PRODUCT REVIEW: Zagg ZAGGMate iPad Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard & Case

Desperate for a wireless keyboard to use with my Apple iPad when I stumbled across Zagg’s ZAGGMate, a wireless bluetooth keyboard-case fashioned out of aluminum and fitted as a case for my new iPad tablet computer – Brilliant.

Unboxing

When I opened the box I was delighted to see just how light this iPad combo bluetooth keyboard / case was. I was also thrilled to see just how thin it was, adding only 1/8″ to my already svelte iPad. Assembly was simple, all I needed to do was to peel off and attach the little silicone ‘feet’ to the bottom, a feature that keeps the smooth aluminum from sliding across the table. Also, weighing in at 13 oz is a blessing compared to the 25 oz of my unencumbered iPad 3G, only 2 oz more than the leather case I was previously using. The rechargeable battery is built in lasts through the week.

Style & Form

The ZAGGMate is a divine looking piece of equipment, reminiscent of the pieces that Carrera Design fashioned for hard drive cases and desk accessories. The keys, although small, are tactile and give me the same feedback as the Dell laptop I have become used to using over the past 4 years.  The edges of the ZAGGmate have a foamy rubber lining, allowing the iPad to fit in safely and securely, I can also see how these would offer some protection in the event of a fall, in shaving off a G or two upon impact. The interior, above and below the slightly recessed keyboard is made of the same soft and smooth foamy rubber, clearly there to protect the screen or your screen protector from scratches caused by the keys. The small size of the ZAGGmates keys are a little bit of a sacrifice, but giving up key size for the benefit of portability is an acceptable trade off. To lock your iPad into the ZAGGMate, you flip up a small tab and insert the edge of your iPad into a small groove, either vertically or horizontally.

Functionality

Functionality of the ZAGGMate bluetooth keyboard was better than I expected it to be. First off, because it functions using bluetooth, you must ‘pair’ your ZAGGMate to your device. Doing so is simple, turn on the ZAGGMate, turn on your iPad.  In Settings -> General, go to bluetooth and turn on the function. You will see your ZAGGMate appear under devices. On the ZAGGMate, press the bluetooth button, which is slightly and safely recessed into the foamy rubber mentioned earlier. Upon pressing the bluetooth button your iPad will display a pairing message, prompting you to enter a 4 digit code and then the return key, on the ZAGGMate, to pair the two devices, upon doing so you allow the keyboard access to function with your iPad. The keyboard layout is familiar, with dedicated numbers keys across the top, and the usual array of shift, control, option, command, and function keys.

Additionally, and much to my surprise, there is a dedicated ‘home’ key that mocks the function of the round little button on the front of my iPad and iPhone for allowing me quick access to the home screen, multitasking and searching. There is also a power key to allow you to turn the iPad screen on and off. As well there is a dedicated search button, keyboard button to display and hide the onscreen keyboard, a screen shot key to allow you to take instant screen shots, volume keys, a mute key, there are song specific keys for pause, forward, and rewind and even a key to force your photo screen-saver to initiate.

Usability

The device is a great, light weight, long lasting, time saver, allowing me to type about 2x the speed I am accustomed to on the on-screen keyboard. The battery life is amazing, Zagg states several weeks with normal use, making it easy to take with me all week and charge on the weekend, allowing me to leave the charger at home. As for being able to keep my hands 100% off of the touchscreen, it didn’t happen, I still needed to use my fingers for sliding through home screen windows, selecting icons (apps) and for zooming, due to the lack of a zoom key.

As a point to note the ZAGGMate also works with my iPhone and iPod touch, offering me the same wireless bluetooth keyboard functionality I am becoming used to using.

ZAGGMate Conclusion (Max 5 Stars)

Style and Design	ZAGGMate gets 5 stars for being cool, compact and a great conversation piece on the streets. The power coated aluminum case is devine and stylish.
Functionality	I am taking off 1/2 star for  primarily for the lack of a zoom key and the lack of a key that allows me to scroll through home screen windows, for all else the function is great.
Usability	For this I am taking off 1/2 star for the size of the keyboard, an understandable caveat but, nonetheless a small hindrance to my ability to work as quickly as I can on laptop
Overall	Effective, Efficient, Small, Light – Great Battery life, several weeks – no need to carry around a charger. A bargain for the $99 I spent for it.

The ZAGGMate is a great device allowing me to increase my productivity throughput by letting me type faster on a dedicated tactile keyboard vs. the less accurate touch-screen one native the ipad. It also facilitates an ingenious cradle to permit me to view my iPad at the proper viewing angle, either vertically or horizontally. |Review via Times Square Chronicles|

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