ZAGGmate iPad Case with Keyboard Review

Today I am going to check out one of the coolest cases for the iPad that I have seen. The case is the ZAGGmate and it is a metal protective case that also has a keyboard inside. If you want a new case for your iPad and you need a keyboard for better typing read on for all of the details on the ZAGGmate.

Gallery

2 images

Specifications

The ZAGGmate is a thin case that adds only a quarter of an inch to the thickness of the iPad. The ZAGGmate comes with a keyboard and in a version without the keyboard. The keyboard uses Bluetooth for connectivity. Pricing is $99.99 for the keyboard version and $69.99 for the non-keyboard version. The case measures 9.75" H x 7.625" W x 0.54" D with the keyboard and weighs 12.8 ounces. It also ships with four rubber feet you can use on the bottom to keep scratches away.

In Use

The ZAGGmate I am reviewing today is the keyboard version. The keyboard charges via a mini USB cable that ships with the case. The keyboard has a power switch to turn it off for the best battery life possible. The case is easy to install and the rubberized corners just sort of stick to the iPad. The iPad is easy to remove from the case as well when you want to type.

A small stand on the case props the iPad up in landscape mode for working. This is the perfect case for the powers that wants to take their iPad on the road to work from instead of a netbook or a notebook. The keys on the ZAGGmate are small, but they have the correct layout and are spaced well.

My biggest pet peeve about small keyboards is when the right shift key is smaller than the shift key on the other side. The ZAGGmate keyboard has the shift keys sized the same on both sides of the keyboard and positioned exactly where they need to be. Rather than leaving the arrow keys in their natural spot and making the important keys smaller, ZAGG moved the arrow keys to the right and below the right side shift key.

This is the best layout in my option since most of us will be more concerned with the shift key than the arrow keys. The keyboard has a full array of special function buttons that can be activated with the command key. Typing feel on the keyboard is very good, this is easily as good as the keyboard on the netbooks I have used. The smaller key size than my normal keyboard took some getting used to, but after awhile I could type just as fast as I do at my desktop. The keyboard has a 510mAh batteyr that should be good for several weeks use.

Verdict

Conclusion

Other than costing about $100, I can’t find anything to not like about the ZAGGmate. This is the best case for the iPad if you work or type from the tablet a lot.

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