I’m not really a big Windows 8 fan but the one thing I do like that has evolved from Microsoft’s new OS is the concept of the Surface’s form factor in which I mean the keyboard cover. Having played with an actual Surface it’s a concept that I think really works. So what I really want is the same idea but for the iPad which can now be achieved with the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover. Now this isn’t the newest product on the market but I’ve tested it to destruction so you don’t have to.
In my experience you can pretty much rely on Logitech to make some pretty decent kit and this is no exception. It’s really well made and solid and compliments the iPad’s design nicely. It clips to the side of your iPad in exactly the same way as the Apple Smart Cover and when closed doesn’t actually add that much bulk to it. To get it into keyboard mode simply detach the cover and slot your iPad into the groove which is aligned with a clever magnetic strip which really grabs hold of it so no worries about it flopping about all over the place and you just can’t resist the click when you slot it in.
The keyboard itself is pretty fancy with it’s own home button and shortcut keys for cut, copy, paste and undo and as it pairs to your iPad via Bluetooth it disables the on screen keyboard so you can type away to your hearts content with full screen goodness. The keys are also really responsive and springy so you can really knock out some serious text.
Now there’s lots of iPad keyboards out there (some good, some bad) but from all those that I’ve tried this is certainly one of the best just because it’s a great companion in the way that it integrates with your device giving you a perfect mobile solution and unlike the Surface it actually sits on your lap.
If you see this advertised it generally says that it’s suited for the iPad 2 and the New iPad (3rd generation) but having just tested it with a 4th gen iPad I can confirm that it works with that just fine too.
Downsides. Well it’s pretty shiny plastic so fingerprint unfriendly but then again if you’re going to eat burgers and surf the net on a tablet then it’s to be expected. Then there’s the price…
It comes in black, white and red and is also available for the iPad Mini if that’s your tablet of choice so something for everyone. Now brace yourself, prices for the iPad start at £89.99 and £69.99 for the Mini so you’re really going to have to want it but if you want to be more productive on your iPad then this is the perfect solution.