Michal Ždanský I'll admit right from the start that I've never been a big fan of Folio-type keyboards, where you place your iPad firmly - despite the fact that my workload consists mainly of typing. The iPad thereby loses one of its biggest advantages, which is its compactness. Still, I gave Logitech's Keyboard Folio mini a chance, which, as the name suggests, is designed for the smaller iPad.
Processing and construction
At first glance, the Folio mini looks rather elegant. The artificial fabric surface in combination with the dark blue color is pleasing to the eye and to the touch. A smaller rubber label with the word Logitech protrudes from the packaging, which proved to be rather impractical in use, probably just trying to give the impression of a clothing item.
The iPad fits into a solid rubber structure and requires a bit of force to insert the tablet. The best way is to slightly bend the lower part of the structure and insert the iPad into the upper part first. This solution is not the most ideal if you only plan to use the Folio occasionally, but on the other hand, you don't have to worry about your iPad falling out of the case. Cutouts for the buttons and connectors of the tablet are also made in the design, as well as a cutout for the camera lens is visible in the back of the Folio.
An integral part of the Folio is of course the Bluetooth keyboard attached to the bottom of the package. The keyboard is made of gray glossy plastic and the layout of the keys is practically the same as the previously reviewed one Ultrathin Keyboard Mini with all the pros and cons. On its right side there is a microUSB connector for power, a power button and a button to initiate pairing. The package also includes a charging USB cable.
The folding of the Folio is quite cleverly solved, the upper part is as if cut in half, and thanks to the magnets, the lower part of the structure for the iPad attaches to the edge of the keyboard. The connection is very strong, even when the iPad is raised in the air, it does not disconnect. The magnets also prevent the cover from opening on its own and waking up the screen unnecessarily, as the Sleep/Wake function is controlled in the same way as with the Smart Cover.
The Keyboard Folio mini is definitely no crumb. Thanks to its sturdy construction and included keyboard, it increases the thickness of the iPad to 2,1 cm, and adds another 400 grams to the device. Due to the thickness, it is not very comfortable to hold the iPad for use without a keyboard. Although it can be folded so that the keys are under the display instead of on the bottom, despite the more difficult removal, it is more practical to take the iPad out of the case.
Writing in practice
Most compact keyboards suffer from too many compromises in key placement and size, and unfortunately the Keyboard Folio mini is no exception. Since the layout is identical to Ultrathin Keyboard mini, I will repeat the shortcomings only briefly: the fifth row of keys with accents is significantly reduced and, in addition, shifted, blind typing is thus completely prohibited, and my typing method with 7-8 fingers encountered frequent typos due to the size of the keys. The keys next to L and P for writing the long "ů" are also reduced in size. The keyboard also lacks Czech key labels.
[do action=”citation”]The layout of the Czech keyboard is somewhat more demanding on space, which the compromise size of the keyboard for iPad mini is not enough.[/do]
Some functions, for example CAPS LOCK or TAB, must be activated via the Fn key, which, given the lower frequency of use of these keys, does not matter so much and is an acceptable compromise. The fifth row in conjunction with Fn also works as a multimedia control for sound, player or Home button. Unfortunately, the last row is stuck too close to the iPad screen and you will often accidentally tap your finger on the screen and probably move the cursor.
If you were to write exclusively English texts, the smaller keys of the fifth row would probably not be a problem, unfortunately the layout of the Czech keyboard is somewhat more demanding on space, which the compromise size of the keyboard for iPad mini is not enough. With a little practice and patience, you can write longer texts on the keyboard, and this review is also written on it, but it is more of an emergency solution than part of the everyday work process. At least the tactile response of the keyboard is very pleasant and meets the Logitech standard.
Gallery
However, the biggest compromise is the keyboard, which willy-nilly is still not enough for comfortable typing. The Folio mini definitely has its bright sides, for example, the work with magnets is excellently handled, and the three-month duration of the built-in battery (when used 2 hours a day) is also pleasing, however, it is still more of an emergency solution for approx. 2 000 $. It is therefore up to each individual to decide whether the Folio concept is attractive enough for them to overcome the obvious disadvantages of this keyboard.
[one_half last="no"]
advantages:
[Checklist]
- Elegant appearance
- Keyboard quality
- Magnetic attachment[/checklist][/one_half]
[one_half last="yes"]
Disadvantages:
[bad list]
- Dimensions of keys with accents
- Generally small keys
- Thickness
- Distance between keyboard and display[/badlist][/one_half]
