Belkin brandishes iPad Air keyboard cases and accessories
You'll likely need a new keyboard case to go with that iPad Air, and Belkin's just revealed some of the very first options. The Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case leads the brand's parade of new accessories, and sports a black or silver aluminum body and an impressive 264 hours of active battery life for $130. If shelling out that cash after buying an iPad Air is hard to swallow, cast your eyes upon the Qode ThinType Keyboard Case. Spending $30 less ($100) nets you just 79 hours of active use, but still preserves an aluminum build. Meanwhile, if you'd rather get something less business-like and more whimsical, the $80 Qode Slim Style keyboard case (in black, red, topaz, purple and delicious-sounding sorbet) is likely more your style. These three, along with Belkin's stands and keyboardless cases for Apple's newest slate, will be available starting November. For now, a closer look at each of them awaits in the videos after the break.
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Belkin Unveils New iPad Air Keyboard Cases and Accessories
Announcing New Qode Keyboard Cases, Versatile Cover Designs for Work, Play, and Go, and Belkin's First Ultra-Protective Case for iPad Air and iPad mini
PLAYA VISTA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Belkin, the market leader for tablet accessories, today unveiled its newest lineup of cases and keyboards designed for the new iPad Air. Featuring three new Qode keyboard cases, the Apex 360 Advanced Protection Case, and folios created for use on the go or on the couch, Belkin's collection for iPad Air offers something for everyone and every use.
"Research firm IDC speculates that more than 227 million tablets will ship worldwide in 2013, up more than 57 percent from 2012(1), and from our own research we know that consumers are using these tablets primarily as laptop replacements and to watch video content," said Chet Pipkin, CEO of Belkin. "We created our iPad Air accessories around these use cases, upping the ante in terms of protection, versatility and comfort to provide the best experience possible with their new device."
For iPad Air, Belkin updated and improved its award-winning keyboard case collection with three new keyboards offering a range of features and options under the new Qode brand name. The name Qode represents performance, productivity and ease of communication. Smart and intuitive, Qode combines sophisticated technology with beautiful design to create the best iPad keyboards on the market. The Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case offers top-of-the-line features and dual-sided aluminum protection in a sleek and slim body for those wanting to use their iPad as a laptop replacement. Ultra-thin and lightweight, the Qode Thin Type for iPad Air offers unsurpassed portability and ease of attachment for those who don't want a keyboard all the time, while the Qode Slim Style provides full protection in a slim, stylish folio design. All new keyboards feature Belkin's exclusive TruType™ keyboard for superior typing accuracy, optimal tactile response and a comfortable, laptop-like feel.
Belkin's iPad Air case collection also features 10 unique cases and folios designed to match any style, activity or use. The Apex 360 is one of the thinnest extreme protection cases on the market and is built to surpass the U.S. Military's 6-foot drop test. Crafted from an innovative rubberized material, the Apex 360 offers enhanced shock absorption in a stylish package. The all-new FreeStyle Cover features Belkin's thinnest case with a removable QuickStand front cover that snaps on for use as a stand or protective front cover and quickly detaches for minimalist back protection. Designed specifically for use while lounging, the LapStand Cover is crafted with a unique ComfortForm material that helps to keep the iPad Air balanced comfortably on a lap for easy hands-free viewing. For those looking to cover the iPad Air in color and pattern, the FormFit offers a wide range of stylish options while keeping a slim, minimalist profile.
