Showing posts with label Bluetooth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bluetooth. Show all posts

Sunday, May 27, 2012

[Review] ZAGGkeys Flex Bluetooth Keyboard For Android And iOS Devices

It's no secret that I love tablets - I find them to be incredibly useful and fun tools. In fact, I've spent a lot of time as of late reviewing and comparing the most recent additions to the tablet world to one another. As much as I love tablets, though, they're not the best for productivity without some good accessories. Of those accessories, the most useful addition is, without a doubt, a Bluetooth keyboard; truth be told, I actually prefer a good Bluetooth keyboard and stand over the Transformer Series' keyboard dock in most cases - it's just a more portable and convenient option for me.

Thus, when I got a chance to review the new ZAGGkeys Flex keyboard, I jumped on it. This keyboard is a really neat accessory to have, as it caters especially to those who have both an Android and iDevice, and it can sync to both for easy switching (granted, you will have to pair it each time if using with multiple devices).

So, without further ado, let's take a look at the good and bad aspects of this keyboard.

wm_IMG_1242


How much does it cost? $80 ($55 on Amazon)Okay, where can I buy it? ZAGG or AmazonThe Bottom Line: If you're looking for a lightweight, portable keyboard to pair with your Android device, then the ZAGGkeys Flex is not only a fantastic option, but one that I whole-heartedly recommend.Several Android-specific keys: Home, search, cut/copy/paste, music playback controls, volume controls, "menu," browser, and lock. Excellent! ALT + arrow keys work as home/end, while CTRL+ arrow jumps to the beginning/end of each word, much like on a desktop computer. Shift + arrows highlights words. Shift+ Delete actually deletes characters (delete normally works as backspace).Form factor is excellent. It's extremely light; you won't even realize it's in your bag!Pairing/Reconnecting literally takes a few seconds. Easy Peasy.Speaking of, it can pair with both Android and iOS devices. And that's awesome.Recharchable battery that charges over USB, and has extremely long battery life. Should only need to be charged three or four times per year, maybe less if you don't use it all that often.The short USB cable that comes with it is pretty awesome. I love easy-to-carry USB cables, and this one would pair nicely with a good portable charger for your juicing your phone on the go (like the ZAGGsparq). Suh-weet.Touch typing is nothing short of pure enjoyment on this keyboard. I actually typed most of this review using it.The tablet stand is much more sturdy than one would think at first glance. It has magnets that keep it together - brilliant idea!Caps-lock light! Never again yell at someone on accident.Very well thought-out design. When wrapped up in the protective case/stand, the keyboard's design elements are highlighted. Classy.Should look good paired up with any tablet (read: not overly iDevice-looking).wm_IMG_1231 wm_IMG_1232

wm_IMG_1234 wm_IMG_1236

If the speakers are on the bottom of the tablet (Acer A510, Toshiba Excite 10, for example), they are muffled by the stand.The keys are slightly loud; especially the space bar.Feel slightly cheap. Could be because it's so light, or perhaps because some of the keys feel "loose."The keys are undersized, so it takes a bit of getting used to. However, if you can type on a netbook, then you'll be able to type on the ZAGGkeys Flexx without issue.I would like to see some other Android-specific keys incorporated, like notification toggle, recent apps, and the app tray. If it had that, you could almost use your tablet without touching the screen.wm_IMG_1227

As you can see, there's a lot to like about this keyboard - it's functional, light, has incredibly battery life, and, most importantly, is a pleasure to type on. I readily recommend the ZAGGkeys Flex to anyone looking for a good keyboard to pair with their Android tablet or smartphone, as well as their iDevices - I'll probably never leave the house without it again.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

[Lightning Review] Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard For Android 3.0+ Devices

Earlier this week, I took a look at the new Bluetooth keyboard for mobile devices from ZAGG, the ZAGGkeys Flex. Since one can never have enough gadgets for their gadgets, today we're going to look at Logitech's offering to the Android tablet realm. While this keyboard isn't brand-spanking new (it has been out for a year or so), it's still just as relevant as it was on release day; given the increase in popularity of Android tablets, perhaps even more so.

