Review: ZAGGkeys Mini 7 & Mini 9 keyboard cases for iPad mini (+50 percent off!)

Jordan Kahn

ZAGG, an accessory maker that first received a lot of attention for its super-tough invisibleShield screen protector, these days also happens to be making some of the best iPad keyboards around. While ZAGG has big competition from the likes of Logitech and Belkin, its earlier folio and keyboard cover designs have been among our most recommended keyboards for iPad. ZAGG’s latest creations are not only its first dedicated to Apple’s smaller iPad mini, it’s also a new design for the company that helps set it aside from much of the competition.

The first thing that makes ZAGG’s iPad mini keyboards stand out is the company’s decision to sell two models: the ZAGGkeys Mini 7, and a slightly larger keyboard dubbed the Mini 9. ZAGG’s giving you the ability to get a keyboard only 10 percent smaller than a traditional Apple keyboard and built into a solid, good-looking iPad mini case, which something most of the other guys aren’t providing.

Unlike Logitech, Belkin, and others that have gone with the Microsoft Surface-style, magnetic, clip-on keyboard covers, the new Mini 7 and 9 go with a more traditional, folio case design.

First, a few things that are the same about the Mini 7 and Mini 9: Read more

Logitech announces Ultrathin keyboard cover for iPad mini, preorder now for $79

Jordan Kahn

Logitech’s Ultrathin keyboard cover for iPad has been one of our go-to recommendations for a quality tablet keyboard case that doesn’t add too much additional bulk for a while. The company might have some new, slimmer competition from Archos and Zagg, but Logitech announced it is bringing its popular Ultrathin keyboard cover to the iPad mini today.

Equipped with the same magnets, as well as auto-wake and the slim aluminum cover, Logitech’s Bluetooth EasyType keyboard with a three-month battery life and built-in stand is a essentially a scaled down version of its predecessor that we love. Logitech also said the new keyboard would maintain a traditional layout and standard key size, so you won’t have to sacrifice a smooth typing experience for the smaller form factor.

Logitech is taking preorders for the new Ultrathin Keyboard mini in black and white for $79.99 on its website and expects to make shipments this month. The previous Ultrathin model for iPad 2, 3, and 4 is available for $20 more through Amazon and other fine retailers for $99.

Another video showing off the new iPad mini model from Logitech is below:

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CES 2013

Just a monster CES 2013 roundup [Gallery]

Jordan Kahn

CES-2013-Press-Backpack

International CES 2013 is officially ending, so we decided to share some of what we saw from the show floor and surrounding events. 9to5Mac has tons of CES coverage for some of the most interesting new iOS accessories, advancements in display technology, and new Apple-related products we saw at the show right here, but below we have put together a collection of photos and video we shot while walking the many acres of CES exhibits at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Enjoy.

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Belkin and Brenthaven join the list of mainstream iPad mini accessory makers

Jordan Kahn

A few reputable case makers have already started creating 7.85-inch iPad cases and screen protectors in anticipation of the rumored iPad mini unveiling, including Zagg and Devicewear. The rumored Oct. 10 mailing of invites to the press came and went; however, according to The Wall Street Journal, we can still expect an unveiling of the device within weeks. Other case manufactures are also now betting on an iPad mini launch, including well-known case makers Belkin, Brenthaven, and others.

The image above shows Belkin’s Screen Guard “Anti-Fingerprint” screen protector, while we see iPad mini folios in black and white in the tweet below from Brenthaven (in stock and selling from its website). XtremeGuard is also accepting pre-orders for its iPad mini screen protector.

Other manufacturers have started selling iPad mini cases through Amazon. We see Ionic’s Hybrid Leather case cover with stand in the image below, while a case from KHOMO is on the right. Most do not provide exact measurements for the cases, but Brenthaven listed outer dimensions of its case as 7.5″ W x 4.8″ H x .75″ D. There are also a number of other lower-priced products, such as this black premium leather folio from Elsse, but some appear to just be repurposed 7-inch Android tablet cases.

Review: Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad

Jordan Kahn

We recently reviewed one of our favorite keyboard solutions for the iPad, Logitech’s Ultrathin iPad Keyboard Cover. However, we have seen a few new competitors since then. Most notably: ZAGG’s new KeysPRO line, which we were able to get our hands on at IFA last month. The ZAGGKeys PRO caught our eye with its backlit keys, rugged build quality and battery life of up to three weeks at eight hours a day. It has potential to become the go-to iPad keyboard when it goes on sale at the end of the month (full review on the way), but one keyboard recently released already has it beat, at the very least, on battery life…

Logitech’s new Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad 2 and 3 comes with one impressive claim: the ability to type for two hours a day for two years on a full charge…even in the dark. That claim combined with a solid Logitech keyboard similar to what we’re used to from the company’s past iPad products, we essentially get solar power and a folio-style case added to the Ultrathin Keyboard cover for an extra $30.

I have had long enough since its release to put it to the test and have a couple of thoughts:

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