Tech Review: Zaggmate Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad and Matte Finish InvisiShield

Photo: Zagg.com

I recently received in the mail my custom Skin, matte Invisi-shield, and Zagggmate Bluetooth keyboard for my iPad.  I have to say that while I was in love with my iPad before i’m even more crazy about it now.  I can’t really say I have much purpose or desire for a laptop these days.  But this review isn’t about my love affair with the iPad or even Apple, so let’s get right to the good stuff.

First up the Zaggmate iPad Case.  Now I was pretty skeptical at first about the Zaggmate.  There are two models, the bare case, which is nice I suppose.  It offers the same brushed aluminum and military grade padding as the Zaggmate Keyboard case and runs around $65 dollars for a nice thin metal case for your iPad.  Now I have to admit that there are less expensive cases out there that offer essentially the same functionality, if not the same protection.

Photo: Zagg.com

Zaggmate really shines however with the Bluetooth Keyboard case for $99.  As a matter of fact i’m sitting in a diner on 31st and typing this article on it.  The Keyboard case has all the same padding and microscopic size of the original Zaggmate, but has incorporated an almost full sized keyboard complete with arrow keys, function buttons which are specifically functional for the iPad, and all the usual Command, Option, and Fn keys we Mac users are accustomed to.

The function buttons offered on the keyboard are home button, like you have on the iPad and iPhone, a Spotlight button, Slide show, onscreen keyboard button, screen lock\unlock button, Previous\Next\Play\Pause track for iPod, Volume Up\Down\Mute, and International Keyboard button.  Essentially the keyboard is the same as a standard Mac keyboard except with the iPad specific functions keys replacing the iOS function keys.

Photo: Zagg.com

While the size of the keyboard is slightly smaller, it is still fully functional for typing.  When it is paired with the Pages App, the words begin to really fly.  I have pretty thick fingers I’d say, and while it’s a little tight, it’s by no means unbearable and I’m finding with a little repositioning of my hands it clears up most of the fumbles.  In general the typing is very good on the keyboard, and while there is a slight delay, it’s so miniscule I don’t even notice it.  Of course I am used to using the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard at home with my Mini, so I am comfortable with the response of bluetooth typing.

The arrow buttons aren’t quite what I’m used to because of their offset design, however I  rarely use them to begin with considering the iPad’s touch screen.  In some ways I wish they had removed them and widened the keyboard a bit more, but hey I’ll take what I’ve got and smile about it at the diner table.  On that note it’s pretty necessary that you be typing on some kind of stable surface, such as your friendly ’70′s era diner booth table, due to the iPad not actually locking into the case.  There are two long lips that catch the crease on the side of the iPad’s screen and keep it very secure.  However, if you really push on the screen it can pop out, admittedly it does take some effort though.

I consistently get questions about my mobile little rig, and while some people may argue that a net book or small pc laptop is a better use of $600, I still hold to my opinion of the iPad UI as I did in my original article reviewing the device and its multiple uses.  Again, I’ll be the first to say the iPad, and thereby the Zaggmate keyboard case may not be for everyone, but it has been a truly enjoyable solution to my mobile reader\word processor needs.

Photo: Zagg.com

Next, we have the matte finish InvisiShield screen protector.  This babe is thick.  I totally screwed up on the installation of my first protector.  I dropped it on the floor.  And of course it fell face down on my carpet that was desperately in need of a vacuuming due to my dog’s hair and a broken vacuum.  So I trashed it, thought better and hoped I could salvage it, unpeeled it, rinsed it and tried to reapply.  It didn’t work because I just couldn’t get all the hair off, but it would have adhered just fine and was no worse for the wear from my abuses.

In general I really like the matte finish.  The protector is ridiculously thick and comes with a lifetime warrantee.  What company does that with a screen protector?  It doesn’t work quite as well with my stylus, but I’m adjusting.  Depending on the angle it can be a little tougher to read, but zooming in a little on the font solves the problem for me, and the absolute lack of glare and fingerprints is awesome.

Lastly we have the Zasggskin.  This puppy protects the back of my beloved iPad and gives it lots of fun character.  Now I wasn’t really into any of the pre-made designs so I went with the custom option and made this:

Look at that clockworky goodness!

I’m so steampunk, I know.  But that doesn’t make me a hipster damn it!  I’m sorry, I digress.  The Zaggskin is nice and thick and offers a far superior grip on the iPad itself than with nothing on the back.  I literally can keep my hand vertical and the iPad won’t move.  But don’t try that over the toilet or a pool of shark infested water, ok?

So, wrapping up.  I’m completely satisfied with my Zagg purchases.  The keyboard is great, the shield makes reading much nicer, and the skin really protects my case and iPad from the onslaught of my daily abuse.  Just so you know, we are in no way sponsored or compensated by Zagg or Apple, this is all me.  But I’m not beyond pimping myself for a brand I believe in…I’m just saying…

What kind of accessories or protective accouterments have you really been enjoying or thinking about picking up for your devices?