I purchased this based on a review I read. Overall I'm pretty happy with it. The iPad snaps in nicely and securely. The speakers have a nice open channel, as does the charging port. The power button and volume buttons are extended to the outside surface of the skin of the "case" and extend the tactile feedback of the button presses nicely. The keyboard attaches with a magnet with satisfying snap as it clicks into place, kind of like the old mag charges on older Macbooks did (I still miss that). The screen goes to sleep when the keyboard is closed, and wakes up with it's opened, completing the overall feel of it really "becoming one" with the iPad. The keys on the keyboard are backlit, which is nice. The touchpad has multipoint features so it operates much like a Macbook does. When the keyboard and kickstand are closed and the whole thing is "buttoned up" it has a nice, snug feel in my hand. I could easily carry it like a book and it's about 2/3 the size of my laptop.
A couple of unknowns for me at this point include a few things. First, the rubber loop for the stylus/pen/pencil is a little bit of a concern. It feels like it could stretch over time and potentially not have the snug fit it has when it's new. Additionally, since it's external to the case, I fear that it could get snagged on something and rip out of the seam it's likely stitched into. Second, it's not clear yet how much battery draw the keyboard might have on the iPad. Despite it being a tad thick, it doesn't look like it has an internal battery of it's own to rely on. It attaches to the iPad through the three-point connection on the side of the tablet. Third, the kickstand on the back of the case, which holds the iPad in place while it's in a laptop orientation seems to be a little flimsy. Specifically, the point where it hinges seems like it could become weak over time. Out of the box it works fine, but opening it feels like I'm bending something that isn't meant to be bent. I haven't tried extending it too far because it doesn't seem to have anything built into it from stopping it at any point, so I'm afraid it would just break and end up flopping around. I guess I'll find out over time. Finally, the surface of the entire case (even the palm wrest portion of the keyboard) has a fabric-like feeling to it. While it certainly feels nice and warm, I'm concerned that it could easily get stained and show wear. Again, I guess time will tell.
Overall I like this product, and getting it on sale certainly made the cost more palatable. Hopefully if I can be delicate with those portions I expressed concern with, it will last for a while.
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were measured, reduced and offset.
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Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services
Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services
Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services enables companies to demonstrate carbon neutrality for their products by reducing carbon emissions throughout their operations and offsetting their remaining carbon footprint through the purchase of carbon credits. SCS Global Services is a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability verification, certification, auditing, testing, and standards development. SCS is a chartered Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.
