Logitech launches backlit Slim Folio Pro keyboard case for 2018 iPad Pros
Logitech on Tuesday announced preorders for the Slim Folio Pro, a still-rare example of a keyboard case for Apple's latest iPad Pros.
The keyboard is backlit, and includes Logitech's standard row of iOS-specific shortcuts for commands like volume, Logitech said. Despite being built for Pros, it connects via Bluetooth instead of the Smart Connector -- this does however let it run without draining an iPad's battery, lasting for up to three months per charge.
Another Pro accommodation is exposed sides, letting users attach the second-generation Apple Pencil wherever they feel like. When not in use the Pencil is held in place with a magnetic latch.
Thought meant for typing the case can also be adjusted into a sketching position that covers the keyboard, but lays flatter against a desk or lap.
The Slim Folio Pro is due to ship later this month, costing $119.99 for 11-inch iPad Pros and $129.99 for 12.9-inch iPads.
The keyboard is backlit, and includes Logitech's standard row of iOS-specific shortcuts for commands like volume, Logitech said. Despite being built for Pros, it connects via Bluetooth instead of the Smart Connector -- this does however let it run without draining an iPad's battery, lasting for up to three months per charge.
Another Pro accommodation is exposed sides, letting users attach the second-generation Apple Pencil wherever they feel like. When not in use the Pencil is held in place with a magnetic latch.
Thought meant for typing the case can also be adjusted into a sketching position that covers the keyboard, but lays flatter against a desk or lap.
The Slim Folio Pro is due to ship later this month, costing $119.99 for 11-inch iPad Pros and $129.99 for 12.9-inch iPads.
Comments
I would love to hear AI's take on comparing the two.
I have a Logitech keyboard for my 12” iPad Pro - it is a touch thicker than Apples, but the keys are much better - backlit and have a better feel with actual travel. Plus it has a loop to store my Apple Pencil and the row of function keys that Apple forgot on it’s keyboard. My wife has a Bluetooth keyboard for her ipad. it generally works well but she does have intermittent connectivity issues with it. The battery certainly lasts a long time, but it has a habit of dying at inopportune times and needs a mini/micro USB cable that we never have with us because everything else we own uses a lightning connector. That alone is reason enough for me to avoid Bluetooth. I don’t know why Logitech didn’t make their new keyboard compatible with the smart connector like the old one was.
I looked at the Brydge keyboards when I got mine, and they look nice, but they essentially turn your iPad into a laptop, for close to the same price, minus the trackpad and full functionally of OS X, and make it difficult to use in straight tablet mode, so they seemed kind of pointless to me.
If anyone ever makes a folio that combines backlighting and function keys with magnetic attachment and Smart Connector, I'd buy one in a second.
I had issues with BT with an Apple KB from around 2008, but now BT works very well for keyboards and mouses.
On keyboards: current Apple keyboards are usually not very good for typing and I’ll suggest an autonomous keyboard for an iPad to whatever thing you can use also as a cover (that are bulky & uncomfortable).