Just received this afternoon (before Christmas, yeah!)
This is the "Bear Motion Premium Folio Leather Case with Detachable Keyboard" Purchased at $21.99 (Amazon Link) (Wait, they just sold out?)
The box is a very plain white box with orange highlights that bears (no pun intended) no brand name, just "Bluetooth Keyboard case" (for Kindle Fire HDX7)
Strangely, my box appears to have been opened, and the microUSB cable was left stuffed on top of the flap, but the device appears to be untouched. (Maybe it's for testing? Bear Motion claims they test every device)
Instructions (a tiny CD-jewelcase insert sized brochure) states that you should leave it charging for a couple hours. Their USB cord is a bit short, so I used my Kindle microUSB cable for charging.
The keyboard is just attached via magnet to the case, and is detachable, pretty firmly. I separated it to charge while I studied the case.
The case itself is made of "leather" and has a nice "foamy" backing that makes it somewhat spongy. I was momentarily flummoxed by how to insert my HDX, then I realized I have to open the hook-and-loop flap, slide the thing in from the bottom, then try to fit the flap back in to secure the HDX.
The case has nice big openings for the volume and the power button, as well as rear holes for the stereo speakers. It has a "jackstand" that pops out, but it does not have multiple angles. However, it appears to have metal backing instead of plastic that can break.
I inspected for broken stitches and such and cannot detect any at a cursory inspection.
Keyboard... looks quite generic. It is a basic keyboard, really squished together to fit on a 7 inch platform. I am a touch typist (85WPM) and I cannot touch type on that keyboard at all. None of the keys are in their proper positions, but then you don't really expect to touch type on this, do you? This is for the two-finger typists who need to enter more than usual text but don't want to touch the screen. I suspect those with the 8.9 inch version of this may have more luck. They also have versions for various Samsung devices and iPads.
Key feel is "meh". Tiny keys, tiny travel. Can't swear to durability as I've had it for less than 24 hours. Pairing per instructions is painless. Turn on Bluetooth and sync, turn keyboard on, and hit sync on keyboard... Tap, enter a code supplied by HDX, and voila, I am paired.
This is not a laptop replacement nor is it meant to be. It's a convenience keyboard that can help you enter more text than onscreen keyboard while you're on the go. If you want a BETTER Bluetooth keyboard, and don't care about the case, well, go buy a Microsoft Mobile Sculpt KB for $23.40. If you want to carry your keyboard with you... this is not a bad choice.
I'll check it out.
Related
FULL SIZE KEYBOARD DOCK, Model No: ECR-K15AWEGSTA
It looks like it is a 10.1 size keyboard but with 8.9 slot. The keyboard is wider than the tablet, unlike for 10.1 where the difference is negligible. But that's not really important, what is that the keyboard is super comfy and completely changes the way you interact with the tablet. Especially when you extensively use Documents To Go app or similar. Anytime I have an opportunity to use it I do it instead of using Thumb Keyboards app I have installed as well. This keyboard has fully functional tablet port passthrough extender. I checked its operation with USB and SD card adapter, it works flawlessly. You can also plug your charger while typing or chatting long hours with Google Talk without worry that your battery will die. Tablet recognizes keyboard automatically and switches its input mode to Samsung keyboard without you doing it manually. Tablet fit is tight so it wont wobble back and forward as you move it around. Anti-slip cushion pads underneath prevent keyboard from shifting when you type or push tab screen. Price is $79 plus free shipping on manufacturer website. See photos down below.
MULTI-MEDIA DOCK for Galaxy Tab™ 8.9, Model No: EDD-D1C9BEGSTA
MULTI-MEDIA DOCK for Galaxy Tab™ 8.9, Model No: EDD-D1C9BEGSTA
This dock fits perfectly to my 8.9 tab. Like the keyboard dock it has Samsung connector and 3.5mm jack passthrough. Same thing with charging the tab, you can do it by connecting your charger. When you connect it to your PC, you can transfer files to and from your tab. Both USB and SD-Card adapters - separate accessory - works as well. Very sleek and high quality looking design. If you can live with touch screen keyboard and you need a dock, this is the one for you. Price tag is $35 directly from manufacturer website.
