We’re not sure which name we like the least, is it the BL-BKB76, or the KeyCase iPad Folio with Integrated Bluetooth Keyboard? Even if you shorten it to KeyCase things don’t improve much either, as it just sounds like somewhere you keep your keys. It doesn’t really matter though, as name-issues aside we like the look of the product very much!
As the lengthy name suggests, this is a fairly standard booklet-style case for the iPad, but with a Bluetooth keyboard built into the cover, converting the iPad into a netbook! As you can see from the pictures, the screen can be set at an angle with the keyboard laid flat in front of it, so viewing and typing angles should be good.
The Bluetooth keyboard is charged using your Apple USB charger cable and provides 45 hours of use on a single 4 to 5-hour charge. The keys are said to be silicone, the case itself is imitation leather and it has a magnetic clasp to keep it closed. The keyboard will connect automatically to your iPad and switch itself off after 10 minutes to conserve power.
While we like the convenience factor of the KeyCase, we would need to check it out in person before committing to it, as the thought of the extra bulk and weight of the keyboard does concern us, especially without any official figures to go on.
AppleInsider says the case has been through the FCC in the USA, so it should be appearing soon, however if you’re in the UK then you can pre-order one now from Gearzap. It costs £59.95, which is relatively reasonable, seeing as an Apple Bluetooth keyboard costs around the same price, doesn’t come with a case and isn’t as easy to carry about. No US price is available yet.
Oh, as for the name, we’d have called it the TypeCase.



August 25th, 2010 at 5:16 am
All iPads should come with one of these!
August 25th, 2010 at 8:49 am
Where's the external webcam, harddisk, mouse etc.? We can't live without those too!!
August 25th, 2010 at 9:53 am
This is indeed a clever idea by whoever invented this!
September 18th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I love my new iPad and all the cool stuff I can do with it. I’m thinking I ought to have gotton one with more memory. I only bought the iPad 32