Bear Motion Premium Folio Case with Bluetooth Keyboard Review

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When I got my 2013 edition of the Nexus 7, the thing I needed most was a keyboard. I loved using the keyboard on my EeePad Transformer. When I came across the Bear Motion Folio case that includes a Bluetooth keyboard, I picked it up and it has made a world of difference in what I can actually do with my Nexus 7.

Why is a keyboard important? Well, for a short time my Nexus 7 IS my mobile computer. I do not have a personal laptop any more. The only thing that comes close is my netbook and it’s starting to really show its age.  So much so that it’s just not as fun to use. I still use it, but most evenings when I get off the work I just use my Nexus 7, so having a keyboard became really important to me.

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The case itself is made from a high quality black leather and has a soft suede interior. The cutouts all fit the case perfectly even allowing you to use the camera while in the case. The case also includes a pop out stand which makes it really handy to use with the detachable bluetooth keyboard.

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The keyboard itself is small, but functional. The small size makes it necessary to use many keys for multiple characters.  For example, to type a double quote you need to hit Fn and then the semicolon key. It’s a minor annoyance but one I have grown used to when using the keyboard. The best part is that if I don’t need it, I can detach the keyboard from the case and leave it behind.

The keyboard can be charged from pretty much any MicroUSB charger. You won’t have to charge it more than maybe once a month as the keyboard has excellent battery life. I have never ran out of battery while using it as I just have it in my routine to charge it ever few weeks as a habit.

Conclusion

The Bear Motion Folio Case with detachable bluetooth keyboard is, for me, the best case I have found for the latest version of the 2013 Nexus 7. In fact, since I got the case I have yet to remove it for the case as I like it that much. The included keyboard makes typing things like this post really easy when I am on the go. With the keyboard’s small size, you may want to be extra careful before hitting send though. When I am on the go, all I need to do is tether to my phone or hop on the wi-fi and I am instantly productive. Plus when it’s available on Amazon for only $28.99 with free shipping for Prime members it is hard to beat.

MSRP: $28.99

What I liked: Doesn’t add a lot of bulk. Keyboard is detachable.

What I didn’t care for: Only available in black.

Source: Personal purchase.

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About the Author

Joel McLaughlin
Joel is a consultant in the IT field and is located in Columbus, OH. While he loves Linux and tends to use it more than anything else, he will stoop to running closed source if it is the best tool for the job. His techno passions are Linux, Android, netbooks, GPS, podcasting and Amateur Radio.