We looove the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG. That's why we're giving away several of them to our fans!

The Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG is not a new player in the arena of iPad 2 accessories. ZAGG introduced their ZAGGmate with keyboard for the original iPad. The first iteration won the award for most innovative accessory at the CES. This new edition is not a simple copy of its sibling, but an improvement on an already great product. When you purchase the case, you receive a simple yet well presented  box. Inside, you find the keyboard case itself, a USB cable, a getting
started guide and a little silicon square that has four stubs cut into it for those who want a way of preventing their keyboard from sliding on polished surfaces. That is all nice, but I am sure that you are not reading this article to learn about the packaging.

Let’s jump right back into subject. The iPad 2 is an amazing tablet offering its users with impressive
possibilities, one of which is the ability to take notes wherever we are. The virtual keyboard on the iPad screen works well for taking short notes and browsing the internet, but what if you are a professional that uses the tablet as your main mean for taking notes and doing some work while on the move? This is where a physical keyboard becomes the one accessory we can’t live without.

Construction:

The Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG is made of an aluminium shell for the back and black plastic for the keyboard on the inside. The inside of the case has cushion lining on its inside edges to hold the iPad in place when snapped onto the case. Still on the keyboard side, there is a a rubber strip at the top and at the bottom of the keyboard. These strips serve as cushion for the iPad when it is snapped to the case too. The top strip, which is much larger than the bottom one, harbours
the Logitech name and logo.  The finish of the outside shell mimics the finish of the back of the iPad, resulting in a very polished look when using the Logitech Keyboard Case to carry our iPad around. This gives the iPad with the keyboard case a very professional yet sober look. The quality of the construct is very good. It feels robust and really well built.

When not in use, your iPad 2 conveniently fits snuggly & safely face down in the case.

The dimensions of the keyboard are those of a netbook keyboard. The lettering on the keys is large and easy to see. The layout is a QWERTY keyboard, respecting a US keyboard standard. Just above the keyboard, on the top-left side, we have the power toggle switch and a connect button right under it. Directly to the right of the buttons, there are two lights, one for the charging status and one for the  connection status. I won’t describe in length how the lights work, as it is not
something that will help people decide if the Logitech Keyboard Case is the right accessory for them.

Completely lightweight aircraft grade aluminum unibody construction!

The one and only part of the keyboard case that may feel a little weaker is the hinge that serves as the iPad’s stand in conjunction with the groove above the keyboard. This hinge is made out of hard plastic that will most likely be the first piece that will wear on the device. A metallic hinge system would have been the ultimate system, but it would have cost the company more to produce the units. The one thing ZAGG could do in that regard would be to offer users the ability to buy a replacement hinge if it breaks. I haven’t contacted ZAGG to know whether they do already have this replacement piece available, but I haven’t found any sign of it being available on their website.

Keyboard usage:

The keyboard connects via Bluetooth, a short range wireless communication technology. Upon pressing the connect button and selecting the Logitech Keyboard Case in available bluetooth devices/accessories, a pop-up window appears on the iPad screen prompting the user to enter a code displayed in the message itself followed by the enter key. This is the initial pairing sequence you have to go through only once (unless you want to use it with more than one device). The keyboard keys have a travel distance of about 2 mm. The keys are firmly in place and do not show any sign of jiggling
sideways. The keyboard keys are very quiet overall. Typing on the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG will require a small adaptation period for any users who is not familiar with this size of keyboard.

Netbook users on the other end should feel right at home. Typing feels very natural, much more than on the iPad’s virtual keyboard. The accessory truly shines when used with applications such as Apple Pages, QuickOffice HD or Documents To Go. Aside from the regular keys found on every keyboard, the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG offers its users a full set of function keys right at the top.  The first half presents functions such as cut, copy, paste, undo, redo. It also has a key for the iPad’s Home button function, a key for the iOS Search function, a slideshow key as well as a key to open the virtual keyboard.  On the second half of the function keys presents users with media key to start/pause music, go to next or previous track,  mute, volume down or up. There is also a key to lock/unlock the iPad’s screen.