Before we get into the the good and bad aspects of this keyboard, though, let's first take a look at the details.

wm_IMG_1285 wm_IMG_1282


What is it? It's a Bluetooth keyboard for Android 3.0+ devices with a carrying case that doubles as a tablet stand.How much it is? $70 directly from Logitech, or about $55(ish) on AmazonWhere can I buy it? Logitech or Amazonwm_IMG_1274

wm_IMG_1275 wm_IMG_1276

It's a full-size keyboard, so it brings a desktop-like experience to your tablet.Typing on the keyboard is pretty fantastic - not cramped in the slightest and the keys have a good amount of travel. It's definitely comparable to a full computer experience.Very, very solid. There's nothing flimsy about this keyboard - it feels incredibly well made.Hotkeys for Calendar, Music + controls, volume, home, and back, as well as normal shift+arrow, ctrl+arrow, and alt+arrow line navigation.Classy black and blue color scheme with matching case. It looks quite nice. The case easily converts into a stand for your tablet.Speaking of, the stand offers more than one angle, which is very useful.Very simple pairing/reconnecting process.wm_IMG_1279

wm_IMG_1287 wm_IMG_1288

Non-rechargeable batteries - it uses AAA sized batteries, which is just inconvenient. Since it's Bluetooth, however, it shouldn't need new batteries very often.At 398 grams, it's surprisingly heavy; in fact, it weighs nearly the same as many tablets.It doesn't "sleep" after a specified amount of inactivity, which could lead to faster battery drain. The stand slides around when tapping the device's display (I'm sure this varies with different types of surfaces, but I had to hold onto the tablet while using it on my desk).Not as many Android optimized keys as other Bluetooth keyboard options.wm_IMG_1289

There's no doubt that the Logitech keyboard for Android 3.0+ devices is a dang nice keyboard to type on. It makes inputting information on your tablet a breeze, offers a pleasant typing experience, and looks great doing it. However, it is a bit on the heavy side, especially compared to the ZAGGkeys Flex keyboard that I looked at earlier in the week. For some users, however, the tradeoff of a full size keyboard may be worth the added bulk -- just make sure you carry extra AAA batteries everywhere you go so you never run out of juice.

[Review] ZAGGkeys Flex Bluetooth Keyboard For Android And iOS Devices

It's no secret that I love tablets - I find them to be incredibly useful and fun tools. In fact, I've spent a lot of time as of late reviewing and comparing the most recent additions to the tablet world to one another. As much as I love tablets, though, they're not the best for productivity without some good accessories. Of those accessories, the most useful addition is, without a doubt, a Bluetooth keyboard; truth be told, I actually prefer a good Bluetooth keyboard and stand over the Transformer Series' keyboard dock in most cases - it's just a more portable and convenient option for me.

Thus, when I got a chance to review the new ZAGGkeys Flex keyboard, I jumped on it. This keyboard is a really neat accessory to have, as it caters especially to those who have both an Android and iDevice, and it can sync to both for easy switching (granted, you will have to pair it each time if using with multiple devices).

So, without further ado, let's take a look at the good and bad aspects of this keyboard.

wm_IMG_1242


How much does it cost? $80 ($55 on Amazon)Okay, where can I buy it? ZAGG or AmazonThe Bottom Line: If you're looking for a lightweight, portable keyboard to pair with your Android device, then the ZAGGkeys Flex is not only a fantastic option, but one that I whole-heartedly recommend.Several Android-specific keys: Home, search, cut/copy/paste, music playback controls, volume controls, "menu," browser, and lock. Excellent! ALT + arrow keys work as home/end, while CTRL+ arrow jumps to the beginning/end of each word, much like on a desktop computer. Shift + arrows highlights words. Shift+ Delete actually deletes characters (delete normally works as backspace).Form factor is excellent. It's extremely light; you won't even realize it's in your bag!Pairing/Reconnecting literally takes a few seconds. Easy Peasy.Speaking of, it can pair with both Android and iOS devices. And that's awesome.Recharchable battery that charges over USB, and has extremely long battery life. Should only need to be charged three or four times per year, maybe less if you don't use it all that often.The short USB cable that comes with it is pretty awesome. I love easy-to-carry USB cables, and this one would pair nicely with a good portable charger for your juicing your phone on the go (like the ZAGGsparq). Suh-weet.Touch typing is nothing short of pure enjoyment on this keyboard. I actually typed most of this review using it.The tablet stand is much more sturdy than one would think at first glance. It has magnets that keep it together - brilliant idea!Caps-lock light! Never again yell at someone on accident.Very well thought-out design. When wrapped up in the protective case/stand, the keyboard's design elements are highlighted. Classy.Should look good paired up with any tablet (read: not overly iDevice-looking).wm_IMG_1231 wm_IMG_1232

wm_IMG_1234 wm_IMG_1236

If the speakers are on the bottom of the tablet (Acer A510, Toshiba Excite 10, for example), they are muffled by the stand.The keys are slightly loud; especially the space bar.Feel slightly cheap. Could be because it's so light, or perhaps because some of the keys feel "loose."The keys are undersized, so it takes a bit of getting used to. However, if you can type on a netbook, then you'll be able to type on the ZAGGkeys Flexx without issue.I would like to see some other Android-specific keys incorporated, like notification toggle, recent apps, and the app tray. If it had that, you could almost use your tablet without touching the screen.wm_IMG_1227

As you can see, there's a lot to like about this keyboard - it's functional, light, has incredibly battery life, and, most importantly, is a pleasure to type on. I readily recommend the ZAGGkeys Flex to anyone looking for a good keyboard to pair with their Android tablet or smartphone, as well as their iDevices - I'll probably never leave the house without it again.