Galaxy Tab 8.9 Leather Pouch, Model: EFC-1C9LBEBSTD
SGT8.9 is one of the thinnest tabs around so why not to enjoy it? That is why I purchased this pouch which perfectly protects my tab whenever not in my hands. The fit is perfect and material quality high, although I am not sure if this is genuine leather. But it is thick enough for years to come. Tab wont slip out of it uncontrolled, on the other hand it requires no effort to take it out of the pouch. I love it. Purchased directly from manufacturer website, worht every penny.
esdwa said:
FULL SIZE KEYBOARD DOCK, Model No: ECR-K15AWEGSTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My local Best Buy had the 10.1 keyboard and it was smaller than the picture of it I had in my head. From pictures, I just imagined it being a tad bulky and not very attractive. But it felt nice in my hands, felt pretty solid and well made. It even has a little sex appeal... a little. The keys feel and work well, very responsive and have a pleasant touch to them. Unfortunately, they did not have one for the 8.9 Tab. I might just have to order one of those bad boys. Although, a bluetooth keyboard/stand combo would be pretty awesome too. Hmmm... Decisions, decisions...
OK first off, apologies if this is long winded or if I should have posted this in the other accessory threads. I've had my Note 10.1 for five days now - case came the day I picked up the tablet (good timing!), and the USB adaptors arrived today.
====
Blue Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 'Executive Plus' Faux Leather Case with Screen Protector and Stylus Pen Holder (Fits both Tablet Versions Note 10.1 N8000/N8010):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Exe...XVJ0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1353061991&sr=8-2
Packaging
The case arrived in a nondescript cardboard box inside another cardboard box (nobrand ). The insides were kept in shape by a foam insert. I also got a screen protector with this package (again, nobrand)
Usage
The case itself is really well made, the note slips inside a pouch and velcro'ed in, and the front cover folds backwards to form a stand. Access ports are unblocked, with generous openings for the cameras and sensors, as well as holes where the speakers are (smart!). Removing the S PEN from its slot is not very easy since there's no hole cut into the case for that. There is, however, a pen holder loop built on the top ridge of the case where your power buttons and I guess you could store the S PEN there, or buy another S PEN and keep it there (I'm tempted to do that)
The lid stays shut with the help of magnets built into the top edge of the case, seems sturdy. There are two slots for SD cards built into the inside of the case but I don't think I will use them - they're exposed when you flip the lid open to form the stand and I'm not too convinced the cards will stay where they are.
Overall, a good case, hard, slim, functional. And its a nice blue colour . Might not be as padded as other cases but it is light and does protect the tablet to some degree. The only real gripe I have with this case is the flap the lid slots into when using it as a stand. It's made of hard material, but it feels like it will go out of shape after extended periods of use. The screen protector is nothing to shout home about, it does what it does, protects the screen. Screen brightness is affected slightly by the protector though.
====
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 SD Card and USB Adapter - Black:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-Gal...2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1353062038&sr=1-2
Packaging
Small box the size of cigarette cartons. Does say Samsung Galaxy Tab but it works just as well with the note. Comes with instruction sheet (!)
Usage
The USB adaptors are amazing. All plastic, good build quality, light weight. You get one 30pin to female USB connector, plus another 30pin to full sized SD card adaptor. Connected my camera direct to the note using the USB and it had no trouble reading it or transferring pictures from the camera's SD card. Same with other USB sticks. The SD card adaptor works in the same way except only for SD cards of course. Streaming movies was not an issue.
Only problems might be the 30pin itself. Feels like the slightest knock will bend it out of shape when its in the note. Overall I am really pleased with the adaptors, although they are a bit more expensive than the other brands and you'll need to carry both adaptors plus other bits compared to, for example, the eKit.
====
Bonus - the Sony Ericsson MW-600 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones works amazingly well with the phone and Note 10.1. It has multipoint tech so you can have both devices connected to the headset - listening to music from the Note 10.1 then taking calls from the phone feels just right. Buy Tablet Talk and you won't need to take the phone out of your bag or pocket anymore.
