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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I really like my Rocketfish Keyboard. It allows me to type much more quickly than i can by using the touch screen. It also seems pretty sturdy and provides protection for the touch screen when not in use. The only down fall I can think of is that is uses batteries and there is no AC adaptor to plug it in. You can not buy one either. It also does not allow the ipad to be plugged in when in use with the keyboard so your on battery only the whole time. I am a little leary about carrying it by the handle, I'm just too afraid it might come open. I wish it had a clasp or something that had to be pushed before it would open.

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 bought this case and liked it a lot, despite its bulk. Then I got an iPad2 and found it didn't fit in the iCapsule, so I had to return it. Would definitely consider an iCapsule that fits the iPad 2, if one were made available.

Picked this up an hour ago and had it up and running in 5 mins. I had the Zigg Pad before the holidays and was less than impressed. it had hard, sharp edges and not way to secure the iPad while it was in use. I like the form factor of this one. it looks like a laptop with a full sized keyboard. in fact I find myself trying to scroll with the trackpad that does not exsist (it's a hard habit to break). Overall I like it so far.