Since the first iPads appeared on the market, I have always considered it necessary to have to use a keyboard to be able to write long texts. Depending on the size of the device, the task can be more or less tedious, due to the weight, size and distance of our fingers that while holding the iPad, unless we have a surface to support it at that time, which is not always possible. Not to mention the space that the virtual keyboard takes away from the screen.
Today we are going to talk about Claviar 7, a Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad Mini (It is also compatible with Android tablets of similar size, iPhone and Smartphones in general with iOS or Android) and manufactured by Promate. The Claviar 7 keyboard is atypical. It is not a keyboard that we can also use as a cover to store the device and take it protected anywhere.
There will be people who will not like this aspect, as it happened to me at the beginning, but as you get the idea of why, it is appreciated. You have to be honest If we buy a keyboard for the iPad, we will not always use it. If we are going to check the mail, send or take a photo, post a few words on Twitter, having a keyboard cover is a hassle, since we have to remove the device, remove the keyboard / cover, save it and use it later. On the other hand, if we have an independent keyboard, by opening the backpack where we carry the iPad we can start working with it. Unless you are one of those who buy a keyboard and want to use it even to write a simple tweet.
Keyboard
The keyboard is very light, so much so that if you have plenty of space in your backpack to carry it always, you will hardly notice, it is 15 mm thick once we have folded the leather cover that covers it. It is lined with an elegant leather case that allows us to have a kind of lectern where to place the iPad to start writing.
It is true that the lectern, which only allows us to tilt 45 degrees, It may seem a bit flimsy at first, but once you get the hang of it and put the iPad in the whole thing is pretty stable.as long as it is located on a flat surface. Claviar 7 is not practical to be used on the lap when we are sitting, because the iPad does not fit on the keyboard, as it happens with Logitech keyboards.
Like any keyboard for a device less than 8 inches, as there is not much space, it is very easy that at the beginning we press two keys at the same time or just the one next to it, but over time you get used to the size and typing with hardly any mistakes. It has dedicated keys for iOS that we can access by pressing the Fn key with which we can lock and unlock the device, control the brightness of the screen, and the sound, change the language of the keyboard, control the music player.
If you want to know a few keyboard shortcuts for these types of keyboards, you can go through this article by my partner Luis.
Autonomy
Regarding autonomy, the manufacturer Promate claims that the device lasts for 45 days of continuous use or 60 days of standby., keeping the keyboard off when we do not use it. I have to say, I have been with the device for a couple of weeks, writing daily and with the load that I was carrying and at the moment I have not had to charge it. Along with the keyboard, there is a micro USB cable that allows us to charge the device through any USB port on our computer, although if we use a power connector the charge will be faster.
Features
- Bluetooth®:Version 3.0
- Standby time: 60 days (approximately)
- Working time: 45 hours
- Charging time: 2 ~ 3 hours.
- Package content: Claviar 7, Micro USB charger cable.
- Compatibility: All 8 "tablets
Points in favor
- Weight :
- Autonomy.
- Finishes.
Points against
- The lectern, if we do not place it correctly, can be a headache.
- Keyboard only available in English.
- It does not have a case to transport the iPad (according to tastes or needs).
This keyboard is an option to consider if you don't want to spend a lot of money and are looking for a bluetooth keyboard for the iPad Mini. Logitech keyboards do not usually go below 90 euros (VAT included) instead the Claviar 7 keyboard It has a price of 59,90 euros (VAT included) and you can find it in department stores. For more information about Promate products you can visit their website.
Our assessment
