Today at CES Unveiled in New York, Zagg took the wraps off one of it’s newest accessories for the iPad, the Zaggmate. The Zaggmate is essentially an iPad case and wireless Bluetooth keyboard combined. The Bluetooth keyboard runs off its own power source which can be recharged with an included USB cable. The ZAGGmate with keyboard uses a 510 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery that should last several weeks of normal use between charges. The case itself covers the snaps on to the iPad’s screen and can be detached by pulling apart. The case has an adjustable stand which allows you to place the iPad in both a horizontal and vertical pose.
The $99 price tag may scare some away, but if you think about it, what does a good Bluetooth keyboard run for? $60-$70 bucks? With the Zaggmate, you get a keyboard and a screen protector for the iPad, a good deal if you ask me.
As you can see from the image above, the iPad seamlessly sits on the Zaggmate allowing for notebook/netbook-like typing on the iPad. Although it is difficult to discern on the photograph above, the Zaggmate keyboard has special function keys for music control, volume control, slideshows, home screen, search, and more. This of course makes it easier to keep your hands off the screen and on the keyboard instead.
Although it adds a bit thickness to the iPad, you’re still holding a laptop replacement that’s thinner than most notebooks in the market (except Mac Book Air of course).
The Mate will be available for the 2010 holiday season. To sign up for updates from Zagg, visit the Zaggmate website.
Zaggmate Specifications
Size and Weight
- Height: 9.75 inches (248 mm)
- Width: 7.625 inches (194 mm)
- Depth: .4 inches (10.2 mm)
- Depth w/keyboard: .54 inches (13.7 mm)
- Weight: 7 ounces (.2 kg)
- Weight w/keyboard: 12.8 ounces (.37 kg)
In the box
- ZAGGmate
- MicroUSB cable for charging
- Quickstart guide
- Four rubber feet (optional)
I think that an iPad with Zaggmate brings us one step closer to leaving the notebook at home. What do you think? Will this be on your list of accessories for the iPad? Let us know in the comments section below.