Another really nice touch is an International Keyboard selection key at the bottom left part of the keyboard. Add to this the TAB as well as the arrow keys and you have a very complete keyboard solution. ZAGG has done an extremely good job with  the keyboard’s layout and all the function keys as the user does not need to touch the iPad’s screen for the most part of the time. The only moment where we are required to use our finger is for browsing through apps and launching them. This shows that ZAGG has put some good thoughts in their designs. In order to prevent the keyboard to start sliding with the iPad set on it, users can install the little silicone stubs included in the package. Once they are on, the keyboard becomes extremely stable on any flat surfaces. Another nice feature that a lot of people might not be aware of is the ability of the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG to automatically put the iPad 2 to sleep, exactly like Apple’s own Smart Cover.

Ultra responsive soft touch keys turn your powerful iPad 2 into a computer powerhouse!

Compatibility with skins and protective films:

When we see the name ZAGG, we think about the InvisibleShield right away, the product that is in part the origin of the company’s success. The iPad, like the iPhone and iPod Touch, are all beautifully crafted devices that users will usually want to protect to various degrees. People usually like their mobile devices to remain small and lightweight. That is why film protectors have become so popular. One challenge people encounter when they start shopping for accessories for their iDevices is knowing if the new accessory will work with the ones already owned. The question I see the most frequently on various popular blogs and forums is if such and such case will work with such and such film protector on the device. In the case of the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG, it is fairly simple to answer. The  iPad 2 is held its edges around, especially at the corners. If you use any film protector to cover only the screen of the iPad 2, you won’t have any
problems whatsoever. 

If you go for a full body protection such as the like the ZAGG InvisibleShield Full Body for iPad 2, you’ll still have no problems. The one exception I have found is with solutions such as the ZAGG InvisibleShield Maximum protection where the back piece will go nearly all the way to the edge between the aluminium piece and the
front glass piece. What will happen in this case is that after a few use, the Logitech Keyboard Case will start peeling the parts of the film protector that run the closest to the edges. Fortunately, there is a simple fix for this situation. All you need to do is simply cut the film protector at the corners so that there is between one and two millimetres clear from the edges. If you own and use Apple’s Smart Cover and came to like it, you will be disappointed to learn that it cannot be used in conjunction with the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG.

Built with the same satin finish aluminum as the iPad 2, this case feels expensive & sleek.

Personal thoughts  and observations:

I have been using the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG for over a week now in order to see how it performs. The first thing that comes to mind is how much I love this accessory and how much it helps me using my iPad 2 even more than I used to. I work as a Technological Architect and IT Consultant and I have a lot of documents and reports to write for the various projects I work on. On top of that, I have to participate to many meetings at our various clients offices. As such,
I decided to try to work without my work laptop as much as possible and rely on my iPad 2 with the Logitech Keyboard Case. The experiment has gone extremely well, enough so that I decided to write this whole article using the keyboard case with my iPad 2. One small thing I have observed that might be a glitch or an issue is that I sometimes have key strokes duplicated. This has not occurred often, so I can’t call this a bug. It could be something as simple as the sensitivity of the keyboard keys when I tap a little too hard on the keys. I will continue investigating this and will gladly post an update on the matter if the MRT team accepts me writing more for them.

Reality Grade: “A”

I would strongly recommend this accessory for any mobile professional who has a lot of notes to take and meetings to participate to. I would also strongly recommend the keyboard case to any student already owning an iPad 2. From the mazing bluetooth keyboard to the beautifully machined aluminum unibody construction, the Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG is a quality product that is well worth the asked price of $99.

Quality build, awesome features and convenient storage, this case is for the road warrior.

Giveaway Details:

Because MRT and ZAGG want you to be a cool road warrior as well, our chief Jenna Gonzalez has decided to give away 3 of these awesome $99 aluminum unibody cases!

Prizes: 3 Logitech iPad 2 Keyboard Cases by ZAGG

Entry Period: 5/24/2011 to 6/24/2011

Entry Methods: FaceBook Fans Only!

1. Get 1 entry from liking My Reality Tech on Facebook
2. Get 1 additional Entry for sharing this contest or the My Reality Tech fan page with your friends (make an additional comment letting us know you did this!)
3. Get 1 more entry by commenting down below on the comments section on why you’d like this awesome case for yourself.

With the help of our pals from ZAGG, we will be randomly drawing winners from all qualified entries on June 24, 2011. All 3 winners will be contacted via Facebook message and/or email.  What are you waiting for? Go tell everyone!

