Apple picker The company Logitech produces a wireless keyboard that also serves as a durable protective cover for the increasingly popular iPad, which penetrates into the outdoor environment as a means of communication for expedition base camps and as an electronic store for guides.
The tablet is lighter than a classic laptop, its battery lasts longer and it does not trouble its usually computer-illiterate users with similar defects as a regular laptop. Perhaps that is why it becomes part of the communication technique of various expeditions, such as the expedition to Everest.
Anyone who has had some contact with an iPad or other tablet will probably agree that typing on a virtual keyboard is rather a masochistic act. Anyone who wants to write more than the occasional Facebook status needs a normal keyboard. At the same time, the iPad is also a rather fragile device, which probably wouldn't do much good to be put in a backpack next to cats and glacier screws. Therefore, in addition to the keyboard, a durable case is also needed.
Well, Logitech has combined all this into one piece - Logitech Keyboard Case CZ. Durable duralumin tub, on the bottom of which there is a keyboard of normal dimensions and gadgets, such as various smart keyboard shortcuts for controlling iPad functions, inside there is a chip for communication via Bluetooth and batteries. On the side, a microUSB connector for charging and a groove in which you can lean the iPad in a quite comfortable position for writing. The dimensions of the groove are critical for holding the iPad. The keyboard described is only for the iPad 2, the new iPad, sometimes referred to as the 3rd generation, is 0,9mm thicker and Logitech makes a special model for it. It is difficult to use the iPad 2 keyboard with the new iPad and it is recommended to wait for a special model for the new iPad. After all, even with the iPad 2, I was not able to repeat in practice the "shaking" of the iPad in an almost vertically held keyboard, as demonstrated in the company's video.
When you finish typing, you close the entire iPad like a lid, the whole tray and the keyboard at the bottom. So you have only one piece of luggage. The built-in battery should last for two months of operation, and it automatically turns off when the keyboard is idle. It can only be charged via a USB port. The status of the built-in battery is indicated by the Status LED. When 20% power is left, it flashes and it means around two to four days of battery life. When charging, the right light stays on continuously, and when the keyboard is fully charged, it turns off, and thanks to this, we know that we have charged.
So if you're going to type on an iPad outside, it's worth looking at this keyboard. In addition to the iPad, it can of course also be used for the iPhone or any other phone or tablet that uses Bluetooth, but the cover effect only works for the iPad. This model of the keyboard can only be used for the iPad 2, a dimensionally adapted model is being produced for the latest iPad of the third generation, which has not yet arrived in our stores. There are cutouts on the perimeter for the charging cable and headphones, so they can be plugged in even when the iPad is in the case. The disadvantage and gap in the design of this type of keyboard case is the fact that it does not protect the back and sides where the buttons are located. At the same time, it would be enough to make a metal or plastic lid on top, which would fold the keyboard with an inserted iPad. This is how the Logitech Keyboard Case CZ is a better keyboard than a case.
In addition to the keyboard itself, the keyboard package includes a short micro USB cable and self-adhesive silicone feet. Watch the video:
[youtube id=7Tv4nnd6bA0 width=”600″ height=”350″]
The Logitech Keyboard Case CZ is Czech and Slovak only in that it has Czech and Slovak stickers next to the English ones on the top row of keys. The stickers correspond to reality, if the Czech or Slovak keyboard is currently set in the system. Unfortunately, they are gray, so they are hardly visible in poor light. The Logitech keyboard also has a button to change keyboard type, marked with a globe symbol, so it can be used to switch between all the keyboards enabled in the system. If we only have one keyboard on, the key does nothing. The key is placed inconveniently below shift and next to ctrl. It is quite easy to press it by mistake when typing faster.
The Logitech Keyboard Case CZ keyboard has built-in special keys above the top row - a replacement for the Home button, a key for search, slideshow, displaying and hiding the software keyboard. This is followed by a set of three keys for working with the clipboard - cut, copy, paste, three keys for controlling the music player, volume control and a button for locking the iPad, there are also cursor keys located at the bottom right.
