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Elegant design and toughness don’t often go hand in hand. If you’ve ever searched for iPad Air drop tests on YouTube, you’ll quickly discover Apple’s latest tablet isn’t the most resilient; all it takes is one serious drop to shatter the screen. Instead of spending north of $2,000 on a Panasonic Toughpad tablet, Zagg’s $149.99 Rugged Book can toughen up your iPad Air to withstand some substantial abuse, and thanks to that and its superlative keyboard design, is a clear Editors’ Choice.
We’ve already reviewed the Zagg Rugged Book for iPad mini 2/3. The $139.99 iPad mini 2/3 model is almost physically identical except for the obvious change in size, so we’ll focus on the differences between the two models for this review.
Design
The Rugged Book doesn’t necessarily add more length or width to your iPad Air ($389.99 at eBay)(Opens in a new window) than a regular case, but at 9.80 by 7.35 by 0.95 (HWD), it more than triples the slim tablet’s depth. And weighing in at 2.63 pounds with an iPad Air with Wi-Fi and Cellular inside (1.05 pounds), it qualifies as a heavy case. That weight can be attributed to a sheet of stainless steel underneath the keyboard that not only adds more protection, but stops the keyboard from flexing. With dark gray polycarbonate layered under soft silicone rubber and chunky detailing, the Rugged Book may remind you of the aforementioned Panasonic Toughbook, which may not be for everyone, considering how slim the iPad Air is to begin with.
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Keyboard
As you’d expect, more space allows for easier typing. So it’s not surprising that the Rugged Book for iPad Air has a better keyboard than the model for the iPad mini. The keys are also larger than the ones on ClamCase’s Pro for iPad Air, which makes them easier to hit, and they’re well spaced, too. Travel is more shallow on the Rugged Book and feedback isn’t quite as responsive, but it’s still very comfortable. Overall, it’s a great keyboard that rivals the ClamCase Pro’s.
For sheer versatility and protection, you can’t beat Zagg’s Rugged Book for iPad Air. Of course, it may require some compromise when it comes to depth and weight, a fact you may have already accepted if you’re looking to protect your iPad for the long haul. The ClamCase Pro comes in a close second, as it’s not quite as protective and versatile, but it’s a solid bet if you’re not into the Rugged Book’s chunky aesthetics. If you don’t think you’ll need much protection at all, have a look at the lighter and less expensive Logitech’s Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Air (With Adjustable Groove Stand) .
4.5
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The Zagg Rugged Book for iPad Air offers excellent versatility, protection, and a good keyboard with up to two years of battery life.
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Source link : https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/zagg-rugged-book-for-ipad-air
