Nice and slim and easy to type on - much better than average typing "feel" despite the reduced keyboard width necessary to match the narrow iPad width (the iPad is only 9.7" versus typical small laptops with 11.6" screens, so there is less available width for the keyboard).
I like it much better than the Belkin Qode I have on an older iPad due to the Logitech's more rational keyboard layout.
Unfortunately, the Belkin Qode puts some commonly used punctuation marks into odd places - the Logitech puts them in the expected positions and doesn't require a function (Fn) key to access them.
Pluses and minuses:
+ iPad 2017 (probably 2018 too) plus Logitech Slim Folio => great cafe/travel laptop. Bright multi-angle IPS screen, thin, light, compact, super battery life. Nothing else competes in this combined price range ($249-$329 for the iPad itself, depending on Black Friday sales, plus $80 or so for this Logitech).
+ iPad "Apps" are cheap compared to full-blown Windows/Mac applications, and there are a lot more of them filling some pretty specialized niches. Between the standard 32gb of the 2017/2018 iPads, and the fact that most Apps save their data "in the cloud" instead of on the iPad, a modern iPad can have more useful apps on it. Word Mobile is free, Google Docs is free and outstandingly multi-platform, multi-device, and auto-syncing. Android should compete in this tablet space, but it dropped the ball.
+ Main conventional laptop competition is an 11.6" Chromebook, maybe an 11.6" budget Windows 10 laptop. They have vastly inferior screens for video watching.
+ The browser and App experiences on a 9.7" iPad are GREAT because most web pages, web apps, and certainly iPad Apps are optimized nest for the 9.7" iPad because it has been around so long and Apple has sold so many. The screen is easy to see, read, and use, even though only 9.7".
+ The Logitech Slim Folio fixes the one iPad 9.7 user problem: the onscreen keyboard that obscures most of the screen when in use, and isn't easy to type on anyway. Did I mention autocorrect typos?
- & + The Slim Folio doesn't have a trackpad - because the iPad can't connect to one - but has arrow keys to save you some frustrating screen tapping.
- The Slim Folio inevitably "fattens up" the iPad. Can't be helped, just keep it in mind. It works much better after installation as a mini laptop than as a tablet.
+ & - Other reviewers have complained about battery life on the Slim Folio.I haven't had problem. Setting the iPad into typing position automatically turns the keyboard on and off. The "watch" style batteries should be sufficient given modern low energy Bluetooth technology. Even if you have to replace them more often than Logitech's probably optimistic estimate, an 8 pack of the 2032 batteries is just $2.99 at Ikea, 2 or 3 go for just $2-$3 from Amazon and other retail outlets. I prefer watch batteries, which haven't started any known fires, vs. rechargeables, which sometimes fail in spectacular fashion. I think TSA and airlines are happier with old-style single use batteries too.
+ Turns itself off automatically when keyboard cover is closed, or keyboard is folded to the rear for tablet mode. Goes into sleep mode..eventually.
+ Screen angle is ok for typing and casual video watching, not perfect for serious video watching unless you prop the keyboard front up. But then, the keyboard is active and battery draining, so better to fold keyboard to rear then hold the tablet or prop it up on the desk...or buy that cheap 8-pack of Ikea replacement batteries.
- Can't use rear camera when keyboard is folded back. But you can work around this by leaving it in laptop mode or turning sideways and holding it like a book.
- Keys are not waterproof or backlighted. But I only see backlighting on Surface (Microsoft Surface) tablet keyboards and other more expensive laptops. You aren't going to get backlighting in the typical $400 kit. As for waterproofing, that's available low-end now - in Chromebooks marketed to schools, because they demand it. But it's still very rare overall.
- Screen jiggles when you touch it for swipes and taps. Nobody has solved this problem satisfactorily, even on most touch screen laptops.
+ No obvious keyboard wake up issues or keystroke lag.
+ Keyboard's is decently quiet. Should be lecture auditorium-worthy.
My first unit was an obvious return - battery protecting film sheet had been removed and it wouldn't pair despite multiple attempts (either defective or not enough battery juice to stay in pairing mode long enough to pair). My second unit, ordered specifically from Amazon, paired instantly just by moving it into laptop position (the iPad battery activates the on switch). All I had to do was turn on the iPad first and go into Settings => Bluetooth => pair, then move the iPad edge into typing position on the magnetic strip. Re-pairings with other iPads will require holding down the power button to re-pair.
NOTE on alternate keyboards: My favorite alternate keyboard is the Apple Macintosh compact Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard, specifically the version powered by 2 removable AA alkaline batteries. Here's the Amazon link for the Certified Refurbished version that is usually around $40:
Apple Wireless Keyboard with Bluetooth - Silver (Certified Refurbished)
. I have used the official Apple keyboard successfully with ALL my iDevices. It wakes virtually instantly and never drops key strokes or lags. Battery life is phenomenal, but after all it has AA batteries. It's light and compact for travel, but a tad big for dragging out with me for coffee.
For local cafe use the Logitech Slim Folio is king. For a student, it is light and compact with great battery life and a very compact charger and cable.
For overseas travel, I would use the Logitech in transit but carry the Apple compact keyboard for more serious extended in-hotel use (in other words, for regular laptop/desktop substitution). In that scenario, the Logitech isn't a good match - it's too narrow and cramped What's a beautiful compromise for local cafe use, with my real work done at home on a conventional computer, begins to show it's shortcomings for extended, immobile, desktop use in a hotel.
Once I accept the need for an Apple desktop keyboard (don't be scared by "desktop" - it's more compact and lighter than the Microsoft travel keyboard), I need to rethink my "tablet stand" options. The Logitech could be used by un-pairing and removing the batteries to prevent drain, but I think I'd rather use the
MoKo Case for iPad 9.7 2018/2017 - Slim-Fit Multi-angle Folio Cover Case with Auto Wake/Sleep for Apple iPad 9.7 Inch (iPad 5, iPad 6), BLACK
for holding the iPad up on my desk - it has multiple, and better, viewing angles for both typing and video watching since it doesn't have to reserve space for the keyboard.
It's not like that second case would weight too much, or take up too much space in my checked luggage; and changing from one iPad case to another is, literally, a "snap".
iPads and their accessory cases are very cool, and allow for a lot of personalized adaptation to individual usage scenarios. That's why I like them so much!
| Brand | Logitech |
|---|---|
| Series | 920-008617 |
| Item model number | 920-008617 |
| Hardware Platform | Tablet, Smartphone |
| Operating System | Ios |
| Item Weight | 1.32 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 1.18 x 10.2 x 7.64 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.18 x 10.2 x 7.64 inches |
| Color | Carbon Black |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 3 Volts |
| Batteries | 2 C batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacturer | Logitech |
| ASIN | B072DWQTK3 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | May 2, 2017 |
