Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad 2 and iPad 3 (3rd Generation) (920-003907)This keyboard has almost everything you could hope for in such a small package!
What I like:
- The keyboard layout is fantastic! Logitech did a great job at putting all the keys in just the right places. There is just enough room in between the keys that hitting two keys at once is rarely ever an issue.
- The keyboard is NOT cheap rubber! Although very hard to tell from the pictures online, it is made out of grey plastic on a plastic base, and NOT RUBBER. The feedback when typing is very similar to a MacBook keyboard...plastic, but sturdy!
- This keyboard is smart! The two positions (really three if you count opening the tablet so the keyboard is on the back of the iPad) are recognized by the keyboard as such: in "typing" position all the keys operate as you would expect and the alternate functions using the fn & 1-delete keys will perform various functions such as volume, copy/paste, etc.; in "media" position, the alternate functions are performed by hitting the ctrl-delete keys without the need for the fn key. The keyboard has a sensor inside that recognizes where the iPad is in each layout. (It even turns the keyboard off when flipped behind the iPad!)
- This keyboard has all the right holes in all the right places! The docking area for the iPad has a hole for every input you need, including the speaker AND back camera...sometimes overlooked by folio cases...that's right booqpad agenda, I'm looking at you!
- This keyboard DOES NOT DIE! As long as you place the solar cells up when not using the folio, you should never run out of power when typing again!
What could be better:
- After reading all the reviews and seeing the Logitech Ultrathin, I wish the build quality was a little more solid...but maybe that is comparing apples to oranges. This is a folio, doesn't need to be charged, stays together all the time, protects the iPad (front and back), and offers more than 1 angle of operation!
- It's expensive. Right now, the keyboard folio runs for $129.99 MSRP about everywhere. I'm sure the solar battery is what makes it so pricey, but the rest of the folio is made out of either plastic or some rubber-ish materials which should justify some sort price cut in version 2.0
- It's a little tricky to close at first. The whole trick to closing the folio is focused on the placement of the solar battery (that little silver and red cylinder). If you put the edge of the iPad behind the cylinder when closing...it will close...but it's not pretty and probably not good for the folio. I've found that by lifting the iPad a little, sliding back to the front edge of the battery, and then closing the folio; you'll have no problems. Maybe I'm making this more of an issue than it really is, but definitely something that can be designed better for Solar Folio V2.0.
- It opens on its own...but very rarely will this be an issue. Just think of how many times you worry about a book opening when in a bag...not that often, right? Although it's not a huge issue, I will definitely add it to my suggestion list for the next time I sit down for a brainstorm session with a Logitech design engineer. :P
End thoughts:
Although there are some downfalls, I definitely recommend this keyboard folio for its layout, simplicity, small form factor, and ample protection.