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

Logitech Wireless Trackball M570 Offers All-Day Comfort, Logitech Unifying Receiver

Today Logitech unveiled the Logitech Wireless Trackball M570, delivering a different level of comfort and control. If you’re searching for an alternative to touchpads or traditional mice, the Wireless Trackball M570 is uniquely designed for all-day comfort and features the leave-in Logitech Unifying receiver.

“Based on overwhelming demand from our dedicated trackball users, we’re delighted to announce the introduction of a new wireless trackball – the Logitech Wireless Trackball M570,” said Rory Dooley, senior vice president and general manager of Logitech’s control devices business unit. “Everything about our newest trackball is built to improve the experience and give trackball enthusiasts the comfort and control they deserve.”

For those who haven’t tried a trackball, one of the many benefits is that it stays put – you don’t have to move your arm to move your cursor. As a result, it’s a great space saver if you have a small or cluttered desk and, unlike a traditional mouse, you can keep your arm stationary. Plus, the sculpted shape supports your hand comfortably all day long. The Logitech Wireless Trackball M570 also delivers precise cursor control wherever you want so hard tables, comfy sofas and lumpy beds are all no problem. The laser tracking sensor uses the ball, rather than a surface, to guide movement – so you can use it almost anywhere.

Logitech’s newest trackball also has a convenient scroll wheel and easy-to-reach Back/Forward buttons that make computing simple, whether you’re surfing the Web with your laptop or desktop computer, or watching shows on your home-theater PC. For your convenience, the Wireless Trackball M570 uses the tiny Logitech Unifying wireless receiver. It stays in your laptop, so there’s no need to unplug it when you move around, and the advanced 2.4 GHz wireless means a robust connection with no dropouts from up to 30 feet away. Plus, you can easily add a compatible keyboard, number pad or additional mouse to the same receiver so you don’t fill up all your USB ports. To reduce the hassle of changing batteries, you can go for up to 18 months without replacing the included AA battery – and the convenient battery indicator ensures that you’ll never be caught off guard. (Battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions.)

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Wireless Trackball M570 is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in September for a suggested retail price of $59.99 (U.S.). For more information please visit www.logitech.com .

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

For big, bold sound from your music, movies and games, Logitech unveiled the THX Certified Logitech Speaker System Z623. With this 2.1 system, you’ll hear and feel immersive audio from 200 watts (RMS) of power whether you’re connecting the speakers to a PC or a TV.

“Whether you’re listening to rock music, watching a Steven Spielberg flick, or playing your favorite video game, the experience is always richer when you get engrossed in the audio,” said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s audio business unit. “That’s why we built the Logitech Speaker System Z623 – so you can lose yourself in whatever you’re into. For DVD aficionados, music enthusiasts and hardcore gamers, the Z623 system delivers powerful audio for your room. And with THX certification, you know you’re getting the best.”

So you can set up the system the way you want, Logitech includes all the inputs and cables you need to get great sound from up to three audio devices. With the RCA and 3.5 mm inputs, in addition to the built-in headphone jack, you can be set up in minutes to enjoy great sound from your computer, game console, digital music players, TV or DVD player. And to put you in command, the integrated controls on the right speaker satellite let you dial the volume and bass up or down to customize your listening experience.

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Logitech and THX – Delivering Pure Performance

To get you totally immersed in your audio, the Logitech Z623 speakers are THX Certified and professionally engineered to recreate the tonal balance of whatever you’re listening to. To qualify for THX certification, the two-satellite-and-subwoofer Z623 speaker system has to meet strict performance standards. Logitech engineers have worked closely with THX, conducting more than 400 acoustic and electrical bench tests covering frequency response, power output, distortion, noise and overall performance. For the Logitech Z623 speakers, the result is front speakers that deliver dialogue and ambient sounds so clear it’s like you’re on the set of your favorite film. And you’ll hear powerful, deep bass from your subwoofer as it recreates the roar of a jet engine or the sound of a collapsing bridge.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech Speaker System Z623 is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in September for a suggested retail price of $149.99 (U.S.).

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

Flagship Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 Features HD 720p Video Calling, Full HD 1080p Video Recording, One-Click HD-Uploading to FaceBook and YouTube New Logitech Vid HD is the Easiest Way to Make an HD Video Call

Today Logitech took another step toward delivering on its promise to bring HD video to anyone, anywhere, unveiling a full lineup of HD webcams and the recently announced Logitech Vid HD, the free and easy way to make an HD video call. Offering HD 720p video calling, Full HD 1080p video recording, Logitech Fluid Crystal™ technology and one-click HD-uploading to Facebook and YouTube, the flagship Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 makes high-definition video calling, recording and sharing a reality.

