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I'm so grateful to have found the New Trent Airbender 3.0 bluetooth keyboard case as a solution to iPad Air 2's protection and typing needs. It has effectively ended my search for a suitable keyboard to use with my Air 2. The following are my impressions of the product on a point-by-point basis. -The first thing that really grabbed my attention was the product packaging--it is a beautifully sturdy and attractive box that looks like it was mocked up in Cupertino! I must say that this inspired confidence even before I laid eyes and fingertips on the actual product. -Upon opening the package, I was impressed by the rich black color of the case which nicely contrasts my white/gold iPad Air 2. -Installation of the back portion of the case was very simple and pain-free and providing a perfect fit to the backside of my iPad with a cut-out area to showcase the signature Apple logo as well as one for the camera. -Attaching the keyboard side to the back cover is also very easy and is customizable to a large variety of angles which I appreciate. It allows me to set it at an appropriate viewing angle for typing from different heights (think of the different possibilities of chair heights and desk heights). Changing the setting is as simple as sliding a button and once set, the setting is locked into place for security. -Pairing the keyboard to the iPad was painless and connectivity was established quickly and on the first attempt. -The keyboard keys themselves have a bit of weight to them and are spaced as best as possible given the real estate that is available. -I found typing on the keys to be a bit of a challenge to get accustomed to as I have been typing on traditional desktop-sized keyboards for so long. However, now that I've become a frequent user of this size keyboard, I'm able to type nearly as quickly and accurately as on a full-size keyboard. -The battery life of the keyboard is plenty enough for me and outside an EXTREMELY extended typing session, should last you many, many rounds before needing a recharge. Overall, I'd have to say I'm very pleased with both the protective and functional aspects of this keyboard case. It comes highly recommended by me! Full disclosure: I received the item at a reduced price in return for a fair and reliable review based on my user experienceRead full review
Verified purchase: No
The Airbender 3 case is designed for use with the iPad Air or the iPad Air 2. It’s constructed from polycarbonate and has a hard clamshell case design. The case has a three-piece design – protective back, extendable arm and the keyboard base. This is a unique design from what I’ve seen in other cases. Typically, I’ve seen a simple ‘book’ fold or folio case – not one with an extendable arm. This arm allows the user to view the iPad in various angles and not just open or closed. The keyboard charges via Micro USB and has a built-in non-removable Lithium Ion battery. The protective backing has a rotating head on it that allows the user to view the iPad in both landscape and portrait modes. This is very unique to the keyboard case world. In fact, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a keyboard case that lets the user do this. Upon taking the case out of the its box, I have to admit that I thought it was a bit clunky looking; with it being a hard plastic clamshell design, but it’s well protected. When it closes up, the case latches shut with a small rubber notch. This notch tends to get in the way a bit when typing. I also found that if you are trying to use the keyboard case on your lap, it’s a little off-balanced but not a deal-breaker. The responsiveness of the keyboard is one of the first things I take note of when I start using a Bluetooth keyboard. The Airbender 3’s keyboard is very responsive. I’ve not had any problems with it connecting or disconnecting at random and reconnects very easily. The other thing I wanted to mention was how easy it is to pair the keyboard to an iPad. The process takes only a couple of seconds. There are a lot of keyboard cases available for the iPad Air 2, but many of them are so much more expensive than this one and don’t offer nearly the same level of protection or quality of the build. If you are looking for a good, protective, keyboard case for the iPad Air 2, give the Airbender 3 a chance.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
I received this New Trent product at a reduced price in return for a fair and reliable review based on my user experience. I have reviewed both the New Trent (NT55B) Airbender Star as well as the New Trent (NT30B) Airbender 3.0, this product, and I much prefer this model, the NT30B for my needs. The NT30B arrives in a very attractive simple white box package, no waste, nice clean look, with well layed out product information and pictures on the back. I found the product very easy to setup. The initial full charge completed in less than 2 hours. I like very much the clamshell form factor, which makes it more "laptop" or "netbook" like, which when closed has a considerably smaller footprint than the larger NT55B. It's not really heavy, but it is more moderate to carry than the iPad alone, however more compact than the NT55B. The hard plastic material seems well made, and the iPad Air 2 fits firmly and securely into the protective case, all ports and cutouts line up perfectly. There is a special paper insert in the box with instructions for removing the iPad from the back cover. This is due to the strategically located plastic tabs around the edge of the case. The hard plastic material does pick up some finger prints, but they are easily wiped off with a soft cloth, like those used to clean eye glasses. What I love most about this model is the 360 degree vertical rotation. This means that the iPad can be used in either landscape or portrait mode. I am also very fond of the "arm stand" design which attaches and detaches the display from the keyboard. While attached, it can be extended to provide some distance of the display from the keyboard and the display can be adjusted to any comfortable viewing angle. In detached mode, it serves as a table top stand, again allowing the display to be used in landscape or portrait mode. The iPad along with the protective case can be detached from the arm stand by pinching the circular locking mechanism on the back, which actually also has a rather smart looking shiney/reflective "New Trent" logo on it. I rather like the looks of