PADACS Rubata Keyboard for iPad Now Available in the U.S.
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Australian based PADACS hit the US market place back in August and has enjoyed considerable success with its iPad related products. We’ve looked at several of their iPad accessories in recent months and liked all of them, so we were excited to take a look at their latest leather iPad case with Bluetooth keyboard, the Rubata Keyboard.
A step up from the popular Toccata Keyboard we wrote about in September, the Rubata is constructed of premium leather and includes a built-in Bluetooth keyboard with special iPad function keys. The 84-key, hard plastic shell keyboard provides one-touch access for functions such as Search, Slideshow, Music Playlists, Volume, Mute and more.
Although the keys are a little smaller than the Apple Bluetooth keyboard I normally use, I still found the Rubata comfortable and easy to use without adding to the size of the iPad case. Regardless if you’re on the go for business or sending email from home, this folder style case is a nice addition to your iPad gear. I was able to slide the iPad snugly into position and secure it with a Velcro flap in back. Users have complete access to all iPad buttons and ports making charging, picture uploads, plugging in headphones, etc. a cinch.
The case isn’t much bigger than other cases with built-in stands we’ve reviewed in the past. You’ll be able to type on the keyboard and use your iPad in landscape position in almost any location with the Rubata and then close it up when you’re ready to go. Simply lay the iPad flat, fold the case, secure it with the magnetic flap and your iPad will remain safe and well protected.
With my iPad safely inserted into the case, I moved on to the next step, “discovering” the keyboard in Settings. To setup Bluetooth on the keyboard, you have to press a very small button on the side of the case. If you’re a large fingered user ,you might need a small object like a pen or pencil to press the button. Once Bluetooth sync was activated on the keyboard, I was off and ready to go with a few taps of my finger. I’ve enjoyed sending emails from my iPad using the Rubata Keyboard all morning.
Not sure how to connect Bluetooth devices? No problem. The easy-to-follow step-by-step instruction booklet will quickly have you on your way.
Additional features include:
- Weight – 1.3 lbs
- Dimensions: 9.5×3.5in (240×90 mm)
- Rechargeable lithium battery that provides 72 hours of use between charging
- Bluetooth 2.0 Connectivity
- USB charging cable
What we liked: The high quality leather case, comfortable and easy to use.
What we didn’t like: Users are limited to landscape use only.
To buy or not to buy: If you’ve got an iPad owner to buy for this holiday season or maybe your want to treat yourself a nice case with keyboard, the PADACS Rubata Keyboard is definitely worth a look. It’s currently available for pre-order ($99.95) in the US, with shipping planned to begin next week. PADACS is also offering US customers free shipping on products bought from its website.
- Accessory: Rubata Keyboard
- Manufacturer: PADACS
- Price: $99.95
- Score:
