iPad Belkin QODE Ultimate Keyboard for $39 at BB

[asylumgreen]

Thanks! Very helpful! Just a few more questions:

4) When using it in keyboard mode, is the lower back of the iPad exposed? Looks like it in some pictures.

The lower back is exposed in the sense that it's not directly covered by a shell like the sides are, but the leathery part at the back protects anything from actually hitting it. Testing now, I don't think anything would be likely to hit it from the sides, either. If you hold the iPad by the sides while using it in the stand position (not necessary, but you might), then yeah, your hands would be directly touching the back.

5) When using it in book mode, how comfortable and stable is it too hold in one hand? In Logitech's official pictures they always hold it in the right hand. I assume that's because it's more stable than in the left hand where you would keep pressing the keys with the back of the iPad?

It isn't the greatest when held this way, IMO. You can fold it both ways (keyboard facing outward, or inward toward the iPad) and both ways work, although if you fold it with the keyboard facing inward, the keys come in direct contact with the exposed back of the iPad, which might scratch it. Even with my previous case I pretty much always used it in the stand position so it's not an issue for me but it might be for you. Also, it would've been good if there were magnets to hold the two halves together when held that way, but there aren't so they kind of flop around. Maybe having that would cause the sleep/wake to engage at unwanted times.

Somewhat related to this but I had read some reviews saying the case put a horizontal scratch across the screen of the iPad. This hasn't happened to me and I'm not sure how it even could - when closed, the screen doesn't touch the keys and when open, nothing touches it.

6) How's the viewing angle in the lowest position? I always thought that the viewing angle with the Logitech Ultimate keyboard cover was a little too steep for lap-use.

I was actually mildly disappointed that there wasn't a steeper viewing angle because I like to have it almost vertical when I use it. However, I find the lowest position to be amicable for lap use.

7) How easy is it to remove the iPad?

I just tested this for the first time and it was easy, but I'd be hesitant to do it often just because it's metal on metal (due to the case being aluminum) and I'd be afraid it might scratch it. That's just a guess, though.

Could you put it on a (kitchen?) scale with or without the iPad? Sadly the weight data is notoriously unreliable on product pages.

I just weighed it and it came to 891g (31.4oz) with the iPad and 419g (14.8oz) without. To me, at least, that seems pretty light for the functionality of the case... I wouldn't consider it heavy at all.

 

[mike1111]

Thank you very much! Very helpful!

Somewhat related to this but I had read some reviews saying the case put a horizontal scratch across the screen of the iPad. This hasn't happened to me and I'm not sure how it even could - when closed, the screen doesn't touch the keys and when open, nothing touches it.

Maybe it bend under pressure in a backpack or something?

I just tested this for the first time and it was easy, but I'd be hesitant to do it often just because it's metal on metal (due to the case being aluminum) and I'd be afraid it might scratch it. That's just a guess, though.

Are you sure it isn't plastic? Back cover being aluminium sounds bad to me because it would negatively affect WiFi and Cellular reception. Did you notice any WiFi or Cellular issues?

I just weighed it and it came to 891g (31.4oz) with the iPad and 419g (14.8oz) without. To me, at least, that seems pretty light for the functionality of the case... I wouldn't consider it heavy at all.

Yeah, that's good for a keyboard case. Clamcase Pro for iPad Air is supposed to be lighter and thinner (well, I guess it might depend on how Clamcase calculates "25% thinner and 45% lighter" than the previous generation). But it's not out until January and even more expensive. Also shipping and support in Europe is very problematic...

So I just preordered the Belkin in black. I expect the Sleep/Wake function and the keyboard labels/functions to be fixed/clarified with the next revision that's due in 2 weeks. I don't really want to remove my sticker boy back skin, so I have to try and see if it fits. Other than that the only thing that I remain skeptical about is the book mode. Not planning on using it that way that often, but still, I have to try and see if I can tolerate it.

 

[asylumgreen]

Back cover being aluminium sounds bad to me because it would negatively affect WiFi and Cellular. Did you notice any WiFi or Cellular issues?

The aluminum only covers the top, bottom and right side by about an inch. The middle and left side are covered by the leathery/rubbery stuff. My iPad is wi-fi only, but I haven't noticed any issues beyond what existed with the last one (persistently dropping the wi-fi connection... it's better than it was before [with a plastic case] but still a problem, so it's probably my router, not the case).

