Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini Review

Someone can easily love their Apple iPad mini without being fond of typing with the on-screen keyboard. That's where the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini comes in -- it adds a physical keyboard to this tablet without adding a lot of bulk.

I have the full-size version for my iPad and I have always been pleased with it, so I expected big things of the mini version. For the most part it lives up to my expectations.

Build and Design

Logitech has created a great looking item here. It's very professional, and definitely a good match for the iPad mini.

The size of Apple's tablet sets the constraints for this keyboard -- you don't want to carry around an accessory that's wider than the computer it's meant to be used with.

The iPad mini is, obviously, small so this add-on has to be as well. This means that there isn't room for a full-sized set of keys like you'd have for a PC, or even a laptop. It's about 80% of the size of a typical keyboard.

This might cause issues for those who have big hands, as they're going to find this keyboard a bit cramped. But I could say the same thing about the iPad mini itself -- if you have hands that are well above average in size, perhaps the full-size version of Apple's tablet might be better for you.

To save even more space, Logitech combined the function of some keys. The only one of these I found even mildly vexing is that TAB is Fn-Q.

But not every corner was cut, not by a long shot. There's a full row of dedicated number keys, as well as a set of directional keys. Punctuation keys are arranged just as they are in a full-size keyboard, so you won't be hunting for the Question Mark.

This accessory has "Ultrathin" in its name for a reason: it really is slender. It isn't going to add a lot of bulk to your tablet when you're carrying it around.

To further save on bulk, it connects to the iPad mini with magnets. You just put the tablet on the keyboard and they will hold themselves together. There is a small hinge along one side for a bit of extra stability.

The downside of this is that this gadget is not designed to protect the tablet. It offers some protection for the screen from scratches when the two are being carried around, but does nothing for the back, nor would it be any help if the tablet is dropped.

More magnets alert the tablet when the keyboard is locked on. Attaching the keyboard puts the iPad to sleep, while removing the keyboard wakes it up.

When in use, the iPad mini fits into a slot that runs just above the top row of keys. It's held in with even more magnets so it's not going to fall out. But keep in mind, it offers only one viewing angle. It's a fine angle, but there's no way to adjust it besides tilting up the entire keyboard.

Performance

The iPad mini's on-screen keyboard is fine for short messages, but a physical one is so much better when doing serious writing. The fact that the screen has no "give" is hard on the fingertips after a while.

The keys on the Ultrathin Keyboard mini, on the other hand, offer a decent amount of travel, making lengthy typing much more comfortable.

I also find it much faster. I've never met anyone who can successfully touchtype on a virtual keyboard, but it is possible with this accessory. It's a bit cramped, but it's doable.

Another thing that's fast and easy is setting this accessory up. It communicates with the tablet over the short-range wireless standard Bluetooth, and Apple's iOS offers built-in support for external Bluetooth keyboards, so no software has to be added to the tablet. All that's necessary is to pair the two devices, a process that takes about 15 seconds total.

The battery life on the Ultrathin Keyboard mini is more than generous. I've had it for a week and, even with extensive use, is still on its first charge with no signs that it's running out.

This isn't surprising -- the full size version can go months on a single charge. I expect its little brother will as well.

Conclusion

The Ultrathin Keyboard mini is a handy bit of kit for those who want to turn their tablet into a miniature laptop. Its keyboard is quite good, even for extended use. Far better than typing on a screen.

At $80 it's not cheap, but it's probably worth it for those who want to make their iPad mini much more productive.

MetaWatch Strata: Keep your phone in your pocket

The MetaWatch first appeared a few years ago, aimed at developers and produced by the folks at Fossil Watch. The team behind it at Fossil acquired the watch and the technology behind it and formed a company to take it commercial. Next came a successful Kickstarter campaign, and the MetaWatch line is now available for purchase.

I first took a look at the early MetaWatch a couple of years ago, and while impressed with the technology, it was clear it wasn't ready for the general purchasing public. The folks at MetaWatch recently sent me a MetaWatch Strata to test and get familiar with the current line of smart watches.

The concept behind the MetaWatch is simple — it pairs with a smartphone via Bluetooth and displays notifications on the watch. These include incoming calls, SMS messages, weather conditions, and email messages. The current watches can be paired with iPhones and Android phones, and are controlled by free apps on each platform.

The hardware of the Strata has worked well in my short evaluation, and while big it's light and comfortable to wear. The reflective display only hits the watch battery when information is updated and is viewable in bright light with no issues. There is a backlight that can be activated with a press of a button for viewing the display in dark conditions.

MataWatch Strata Stealth

The battery can run the watch for several days on a charge. That's good, because the charging clip provided is not easy to attach to the phone, even with practice. MetaWatch went with this type of charging arrangement as the watch is water resistant (down to 50 feet on the Strata).

The display of the watch is controlled by the smartphone app and the two platforms (iOS and Android) are quite different. According to MetaWatch the iOS app (and resultant watch capabilities) is better than the Android version. I use the Strata with my Galaxy Note 2, so the Android version is what I have been testing.

The MetaWatch Android app is indeed very basic, but the user community has stepped up to flesh out the watch capabilities. There are currently two user-developed apps that not only replace the official MetaWatch app, but greatly augment the usefulness of the watch.

I am using the Community Edition app in the Google Play Store, which adds customization options such as watch themes. These third-party apps also enable using the MetaWatch with other devices such as the FitBit to display information on the watch screen.

Noah Edition Android app for MetaWatch

The second third-party Android app is the Noah Edition, which takes the Community Edition and puts a nice graphical interface on top of it.

