Review: The ZAGG Rugged Book iPad Case With Keyboard

Digital nomad life requires some hardware—and hardware protection

There are thousands of options out there, of course, so I can only speak to the side of the nerd spectrum based on my everyday carry.

Personally, I don’t prefer to lug my gold-plated MacBook Pro everywhere. Well, it might as well be gold-plated for the price tag! I often defer to my iPad for draft writing and simple website editing, etc. I’m actually typing this article on said hardware right now…while sipping a delicious cider. (Priorities.)

Truth be told, I’m usually half lit while I’m writing these articles.

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When working on an iPad or any other tablet and writing on a regular basis, you definitely want a trusty keyboard. I prefer one that protects the bejesus out of my iPad while I’m at it.

So I used to have a Logitech Ultrathin case/keyboard back before they decided to change to two removable watch batteries.

I actually loved the old rechargeable version and would recommend it if/when they get smart and go back to that.

Unfortunately, I’ve learned that anything that runs on actual, removable batteries is a serious bane to my nomadic existence. More and more I seriously base new purchases on whether or not they plug in to recharge versus requiring actual changing or recharging of batteries. This Zagg Rugged Book keyboard/case is super stout, and it holds a fantastic charge.

This ZAGG Rugged iPad case is chunky

I recommend it if weight is not an issue and protection is paramount.

It’s Beefy. It weighs in at over a pound so it can take some serious bumps and bruises.

I’ve dropped it (closed) a few times and it’s like nothing ever happened.

Pros of the ZAGG Rugged iPad case

• It has 4 setups: case, keyboard, video, and book modes (essentially, you flip your pad around into a few different ways for different uses. Actually pretty handy.)
• Backlit keyboard, and it’s hella bright.
• 2-year battery power. Seriously? If you’re going to wait two years to use this, just skip it!? I personally know a charge easily lasts for a month or two even with very regular use, but I make it a habit to charge my long-term devices at about every 4-6 weeks and before any long trips.
• It’s pretty rad looking. Most folks think I’m carrying a small computer and are stunned when they realize it’s an iPad clamshell.

Cons of the ZAGG Rugged iPad case

• It’s Beefy. Seriously, it weighs over a pound. (But it can take some sh*t?)
• The hinge is stout, but after about 6-8 months of use, it gets a little wiggly. Not something I really worry about, as it’s barely noticeable. Just wanted to mention!

ZAGG Rugged iPad case review parting thoughts

Overall, I have no qualms about recommending this ZAGG case, or any of their products, since I’ve owned a few. I’ve been putting this case through the rigors for over six months now with no issues. If you grab one, I hope you have the same experience!

Links:
ZAGG iPad products 
Logitech Ultrathin case with keyboard (another I’ve used and recommend)

Cheers!
—Jason