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iPad ZAGG Slim book keyboard case for the Ipad Air 2 available now

This looks like it uses the same basic hinge design as their similar case for the Air 1. I really liked that case, as the keyboard was great, backlit keys, etch. but the hinge which starts out great was incredibly loose after just a couple months light use. To Zaggs credit they replaced it easily, but there was no indication the issue was fixed. Definitely not something that would hold up to a couple years of use like you'd expect a laptop to.
 
Slim Book for iPad Air 2 - First Impressions

I ordered the Slim Book from Zagg and Best Buy shipped it very fast...it arrived the second day after I ordered it. Here's a quick overview of my experience with it so far, typed using its keyboard.

First, it might be reassuring to know that the unresponsive keys problem mentioned by another reviewer is not an issue on my keyboard. Everything fires fine. Positioning of the keys is not a problem for me. I'm a touch typist (typing without looking), and despite having large hands, am having absolutely no trouble hitting the right keys. Travel is shallow on the keys, which I like, since I use Mac keyboards all the time and am used to that. The keys are somewhat "clacky" sounding, but like most things in life that you notice at first, it has already blended into the background and I don't really notice it.

I love that the shell cover for the iPad Air itself detaches from its magnetic connection to the keyboard. I have not had the problems others have mentioned with the shell coming loose from the iPad, at least not so far. That said, I do notice the shell doesn't seem quite as tight-a-fit as I might prefer. The holes for all ports, speakers, etc. are spot-on though.

The magnetic docking of the shell/case with the keyboard is absolutely fantastic on mine. It's strong enough that you need to use a little energy to release it, which is exactly how I like it. The connection is very secure. I turned mine upside down and literally shook it (over a couch, of course), and it showed no signs of detaching.

As others have mentioned, the hinge is stiff, so much so, that I feared at first I might break it as I adjusted its viewing angle. I'd rather have it too stiff though, than not stiff enough. At any viewing angle, there is some play where the iPad fits into the hinge slot, so if you intentionally wobble the keyboard forward and back, you can make the iPad "flap" a little. It's not enough to be noticable when you're typing though, even on your lap like I'm doing now.

Fit and finish are nice. The keyboard is beautiful aluminum with black chicklet-style keys The underside of the keyboard and the iPad shell are plastic with a matte finish that looks like it's already getting a little bit fingerprinty so I suspect I'll be cleaning it from time to time.

Some things I like thus far: The Siri key! I use Siri quite a bit to schedule reminders, and invoking "her" from the keyboard is nice. I also like the use of the "Escape" key to minimize the currently-open window and return to the desktop, the Finder (magnifying glass) key, the media keys, the quick and easy bluetooth pairing, logical keyboard layout, the overall thinness.

A few things I REALLY like thus far: Removing the iPad from the keyboard for hand-held use or popping it, cover and all, into my clamp-on desk mount, that's awesome. Even when separated from the keyboard, the back cover lets me safely lay the iPad down without concern about scratching it. I love how nicely the keyboard and top section hinge completely closed for 100% protection, and how reliably the locking mechanism does its job of shutting off the iPad when closed. I like that the stiff hinge assures the two halves stay closed. And I think it's awesome that you can flip the top around and turn it to a 90 degree angle to view movies, and even swing the back of the case down against the keyboard. So there really are four valid ways to use this thing.

I'm mighty pleased with Slim Book so far...it's doing exactly what I wanted it to do, and I'm glad I got it.

Suppertime so I'm going to just go ahead and post this without proof-reading it, apologies in advance if there are any typos! Hope it's helpful to someone.
 
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Replacement in...testing.

pdaholic said:
Thanks Joe! Great review, I'll be looking for more of your reviews on YouTube. As soon as you snapped the Air's into the Slim Book I noticed the wobble. It's a shame, and I hope Zagg addresses the issue. I'm still holding out for the Slim Book; I'm just not wanting a keyboard that peels off my screen protector (yet another questionable decision by Zagg, the company that is known for screen protectors!). Keep us (me!) posted on the Slim Book situation. Thanks again.