Belkin's full lineup of new iPad Air keyboards and iPad Air cases:
Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad Air (F5L151) $129.99
Extremely thin and light aircraft-grade aluminum for premium feel and durable screen protection
Well-spaced TruType keys offer responsive, accurate typing
Three viewing angles with dual neodymium magnets for extra stability
Keyboard auto on/off; smart sensing technology automatically turns keyboard off when not in use
Keyboard folds into case for comfortable handheld tablet use
Rechargeable battery with 264 hours active battery life
Aluminum body in two color options: Black and Silver
Qode ThinType Keyboard Case for iPad Air (F5L155) $99.99
Protective screen cover and Bluetooth® keyboard in one
Well-spaced TruType keys offer responsive, accurate typing
Function and iOS specific keys
Secure-hold magnets snap seamlessly to iPad
Two angles for both landscape and portrait viewing
Rechargeable battery with 79 hours active battery life
Anodized aluminum body in Silver
Less than 4mm thin
Smart sensing technology automatically turns keyboard off when not in use
Qode Slim Style Keyboard Case for iPad Air (F5L152) $79.99
Folio-style cover and Bluetooth keyboard in one
Well-spaced TruType keys offer responsive, accurate typing
Innovative stand for multiple viewing angles
Handheld media mode – keyboard tucks away flat for touch screen use
Slim, lightweight, stylish design in 5 colors: Black, Red, Topaz, Sorbet and Purple
Apex360 Advanced Protection Case for iPad Air (F7N001) $89.99
Apex 360 Advanced Protection Case for iPad mini (F7N023) $69.99
Built to surpass U.S. Military 6-ft. drop testing
Reinforced frame creates insulating air pockets for shock absorption
Contoured outer shell for secure hold
Removable magnetic QuickStand pivots for multiple portrait and landscape viewing
AutoWake magnets
Clasp closure
F7N001 available in two colors: Blacktop and Olive
F7N023 available in two colors: Blacktop and Fuchsia
Also available for iPad mini
LapStand Cover for iPad Air (F7N061, F7N065) $59.99
Patented LapStand™ design keeps iPad steady on lap
ComfortForm™ material forms to body
Multiple angles for viewing or typing
Protective corners and strap closure keep iPad secure
F7N061 available in Blacktop and Stone microfiber
F7N065 available in Charcoal, Red, Cream and Sorbet twill
FreeStyle Cover for iPad Air (F7N100) $59.99
Ultra-thin, form-fitting design
Versatile magnetic QuickStand cover folds over for screen coverage, back for portrait or landscape viewing, or detaches altogether for sleek back protection
Multiple angles for viewing or typing
Soft-touch finish
Clasp closure
Available in Blacktop and Slate
FormFit Cover for iPad Air (F7N054, F7N062, F7N063, F7N066, F7N101) $39.99-$49.99
Ultra-thin, form-fitting design
Multiple angles for viewing or typing
Clasp closure
F7N054 available in a two-toned palette in Blacktop and Purple
F7N062 available in a stylish scales pattern in Fuchsia
F7N063 available in Black, Slate and Lavender
F7N066 available in a fresh striped pattern in Pink
F7N101 available in Blacktop and Ink with a single stripe
Classic Strap Cover for iPad Air (F7N053) $29.99
Classic design in a lightweight, durable fabric
Thin, tailored fit
Elastic strap closure
Available in Black and Rose
TriFold Cover for iPad Air (F7N056) $39.99
Soft-touch finish
Cinema viewing angle and comfortable typing angle
Elastic strap closure
Available in Black, Purple and Bubblegum
MultiTasker Cover for iPad Air (F7N059) $59.99
Natural grain leather
Stylus and business card storage
Multiple angles for viewing and typing
Magnetic tab closure
Available in Black, Ink and Rose
Stripe Tab Cover with Stand for iPad Air (F7N060) $49.99
Multiple angles for viewing and typing
Integrated magnetic tab closure
X-frame design with protective corners keep iPad secure
Pinstripe pattern for contrasting color and texture
Available in Black, Burgundy and Ink
Dash Tab Cover with Stand for iPad Air (F7N064) $49.99
Multiple angles for viewing and typing
Integrated magnetic tab closure
X-frame design with protective corners keep iPad secure
Dash pattern along spine for pop of color and texture
Available in Black, Gravel and
Quilted Cover with Stand for iPad Air (F7N073) $39.99
Stylish quilted design
Adjustable viewing angles
AutoWake magnets
Available in Blacktop, Cream and Ruby
Availability
Belkin accessories for iPad Air will be available online at Belkin.com and at select retailers worldwide starting in November. The Apex360 Advanced Protection Case for iPad Mini is available now at Belkin.com and select retailers and will be available for IPad Air in December.
