Rocketfish - Advanced Series iCapsule Keyboard for Apple&#174 iPad&#8482 - Multi

I just bought this case/keyboard today after thinking about getting it all week. I read all the other reviews on here before I bought mine and I have no idea why people are complaing about some things. "No slot to plug in charger" - There is a slot to plug in your headphones but no slot for the charger cable. This does not bother me one bit. This case/keyboard is ment to be something portable. It is not turning your iPad into a desktop computer. Also, you should not charge your electronics while they are in use anyway. It is bad for the battery. "It tips over easy when on lap" - I have used my iPad in this case/keyboard both on a table and on my lap sitting in an office chair. It is a little top heavy with the iPad in it but it does not rock back any easier than my 15" MacBook Pro when that is on my lap. I have a clear plastic shell on my MacBook Pro. Also, the handel of the case helps keep it from rocking back. "Does not have its own custom rechargeable battery" - I feel that this would make the case heavier. I have the Apple rechargeable AA batteries and they work great and last a really long time. Now onto what I think. I love this case. I am a HUGE Apple geek and the design of the case reminds me a lot of the old Apple Clam Shell laptops. The keyboard is very easy to type on and all the added iPad specific buttons are great. I was skeptical at first about how secure my iPad will be while the case is closed. I put it in the case, closed it, and sung it around pretty vigoursly and the case didn't even crack open the slightest bit. I really love this case. A few things that do not bother me but I wish were part of the case are... A way to scroll when on safari and other apps. I also wish the Apple logo would appear right side up threw the cut out on the back of the case. (Nothing that can be done about that). (I have a Zagg invisible shield on the front, back, and all sides of my iPad. This might affect the following comment.) One tiny thing that bothered me was when I have the iPad in the case and I was in the process of closing it the volume down button would be pushed causing the iPad to go mute. They should have made a tiny cut out for the volume buttons to avoid this problem. I was quick to act and found a simple fix. I just took a 3x5 notecard folded it in half and then in half one more time. I cut the card so it would be pretty small. As I put the top part of my iPad in the case, I put the cut piece of notecard over the mute slider switch. This keeps just enough space from the top of the iPad from the case so the volume is not longer affected when I touch the top part of the case. I do not find this to be a problem at all. I can not even notice the notecard. I would highly reccomend this case/keyboard for anyone who does a good amout of typing on their iPad. This case adds a lot of neat little features to the user experience making the iPad more efficent. It also provides a lot of protection. In my opinion the best product of its kind.

This case/keyboard is really the best out there so far. The full sized keyboard and plastic keys make it a winner over its competitors (its price as well). However, it's definitely not a perfect product. First off, the most annoying thing I have come across is definitely the short sleep time for the keyboard. I believe it is about 45 to 50 seconds. So literally, every time you get up or pause, you have to wait 3-4 seconds for the keyboard to wake up when you come back. Secondly, the keyboard uses two AA. This was probably to save on the cost of a lithium rechargeable battery. This doesn't really bother me since I get packs of AA's for free, but for those of you who are not as lucky as I, this may get on your nerves if you're a heavy user. Next is the inability to charge your iPad while it is in the case. I wasn't sure if it was going to be a big deal or not. I figured I could just charge at night when it is not in the case. However, after using it extensively now, it still would be convenient to have the ability to pop in a charge without removing the iPad. On the same note, the headphone cutout really sucks. There's really not enough room if your headphones or AUX cord have a larger terminal end. If you use studiophones with an adapter, it definitely won't fit. The product is overall made out of plastic that seems a bit chintsy. It reminds me of one of those old VTECH toy laptops they used to make, except lighter. If you dropped it, it would no doubt break. The last thing is just a personal gripe, but I'll include it anyway. The overall design is a bit in the shape of the old ugly sea green Macbooks. It's not very pretty. They would have been wise to stick to the look and feel of the MacBook. The cutout in the back makes it look kind of stupid too. However, it does serve as a way to push your iPad out of the holder from the back. Yes, overall, this review seemed negative. But I wanted to highlight issues I thought were important. Especially for those who are looking to turn their iPads until a netbook. If you need something like this now, I would suggest this item. It has a full keyboard (you won't see that anywhere else) with plastic keys (those a pretty rare too since most are silicon). It's easier to remove than from the clamcase or crux360, but then again, it doesn't have a pivoting hinge. However, the handle on this model keeps it from tipping over backwards, like the crux360 and clamcase do when on the lap. If you can wait for a future product that will inevitably come and most likely will be better made, then you might be happier if you do so.

