ZAGGmate iPad Case – Gear Review
There’s a market out there for iPad cases with accompanying keyboards. No doubt. One company that has released a very interesting iPad keyboard and case combo is Zagg.
The ZAGGmate is actually a product that does manage to differentiate itself from the competition by offering two models – a case with an integrated Bluetooth keyboard, and one without the keyboard. This might be a perfect fit for anyone looking to write quite a bit with an iPad.
The ZAGGmate is made from aircraft-grade aluminum making it a strong case to protect your iPad. The keyboard option offers a Bluetooth QWERTY keyboard for enhancing productivity on the go. The ZAGGmate is stylish, thin and lightweight. The flat base allows you to use your iPad on a soft or uneven surface such as your lap or on a bed. It’s quite comfortable.
What’s nice about this iPad case is that it comes with a clip-on stand that allows you to elevate your iPad (horizontally or vertically) for easier viewing. Zagg has been quite innovative by adding the clip-on stand, which allows you to position your iPad in ten different angles for viewing and typing in both portrait and landscape mode.
In case-only mode (no keyboard), the ZAGGmate’s inner lining will protect your iPad and keep it secured. Your iPad screen will be protected, but the back of your iPad will be exposed. This is the same scenario with the keyboard-case combo. However, you could always try to install an iPad skin (like Skinit) to protect the back of your iPad when using the ZAGGmate.
The keyboard-case combo, comes with an embedded wireless Bluetooth QWERTY keyboard that features special function keys for music control, volume control, slideshow, home, search and more. To use the iPad with the keyboard all you have to do is fold-out the clip on stand/hinge, place your iPad into the central groove, and let it rest against the raised hinge. You can change your iPad’s position to either landscape or portrait mode while using the keyboard. Zagg also includes four rubber feet in the package if you want to attach them to the bottom of your case to prevent slippage while typing.
The keyboard layout is compact, but comfortable enough for you to type on your iPad and carry it around wherever you go. It’s very responsive and the keys make typing quite easy. Zagg has added a 510 mAH rechargeable battery that can stay charged for quite a while. Zagg mentions a fully charged keyboard (charged via included MicroUSB cable) can last a couple of months, but we only tried it for a couple of weeks. We must say that the battery life is quite good. When not in use, the ZAGGmate will go into sleep mode if left on. All you have to do is press a key and wait about 2 seconds and it will come out of sleep mode.
What we liked: Very sleek design. The case protects your iPad screen and edges quite well with military grade high-density padding. The keyboard-case combo does not add any noticeable bulk or heaviness to your iPad. In fact it’s quite lightweight. Great battery life!
What we didn’t like: The case does not protect the back of your iPad. Depending on your lifestyle is possible to scratch the aluminum backing on your iPad. However, you can always install and iPad protective skin, or combined the ZAGGmate with an iPad sleeve.
To buy or not to buy: The ZAGGmate offers a good thin hard shell protection option for your iPad, while the integrated keyboard makes it a great companion. If you use your iPad quite a bit as a mobile device, and you’re looking for typing options out there, the ZAGGmate becomes a great companion for your lifestyle. The keyboard design is great and very easy to use. A very good option if looking for iPad accessories.
- Name: ZAGGmate
- Category: Accessory
- Sub-category: iPad Case/Keyboard Combo
- Manufacturer: Zagg
- Price: $99.99
- Score:
