It really was inevitable that something like this would be made

Apr 18, 2012 13:53 GMT  ·  By

The lack of a physical keyboard is a sore spot for many tablet users, but that doesn't mean that there aren't ways around it, especially when there are so many companies whose only purpose is to make peripherals and accessories.

Before we have the chance to go on a tangent, we'll cut to the chase: Logitech has introduced the Ultrathin Keyboard Cover.

Long story short, it is a keyboard dock designed to be used with the third-generation iPad from Apple.

Fortunately, there will be nothing stopping people from pairing the product with an iPad 2.

“The third-generation iPad and its apps are designed to give you more control and creativity, whether you are editing photos and movies, making music or writing a novel,” said Alexis Richard, director of product marketing at Logitech.

“The new Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover – with its ultra-sleek, smart design and extended keyboard battery life – provides a convenient way for you to make the most of your iPad no matter what activity you are using it for.”

The keyboard links to the iPad via the Bluetooth wireless interface and also doubles as a protector for the display.

A magnetic clip attaches the dock to the slate and there is even an automatic On/Off feature, which brings the iPad out of sleep mode when the cover is opened. Similarly, when closing the cover, the iPad falls back into slumber, so to speak.

Furthermore, the stand holds the tablet at an angle, so that watching a movie is just as convenient as writing e-mails, or whatever else.

Of course, it still makes much more sense to stream video to an HDTV or some other, large display, but to each his or her own.

Logitech expects buyers to fork up $99.99 (76.36 Euro, give or take) in exchange for the Ultrathin keyboard Cover. The price accounts for a six-month battery life (two hours-per-day usage) and navigation function keys.