OK, first off, this is a good item for a beginner or a low volume user. I use the touch keyboard a lot. and there were some pluses and some minus. Unfortunately for me the minuses out weighted the pluses. The rocketfish is a good medium for storing your ipad, keeping it secure, and having a keyboard attached on demand for those lengthy emails and documents. It snaps in securely and keep the ipad safe from the butterfingers of our lives and the elements. The keyboard is a very nice size and the keyboard is responsive and doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. I also like that in the open position you can snap the ipad into portrait and landscape which ever you decide you want. However, you must move it back to landscape if you want to close the case. It also has a handle in the back which makes it easy to pick up and go. Downsides, it runs on AA batteries (2 to be exact). These are not rechargeable. For the cost there should have been a integrated rechargeable battery. You can not use any type of cover for your ipad and use this item. The iPad must be mounted naked. As some reviewers have stated you can't charge your ipad in this item (which is true), and the buttons and ports are hard to access while it is mounted in the casing. Additionally, if you want to use it as an ebook or playing games you have to do it across the keyboard or take it out and wrestle on a case for your ipad (or do it naked and risk a drop and damage) The casing seems sturdy, but also in a way flimsy. It has a finish on it that can hold fingerprints very well and probably show each scrape and scratch. Like I said, try it out, I just found this is not for me. I have tried the Kensington Keyfolio (rubber keys, cheap, unresponsive, and the ipad tends to want to fall), the ZaggMate with Keyboard (small typing space and raised edges make it difficult to type in those corners (enter, shift, etc.) and now this, all of which have gone back. If I had to pick one, I think in regards to security, and usability the rocketfish is the best. I am going to however order the clamcase, I know it makes it into a netbook, but the 360 degree swivel case is what sold me, many times I just want to run my ipod with photos and have them on display, but when that email comes in, bam flip it out and type away. the keys are more like those of my macbook, but not having that constant girth to carry around all the time. For the price this is a good deal, $79 is a steal for this type of set up. If you want to pay a bit more, wait until the end of the month for the ClamCase.

Somewhat heavier and bulkier (without the iPad) than expected from the pictures. Turns an iPad 1 into a ~3.5# "Netbook". (Weighs 2.2# by itself). I will still travel with it and leave my Laptop at home (already doing that when on vacation), despite the extra 2.2# wt., rather than bring both iPad and Laptop, or just my 5.5# Macbook. Turns your iPad 1 into a poor (or frugal) man's 10" Macbook Air (& 2x's heavier). At home, my 5 year old Macbook is going to mostly stay connected to it's external keyboard and monitor 95% of the time, and get even less use now that I have the RF-iCap keyboard. Pairing was very difficult at first, and took nearly 10 attempts. (I thought I was going to have to return it.) Apparently I was having interference from my Phone in my pocket with it's bluetooth turned on. Once paired, I couldn't type with it until I turned my Phone's bluetooth off.  Make sure you're over 30 ft. away from any other bluetooth devices when pairing. Once paired, I've had no problems such as loosing the connection between sessions. (Note: the instructions say press the Enter key after entering the pairing code, but there is no key labeled "Enter". Naturally, pressing Return worked.)  ANY keyboard is much better than typing on the iPad's virtual keyboard (at least for me - I'm constantly hitting bottom row keys instead of the space bar, which is my biggest problem with the virtual keyboard). This full size keyboard has similar feel (i.e. travel) as a Macbook, but significantly noisier and cheaper feeling (no typing allowed when spousal unit is trying to sleep.) I would have gladly paid up to twice as much ($50) for a higher quality (i.e. quieter) keyboard. (You get what you pay for.) Finally having arrow keys and "Select Right", etc. to move the cursor and select text, etc. is wonderful. Option right or left arrow key command moves the cursor one word as a time, as expected. At least in Apple's Notes & Mail App, the Command key does work on selected text (copy, paste, undo commands, etc.). Too bad the iPad doesn't support Command-Tab to switch between Apps. I wish they had included brightness keys instead of the 4 right side math keys. I'll rarely, if ever, use them. Like another reviewer, I'm occasionally reaching for a trackpad that isn't there (especialy since my MacBook is black too). For those confused by some reviews, as I was, Rocketfish has apparently done away with the micro USB charging port (which earlier reviews report is very easy to break), and revised it instead to non rechareable (i.e. via that port) AA batteries. The tiny keyboard light illuminates when you open the lid, so there is some switch inside that must wake it up from sleep when opening. (Too bad this is only for the iPad 1, since it won't wake up or sleep automatically when the lid opens/closes. They really should make another model for the iPad 2 & 3.) As far as charging when the iPad is attached - simply releasing it from the top latch (tipping it out slightly) works fine for me, rather than rotating to portrait orientation. The quick release from the keyboard makes it easy to go to/from iPad only use. (Not having a cutout for the charger is a puzzling design decision, since they did make a cutout for headphones.) If it lasts at least a year, I'd say it's a great product for a GREAT price (now $25), especially compared to the Claimcase which, although smaller and lighter (& cramped keyboard), sells for a whopping $150.  (Historical note: Apple, ~15 years ago, made a Newton PDA in a "claimcase", primarily for schools. This combination is that Newton - which Steve Jobs hated btw - reborn 15 yrs. later, much better and more useful, and is perfect for classrooms.)