Every new Logitech HD webcam features Logitech Fluid Crystal technology, ensuring that each video call and recording offers crystal clear images with smooth, fluid motion and rich, true-to-life colors, even in the real world.

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 — HD in Every Way

Setting a new standard in quality, the top-of-the-line Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 not only lets you record video in stunning Full HD 1080p and make video calls in fluid HD 720p, but it also features crystal-clear stereo audio with two mics – one on either side of the webcam lens. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 presents a stunning, streamlined profile. At 25 millimeters deep, the exceptionally thin C910 webcam adds a modern minimalist touch to your laptop or desktop computer setup.

Logitech HD Webcam C510 — For Portable HD Video Calling and Recording

If you prefer a webcam that can go wherever you go, the portable Logitech HD Webcam C510 — with its fold-and-go design — makes it easy to take your webcam with you. So whether you want to make a video call at home, at the hotel, or at the office, the C510 webcam will fold up and fit in your pocket for easy transport. Plus, the 360-degree full-rotation allows you to swivel the webcam around and include more people on your video calls and recordings. Logitech also introduced two HD webcams at a price that everyone can afford: the Logitech® HD Webcam C310 and the Logitech® HD Webcam C270.

Logitech Vid HD — HD 720p Video Calls

Logitech Vid HD brings the HD video-calling experience full circle, because you can’t have a high-definition video call with an HD webcam unless you have software that can transmit two-way live video in HD. So if you’ve been waiting for a simpler and better way to make a video call, Vid HD is the free, fast and easy way to make an HD video call — and it’s included with all new Logitech webcams, as well as available for free download at www.logitech.com/vid. If you’re already using Logitech Vid, you can upgrade to Vid HD and use it today with any HD-ready webcam.

One-Click Upload to Facebook and YouTube

In today’s world, social networking is an essential part of day-to-day life for millions, and video is an indispensable part of sharing your life with the people you care about. With Logitech’s new lineup of HD webcams, it’s a snap to record and upload HD videos to Facebook or YouTube. For your convenience, the included Magix photo and video editing software will help you polish the rough edges before your video goes viral. And the included picture and video gallery makes it easy to store your memories, too.

Taking Photos with Logitech HD Webcams

The new Logitech webcams make it easy to take a snapshot and e-mail them to your friends and family. The C910 webcam offers rich, 10-megapixel photos, the C510 webcam will create dazzling 8-megapixel snapshots, the C310 webcam takes crisp, clear 5-megapixel pictures and the C270 webcam will take 3-megapixel photos. (Highest-quality photos are software enhanced.)

Compatible with All Major Video-Calling Clients

All new Logitech HD webcams are Skype-certified, optimized for Windows Live Messenger, and will work with the major video-calling clients, including Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, and Gmail Voice and Video Chat.

Pricing and Availability

The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 is expected to be available in the U.S., Europe and Asia in August for a suggested retail price of $99.99. The Logitech HD Webcam C510 $59.99  is expected to be available in the U.S. in June and in Europe and Asia in August. The Logitech HD Webcam C310 $49.99 and the Logitech HD Webcam C270 $39.99 are expected to be available in the U.S. in June, in Europe in July, and in Asia in August. For more information on Logitech HD webcams, please visit www.logitech.com/webcams.

By Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

NOTE: March 14, 2010: This contest is now officially closed. Thank you to all who followed and commented on the review. After the random drawing, we would like to congratulate the following:

Michael S. of Brookline, MA  & Dana M. of Calgary, Alberta Canada for winning these super hot speakers. Michael & Dana,  your new Logitech speakers. To those who didn’t win, don’t fret. Every review is a giveaway! So if you’re following us like Michael & Dana, you’ll be the first to know. Our deepest thanks once again to our loyal followers.

NOTE March 4, 2010: If you’re interested in winning one of these babies after reading my review, make sure to sign up for our monthly email newsletter on the right hand side of this page (make sure to go back in your email and verify,) then come back & comment on the section below as to “what you liked about the speakers.” It’s that simple! I’ll be picking 2 very lucky winners on March 14, 2010. Also, feel free to follow me on twitter  @kimosaabi  for more great updates on future giveaways!

