Since the day the iPad came out, I have always been a big fan. However I have never really been able to get on with the on-screen keyboard. I think typing on the screen feels somewhat ‘numb’, and typing large volumes of text is almost out of the question. Which is why I am a big fan (and owner of many) bluetooth iPad keyboards.
In a previous review I wrote about the Kensington KeyFolio, which had taken pride of place in my laptop back… That was until the Belkin one came on offer on Groupon.
I had nothing against the Kensington one, asides from the fact the case was a little bulky and it added a bit of weight to the iPad. The Belkin one on the other hand couldn’t really be much smaller or lighter.
The keyboard features a whole raft of function keys, which gives quick and easy access to some of iOS’s harder to find controls.
It also features a magnetic strip, which keeps they keyboard neatly attached to the iPad and wakes the iPad when the screen is lifted. So the keyboard also acts as a screen protector of sorts.
The next feature may divide the masses, as the keys on the keyboard provide that reassuring ‘click’ as they are pressed. Most other bluetooth keyboards seem to stick to a rubberized key, meaning less noise.. After spending several hours using both, I think I actually prefer the click of a plastic key!
The good:
- The click of a plastic key
- The multiple screen positions
- The quick access function keys
- The magnetic strip
- Supports AutoWake
The bad:
- The click of a plastic key (if that bothers you)
The bottom line:
This keyboard is perfect if you are an infrequent iPad traveller, who just needs something to ease the pain of on-screen typing. If you are a more frequent traveller, you may want to consider something slightly more robust, perhaps the Kensington Keyfolio
Rating:
