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We’re still in search of a name for this video series but, name or not, we are putting together a few more videos in the mean time. This time out we take a look at a couple of keyboard cases that are specially designed to work with the iPad 2.
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”)
Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him.
Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.
3 Commentson "A Gear Diary Video Look at… iPad 2 Keyboard Cases"
I purchased the MIC keyboard 2 weeks ago and received mine last week. After very minimal use, 3 keys have broken. The keyboard is made of cheap plastic parts. I also found my ipad2 did not stay well in the grooves. I contacted MIC today and will see if they replace the 1 week old keyboard. In meantime, I went to Best Buy and bought the Zagg for 99. Not a close comparison. Much better keys and solid. If you are debating, spend the extra money.
Zagg has a version of the keyboard case for iPad 2 that incorporates a cover with the BT Keyboard that essentially turns the iPad 2 into a clamshell netbook.
However, they acknowledge a fault in the design and have apparently made a revision which apparently solves some of the issues. Here is a quote from the email I received:
“Hello ZAGGfolio Customer,
Thank you for your recent purchase of the ZAGGfolio. We expect that
this will be an excellent companion to your iPad 2. The reviews are
already starting to come in and they are overwhelmingly positive.
After further testing, we have found some of the ZAGGfolio’s are
exhibiting an unanticipated behavior with the clasp. In designing the
ZAGGfolio, we chose to eliminate any straps, snaps, Velcro, rubber
bands, or any other unsightly closing mechanisms. Instead, we chose
to use a very sleek and precise clasp.
This clasp performed well in our testing, and the iPad 2 units used
in testing were protected with an invisibleSHIELD. Based on customer
feedback and further testing on iPad 2 units without an
invisibleSHIELD, the clasp is not staying closed. This is
unacceptable, and we apologize for any inconvenience this behavior
may be causing you.
Additionally, if this clasp issue is also causing trouble with the
auto on/off function of your iPad 2, we recommend you disable that
feature. On your iPad 2, please select Settings – General – iPad
Cover Lock / Unlock – OFF. When you receive your new ZAGGfolio
please re-enable this feature.
Overall, we expect that your ZAGGfolio experience will be positive.
However, we want your experience to be perfect. We believe the best
way to achieve this is to send you an updated folio with a redesigned
clasp, free of charge. You can expect to receive your updated
ZAGGfolio in approximately 4-6 weeks. In the meantime, please
continue to enjoy your ZAGGfolio and all the protection and
productivity it provides. There is no need for you to contact us as
your new ZAGGfolio will automatically arrive in the specified time
frame listed above.
Please note that your new ZAGGfolio will not come with a keyboard or
USB charging cable, so please do not dispose of those items. You can
simply slip your existing keyboard into your new ZAGGfolio case when
it arrives. Additionally, please let us know if your shipping address
needs to be updated. You may do so by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us at 1-800-700-ZAGG (9244).
At ZAGG we understand our customers are our most valuable asset and
we continually strive to provide the best customer service possible.
Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused
you and we appreciate your patience and understanding.
All the best,
The ZAGG Team “
Comments are closed.
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I purchased the MIC keyboard 2 weeks ago and received mine last week. After very minimal use, 3 keys have broken. The keyboard is made of cheap plastic parts. I also found my ipad2 did not stay well in the grooves. I contacted MIC today and will see if they replace the 1 week old keyboard. In meantime, I went to Best Buy and bought the Zagg for 99. Not a close comparison. Much better keys and solid. If you are debating, spend the extra money.
Wow,that is a serious drag. Thanks for the heads up but sorry to hear about your experience.
Zagg has a version of the keyboard case for iPad 2 that incorporates a cover with the BT Keyboard that essentially turns the iPad 2 into a clamshell netbook.
However, they acknowledge a fault in the design and have apparently made a revision which apparently solves some of the issues. Here is a quote from the email I received:
“Hello ZAGGfolio Customer,
Thank you for your recent purchase of the ZAGGfolio. We expect that
this will be an excellent companion to your iPad 2. The reviews are
already starting to come in and they are overwhelmingly positive.
After further testing, we have found some of the ZAGGfolio’s are
exhibiting an unanticipated behavior with the clasp. In designing the
ZAGGfolio, we chose to eliminate any straps, snaps, Velcro, rubber
bands, or any other unsightly closing mechanisms. Instead, we chose
to use a very sleek and precise clasp.
This clasp performed well in our testing, and the iPad 2 units used
in testing were protected with an invisibleSHIELD. Based on customer
feedback and further testing on iPad 2 units without an
invisibleSHIELD, the clasp is not staying closed. This is
unacceptable, and we apologize for any inconvenience this behavior
may be causing you.
Additionally, if this clasp issue is also causing trouble with the
auto on/off function of your iPad 2, we recommend you disable that
feature. On your iPad 2, please select Settings – General – iPad
Cover Lock / Unlock – OFF. When you receive your new ZAGGfolio
please re-enable this feature.
Overall, we expect that your ZAGGfolio experience will be positive.
However, we want your experience to be perfect. We believe the best
way to achieve this is to send you an updated folio with a redesigned
clasp, free of charge. You can expect to receive your updated
ZAGGfolio in approximately 4-6 weeks. In the meantime, please
continue to enjoy your ZAGGfolio and all the protection and
productivity it provides. There is no need for you to contact us as
your new ZAGGfolio will automatically arrive in the specified time
frame listed above.
Please note that your new ZAGGfolio will not come with a keyboard or
USB charging cable, so please do not dispose of those items. You can
simply slip your existing keyboard into your new ZAGGfolio case when
it arrives. Additionally, please let us know if your shipping address
needs to be updated. You may do so by emailing us at
[email protected] or calling us at 1-800-700-ZAGG (9244).
At ZAGG we understand our customers are our most valuable asset and
we continually strive to provide the best customer service possible.
Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused
you and we appreciate your patience and understanding.
All the best,
The ZAGG Team “