I will discuss my iPad in further posts, but I wanted to take the time to cover this amazing piece of technology and style from Kensington. It is much more than just an accessory. It completely changes the way you use your iPad. It shifts the focus of your iPad from an e-reader or entertainment device, to a device that you can use to actually replace your laptop for many purposes. In fact, I am writing and publishing this blog from my iPad and Kensington keyboard.
As a bluetooth keyboard, there is no need for any plugs or stands for this keyboard. Simply pair the two devices (instructions are included in the box on how to do it) and you're good to go. The keyboard itself comes out of the case so that you can use the folio for a carry case or change the angle of your iPad for specific purposes, like movie watching (see below).
The keyboard comes with a standard micro USB cable so you can charge it with your iPad charger or even with your computer. I've used the keyboard for more than 48 hours now, only turning it off when I go to sleep at night and the battery is still going strong. According to Kensington, the battery life is ~100 hours. I haven't had the keyboard long enough to state whether that's true or not but it seems to be heading in the right direction. The keyboard has many functions that make it extremely easy to use and increases productivity. The Home key in the top left corner acts the same way as the physical Home key on the iPad and has all the same functionality (double tap for recently used apps, etc.) the f1-f12 keys all have their own function. For example, f5 takes you straight to the Spotlight function for easy browsing and f6-f8 function as the iTunes controllers. All of the functionality is similar to the shortcuts or keying that you would find on a MacBook Pro or Mac keyboard. Finally! The processor in the iPad can be completely exploited for all of your productivity needs.
The case of the folio is high quality synthetic leather and gives the iPad a very professional look. The case has an elastic strap that keeps the folio closed when carrying it around and the interior casing provides ample support and protection. The velcro on the bottom of the iPad holster allows for adjustments in angle. If you didn't like the keyboard or just wanted to use the virtual keyboard for some time, you can remove the keyboard simply by lifting it out of it's bay.
The cutouts on both the rear and front of the case means that avid iPad photographers can access the rear facing camera to capture those special moments, and those folks who enjoy Facetime on the iPad can talk to their loved ones without having to remove the iPad from the case. If you do need to remove the iPad, it's easily removable by lifting the casing that secures the iPad and sliding the iPad out.
This was one of the best Christmas gifts I have ever received. I can see all of my future business ventures making great use of the keyboard and folio. I only have a few classes left for my undergraduate degree but with this keyboard I will replace all of my note taking in class on my MacBook Pro with my new iPad. When I go to graduate school I can see a majority of my work being done on the iPad quite easily with the help of the bluetooth keyboard. The professional folio will look great at all of my networking events and give the right impression at any conferences or meetings I attend.
The only downside I have found with the keyboard is that if the bluetooth on the iPad is turned off, the keyboard will become unpaired. The first reason this can become annoying is because the bluetooth being turned on on the iPad can reduce the battery life. Secondly, if the two devices become unpaired, you have to go back into Settings and pair them again. The reason neither of these points is important is that bluetooth doesn't reduce the battery life by any significant amount and the re-pairing of devices takes all of 5 seconds. It is an issue that can't be avoided and an issue that is only an issue to those nit picky clowns that feel the need to find a problem with everything. The kind of people that find something wrong with the Dark Knight trilogy. You're wrong. The Dark Knight trilogy is flawless.
Thanks for stopping by! I'll be reviewing some of my other gifts this Christmas in my next blogs. Stay tuned for Apple TV, Nike GPS+ Watch and a bunch of apps on my iPad.
Merry Christmas and have a great New Year!
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