Ps: I went to Best Buy to see if they had any Slim Books but none in stock :(
Click to expand...

Thanks, I went over to Bust Buy today and no Slim Book in sight either. I was plesently surprised when I arrived home to find the repalcement ZAGG Slim Book was sitting at my door step :). So, I strip out my iPad 2 form the old case and open up the new one and mount it up. The wobble has improved to where it's not as sloppy as before (Yaay). It does still slightly wobble, but I think it's acceptable now. The one thing that I'm still having an issue with is the back cover still wants to pop off when opening the case. I can prevent this from happening by more carefully opening the case. I'm still a bit disappointed about this, but I'm still happy with this case overall, and I've not yet found a better keyboard for my needs than this one. I have notified ZAGG of my findings in hopes they will soon correct this and perhaps they will correct and release a corrected version (hopefully while still under warranty). I'm currently looking at a couple of other keyboards I picked up by Logitech and want to compare. I'll post my results on these soon.

So, despite the flaws in the Slim Book, I think it still has the running for the best keyboard for the iPad 2. I really want to get my hands on the Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro keyboard since it has similarities ad do further comparison. The only place I'm seeing it available is on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...de=as2&tag=josgo03-20&linkId=TJSDY33I5WAMQZI2
 
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pdaholic said:
Thanks Joe! Great review, I'll be looking for more of your reviews on YouTube. As soon as you snapped the Air's into the Slim Book I noticed the wobble. It's a shame, and I hope Zagg addresses the issue. I'm still holding out for the Slim Book; I'm just not wanting a keyboard that peels off my screen protector (yet another questionable decision by Zagg, the company that is known for screen protectors!). Keep us (me!) posted on the Slim Book situation. Thanks again.

Ps: I went to Best Buy to see if they had any Slim Books but none in stock :(
Click to expand...

Just uploaded these photos:

https://plus.google.com/106076804021207698265/posts/1LmLgGx6pHh

----------
mattroman246 said:
Damn that thing looks sexy, anyone have one that they can take a pic of?
Click to expand...

Just uploaded these photos:

https://plus.google.com/106076804021...ts/1LmLgGx6pHh
 
I picked up the Zagg Slim Book over the weekend and am, so far, pretty impressed.

I had been using the Zagg Folio for a few weeks when the hinge suddenly went bad for no apparent reason. I'm hoping (expecting) a full refund from Zagg since I'd only had it for 2 weeks and it was defective. Defect aside, I thought it was a decent case. I'm not sure I buy the 135-degree viewing angle they promise -- it doesn't seem to want to open up that far.

My Slim Book is the same. However, the ability to remove the iPad (and included back cover) from the keyboard base is a HUGE upgrade in itself over the Folio. Playing apps that don't require the keyboard make the ability to remove the iPad from the keyboard a real plus. Also, the Slim Book doesn't seem to suffer from the constant lag that my Folio endured. The keyboard (so far) seems much more responsive. It's also nicer/sleeker looking overall than the Folio. The aluminum keyboard is a nice touch and the black on silver finish to the rest of the case makes it pretty slick looking.

I don't think you can change backlight color which isn't a big deal but, for the price, would have been a nice feature. Also, the case is a bit easier to open than the Folio, but still not as easy as it could be.

My only real issue with the Slim Book is that the iPad does flex/sway a bit when attached to the keyboard base at more than a 90 degree angle. It doesn't move a lot, but it is noticeable. I hope this doesn't mean that the hinge is already too loose, or that it will get much more loose over time. If so, I'll be returning it for a ClamCase Pro.

I'm curious whether the other Slim Book owners on here have noticed the same thing w/their hinge. Does it sway/rock a bit? And is there a noticeable (albeit slight) clickling noise when adjusting the tilt angle at times?
 
mstein88 said:
I'm curious whether the other Slim Book owners on here have noticed the same thing w/their hinge. Does it sway/rock a bit?
Click to expand...