Just remember to pair the Note 10.1 first, and THEN hold the call button on the headset to pair it with the phone, other wise it might not work. This particular headset is a bit "old" (released 2009, I bought it last year), and Sony had replaced it with another similar headset, Sony Smart Wireless Stereo Headset Pro. Not had the pleasure of using that yet but I don't plan to buy another headset until the MW600 breaks.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Ericss...VZT4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1353081705&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Smart-...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1353081875&sr=1-1
===
......feels like whatever savings I've made from buying the Note 10.1 have been sunk into accessories lol.
anyone find a decent slim keyboard cover?
I guess the price will be very high as the user base is small.
I purchased this one:
/itm/LG-8-3inch-G-Pad-Slim-cover-flip-single-stage-stand-Case-High-Qulity-Tablet-PC-/221320680238?ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123
...the forum would not let me post a correct link so add www ebay com before the link.
High price but i could not find any other that would ship to sweden. Amazon had some but the shipping price was higher (total cost more den 55$).
I did not want to wait any longer for my cover since i have a young child that likes to play around with my stuff . I needed a cover fast. I am sure that there will be others out there as soon as the sales of the unit increase.
That's just a case, I think he is looking for a combined case/keyboard.
Which I have not seen yet.
Is that what you're looking for? I cannot post link at the moment. It's from amazon.ca
/Asuxtek%C2%AELG-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Portfolio-Case/dp/B00EVNHQF4
yes. Exactly something like this. thanks for the information
twemco said:
Is that what you're looking for? I cannot post link at the moment. It's from amazon.ca
/Asuxtek%C2%AELG-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Portfolio-Case/dp/B00EVNHQF4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
twemco said:
Is that what you're looking for? I cannot post link at the moment. It's from amazon.ca
/Asuxtek%C2%AELG-Bluetooth-Keyboard-Portfolio-Case/dp/B00EVNHQF4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks great. How did it work?
I read the reviews and I just bought a similar case but bought a bluetooth keyboard separately. Its similar to Apple with the scissor keys and works well. This way I can use it for movies and not have to worry about a keyboard in the case.
RyanEJ25 said:
I read the reviews and I just bought a similar case but bought a bluetooth keyboard separately. Its similar to Apple with the scissor keys and works well. This way I can use it for movies and not have to worry about a keyboard in the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm expecting one of these to be delivered on Monday. Unfortunately the reviews are for different ELTD products, without the keyboard included.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-K...eather/dp/B00DVGXNKO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
I'll try to provide an opinion once I've had a chance to test it out. I am concerned about the ergonomics as that tab sticking out in front of the keyboard looks like a major irritation, but I'll hold judgement until I have hands on experience. FWIW I already have the ELTD (branded "IVSO") Black III cover, which is pretty good for the price, so I hope this product will prove just as good.
tdodd said:
I'm expecting one of these to be delivered on Monday. Unfortunately the reviews are for different ELTD products, without the keyboard included.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-K...eather/dp/B00DVGXNKO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
I'll try to provide an opinion once I've had a chance to test it out. I am concerned about the ergonomics as that tab sticking out in front of the keyboard looks like a major irritation, but I'll hold judgement until I have hands on experience. FWIW I already have the ELTD (branded "IVSO") Black III cover, which is pretty good for the price, so I hope this product will prove just as good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The keyboard cover arrived on Saturday and I've had a chance to give it a workout. I'm using it now to type this.Here are some observations....
1. The overall impression is quite good. It seems well made and holds both tablet andkeyboard securely with good protection.
2. The whole package becomes quite heavy and bulky, not unlike a hefty Filofax of old.
3. The keyboard fastens into the cover with magnets. The strength of hold seems spot on - held firmly enough, but easily removed.
4. The keyboard part is very light indeed. The weight is in the cover.
5. The keyboard works well, but of course the keys are small and close and typing mistakes are made as I need to get used to it.
6. Unfortunately for the UK market there is no £ key on the keyboard and I have no idea how to access the key without turning off the keyboard, waiting for the tablet to release the connection and then using the on screen keyboard to input the character. It takes longer to drop the missing keyboard connection than to reacquire it.
7. The tab on the cover is soft enough to be tucked out of the way under the keyboard and will stay put fairly easily.
8. The biggest functional problem (bulk, weight and missing key aside) is that with the tablet secured within the cover the surrounding material, which covers the bezels, sticks up proud and make it quite difficult to touch the notification bar for a double tap or to pull notifications down. To a lesser degree there is a similar problem with the navigation buttons.
