If you use your iPad to get work done when you are away from a computer, such as when you rely on an iPad instead of a laptop computer when you travel, an external keyboard is a must. It makes it so much easier to type long e-mails, create documents, take notes during a meeting, etc. Some people like to use iPad cases that have keyboards built in, but I've never been a fan of that solution because the keyboards are cramped. I prefer to use the $69 Apple Wireless Keyboard because it is a full-size keyboard. Indeed, it is the exact same keyboard that Apple sells with many of its iMac desktop computers.
For about a year, I frequently traveled with my iPad 2 and the Apple Wireless Keyboard without using any kind of case for the keyboard. I just slipped it in my briefcase. I had no problems doing this, but I talked to several other attorneys who told me (and sometimes even showed me) that without a case, an object had rubbed against their keyboard and popped off a key. Ugh. These horror stories eventually led me to try the Tom Bihn Cache for Wireless Keyboard. That case (which is no longer sold) worked well, but one problem is that it was possible for an object to push against the side edge of the case, which would turn on the keyboard and in turn run down the batteries. That only happened to me twice over the last year, but it was still very annoying when it happened. In the meantime, I've seen excellent reviews of the Origami Workstation for iPad by Incase, and so when Incase sent me a free review unit, I was eager to check it out. I've been very happy with it, and this is now my top recommendation for anyone using an Apple Wireless Keyboard.
The Origami Workstation is a lightweight black case for the keyboard. The stiff vinyl laminate doesn't provide any cushioning, but that also means that it is very thin while also providing protection. It barely takes up more space in your briefcase or purse than the keyboard itself would take.
The device has two clips that snap around the round part at the bottom of the keyboard and hold it tight.
You can then fold down the top and attach the two velcro strips to keep the case closed.
When closed, the keyboard is protected so that nothing else will harm its keys. Nothing covers the two edges, but because the case is longer than the keyboard — not by much, but just enough — if another object presses against the side edge it is unlikely to turn on the keyboard by pressing that button.
If this was all that the case did, it would be nice enough. But the name "Origami" comes from the fact that the case folds. Simply fold down the two corners of the case, connect the two sides with the two velcro strips, and suddenly the back of the case becomes a pyramid-shaped stand for the iPad.
The stand works very well. It is incredibly sturdy, which is important because you are going to need to tap on the iPad screen to use it. It is also at just the right angle, similar to the angle you would use with a laptop computer screen. And it holds the iPad in either the portrait or the landscape position.
Remember that you need to hold down the button on the side of the Apple keyboard to turn off the keyboard before you close it in this case. Otherwise, it is easy for an object that presses on this case to depress keys on the keyboard, which could case keys to be typed on your iPad if the keyboard is paired. But as I noted above, once the keyboard is off, it is unlikely to go back on while in the Origami Workstation. (In the future, it would be nice if Apple put a simple on/off switch on the Apple Wireless Keyboard, but for now the Origami Workstation does the best that it can to work around this issue.)
The Origami Workstation is very well designed and constructed, and I did not have to use it for very long to realize it is a must-have case for the Apple Wireless Keyboard. It is a great accessory for a great accessory. You can buy it direct from Incase for $29.95 (with free shipping in the U.S.) or it is on Amazon for five dollars more.
Click here to get the Origami Workstation from Incase ($29.95)
Click here to get the Origami Workstation from Amazon ($34.95)
