iPad Keyboard Case

By Niall Gallagher, 17 March, 2013

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories
Hey everybody!  Happy St. Patrick's Day from Ireland. I have a question relating to choosing the most efficient keyboards case for the iPad. I should point out that I don't own an iPad, but I am considering purchasing one. My main reason for asking this question is because I am starting a Masters programme in September and I want a note taker which has a very good battery life. I am currently using a Macbook Air which is perfectly meeting my needs, but I am just about getting 3 hours out of it.  Any info regarding the best iPad keyboard cases or alternative note taking systems are very welcome.  Kind regards,  

Niall  

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Comments

By Daniel on Friday, March 22, 2013 - 06:55

Hello, If you're planning on purchasing a full-size iPad, then purchase nothing fut the Zaggfolio. It's a bit on the expensive side, but oh so worth it. If you're going to get a mini, then I can't help you there.

By Niall Gallagher on Friday, March 22, 2013 - 06:55

In reply to by Daniel

Thanks for the reply Daniel. I will definitely be going for the full size iPad. I hope you don't mind, but I have some follow up questions. Does the Zaggfolio protect the entire device? What would you compare the key feedback to? Similar to a Macbook or apple wireless keyboard? Does the case feel like it is of a high build quality? Thank you for your help so far. Kind regards, Niall

By Dave Nason on Friday, March 22, 2013 - 06:55

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

In reply to by Niall Gallagher

Hi Niall. Happy Paddy's Day from a fellow Irishman! I have the Zaggfolio keyboard, it seems to be the most popular one out there. It's got island keys like Apple keyboards. It is nice to type on, not quite as good as a Macbook keyboard or whatever now, but not bad. It's slightly smaller than a laptop keyboard, but actually not by much. The keys are plenty big in my opinion. What takes a bit more getting used to is that there are a couple of missing keys. For example the key that's usually to the left of the Z key is not there, so the Z is the first key on that row after the Shift key and so on. That may or may not bother you. It is a good quality keyboard anyway. Having said all that, I generally find I prefer using my separate full-size bluetooth keyboard when possible and use it much more often than the Zagg. The Apple bluetooth keyboard is very slim and portable. They sell both in CompuB if you're near any of their shops. I'm sure they'd let you take a look.

By ray h on Friday, March 22, 2013 - 06:55

In reply to by Dave Nason

Personally, I love having a full computer with me an my 11 inch Air is a marvel. I think the iPad is relatively more difficult and the screen size isn't that useful for those of us without sight. Do you have an iPhone? You could use that (with a keyboard) as a notetaker which is just as good as the iPad. Alternatively, sounds like your battery is having a problem. I can get over 6 hours on mine. You may want to take it to a Apple Store and see what they say. Also, to greatly extend battery life, trying turning off your screen by pressing the F1 key until it says "display brightness, 0%" this has been a great help to me in extending the battery (I seem to need to reset the screen each time I start up the Air). Just some thoughts and alternatives for you. Ray

By Niall Gallagher on Friday, March 22, 2013 - 06:55

In reply to by ray h

Hi Dave, Thank you for the insight into the Zaggfilo. I just wanted to clarify a few things with those questions, as I have read so many conflicting reviews of Many products including the Zaggfilo. Hi Ray, Thank you also, your suggestions are very welcome. I should have explained that I am running windows on my Mac by using VMware Fusion, and I think this is the source of my battery drain. I do have an iPhone, and prior to using Fleksy, I used a bluetooth keyboard with it all the time. I guess the appeal of the iPad is the extended battery life, but I do agree that the larger screen size doesn't offer many benefits for the blind. However, since I don't own an iPad that opinion is complete speculation, and I stand to be corrected. Thank you everybody for all the helpful suggestions and info. Kind regards, Niall

By Isaac Hebert (not verified) on Friday, March 22, 2013 - 06:55

Manufacturer reference: THZ171US Product Dimensions: 7.4 inches x 9.5 inches x 0.4 inches; 1.8 pounds Shipping Weight: 1.85 pounds ASIN: B007C0YB2O Technical Details Designed to Fit the Apple iPad 3rd and 4th Generation 4 viewing angles plus keyboard for different typing angles Easy-to-clean exterior case and soft-touch inner lining makes this case protective inside and out All around function with 360 degree rotating stand and clever stylus storage all while securely storing your device in the custom fit casing Durable, water resistant padded exterior

By VegasJohnny on Friday, January 22, 2016 - 06:55

I was considering the ZaggFolio for the iPad mini today, but I noticed there is no Option key on the keyboard. Does the FN (function) key act as the Option key? I ask because the FN key is located between the ctrl and command keys to the left of the spacebar.

Is the ZaggFolio still highly recommended for total Blind iPad mini users?

Warm Las Vegas Regards, Johnny