Apple’s iPad mini is still a fledgling device in the market, and as such, accessories from third parties are something of a scarce commodity. Belkin has long since been considered the go-to official third-party supplier of Apple peripherals and such, and with the Wi-Fi and Cellular model of the smaller Cupertino slate just about to retail, has launched a specially-made keyboard case for it.
The market seems pretty determined to keep hold of the physical keyboard, and although many consumers are more than happy to use to native touch-based option, there’s little denying that for optimal productivity, tapping keys is a lot more efficient than tapping Gorilla Glass.
The case itself isn’t dissimilar from those we’ve seen in the past, and although many iPad users have enjoyed docking or standing their devices up for some typing action, I’m not so sure consumers will envisage doing the same with the iPad mini. With a respectable but not overwhelming A5 processor, it has been labeled a device for out-and-out content consumption, and with many picking one up for purpose of checking email, playing games and watching clips on YouTube, I would not pit sitting down and typing long documents to particularly high on the agenda.
Still, Belkin has provided the option for those in need of a keyboard, and as well as being rather easy on the eye, it’s svelte, doesn’t weigh a ton, and the Bluetooth keyboard can also be removed at any point, should you not wish to carry it around. As well as considering the fact consumers may not always need a keyboard by making it detachable, it would seem Belkin’s has considered all of the key ergonomic factors in bringing the Portable Keyboard Case to market.
For example, the keyboard is well spaced out despite a relatively small surface area, and there’s a novel cut-out enabling the camera to still take shots when the case is on. Too often, I find, a good case lets itself down by obstructing key amenities like the camera, silent switch or volume buttons, on this occasion, everything is as it should be. At $79, it’s reasonably priced, and will be available to purchase by the end of November.
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