How To Choose The Right Logitech iPad Air Case This Holiday Season
This holiday season, Logitech is offering an expanded lineup of cases for the iPad Air. Each is similar, although they each serve different purposes, and come in at different price points.
Here’s a quick look at the differences between the Logitech Folio Protective Case, Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio, and Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio. Each case is available now in the United States, Europe, and select countries in Asia.
Logitech Folio Protective Case
The Logitech Folio Protective Case is the company’s thinnest and lightest folio for the new iPad Air. It is also the company's least expensive iPad Air case on the market. It has a water-repellent skin for two-sided protection. This is the only iPad case from Logitech that doesn't include a keyboard.
The case is available in Carbon Black, Vapor Grey, Mars Red Orange, and Sunflower Yellow.
Features include:
- Covers both the front and back of iPad
- Made from durable, water-repellant materials
- So thin and light, you’ll hardly notice it’s there
- Weighs only 261g (0.58 pounds) and measures just 14 mm (0.546 inches) thick
- Precision engineered with state-of-the-art materials and cutting-edge manufacturing techniques
The $49.99 Logitech Folio Protective Case offers excellent protection from one of the biggest accessory makers in the business -- without breaking the bank. It is also available for the iPad mini.
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover
The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover provides an aluminum screen cover for added protection on the go, and doubles as a wireless keyboard. It is available in black, and silver.
Main features include:
- Weighs only 330g (0.73 pounds) and measures just 7.3mm (0.29 inches) thick
- Includes time-saving iOS shortcut keys for copy, paste, undo and more
- Helps you type as quickly as on a standard keyboard
- Frees up screen space on iPad
The $99.99 Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover is a popular choice for those who need a keyboard, but don't want to carry around a full-blown case. This model is also available for the iPad mini, and the iPad 2, iPad 3, and iPad 4.
Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio for iPad Air
Think of the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio for the iPad Air as a cross between the two previously mentioned models. It provides front and back protection for your tablet, and comes with an integrated Bluetooth keyboard, which is chargeable through micro-USB.
The folio is available in two materials: Bicast, or PU (polyurethane) leather, and Tech Fabric. The first is sold in Carbon Black, Midnight Navy, Mars Red Orange, and Gloss Veil. The second is only available in Carbon Black, and Mars Red Orange. Gloss Veil is best described as a cross between black and gray.
Features include:
- Weighs only 425g (0.9lbs) and measures just 20.1mm (0.79in) thick
- Includes time-saving iOS shortcut keys for copy, paste, undo and more
- Frees up screen space on iPad
The $99 Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio is the perfect choice for those folks who want to have it all, but don't want to spend more than $100 for an iPad case. Logitech makes a similar case for the iPad Mini, which Brent Dirks reviewed back in October.
Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for the iPad Air
The final case on our list is the Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for the iPad Air. This is the first iPad case from Logitech to feature a keyboard that is part of its inner fabric. Previous versions, such as the Ultrathin Keyboard Folio, include a separate, more traditional keyboard that is attached to the inside of the case.
It is available in Carbon Black, Mars Red Orange, and Urban Grey.
Features include:
- Weighs only 425g (0.9lbs) and measures just 18.5mm (0.7in) thick
- The keyboard is comfortable for typing when you need it and almost invisible when you don’t
- Full-size keys help you type as fast as on a standard keyboard
- Includes time-saving iOS shortcut keys for copy, paste, undo and more
- Frees up screen space on iPad
The $149.99 FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for the iPad Air is the most expensive case currently available from Logitech. The only difference between it and the $99.99 Ultrathin Keyboard Folio is the keyboard.
In my previous review, I gave the FabricSkin high marks. However, I did find it expensive. As I noted at the time, the $50 premium Logitech charges for it over the Ultrathin Keyboard Folio might not be worth it for most iPad Air users. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a top of the line keyboard case for your new tablet, you can’t go wrong with the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio.
There you have it, our take on Logitech's line of iPad Air cases for 2013. We hope this makes it easier to select the perfect case for your new tablet.
For other accessories, see: Twelve South Launches The BookBook Travel Journal For The iPad Air, AppAdvice’s Ultimate iOS Accessory Holiday Gift Guide For Her, and AppAdvice’s Ultimate iOS Accessory Holiday Gift Guide For Kids.
