Can you believe that it has been 5 years since the first iPad was released to the public? I myself have been using one for several years now and would be lost without it. When I bought my iPad I did so with the intention of replacing a laptop for work, and while earlier versions didn’t have the oomph to be my only work device, my new iPad Air 2 does. But in order to use my iPad for my everyday work I needed some peripherals, such as a keyboard. Felix, a maker of accessories for smartphones and tablets, has realized the need for a keyboard while using your tablet device and has come up with the FlipWrite iPad case.
Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.
The FlipWrite is not a new concept in the iPad keyboard game, but Felix tries to set the FlipWrite apart by its lightweight design and iOS shortcut keys. I found the following information on the Felix website:
- Attachment: FlipWrite uses a combination of a friction fit and strategically placed magnets inside its “spine” to hold your iPad inside the case. Simply slide your iPad into the spine of the case with the home button on the bottom and the volume controls exposed on the right. (NOTE: for magnets to work, iPad must be placed as described above).
- Colors: Black
- Compatibility: FlipWrite comes in three sizes – one fitted for iPad Air, one fitted for iPad Air 2 and one sized for the original iPad, Gen 2-4
- Size: iPad Air model: L 9.5″ x W 7″ x D .65″ (Depth is with an iPad Air installed)
iPad Original model: L 9.6″ x W 7.7″ x D .79″(Depth is with iPad installed) - Technology: FlipWrite uses Bluetooth(R) technology, along with intelligent power management features, to deliver a seamless wireless keyboard experience. *2+ month battery life is based on an average usage of 2hrs per day.
The FlipWrite comes with the case and a Micro-USB to USB charging cable. I am using an iPad Air 2 for this review.
The front and back of this case are basically the same except for the Felix logo stamped in the back. The covers are fairly stiff for the protection of your device. The covering in made out of a black vegan leather (a leather substitute). It does look and feel nice, but I will admit that the cover does pick up the oils from your skin rather easily.
The FlipWrite has a unique design when it comes to mounting your iPad, instead of mounting your iPad into a case, the FlipWrite has a u-shaped bar that uses friction and magnets to hold the iPad in place. While my iPad seemed secure when placed into the holder, I will admit that I found it hard to actually seat my iPad into the holder.
The top cover of the FlipWrite is felt lined with a built-in kickstand that allows you to view your iPad in 10 different angles.the design works well and seemed pretty steady when I tested it. You will note that dust and lint show up easily on the inside cover.
The bottom cover holds the keyboard for the FlipWrite. The keyboard itself seemed to be about a 3/4 size keyboard so the keys will be a little smaller and spaced close together. For me, this is not a real issue, as I am a hunt and peck typist. At the upper right side of the keyboard is located the power button, the power indicator light, the Bluetooth pairing light and the caps lock light. For the most part, the keyboard is laid out like my Apple keyboard, so transitioning should not be an issue. The only real issue I have with the keyboard itself is the location of the charging port. I wish they had located it on the side of the keyboard and not the top where it can be a little clunky plugging the Micro-USB end into it.
Using the FlipWrite with your iPad is fairly simple on a flat surface, the kickstand does a good job of holding the iPad in place. Connecting the keyboard to the iPad through Bluetooth was fairly simple by just following the directions. Charging the FlipWrite keyboard is just a matter of plugging the included Micro-USB to USB cable into the keyboard and USB slot and waiting for the red indicator light to go out telling you the keyboard is charged.
When closed the FlexWrite is not too bulky, but it is a little thicker than my current Element case. Although my iPad did seem pretty secure in the FlipWrite case, I am not 100% sold on the design.
So, what’s my bottom line here? From a design standpoint, I think the FlipWrite is well designed and well made. From a user’s standpoint, I do not think I would like to keep my iPad in the case all the time. For working on a flat surface the FlipWrite is great, but when I am just chilling I do not need the extra bulk or weight. This would not be an issue if I could get my iPad in and out of the case easier. The keyboard works great and I had no issue with using it. Pricing $99.99 at the Fenix website is on par with competitors for similar products so I have no issue there. What I am saying here, if you are looking for a work travel keyboard, the FlipWrite may be a suitable solution for you.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Fenix. Please visit their site for more info.
