68 MACWORLD OCTOBER 2019
iOSCENTRAL REVIEW: ZAGG FOLIO BACKLIT KEYBOARD CASEThis photo also
illustrates why
this case looks
best with the
space gray
iPad mini. The
white is a stark
reminder of
how big the
bezels are.That limitation, though, reminds me that
Apple didn’t really intend for us
to use the iPad mini like a
“laptop.” It’s best used like a
Kindle—for digital reading and
late-night internet surfing—and
it’s annoying to use it this way
when the tablet remains
ensconced in its case, hampered
by a hinge that only bends back
so far. Zagg seems to have
guessed people would still want
to use their iPad this way, and so
fortunately it’s not hard to pop
the iPad out of the Folio and slip
it back in once you’re done. But
can it endure more than a year
of constant switch-outs like this?
mmmmh
Zagg Folio Backlit
Keyboard Case for
iPad mini 5
PROS- Sturdy, thick exterior shell
keeps iPad and keyboard
safe. - Comfortable, responsive
keyboard with adjustable
backlit keys. - Cradle-style hinge keeps
iPad tilted at desired angle.
CONS - No slot for Apple Pencil.
- Uncomfortable for using iPad
outside of landscape mode.
PRICE
$99
COMPANY
Zagg
I admit I’m a little skeptical.BOTTOM LINE
The Zagg Folio keyboard’s other
strengths are so great that I’ll give
it a shot anyway. I’ve already
taken to leaving my MacBook
behind after a few days of using
Zagg’s new cases, and I like how
it takes up no more room in my
bag than a standard paperback
book. At 1.42 pounds (compared
to the iPad mini’s base weight of
0.66 pounds), it barely even
weighs more. If you’re looking for
a case that lets the iPad mini act
like a little MacBook, this is a
good case to bring home. ■