Targus Versavu Keyboard Case for iPad 2

For those who would rather replace their laptops with an iPad 2, but still want a physical keyboard to type long emails, or edit substantial documents, Targus has come up with the Targus Versavu, Kayboard and Case, a variant of their original Versavu case.

Just like the original Versavu case, the exterior is made of leather (I’m not sure if it’s real leather or not), and the part that holds the iPad 2 is made of hard plastic with a leather texture in the back (the iPad “snaps” in place), and it can rotate by 90 degrees to use the iPad 2 in vertical position (portrait).

The keyboard keys are smaller than a full-size laptop QWERTY keyboard, but it’s big enough to be substantially better and faster than typing on the iPad 2 virtual keyboard. The other advantage of having an external keyboard is that it frees up screen space that the virtual keyboard would occupy. There is a mini-USB port to charge the keyboard’s battery.

The downside of having the keyboard is that it adds bulk to an otherwise ultra-thin device. Of course, you would have to compare with your current iPad case setup. If you have a super-thin case, or none at all, this will radically change the iPad 2 form factor. But if you already have a leather case, the additional bulk may not be so hard to swallow. That said, the Targus Versavu Keyboard and Case is still thicker than my Macbook Pro. Here’s a good point of reference.

Of course, some would ask “why don’t you get a laptop”? It’s a legitimate question and I would recommend someone who does not have an iPad yet to think it through. An iPad 2 owner who is contemplating getting this accessory has probably already decided that his/her lifestyle works with iPad 2, but needs a bit of keyboard love. What do you think if the case+keyboard idea?

[VIA]