• Tweet

Computer accessory maker Kensington is bringing a new iPad case to market with a built in Bluetooth keyboard. The synthetic-leather case offers a bit of protection for the touchscreen tablet, while also making text entry a heck of a lot easier.

The keyboard case will run $99 when it begins shipping in October. I got a chance to spend a few minutes with one tonight, and it works pretty much as advertised. The keys have a soft, rubbery texture, which takes a bit of getting used to, but I was definitely able to type much faster on the keyboard than I can on the iPad’s on-screen keyboard. What’s more, the case lets you adjust the angle of the iPad to some degree, much as you would a laptop display.

Like most cases of its sort, the Kensington keyboard case is going to work best on a flat surface like a desk or table rather than a lap — and that makes the iPad a little less portable. But the fact that the keyboard is built right into the protective case means that you might just carry both the iPad and case around with you all the time anyway, so if you happen upon a flat surface you’ll be good to go.

The keyboard also features hotkey buttons for launching the Home Screen, searching, or controlling media playback. You can check them out in action in a short video after the break.

The Bluetooth keyboard case has a Lithium-Ion battery, which the company says should last for up to 3 months on a charge.

You can find more photos and a video after the break.

Update: Hmm, The Gadgeteer has a review of the new tyPad Bluetooth keyboard case, and while the case itself is a little different, the keyboard looks awfully familiar…