9. The cover does act like a smart cover, turning the tablet on and off when opened and closed.
10. If the tablet is rebooted the Bluetooth pairing is lost and manual reconnection is necessary.
Overall it's not a bad product, especially for the price, but there is room for improvement. I will continue using the keyboard in isolation, but instead of the heavy/bulky/awkward cover I shall use the cover I already bought, with smart cover, and use the keyboard loose and free from the tablet. That will allow me to grab the tablet for a low profile and light weight for mobility (pocketable) and just leave the keyboard back home on the desk (coffee table).
tdodd said:
6. Unfortunately for the UK market there is no £ key on the keyboard and I have no idea how to access the key without turning off the keyboard, waiting for the tablet to release the connection and then using the on screen keyboard to input the character. It takes longer to drop the missing keyboard connection than to reacquire it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if this app would help - I used it with another bluetooth keyboard and tablet when I had the same issue, though I haven't tried it with my G Pad yet. In my case, the £ sign was printed on the keyboard but despite this it was permanently set to US layout in the software somehow (despite the tablet language and default input language being set to UK), so I got # when I tried to get £, I think, and also " and @ were swapped. Basically the app lets you select a region/language and then your external keyboard should behave as if the keys are what you'd expect for that region - so if you press Shift+3 you should get £ regardless of what's printed on the keyboard itself. It doesn't display an onscreen keyboard, and the tablet should default automatically to the app settings when it detects your external keyboard, so once you do the initial setup it's pretty seamless. There's a demo version so you could see if it worked before buying. It's called External Keyboard Helper and is available from the Play store.
I'm looking to turn my Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition into a full replacement for laptop. What I would like to find in a case:
1.) Ruggedness. I'd love to be able to accidentally drop my tablet while carrying it with me to class and not have to worry about having broken such an expensive gadget.
2.) Flexible angles. My laptop can pivot to a wide variety of angles. I would love to see this for my Note tablet too.
3.) Trackpad. When my tablet is in the case I would love to be able to switch to a trackpad approach of navigating the screen.
4.) Keyboard. Moreso than a bluetooth keyboard I would love something that can get its power from the tablet itself.
5.) High quality materials. I don't want flimsy faux leather or plastic. Metals would be preferred.
Are there any products that match some or all of the things I want in a case? Money isn't really an object provided it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
thatblokematti said:
I'm looking to turn my Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition into a full replacement for laptop. What I would like to find in a case:
1.) Ruggedness. I'd love to be able to accidentally drop my tablet while carrying it with me to class and not have to worry about having broken such an expensive gadget.
2.) Flexible angles. My laptop can pivot to a wide variety of angles. I would love to see this for my Note tablet too.
3.) Trackpad. When my tablet is in the case I would love to be able to switch to a trackpad approach of navigating the screen.
4.) Keyboard. Moreso than a bluetooth keyboard I would love something that can get its power from the tablet itself.
5.) High quality materials. I don't want flimsy faux leather or plastic. Metals would be preferred.
Are there any products that match some or all of the things I want in a case? Money isn't really an object provided it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Things like having a track pad, the wide angle range, and a keyboard that gets its power from the device (usually you would want vice-versa) is probably something your only going to find with a Asus transformer pad and its keyboard dock. I don't think such a thing will ever exist for this tablet. The best you can do is a bluetooth keyboard and a bluetooth mouse.
The new S4 is marketed as to use with a keyboard, preferably the original samsung keyboard cover. In multiple reviews I've read you can use this cover in only one position. What I would like to know is if you can flip the keyboard completely over (360 degrees) as I would do intuitively when using it as a drawing block using the S Pen.
Wondering that too, I've pre-ordered so will get the keyboard cover free a few weeks after I get the device, so potentially it'll be unprotected during that time. I'll probably buy a case from Amazon (seen one for around £6) to see me through.
From what I saw in store, yes the keyboard can flip over behind the device.
Though I did find this interesting on the Tab S3 the little 1/3 flap behind the tablet secured to the back side of the device automatically, pretty well to hold it in place if you flipped the keyboard over behind the screen. The S4 did not, and there was a little extra slop in the case because of this. Course it might be the security device holding it down but its just something I noticed.