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So I just preordered the Belkin in black. I expect the Sleep/Wake function and the keyboard labels/functions to be fixed/clarified with the next revision that's due in 2 weeks. I don't really want to remove my sticker boy back skin, so I have to try and see if it fits. Other than that the only thing that I remain skeptical about is the book mode. Not planning on using it that way that often, but still, I have to try and see if I can tolerate it.

I read a review that said that on the black (Air version) case, the metal part was more of a midnight blue than a true black. There was a video that seemed to back that up. It wasn't bad looking, just not entirely black, thought I'd point it out in case it matters to you.

Looking at those skins, I think there's a decent chance it will fit inside the case, seeing as it's more of a sticker than a shell.

 

[mike1111]

I read a review that said that on the black (Air version) case, the metal part was more of a midnight blue than a true black. There was a video that seemed to back that up. It wasn't bad looking, just not entirely black, thought I'd point it out in case it matters to you.

Looks kind of like "Slate" from the previous Apple generation. I don't mind that. Also I think there's a small chance that might change to "Space Gray" or black in one of the next revisions. The iPad Air Logitech Ultrathin keyboard cover was initially depicted slate as well with no sleep/wake feature, but at least the newest revision is space gray and the sleep/wake feature is now working...

Looking at those skins, I think there's a decent chance it will fit inside the case, seeing as it's more of a sticker than a shell.

Their skins are 0.2mm thick, that 2-3x the thickness of most (non-glass) screen protectors. I tried my skinned iPad Air with at least 10 back covers and snap-in folios. In my limited tests 7 worked, 4 of those fit perfectly and 3 were tight but worked as well (but might be more prone to cracks in the long run).

 

[dr.devious]

Took some photos of the case

 

[dr.devious]

A couple more...

 

[Love Juice]

I may have an issue with mine, but I'm still doing testing.

When my iPad Air is in the case, it will become unresponsive after a while (blank display), and I have to do a hard reset to get it back to normal (holding power + home). It happened twice within a couple hours of light use, so I took it out of the case. It did not happen again after a few hours, so I put the case back on. Then it happened a 3rd time, so I took it out of the case once again.

I haven't had the issue again since, so today I decided to use it with the case nearby w/ bluetooth on, and the problem hasn't happened again. It doesn't make sense for it to happen w/ the case on or not since the case uses the magnets built into it to turn itself on / off and communicate w/ the iPad. I can't narrow it down to the case since I cannot exchange mine sine all the Best Buys are OOS, so I have to wait to see if it happens again, or until stock is available.

Has anyone else w/ this case had this issue?

 

[asylumgreen]

Has anyone else w/ this case had this issue?

When I first read this I hadn't had any problems, but in the last day this has happened to me twice, the second being just now (I got the iPad on Friday, haven't used it without the case). Ugh. I don't know if it's because of the case or not, but I too will have to test for awhile without it on to see if it keeps happening. Both times, the display would just freeze and wouldn't even turn off, so I also had to do the hard reset. The second time, I also got a blue screen before it actually turned off.

 

[ricktat]

When I first read this I hadn't had any problems, but in the last day this has happened to me twice, the second being just now (I got the iPad on Friday, haven't used it without the case). Ugh. I don't know if it's because of the case or not, but I too will have to test for awhile without it on to see if it keeps happening. Both times, the display would just freeze and wouldn't even turn off, so I also had to do the hard reset. The second time, I also got a blue screen before it actually turned off.

Mine did exactly the same thing. Screen locked up a couple of times and then I had to do a hard reset.

I ended up taking mine back to Best Buy. Those issues drove me crazy even for $39.

 

[MaxPower49]

I got one for $40 also and like it a lot so far. Can anybody tell me what the shortcuts on the 3, 4, and 5 keys do? Icons look like a little radio with a star, X, and a + inside them. ??

Is there a shortcut for the app switcher?

Has anyone figured out what the shortcuts mentioned above do?

 

[stutter55]

The freeze of death seems to be happening to me on a daily basis, it's very bothersome.

Can we pinpoint how/when this happens? Is it only when the iPad/Keyboard goes to sleep when it's docked.

Does this happen to people out there when its undocked and folded up?

 

[archrider]

Black Belkin QODE Ultimate Space Gray?

Is the black Belkin QODE Ultimate Wireless Keyboard ipad air Case Aluminum Space Gray or black? Does this come with a space gray matching Aluminum?