I rated this a 3 because although I love this device, it has a few serious flaws that really don't make sense. more on that later. I'm typing this review with it. It's an excellent sized keyboard, the case protects the iPad very well, and setup and use is very easy. iPad is well-secured inside the case, and remains so while in landscape mode. There is a notch in the side for your earbud cable so you can listen to music while carrying it closed. I like that it uses AA batteries instead of a proprietary battery that is not user replaceable. And it comes with a pair to get you started! how cool is that? ok, now for those flaws. 1) First and most significant: You can't use the iPad secured in the case while plugged in. c'mon guys, really? Another small notch in one side would accommodate the USB cable. kinda lame fellas... 2) When the ipad is secured in the case, it's too back heavy for use on your lap. it tips right over backwards onto the floor. it's fine as long as you have your hands rested on the keyboard, but as soon as you let go of it, WOOP! there she goes! 3)the keyboard goes into sleep mode way too quickly. I wish it was somehow configurable. there should be an app for that! ;-) 4) documentation? virtually non-existent. the iPad is the only Mac product I own. how are the command and option keys used? How do I turn the keyboard off? I figured out that it shuts off when the case closes, but I should have been able to read that in the manual. contrary to popular tech culture, I actually RTFM. 5) a hole in the case to show the apple logo? Why??? "Hey thief! over here! something for you to steal!" Also, without the hole in the case, the ipad would be protected from minor splashes and light rain, or that sprinkler that came on at the wrong time. ok, I really dissed on it but in reality, this is a far better value than the zaggmate, at the same price. if you drop the zaggmate, the ipad is going to pop out and go flying. not with the iCapsule.

I just purchased this case, after looking at bluetooth cases for several months. It was worth the wait and the research to buy this one. I have a feeling this will be both the first and last keyboard for my iPad! Some of the positives, it makes you feel as if your iPad is more of a laptop that because of the way it looks and how well the screen fits into the case. While it is easy to snap the iPad in, it fits very securely. The keyboard is a pretty generous size. So the keyboard allows you to type and work very comfortably. And I love the buttons for home, cut, paste, etc at the top since it makes using the iPad functions easier. I like the design w/ the handle that makes it so easy to carry around. It's also incredibly easy to pair to the iPad. Once you set it up, that's it, you're done. And it is easy to reconnect later on. The only drawbacks, for some is that there is no rechargeable battery that you can plug in like some models, batteries are required. Easy solution, buy rechargeable batteries and keep them handy. I'm not doing applications that require tons of typing, but I can see if you were someone who had to type constantly, that might be a problem. the other is that there is no way to charge your ipad or listen to any music, etc while in the landscape holder. You would have to take it out and use it in portrait if you intended to connect anything. But that's again another minor inconvenience. I would highly recommend this case. Just love how well this case is designed, everything just feels as if it's a quality product, and the hardshell makes it so comfortable to type on while it's even on your lap. Again, love how well the iPad fits and how secure it feels in the case. Just incredibly easy to use and overall fantastic product.

I just love this case, best investment I have made for an accessory. also it looks very sharp, there is even a cut out so the apple logo to shows through. When closed there is a built in handle for easy carrying as well. This case is solid, and protects my iPad in travel as well as during use. During use the iPad actually locks in place in the cover when used in landscape mode, but in portrait mode it simply sets in a deep groove. The speaker on the iPad is not obstructed by the case at all, the sound is still great. The keyboard works on 2 AA batteries and is blue-tooth, so no plug to come loose. It was easy to set up, 3 - 4 simple steps and you are ready to go. Has many shortcut keys, like home screen, copy, cut, and paste. I was kinda surprised at the price but after I got it I was glad I did. The case is well made, strong, sturdy and easy to use. The keyboard is like having a laptop, great for typing emails and such. Also the case sits easily on your lap without tipping. My only negatives would be that the case is shiny black so it shows every fingerprint and would show scratches easily, so I am getting a cover skin for it, hope that works. The other drawback is that the battery cover and the case itself are difficult to open but then again that keeps them closed too I guess.

I wanted something that would convert my iPad into a laptop, and that's what the iCapsule does. I already had an Apple wireless keyboard, but there's no easy way to use it on your lap. The iCapsule works great. The iPad fits like a glove, and the full size keyboard works well. I really like the custom keyboard shortcut keys. The iPad goes in and out easily. I have ordered another case to use in pure tablet mode which is easy to take on and off. I have been using the Apple case that I like, but the iPad it is awkward to put on / take off. Time will tell how much of the time I will keep the iPad in the iCapsule, but I'm glad to have it around when I need to do a lot of typing. As another reviewer pointed out, the iCapsule does "go to sleep" and disconnect a lot (after about 30 seconds of non use). It wakes up an connects again if you press a key. While it is slightly annoying, it is better than staying connected too long. My Apple keyboard stays connected a long time. I found that I would be trying to use it in tablet mode and the on screen keyboard wouldn't come up because the wireless keyboard was still connected in the other room! With the iCapsule, that's not an issue. It's also worth noting that the iCapsule is relatively large & thick compared to the iPad alone. For me, it's worth it in order to get a full size keyboard with a palm rest. If I'm going to use an add on keyboard, I want it to be fully functional. Bottom line...very happy with my iCapsule.