Well, yes and no. It can but backwards. It would have been nice if it was able to fold back with the tablet's back against the keyboard but it actually flips over so that the keys are at the bottom and the tablet is at the top. I'm unsure if this does damage to the keys but its not optimal.
Silly question but...
why not just use the otg cable, plug in your logitech module, and use your logitech keyboard and mouse? For the rare times I need a keyboard, that's what I do. Then the tablet is still easily used as you always would, flip, landscape, etc.
just a thought.
AsItLies said:
Silly question but...
why not just use the otg cable, plug in your logitech module, and use your logitech keyboard and mouse? For the rare times I need a keyboard, that's what I do. Then the tablet is still easily used as you always would, flip, landscape, etc.
just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is a silly question because many folks will use this as a traditional portable tablet as well as an occassional desktop machine. When you are out and about with your expensive tablet, you need a case to protect it from accidents, but this case also needs to be convenient. Leather wallet / folio cases are ideal for this, but (most) obviously don't feature a keyboard. Given how slippery this tablet is, with its all glass rear, I'm guessing that accidents may be relatively frequent!
So the OPs original question is pefectly valid. What is the likely durability of the keyboard when folded right over and sat on the users lap, for example, playing Pokemon on a bus? Perhaps, maybe, the keyboard case is an expensive gimmick and a standard leather wallet case would be a much better option (if such a thing actually exists yet)? The real leather case on my Galaxy NotePro 12.2 has served me extremely well over the years.
Yemble said:
That is a silly question because many folks will use this as a traditional portable tablet as well as an occassional desktop machine. When you are out and about with your expensive tablet, you need a case to protect it from accidents, but this case also needs to be convenient. Leather wallet / folio cases are ideal for this, but obviously don't feature a keyboard. Given how slippery this tablet is, with its all glass rear, I'm guessing that accidents may be relatively frequent!
So the OPs original question is pefectly valid. What is the likely durability of the keyboard when folded right over and sat on the users lap, for example, playing Pokemon on a bus? Perhaps, maybe, the keyboard case is an expensive gimmick and a standard leather wallet case would be a much better option (if such a thing actually exists yet)? The leather case on my Galaxy NotePro 12.2 has served me extremely well over the years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who said the OP question wasn't valid? Who said not to use a case?
I'm merely suggesting an alternative for those of us who don't play "Pokemon on a bus", for example.
AsItLies said:
Who said the OP question wasn't valid? Who said not to use a case?
I'm merely suggesting an alternative for those of us who don't play "Pokemon on a bus", for example.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I never play Pokemon, however, my daughter does on her commute to work... and the Tab S4 is her tablet Cables and peripherals are totally impractical in this particular usage case. Everyone has different requirements. Anyway, her "free" keyboard case has just been delivered today, so I'll check it out tonight.
Yemble said:
Everyone has different requirements. .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for making my point.
AsItLies said:
thank you for making my point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome.
However, this is an interesting point for discussion, as to how folk plan to make use of their new investment. From what I can work out from my daughter, at home it will be docked into a Cable Matters USB-C hub and used to stream movies over an Ethernet LAN connection, to her HDMI TV, amongst numerous other things. At work, she will use it as a desktop with the keyboard case and a bluetooth mouse. I've already described her commute.
If it were mine, I'd be using it as a passenger navigation device, along with AlpineQuest and a full set of OSGB maps, which is what I currently do with my aging NotePro.
Now that I've received the keyboard case I can confirm that the case can be flipped in such a way that the keyboard faces up, into the rear of the case when using as a traditional tablet. In this mode, the footprint of the tablet extends along a long edge by 38mm, which is due to the way the "fold" works.
Alternatively, it can be flipped with the keyboard facing down, which only extends the footprint by 10mm along the same edge.
First impressions are that it adds a fair bit of weight to the tablet, mainly due to good build quality. The case is pretty solid, but not padded, so it may not be great at absorbing shocks, say from a drop! The keyboard is compact, but has a reasonable feel. Note, that the pen is essential for using the keyboard with DeX as there is no trackpad.
Is it worth the RRP? Err, no, however, as a pre-order "freebe", I've got no grounds to complain.