My MetaWatch has worked with no issues using the app above, but a stroll through the official MetaWatch support forums shows some folks are having issues. There are a number of hardware revisions of the watches and several different versions of firmware software. Reading the forum posts, it would seem that some hardware revisions have trouble with certain firmware versions.

These different versions lead me to believe that the MetaWatch is aimed at those who like to tinker with their gadgets. It can work out of the box but in limited fashion, so playing with the apps and customization is almost required to get the most out of the watch.

I'm still experimenting with different features of the Strata that tinkering provides. I am happy with the functionality of the MetaWatch so far and find it extremely useful to have the watch on my wrist. It eliminates the need to constantly pull the phone out of my pocket, and that is liberating as I go through my day. The vibrating notifications provide a discrete way to see incoming messages while in meetings by simply glancing at the watch.

MetaWatch Strata as reviewed: $179

Foldable NFC keyboard could tempt Tablet Android users

Japanese firm touts time-saving silicone peripheral

Japanese electronics firm Elecom is claiming a world first with the launch of an NFC-enabled portable keyboard designed to work with Android smartphones – a gadget which could appeal to time-starved, fat fingered mobile workers.

The keyboard, designed in collaboration with Norwegian firm One2Touch, is similar in layout to a regular PC keyboard except with a space in the middle to place the smartphone.

The 34cm, 45-key keyboard is made out of silicone, which means it can be folded away into a neat little carrying case – as shown on this demo video – although this may also render it about as pleasing to type on as an early ZX Spectrum.

After initial software installation and configuration, all the user needs to do is place their NFC-enabled Android device onto the space in the keyboard and start typing, according to Elecom.





Now for the major draw back. According to Elecom, the device will feature a built-in battery that apparently cannot be removed or charged.

It will last for 18 months if used for eight hours per day, but after that, the user is forced to buy a replacement keyboard.

At just 144g the keyboard could be a neat little addition for the business user on the move - NFC in theory at least more user-friendly for the time-starved than Bluetooth.

However, while widespread in mobile phones in Japan, NFC is far from a standard feature elsewhere as of yet, which could limit its appeal.

Added to that is the hefty price tag of 18,690 yen (£152.47) – particularly high when one remembers the battery situation.

There’s no information from the firm on when or whether the keyboard will be released outside Japan but it certainly won't be the last of its kind we're likely to see. ®

10 game controllers for smartphones and tablets

1. MOGA

The MOGA game controller comes with a holder designed to grasp your smartphone tightly while you're playing – anything up to 3.2 inches in width should fit. But since the accessory works over Bluetooth, your handset does not need to be attached to it. MOGA works with tablets as well and a pair of AAA batteries can power it for up to 18 hours.

Compatibility: Android
Price: $49.99

2. iCade 8-bitty

From the people who brought us the iCADE comes the 8-bitty, which it a teeny weeny wireless gaming controller. Yup, it sure looks like a classic NES gamepad alright. It connects to your mobile device wirelessly over Bluetooth and requires two AAA batteries to operate.

Compatibility: Android, iOS
Price: $29.99

3. 60beat wired controller

Here's a controller that's a bit different from the rest. The 60beat GamePad requires no batteries to run – instead, it connects via the 3.5 millimeter jack on your iPhone or iPad. But don't worry – an audio splitter comes included in the package, so you can have your earphones also plugged in while playing. 

Compatibility: iOS
Price: $34.99

4. PhoneJoy

The PhoneJoy just raised all necessary funding through Kickstarter and will hit the market in April of 2013. What makes this controller special is that it can extend sideways in order to accommodate in its middle pretty much any smartphone you can think of.  

Compatibility: Android, iOS, also works with Mac, Linux, and Windows PCs
Price: about $50

5. iMpulse

Meet iMpulse – the smallest controller that you'll find for an iPhone or Android smartphone. In fact, it is tiny enough to be used as a keychain. The devs have also included the feature to make the accessory beep with the use of a smartphone app, just in case you happen to lose it.  

Compatibility: Android, iOS, also works with Mac and Windows PCs
Price: $25 - $ 37

6. Steelseries Free

The Steelseries Free comes with 12 buttons, dual analog sticks, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. And at only 54 grams, this is one of the lightest, full-fledged game controllers that need no wires to work.  

Compatibility: Android, iOS, also works with Mac and Windows PCs
Price: $79.99

7. iDroid

The iDroid game controller is special for not requiring an application in order to work. All you need to do is to pair it with your device and that's pretty much it. The accessory comes with a built-in rechargeable battery and support for a number of emulators.

Compatibility: Android, iOS
Price: $39.99

8. Zeemote

Yup, that's a controller! It is called the Zeemote and it is designed to be used with a single hand. Needless to say, it takes some getting used to operating the accessory, but for some games, having one of these should be better than dealing with on-screen controls.

Compatibility: Android
Price: $12.99

9. Nyko PlayPad Pro

The Nyko PlayPad is a Bluetooth game controller compatible with devices running Android 3.0 or higher. Although it is made for serious gaming, the accessory will work with simpler games as well when in mouse mode. No need to buy your own batteries as the PlayPad Pro has a built-in rechargeable cell.

Compatibility: Android
Price: $39.99

10. iControlPad 2

What makes the iControlPad 2 special is its QWERTY keyboard. It connects to your device via Bluetooth and has a built-in battery that can last for up to 14 hours on a single charge. The accessory is expected to launch soon. 

Compatibility: Android, iOS, Windows PCs and more
Price: About $75