You must have not read any of the posts before yours. JoeTechie specifically mentioned this "flaw" and reported that his second Slim Book did the same but less so. Dsuden also mentioned it in his/her review above.
 
pdaholic said:
You must have not read any of the posts before yours. JoeTechie specifically mentioned this "flaw" and reported that his second Slim Book did the same but less so. Dsuden also mentioned it in his/her review above.
Click to expand...

Thanks bud. I did read their posts. My question was whether others are experiencing the same.
 
mstein88 said:
Thanks bud. I did read their posts. My question was whether others are experiencing the same.
Click to expand...

Got it. I'll just say that in my obsession with this elusive keyboard, I've read/watched practically every review about it on the internet, and very few do not comment on the wobble. I'm curious if the iPad Mini version suffers the same flaw. I'm still hoping to see one in person prior to purchase, but I guess I'll be waiting a while--it's now backordered on Zagg's website, so I presume my local Best Buy won't see anymore soon.
 
pdaholic said:
Got it. I'll just say that in my obsession with this elusive keyboard, I've read/watched practically every review about it on the internet, and very few do not comment on the wobble. I'm curious if the iPad Mini version suffers the same flaw. I'm still hoping to see one in person prior to purchase, but I guess I'll be waiting a while--it's now backordered on Zagg's website, so I presume my local Best Buy won't see anymore soon.
Click to expand...

Yes, it's probably not an anomaly. It's either a design flaw or simply the by-produt of this type of magnetic connection. At any rate, it's not a dealbreaker for me. At least not yet. If it worsens, I'll return it. In the meantime, the ease with which it detaches from the keyboard outweighs the wobble for me.

My local Best Buy (outside Philly) had plenty of Slim Books in store. I'm sure you've already checked yours, but just thought I'd mention this.
 
mstein88 said:
Yes, it's probably not an anomaly. It's either a design flaw or simply the by-produt of this type of magnetic connection. At any rate, it's not a dealbreaker for me. At least not yet. If it worsens, I'll return it. In the meantime, the ease with which it detaches from the keyboard outweighs the wobble for me.

My local Best Buy (outside Philly) had plenty of Slim Books in store. I'm sure you've already checked yours, but just thought I'd mention this.
Click to expand...

Good to hear that the benefits of the design outweigh the flaws. I last went to my local Best Buy before Christmas and it was sold out. I live in Silicon Valley, and with all the tech geeks here it's hard to find the newest Apple-related products. It's been mentioned before but I'll mention it again, Best Buy's website has the Slim Book named something else, making it difficult to search for it:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/zagg-fo...lack/1114158.p?id=1219470060617&skuId=1114158
At least the picture and the price are consistent with the Slim Book. Still not available in my area, and availability says "3-5 days" of which I'm suspicious given Zagg is backordered.
 
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Defective Slim Book

The other day my new Slim Book just up and died. I've had it for about a month so far on the original charge from the factory, which is supposed to last for 2 years. Last time I checked it was still showing me a green light on the battery test. Ok, so I figured it must have had a weak charge. So I went ahead and charged it back up overnight and it started working again. I used it part of yesterday and half way throughout the day today. The keyboard (on a full charge) just up and died with no warning. I tried to power it back on and nothing. I'm pretty upset about this considering how much this silly thing costs. ***Correction*** I just realized this is the 3rd Slim Book I've tried. I swapped one out at the store where I bought it to see if that would correct the wobble issue (which it did not).

I recenly recieved my warranty replacement and I'm posting on this thread with it. I'm noticing that this keyboard has difficultiy typing when I strike the keys. This was not happenig so much with the other keyboard that failed (I've had to go back and fix numerous typos on this thread reply because of this...so please forgive any horrific grammer or typos).