it. I do like the fact that they keyboard can be used while charging. I found the BT pairing procedure to be quite straight forward, quick, and easy. One Note: As I am currently testing the NT55B and the NT30B simultaneously, both devices are listed in Bluetooth Settings on the iPad as "New Trent Keyboard". This may be fine for most users, as they would normally not be purchasing two different models, but it would be a nice touch to be more specific with the BT identification, such as "New Trent NT30B Keyboard" or "New Trent Airbender 3.0 Keyboard". I did find the keyboard itself to be very enjoyable to use. The keys have a nice comfortable click feel to them with just the right amount of bounce back. I also appreciated the inclusion of the top row of special function keys that would take the place of the F1-F12 keys on a traditional PC keyboard. The only frustrating aspect of the keyboard is that it does not have [Delete], [Home] or [End] keys. I tend to use these frequently and without a track pad, it takes some time to adjust to reaching up to the iPad screen to relocate the cursor. As for the NT30B's use as a laptop, it does seem most practical for table-top use. However, with the addition of the arm stand and allowing it to be extended and tilted, using on your lap or pillow, etc., it is do-able without causing the top heavy unit to tip over backward, unlike the NT55B. Whether rotated over the back of the arm stand and closed clamshell style over the keyboard or in display detached mode, overall the whole thing seems nimble and comfortable to use in most situations. When closing the unit clamshell style, the iPad's auto on/off function didn't always work for me, as it did with the NT55B, this is unless I squeeze the unit gently for the magnets to make full contact. The rubber/plastic latch that locks the screen and keyboard together when closed did seem to work well for me, as apposed to the NT55B, which kept popping back out. As far as a functioning BT keyboard for the iPad, I think it works very well overall, and is very responsive. I didn't notice any lag time at all. A couple notes for improvement: - Backlit keyboard would be nice - Awkward situation: If you are typing along using the keyboard and then decide to flip the display backward over the arm stand and lay down flat over the keyboard, there is no option returned to the iPad display to bring up the native iPad on-screen keyboard. You must either lift up the display a few inches and reach up to press the [keyboard] special function key on the top row or remember press it prior to rotating. Not sure if this is something that could be fixed.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
This is my second review of Bluetooth keyboard from this company. I tried the another version with detachable keyboard which allow one to just lift it out of the keyboard. I much prefer this version of the keyboard. It fixed most of the problem I have with the other one. Pro: Cover is detachable both way. (Either left the stand with the cover or with the stand ) Stand is made of metal (Feels really strong) Keyboard overall feel is much strong compare to the other version. Cover is much easier to remove and really light. I can ditch my current cover with this one. Auto shutoff when I close the iPad. 360 swivel stand The cover has a thin pad so it does not scratch the back of my iPad when I mount it. Con: I wish there is a cut out for my apple Smart Cover so I can use it when I don't feel like o carry the whole thing with me. Wish there is a different color Same problem as the lift out version. A little difficult to put this on you lab and type. I need to make sure to put the stand is on one of the leg so it doesn't tip over. I ended up typing in an angle. Wish it has app comes with it so I can customize certain key to open certain app. The stand's teeth is loose it slides too easily. It does not lock in place. I can see this being problem when I accidentally push the keyboard against the wall may accidentally push the stand in. No backlit Will be nice if the stand's length is adjustable. Like the collasable pointer. An option to take stand of swivel and have hand strap will make this a true multi-function keyboard. While I was typing this review, my Lock key came off. I was able to pop it back in without problem. The key needs to be mounted stronger. Will be nice if I can bent the iPad all the way around. Overall likes it a lot. Meets most of the expectations. I received this New Trent product at a reduced price in return for a fair and reliable review based on my user experience.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
The case and keyboard look great when open or folded. The colors are pleasing and it folds compact enough to not feel cumbersome to carry. The installation was simple and though instructions are four small pages, they contain all you need to pair the Bluetooth and set the iPad safely inside the case. Once installed the rubber latching system seemed to fragile and actually required a bit more dexterity to open than one would expect. I do not like the latch. When opening the case it takes practiced hands as sliding the screen out requires two hands and moving a small latch sideways while pulling ( or pushing) the top portion out. It can, and does, pull completely out if not careful. Once you have the hang of it though the ability to adjust screen angle and hold the iPad up is outstanding. It fixes the biggest problem with other keyboard case combos of screen angle and support (slide prevention) with the perfect groove above the keyboard. When you don't want to use the keyboard but still support the iPad for movies there are lots of angle options and ways to stabilize it. The keyboard battery has lasted a week of normal use without recharging. It responds well to normal typing speeds. It does not do well with really fast typing in my opinion, but I can't type full speed on the mini keyboard anyways. The raised keys are nice and give a solid feel to pressing down. Overall a great combo. I highly recommend to someone needing to type regularly on their iPad and use for work and entertainment. It needed a two days of use to grow on me due to the dexterity requirements but it was worth it. I received the item at a reduced price in return for a fair and reliable review based on my user experience. I refuse to let it bias my reviews.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
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