Jul 15, 2020
ZAGG Book Go Series Cases for iPad Pro REVIEW | MacSources
Cases make it possible to maximize your productivity and still make it through the daily commute with no damage to your iPad.
We all want to make the most of our devices. I remember when I got my iPhone that I spent hours learning the ins and outs of the device so that I could use it to its full potential. As much as I love the iPad as a standalone tablet, it really doesn’t become a powerhouse machine until you add a keyboard and case to it. Apple has done a nice job of creating an amazing keyboard case, but it’s a little cumbersome when you just want the tablet by itself. This is why I like to have a second option for a case that has a detachable keyboard like the Book Go lineup of products from ZAGG.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to try out the Slim Book Go and the Rugged Book Go for my 2020 12-inch iPad Pro. Because I had the opportunity to test out both models side-by-side, I was able to see the similarities and the differences between these two cases quite well. For starters, both cases come with a 1-year limited warranty that covers defective materials. Both cases feature laptop-style keys, multi-device pairing, detachable keyboards, and holders for the Apple Pencil as well as a long-lasting battery. The chart below actually shows the exact differences in the specs between the two case models. The biggest difference, of course, is their purpose. The Slim Book Go is meant to be lightweight and portable while the Rugged Book Go is designed for adventure.
Warranty: 1-year Limited
Warranty: 1-year Limited
Dimensions: 10.6″ x 12.6″ x 1.3″ inches
Dimensions: n/a
Weight: 1.68 lb
Weight: 2.80 lb
Bluetooth: Yes
Bluetooth: Yes
Keyboard Backlight: Yes
Keyboard Backlight: Yes
Multi-Angle View: Yes
Multi-Angle View: Yes
Detachable Case: Yes
Detachable Case: Yes
Battery Life: 1 Year
Battery Life: 1 Year
Multi Pairing: Yes
Multi Pairing: Yes
What’s in the Box: Bluetooth Keyboard, Quick Start Guide
What’s in the Box: Bluetooth Keyboard, Quick Start Guide
Price: $129.99
Price: $149.99
SPECS
I’ve been impressed with both cases and how well they fit the iPad. Installing and removing the iPad is very easy. And even though it’s an easy fit for the iPad, I never once thought the tablet was not secure while it rested in the case. Both cases utilize an odd kickstand design. I’m used to seeing kickstand on cases fold out and prop up cases at an angle. The Book Go cases fold down and sit flat on a surface. I have actually seen this be a bit more stable than other kickstands, but because it was the first time I had seen anything like this, it threw me for a loop and stood out as ‘odd.’
In addition to listing how they are similar, I decided to write out a brief synopsis of my experiences with each case. You will find those below.
RUGGED BOOK GO
When I first pulled the Rugged Book Go from its retail box, I assessed its structure prior to installing my iPad. Right off the bat, I realized that the pencil holder is flexible and not rigid. The Apple Pencil does snap into place securely, but I found the flexibility of the shell to be a little out of place on a ‘rugged’ case. The iPad slides into the frame of the case easily and then the side with the Apple Pencil holder wraps around the outside edge. It’s an easy installation and a very nice fit for the iPad Pro. The buttons for volume and sleep/wake are easy to press once the iPad is safely inside the case.
The Rugged Book Go works well with or without the keyboard attached. When the keyboard is attached there is a nice hinge on the keyboard portion of the case that raises and lowers the keyboard for a good typing angle when the case is pushed backward. At first, I wasn’t sure how much I was going to like the design of this case, but it quickly grew on me as I typed on the keyboard. Even though I was concerned at first about the pencil holder not being secure enough, but as it turns out, I really like the overall design of this holder because it allows the pencil to connect to the iPad, and therefore it gets charged. As an added benefit, the Rugged Book Go provides up to 6.6ft of Military Drop Protection.
SLIM BOOK GO
Even though it’s not considered ‘rugged’ the Slim Book Go is actually more rigid in the frame part of the case. The iPad still fits into it very well, but it’s a little harder to get it adjusted into just the right spot. The Apple Pencil holder sits just above where the keyboard attaches to the iPad case. There are a couple of reasons I don’t like this. First, the pencil doesn’t attach to the iPad and therefore it can’t charge while it’s being stored in the case. Second, it’s a little awkward to grab the pencil from this spot on the case. Something else I don’t really like about this case is that the keyboard sits flat instead of raising up like the Rugged Book Go does. This makes the keyboard a little less comfortable to type on than the Rugged version of the case. Aside from that, the case is really nice if you want something to protect your iPad while making it more of a productivity tool. I didn’t have any issues with operating the iPad while it was housed in the case. I would have liked to see the Slim Book Go designed more similarly to the Rugged Book Go, but just lighter weight.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Book Go series cases for iPad really make a big difference in how you use the iPad. I found myself wanting to use it for typing up reports and reviews more than my laptop because it was more convenient. Both cases are more cumbersome than the Apple Keyboard cases, but they provide more in the way of 360-degree protection from outside elements. I think that if you are looking for better protection for your iPad and a chance to use it to its full potential, give the Book Go series iPad cases a try.
Originally published at https://macsources.com on July 15, 2020.