As much as I love this keyboard package, because of some of the flexibility, I'm going to have no choice but to return it before the return period rus out. I just hope the Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro I ordered comes in soon (it's on back order :( ). The Sim Book simply costs too much to justify the faults at this stage. I hope this is not happening to anyone else, but 2 bad keyboards is not looking good in my eyes when it comes to the quality that ZAGG has been known for.

In retrospect, the ZAGG Keys Cover for the iPad Mini has been working out well so far. No issues at all except for a weak charge out of the box.
 
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JoeTechie said:
The other day my new Slim Book just up and died. I've had it for about a month so far on the original charge from the factory, which is supposed to last for 2 years. Last time I checked it was still showing me a green light on the battery test. Ok, so I figured it must have had a weak charge. So I went ahead and charged it back up overnight and it started working again. I used it part of yesterday and half way throughout the day today. The keyboard (on a full charge) just up and died with no warning. I tried to power it back on and nothing. I'm pretty upset about this considering how much this silly thing costs. ***Correction*** I just realized this is the 3rd Slim Book I've tried. I swapped one out at the store where I bought it to see if that would correct the wobble issue (which it did not).

I recenly recieved my warranty replacement and I'm posting on this thread with it. I'm noticing that this keyboard has difficultiy typing when I strike the keys. This was not happenig so much with the other keyboard that failed (I've had to go back and fix numerous typos on this thread reply because of this...so please forgive any horrific grammer or typos).

As much as I love this keyboard package, because of some of the flexibility, I'm going to have no choice but to return it before the return period rus out. I just hope the Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro I ordered comes in soon (it's on back order :( ). The Sim Book simply costs too much to justify the faults at this stage. I hope this is not happening to anyone else, but 2 bad keyboards is not looking good in my eyes when it comes to the quality that ZAGG has been known for.

In retrospect, the ZAGG Keys Cover for the iPad Mini has been working out well so far. No issues at all except for a weak charge out of the box.
Click to expand...


You're going to LOVE the QODE Ultimate Pro!
 
Bernardo Campos said:
Hello guys.
Well, I'm not from USA, so I can't just go to a Best Buy store.
So, I was searching the slim book for ipad air 2 and I found 2 keyboards named folio at Best Buy store:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/zagg-za...lack/9835096.p?id=1219438696927&skuId=9835096

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/zagg-za...lack/9877103.p?id=1219443110041&skuId=9877103

The first one is 79,99 and the other is 129,99.

Does anyone know wich one is the slim book for ipad two?

Thank you for your help.
Click to expand...

The Slim Book is the $129.99 version. The $79.99 version is the Folio. It is much more basic. The iPad does not detach from the keyboard via the magnetic hinge mechanism the Slim Book has. The Slim Book also boasts higher quality materials -- more aluminum and/or metallic-like pieces, versus the Folio which is all plastic.
 
JoeTechie said:
Hey all, I posted my final verdict review on the Slim Book. Naturally these are my personal experiences and opinions but I'll let you be the judge:

http://youtu.be/TeLs0SZzFMg
Click to expand...
Thanks for the comprehensive review, Joe. I've been using the Flip Book for a couple of weeks now and I think you hit on all of the key pros and cons. My only question for you is what you are doing that is causing the slim (relatively unprotective) plastic backing cover to crack along the sides. I don't take my iPad out of the Slim Book's back cover, so maybe that's why I haven't had this problem? I've also never had the iPad pop out of its back cover when opening the iPad from its closed position.

My only real beefs are the slight wobble which, as you point out importantly is NOT a problem with the hinge but rather just the way it's been designed. And I also notice certain keys sometimes not registering. It doesn't happen too often, but often enough to be a bit of an annoyance. And some keys seem to be more prone to this than others (my "u" is probably the worst offender).

All in all, I'm not sure another ipad air 2 case is any better overall than this. I'd buy the Clamshell if it was easily detachable from the keyboard.
 