Friday, May 25, 2012

[Lightning Review] Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard For Android 3.0+ Devices

Earlier this week, I took a look at the new Bluetooth keyboard for mobile devices from ZAGG, the ZAGGkeys Flex. Since one can never have enough gadgets for their gadgets, today we're going to look at Logitech's offering to the Android tablet realm. While this keyboard isn't brand-spanking new (it has been out for a year or so), it's still just as relevant as it was on release day; given the increase in popularity of Android tablets, perhaps even more so.

Before we get into the the good and bad aspects of this keyboard, though, let's first take a look at the details.

wm_IMG_1285 wm_IMG_1282


What is it? It's a Bluetooth keyboard for Android 3.0+ devices with a carrying case that doubles as a tablet stand.How much it is? $70 directly from Logitech, or about $55(ish) on AmazonWhere can I buy it? Logitech or Amazonwm_IMG_1274

wm_IMG_1275 wm_IMG_1276

It's a full-size keyboard, so it brings a desktop-like experience to your tablet.Typing on the keyboard is pretty fantastic - not cramped in the slightest and the keys have a good amount of travel. It's definitely comparable to a full computer experience.Very, very solid. There's nothing flimsy about this keyboard - it feels incredibly well made.Hotkeys for Calendar, Music + controls, volume, home, and back, as well as normal shift+arrow, ctrl+arrow, and alt+arrow line navigation.Classy black and blue color scheme with matching case. It looks quite nice. The case easily converts into a stand for your tablet.Speaking of, the stand offers more than one angle, which is very useful.Very simple pairing/reconnecting process.wm_IMG_1279

wm_IMG_1287 wm_IMG_1288

Non-rechargeable batteries - it uses AAA sized batteries, which is just inconvenient. Since it's Bluetooth, however, it shouldn't need new batteries very often.At 398 grams, it's surprisingly heavy; in fact, it weighs nearly the same as many tablets.It doesn't "sleep" after a specified amount of inactivity, which could lead to faster battery drain. The stand slides around when tapping the device's display (I'm sure this varies with different types of surfaces, but I had to hold onto the tablet while using it on my desk).Not as many Android optimized keys as other Bluetooth keyboard options.wm_IMG_1289

There's no doubt that the Logitech keyboard for Android 3.0+ devices is a dang nice keyboard to type on. It makes inputting information on your tablet a breeze, offers a pleasant typing experience, and looks great doing it. However, it is a bit on the heavy side, especially compared to the ZAGGkeys Flex keyboard that I looked at earlier in the week. For some users, however, the tradeoff of a full size keyboard may be worth the added bulk -- just make sure you carry extra AAA batteries everywhere you go so you never run out of juice.

Samsung Galaxy S3 For T-Mobile and AT&T Make An Appearance At Bluetooth SIG

We’re expecting the Samsung Galaxy S3 to arrive on the big 4 carriers here in the US, but unfortunately, nothing’s been announced yet. Well, here’s some good news for AT&T and T-Mobile customers. Both versions of the GS3 have just made their way through the Bluetooth SIG, revealing not much other than their BT capabilities, and corresponding model numbers (generic images have been used).

Following the model number patterns with current Samsung devices, the SGH-T999V will be headed to T-Mobile, while the SGH-I747 will arrive on AT&T. Word is, these US models will sport Qualcomm’s dual-core S4 processor with an added RAM boost to the tune of 2GB. Looks like it wont be much longer until we find out.

[UnwiredView]

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Samsung Galaxy S III passes through the Bluetooth SIG

Samsung’s latest flagship device, the Galaxy S III, has just passed through the Bluetooth SIG. The trip is a necessary step towards the eventual release of the device, which has been touted as “in time for summer” in more than one place. If “in time for summer” translates to later this month or early next, the timing is about right. We should note that we’re looking at the international version of the phone here and that the listing doesn’t reveal anything we didn’t already know. We should see a few more regulatory approvals before launch, all a part of the phone release cycle those of us mobile geeks obsess over.

[via DroidLife]

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...