Review: Kensington KeyFolio Pro Performance Keyboard Case for iPad 2

The Kensington KeyFolio Pro Performance Keyboard Case for iPad 2 Wireless Keyboard is another solution to make typing and working on the iPad and iPad 2 more comfortable. It's a far more successful attempt than the Logitech Fold-up Keyboard for iPad 2, since not only is the keyboard firm and sturdy, it's also included in a protective folio case that keeps the iPad safe from scratches.

It has been well designed to include gaps in the case for easy access to the iPad's ports, and includes holes for the iPad 2's camera. Frustratingly, a number of other cases neglect to include these holes, meaning that we had to remove the iPad before using the cameras. Not so with the Kensington KeyFolio Pro Performance Keyboard Case for iPad 2 Wireless Keyboard.

The iPad can also be easily rotated within the case from landscape to portrait. As you'd expect from a Bluetooth device, setting the keyboard and its case up and pairing it with an iPad 2 is very simple.

Verdict

The keyboard feels great to use, with the buttons being big enough to type on comfortably without increasing the overall size of the keyboard.

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Review: Kensington AbsolutePower Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger

Charging our devices might not be glamorous, but it a necessity. We have so many devices these days that all require a regular charge that the majority of our plug sockets spew tangles of various chargers across our desks and floors. Kensington has come up with a device that can charge three laptops, tablets and mobile phones at once from a single plug socket, and manages to do it in as glamorous a way as possible.

Of course, this being the rather no-frills arena of device chargers, the Kensington AbsolutePower Laptop, Phone, Tablet Charger isn't really a head turner, but it is attractive and sleek. Most importantly, it sits unobtrusively on the desk and does a good job of charging three devices in one go.

One of the devices has to be a laptop, and there our 10 adaptors included, covering the most popular laptop manufacturers. Kensington guarantees compatibility, and from the laptops we tested we didn't have any problems, although we can't vouch for more obscure or older makes and models.

The other two charge ports are a micro USB port and a standard USB 2.0 port. These offer more flexibility over what you can charge, with an adaptor for the micro USB port that turns it into another standard USB port.

Verdict

If you've got a few devices that charge via USB, as well as a laptop, then this is a handy and space-saving solution. However, if you don't have a laptop then one of the charging ports is useless, leaving you with just two. In this case we'd advise you to look elsewhere.

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Review: Kensington SecureBack Security Case

Kensington is well known for creating laptop locks that can anchor your portable PC to something sturdy to keep it from getting lost or nicked. Its locks have been so successful, in fact, that if you own a laptop it's very likely that it has a small rectangular slot for attaching a Kensington lock to it.

This level of success is certainly impressive - after all not every company has provisions for its products built into most computers. However, this success hasn't translated to the popular tablet, the Apple iPad 2.

Apple's uncompromising focus on streamlining features on its flagship tablet has meant there's no room for a Kensington lock slot. With tablets being just as easy to lose or steal - if not more so - than laptops, Kensington has been keen to come up with a solution. Of course, it also wants to capitalise on the iPad's popularity.

Its solution, the Kensington SecureBack Security Case, isn't that great, unfortunately. It involves a rather unattractive case that clips on to your iPad. With it installed, the once sleek and attractive Apple tablet looks bulky and a bit ugly. Who knows, maybe making the iPad a less attractive gadget is part of Kensington's plan to deter thieves.

But if it keeps your iPad safe, who cares about looks? Well, how well it keeps your iPad protected is a concern. The case itself is rather flimsy and a tiny bit cheap feeling. A determined enough thief wouldn't have much trouble breaking the iPad free.

Verdict

We wouldn't feel completely safe leaving an iPad in a busy café with just the Kensington SecureBack Security Case for security, which makes it pretty much redundant. It may dissuade someone from quickly snatching it, but not much more.

It also doesn't come with the ClickSafe Lock to secure it - essential really for securing the iPad. You need to buy it separately, which is an extra expense.

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