I ordered the Zagg Slim Book from a Norwegian retailer at the end of November, and they have yet to get it in stock! I wonder what the heck Zagg is doing here. If we're lucky they went back to the drawing board and corrected the issues you guys who've tried it are mentioning. If not, I can't see why it wouldn't be available for European customers yet.
 
JoeTechie said:
The other day my new Slim Book just up and died. I've had it for about a month so far on the original charge from the factory, which is supposed to last for 2 years. Last time I checked it was still showing me a green light on the battery test. Ok, so I figured it must have had a weak charge. So I went ahead and charged it back up overnight and it started working again. I used it part of yesterday and half way throughout the day today. The keyboard (on a full charge) just up and died with no warning. I tried to power it back on and nothing. I'm pretty upset about this considering how much this silly thing costs. ***Correction*** I just realized this is the 3rd Slim Book I've tried. I swapped one out at the store where I bought it to see if that would correct the wobble issue (which it did not).

I recenly recieved my warranty replacement and I'm posting on this thread with it. I'm noticing that this keyboard has difficultiy typing when I strike the keys. This was not happenig so much with the other keyboard that failed (I've had to go back and fix numerous typos on this thread reply because of this...so please forgive any horrific grammer or typos).

As much as I love this keyboard package, because of some of the flexibility, I'm going to have no choice but to return it before the return period rus out. I just hope the Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro I ordered comes in soon (it's on back order :( ). The Sim Book simply costs too much to justify the faults at this stage. I hope this is not happening to anyone else, but 2 bad keyboards is not looking good in my eyes when it comes to the quality that ZAGG has been known for.

In retrospect, the ZAGG Keys Cover for the iPad Mini has been working out well so far. No issues at all except for a weak charge out of the box.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your impressions and review! Just saw your review of the Belkin QODE Ultimate Pro. Awesome review. I faced similar quality issues with my own Slim Book and ended up returning it for the Logitech Type+, which in my opinion had a vastly superior typing experience and keyboard feedback than the slightly mushy keys of the Slim Book. I just recieved my Clamcase Pro for the iPad Air 2 yesterday and discovered that all the quality and keyboard issues I had with the Slim Book were resolved in the Clamcase Pro. Will you be reviewing it as well?
 
same issue

same issue on my end, fully charged, dies in a day or 2.
working on getting a replacement now.
also keys miss strokes here and there like you mention.
hope the new one fixes this as my previous zagg had no issued (though it broke 3x and was replaced 3x under warranty).

JoeTechie said:
The other day my new Slim Book just up and died. I've had it for about a month so far on the original charge from the factory, which is supposed to last for 2 years. Last time I checked it was still showing me a green light on the battery test. Ok, so I figured it must have had a weak charge. So I went ahead and charged it back up overnight and it started working again. I used it part of yesterday and half way throughout the day today. The keyboard (on a full charge) just up and died with no warning. I tried to power it back on and nothing. I'm pretty upset about this considering how much this silly thing costs. ***Correction*** I just realized this is the 3rd Slim Book I've tried. I swapped one out at the store where I bought it to see if that would correct the wobble issue (which it did not).

I recenly recieved my warranty replacement and I'm posting on this thread with it. I'm noticing that this keyboard has difficultiy typing when I strike the keys. This was not happenig so much with the other keyboard that failed (I've had to go back and fix numerous typos on this thread reply because of this...so please forgive any horrific grammer or typos).

As much as I love this keyboard package, because of some of the flexibility, I'm going to have no choice but to return it before the return period rus out. I just hope the Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro I ordered comes in soon (it's on back order :( ). The Sim Book simply costs too much to justify the faults at this stage. I hope this is not happening to anyone else, but 2 bad keyboards is not looking good in my eyes when it comes to the quality that ZAGG has been known for.

In retrospect, the ZAGG Keys Cover for the iPad Mini has been working out well so far. No issues at all except for a weak charge out of the box.
Click to expand...
 
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