple iPad 2 models. You can order yours from Amazon today at a very special price.
The iPad is one cool piece of technology. The iPad 2 is even cooler. However, the need for a real keyboard is still there, especially if you are fond of your typing speed. Luckily, there’s a new breed of iPad accessories, the folio case with Bluetooth keyboard. Not only are they protective, they also solve the problem of typing on your iPad.
The Kensington KeyFolio Keyboard Accessory Case for iPad 2 is a good choice, if you want something good-looking and durable. These are the features that make this folio case with keyboard worth its price:
The case is made from durable artificial leather
It features a slim profile, without bulky flaps in front of keyboard
It provides full access to all ports and controls on the iPad
The rubberized, spill-proof keys are very responsive and they also protect the iPad screen from getting scratched when the case is closed
The bluetooth keyboard features iPad specific keys
The Kensington iPad2 keyboard folio has a slim profile
Materials used for the keyboard, USB connector and switches are more durable than the ones used in other no-name iPad folios, so you get much better value for your money.
The Kensington KeyFolio Keyboard Accessory Case for iPad 2 needs one Lithium Ion battery to operate. The battery is included in the pack.
Kensington takes pride in the fact that their keyboard accessory case has no magnets in it, therefore it doesn’t interfere with the iPad’s digital compass. I’m not sure it really makes a difference, but you know what they say: “it’s better to be safe than sorry”.
This keyboard folio case fits all iPad 2 models and the iPad original model. You can find it on Amazon. It qualifies for the Super Saver Shipping program.
While it is true that we are big fans of ZaggMate, if you don’t like the idea of a hard shell case, you might be better with the Kensington KeyFolio Keyboard Accessory Case.
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The iPad is not even 6 months old yet and it has already become the tablet of choice. Once again Apple has revolutionized how we interact with our digital world. In honour of the iPad’s 5 month we have put together a gallery showcasing the very best iPad accessories we’ve reviewed this year. From iPad cases, covers and slips, to bags, stands, chargers and skins. It’s great to see so much innovation in the market and such a fine stable of accessories already available. Click the arrow on an image above to flip it over for more information and a link to the review.
Enjoy!
If the iPad virtual keyboard is not your thing, don’t give your iPad away just yet… There is still hope and its name is Apple Wireless Keyboard.
Beautiful and sleek, like all Apple products, this thin and compact keyboard takes less space on your desk than ordinary keyboards, while ridding you of all those tangled wires which seem to never be the correct length.
Here are a few features that we believe make the Apple wireless keyboard superior to its competitors, and the best choice to complement your iPad:
Good action range: the keyboard works even at 30 feet distance from your iPad or Mac
Intelligent power management system: this new keyboard from Apple requires only two AA batteries, compared to the previous model, which needed three. Yes, the battery life is amazingly long, because the keyboard powers down automatically when not in use and gets activated again as soon as you start typing.
One-Touch access keys: the top row on the keyboard is dedicated to special keys which enable instant access to various Mac functions. It is possible that not all of them work with the iPad though.
Freedom and uncluttered desk space: thanks to the Bluetooth technology, you don’t have to deal with sitting in less comfortable positions at your desk, as in the case of a wired keyboard or a keyboard dock. With the wireless keyboard, you can lay back in your armchair, take the keyboard on your lap and still type, and all while maintaining a relaxed posture.
Apple Wireless Keyboard - profile view
Apple Wireless Keyboard - front view
The low-profile keys are very responsive and have a soft rubbery texture that feels very good on fingers. It’s true that if you’re used to a full-size keyboard, you might find this compact one a little strange at the beginning, but taking into consideration the advantages it’s packed with, it’s an excellent iPad accessory for people who need to do any intensive typing, well… If you like to type with more than one finger (which is all I can manage on the iPad screen) then this is for you.
November 2011 update: This item is out of stock for the moment and we don’t know when it will be available again.
Did you ever experience that annoying feeling that somebody else was reading your newspaper over your shoulder?
If you read in the subway then you probably know what I’m talking about. Now imagine how annoying it could be to have others peeping at your iPad’s screen when you use it in public places.
Well we have found the solution! A 4-way privacy screen for the iPad will stop those nosy people who can’t mind their own business!
Made of an anti-smudge, glare resistant material, the privacy screen works in both portrait and landscape orientation of your iPad. It’s all in the viewing angle: while you’ll enjoy a perfect view of your screen, people around you won’t see anything but black, so you can be sure your information will remain confidential.
The special material doesn’t influence the touch screen sensitivity, nor does it distort the image in any way. It is very easy to apply and it doesn’t leave any residues after its removal. Moreover, the privacy screen also provides protection against scratches, so you won’t need to apply any other protective film on your iPad screen.
The Macally IP-PAD808 4 Way Privacy Screen for iPad is soon to be released, but you can secure your copy when you pre-order at Amazon, and have it delivered to your door the moment it becomes available.
If you are among the lucky ones who have already received their iPad, then you’re probably looking for accessories for your newest acquisition such as screen protection, a carrying case, car charger, connection cables and many more little things that make your experience more enjoyable while keeping your iPad protected from accidental scratches or dents.
This kind of research can be time consuming, especially when you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, and when day after day you discover new things you could use with your iPad.
One of the quickest solutions to get almost everything you need in one single purchase is to go for an iPad accessory bundle kit like this one from Crazyondigital. Not only do you get everything at once, with only one order and one payment, but you also save a lot of money, as this kit can be yours for only $29.99.
The CrazyOnDigital iPad accessory bundle kit includes 17 essential items:
One iPad case made of premium black pebbled leather with interior soft micro fiber padding (which would cost you $20 if purchased separately)
Four high-quality anti-slip silicon skin cases in four color finishes: pink, blue, black and clear (priced at about $10 when bought separately)
Two Crystal Clear dust repelling premium screen protector films with non-adhesive backing
High speed USB data cable
Compact retractable USB data cable
A pair of stereo headphones
Two sharing headphone splitters
Two Crazyondigital headphone winders
Car auxiliary cable
This accessory kit is suitable for all Apple iPad 3G tablet / Wifi models, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. In our opinion, it misses only one item, a car charger, but that’s not an issue because we ordered an iPad charger kit for less than $5 on Amazon together with the CrazyOnDigital accessory bundle, so we’ve all the basic, essential cables and accessories for our iPad tablet in one single shot.
We think this is an excellent and very affordable option.
The image below links to the product on Amazon.com:
There is still hope and its name is Apple Wireless Keyboard.