All hardware keyboards work the same on a computer, phone or iPad, whether connected by cable or via BT. The keyboard only sends the code of the pressed key and its meaning to the connected device. Which character appears on the screen is only created on the computer (phone, tablet). The keyboard layout is as set in the system panels. Each key generates such a character as its code is currently assigned in the system, regardless of the stickers on the keyboard. On the Mac, the key assignment is even an editable XML file, so everyone can make as many keyboards as they want.
Technical parameters:
Height: 246 mm
Width: 191 mm
Depth: 11 mm
Weight: 345 g
Rating:
A handy keyboard that can be packed into one unit with the iPad 2.
Processing: The aluminum tub is relatively sturdy, it bends and bends little.
Design: The location of the switches and lights is not entirely practical, so that they are hidden behind the iPad in the writing position. The iPad placed in the case in the transport position is not supported on one side.
Durability: Resistance to pressure is quite good. In the event of a major fall, it can be assumed that the iPad could fall out on impact. The back of the iPad is not protected.
[one_half last="no"]
advantages:
[Checklist]
- Case and keyboard in one
- Full keyboard
- Good mechanical strength
- Keyboard Shortcuts for iPad Controls [/checklist] [/one_half]
[one_half last="yes"]
Disadvantages:
[bad list]
- The case does not protect against water and weather
- It does not protect the back panel with the buttons in the folded position
- Does not allow the use of another protective cover[/badlist][/one_half]
Price: 2 to 499 CZK, supplied by Datart or Alza.cz
What did I not learn at all from the text and I consider it to be the biggest mistake of this mini-review - how is it with the Czech language? Does the designation CZ mean that the fifth row of keys contains Czech letters (èščřžýáíé) and you write Czech on it just like on a laptop, or do you have to press hooks and dashes after each letter or even hold a key and select a Czech character like on a virtual keyboard? So how is it? Nothing can be seen from the attached photos...
It works like any other keyboard, of course. There is a certain standard for keyboards, and the interpretation of characters is always handled by the operating system software. Even if the keyboard was purchased in the USA, it is still enough to set the Czech keyboard in iOS (perhaps only Czech is enough) and it will write esčřžýáíé on the fifth row of keys. Tested in practice.
Thanks for the reply, that's exactly what I needed to know. It's just that it should have already been in the review and I wouldn't bother here in the discussion...
And please, how is it sy/z when switching to the CZ keyboard in the case of the American version? After switching it is hopefully a qwertz layout.. Thanks for the reply
The layout set in iOS is decisive, the stickers on the keys are irrelevant.
I will ask again semi-pathetically like Kerpof, whose question was not answered and I am also interested: ACCORDING TO THE CZ REVIEW, DOES THIS CZ KEYBOARD FINALLY HAVE CZECH KEY LABELS?
(just answer YES or NO, thank you)
Year
Yes. The keyboard has Czech and Slovak key stickers in gray, while the English stickers are pure white. When the lighting is weaker, which can easily happen outside, the stickers are difficult to see. The illumination from the iPad display alone is not enough for this in the dark.
if it could also be used as a backup battery, I'd go for it right away, but to only have it as a keyboard.. I probably won't be the target group for whom it is intended..
The keyboard normally costs 80 dollars, the price in Czech, plus hard-to-see labels, is about 900 CZK. Some expensive stickers. :(
When comparing prices, you should not forget that in the USA the prices are quoted without sales tax, which is different in each state - in California, for example, 8,5%, and if the goods are sent abroad, it is without tax, but it is paid shipping and handling.
Thanks for updating the photo gallery, where you can finally see the Czech labels, unlike yesterday's photos...
I see that in all the photos where the iPad is closed, it is inserted upside down. You couldn't click it properly :-) it completely spoils the impression :-D
I see that in all the photos where the iPad is closed, it is inserted upside down. You couldn't click it properly :-) it completely spoils the impression :-D