I have played with several “portable” speaker systems designed for the iPod, and everything seems to be either too small or too large for travel. For example, there are several products out there that are very compact and zip into a case for easy transport, but they really don’t sound much better than your laptop’s built-in speakers. So in my mind, what’s the point? Then there are speaker systems that are the size of the old boom-boxes so popular in the 80′s (dare I risk dating myself? Oh well, too late…Doh!) Many of these products sound great, but are just not meant to be thrown in a suitcase, and are way too big to carry in your backpack or briefcase.

The Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere2 has a lot going for it right out of the box, primarily its size. It comes with a zippered soft shell case, and while it might fit in your backpack or briefcase, it fits easily in the standard size, wheeled carry-on luggage that I almost always travel with. It weighs around 3 pounds, and measures 13.250″ long x 3.5″ tall x 1.5″ deep. Mine arrived in Black, although it also comes in white. The unit stands up on a tabletop via two very sturdy swing-out legs. The included remote will control volume as well as the functions of your iPod. (The product is certified “Made For iPod” and works all iPod models from the mini forward to iPhone) My iPod classic fits perfectly in the travel case, along with the remote and the adapter. Overall it is a great package, made to travel.

The Pure-Fi Anywhere2 has an internal lithium-ion rechargeable battery that is rated for 10 hours of use per charge. I never used it for a full 10-hours straight to test this claim, but it seemed to be in that ballpark over a couple of days use. One nice design feature is that when you pack the unit up in its travel case, the AC adapter fits nicely in the area that you dock the iPod. The adapter also has built-in “wings” for you to wrap the power cord around for neat and easy transport.

As for controls, they are located on the top of the unit, and there is a AC power LED next to the power button that lights up when the speakers are plugged in. The battery level LEDs blink green while charging, and stay solid once the battery is fully charged. They will turn red when you need to recharge the battery. There are also buttons for shuffle, repeat and “stereo XL,” which according to Logitech, “widens the sound field” (although I did not feel it changed things much). Rounding out the buttons are the volume controls.

The system comes with a set of Universal Dock Adapters for your iPod. An included chart tells you which one to use for your particular model, including: iPod mini, iPod (4th gen), iPod w/color display, iPod nano, iPod w/video, and the iPod nano aluminum. Pop in the proper adapter, and your iPod will dock snugly into the Pure-Fi Anywhere2.

But how does it sound? Well, the design includes a pair of 2-inch Max-X active, high excursion full-range drivers, as well as a pair of 3-inch (passive) pressure drivers to add to the bass response. And indeed, the system sounds much bigger than it is. I used the system in a variety of locations, and found it to be very good at filling small spaces with decent sound.

I was cleaning out my bedroom closet, which is adjacent to my bathroom, so I set the Pure-Fi Anywhere up on the countertop next to the sink and hit shuffle on my iPod classic. For the next hour, as I worked in the closet, my bathroom suite was filled with music that sounded full and rich. I was surprised at the volume level I was able to get out of the unit without distortion.

I also frequently set the unit up on my office desk to listen to music while I worked. That room is large, and opens into our great room, and has high ceilings. The Pure-Fi Anywhere2 worked well sitting on my desk or on the bookshelves behind me providing background music. It was certainly not capable of filling the entire living area of this large space, but that is not what it is intended for.

A hotel room is a perfect space for the Pure-Fi Anywhere2 system. It will provide plenty of volume to keep you headbangn’ without creating the kind of noise that will have hotel security knocking at your door. It is a perfect companion for a road warrior who logs time alone in a hotel room.

Reality Grade:

Although this product is “Made For iPod,” it can also be used with other audio sources via a 3.5 mm auxiliary input on the rear. The design is an improvement on Logitech’s MM50 and original Pure-Fi, which was a bit more boxy and did not have the battery life or sound quality of the Pure-Fi Anywhere2. My main suggestion for Logitech would be to improve the quality of the remote control.

I also think that at $149.99 it is a bit pricey. Although there are many products like this that hover around this price, it would be nice to see a product like this for around a hundred bucks or so.

The Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere2 is a great product for a traveler who wants to take their music with them, but is not satisfied with the limited abilities of their laptop speakers. The system plays much bigger than it actually is, packs up neatly in its zippered travel case and doesn’t take up too much space in your luggage, resulting in a winning design that will please many road warriors. I know I am!