The Keycase Pro Folio is the next generation of Folios as it contains hard keys instead of the usual silicone ones, meaning that not only does it look more professional, but it’s more durable.  The hard keys also stop the bluetooth keyboard from being damaged and allow you to control a lot of the iPad 2′s features at the touch of a button.

Keycase Pro Folio iPad 2 case

In keeping with the user friendly theme of the bluetooth keyboard, it has active pairing meaning that once the iPad 2 and keyboard have been initially paired, they’ll automatically connect every time both have their bluetooth on.

Another upgrade to the Folio comes from the outer material.  Even though before it was tough and durable, it’s now tear proof with internal padding and sports a unique honeycomb patterned design, making it both fashionable and professional.

Keycase Pro Folio iPad 2 case

As well as its ungraded style, the Keycase Pro iPad 2 cover has an integrated Velcro multi-view desk stand, allowing you to position your iPad 2 at nearly any angle.  This makes game play, web surfing and Facetime even more comfortable and easy.  When closed, the case’s Velcro strip transforms to provide extra protection for the iPad 2’s screen, making it one of the most multi-functional iPad 2 accessories available.

Especially for the iPad 2, the Keycase pro Folio contains all the relevant cut-outs needed to keep the iPad fully functioning whilst it’s in the folio.  These cut-outs include ones for both the front and rear cameras; charging ports and buttons.   The folio does also have a built-in charging port for the keyboard, meaning you can stay working for longer and check your status with the LED lights.

iPad 2 Keycase Pro Folio

What’s brilliant about the Keycase Pro Folio is that, whereas other folios with bluetooth keyboards used silicone keys; this folio has hard keys; making it more professional and easier to use.

The hard keys not only stop the keyboard from being damaged, but they also allow you to access a number of the iPad’s features all from the keyboard; including copy and paste and music controls.

To make the keyboard easy and quick to use it has active pairing, meaning once it’s initially set up, the keyboard will automatically connect to your iPad 2 every time both have their Bluetooth switched on.

The material of the folio has also been upgraded to a tough, tear proof material with internal padding to provide extra protection without taking away the original style.  The folio itself is thinner than its predecessor and boasts a unique honeycomb shape design, making it not only fashionable but extremely professional too.

iPad 2 Keycase Pro folio

As well as a built in keyboards and upgraded style, the Keycase Pro iPad 2 cover has an integrated velcro multi-view desk stand, allowing you to position your iPad 2 at nearly any angle.  This makes game play, media viewing and Facetime even easier and more comfortable.  When the case is closed this Velcro strip transforms to provide extra protection for the iPad 2’s screen, even though using an iPad 2 screen protector with the folio is advised for ultimate protection.

As the Keycase pro Folio is built especially for the iPad 2, it contains all the relevant cut-outs including ones for both the front and rear cameras; as well as charging ports and buttons.  However, the case does also have a built in charging port for the keyboard meaning you can charge it whilst you’re using it and stay working for longer; with the status LED’s.

The first thing to do is to sit down and have a think about what it is that’s important to you and what you want from a case.  Is it protection that you’re most anxious about?  Do you want specialist features, such as an in-built keyboard or extended battery?  Are you just looking for something that will let you show a bit of personality and style?

By no means a definitive guide, here’s ten of the best iPhone 4 cases from over on our main site, which should give you an idea of the different types of thing available.

Alu-Leather Case For iPhone 4 – Black

This iPhone 4 leather case by Alu is a flip case, a design which offers top protection as well as a very professional look and style.  It’s made from high-quality, hand-crafted black leather with a contrasting cream pinstripe lining, giving you a case that’s both aesthetically and tactilely pleasing.    The flip cover is aluminium-lined for strength, and has a secure closing-clasp, protecting the screen from scratches when you’re out and about.

Alu Leather Case for iPhone 4 - Black

Noreve Tradition A Leather Case for iPhone 4 – Black

Another, slightly pricier leather flip case.  For the extra money, you get an iPhone 4 cover that looks a little more elegant and luxurious than the Alu, with embossed interior lining, extra padding and a removable plastic belt clip.  Like the Alu, the Noreve Traditional A case has cut-outs in the case to provide access for all buttons, jacks and features, and is crafted by hand from top quality, fine grain leather.  The Noreve case keeps the handset safely tucked away with its snap button clasp, and the belt clip can be rotated by 360 degrees to allow you to wear it however you want.

Noreve Tradition A Leather Case for iPhone 4 - Black

Case-Mate Barely There For iPhone 4 – Black

One of our most popular ranges of iPhone 4 case – and indeed of all phone cases in general, as the Case-Mate Barely There is available for a massive variety of handsets across the board.  The benefit of these is in the name, really – you can hardly tell that they’re there, due to their minimal bulk and slim plastic.  Despite their thinness, though, they really do make a difference – the shell is flexible and impact resistant, covering the back and corners of the handset and helping protect against knocks and bumps.

CaseMate Barely There for iPhone 4 - Black

OtterBox For iPhone 4 Defender Series

OtterBox are another of our most popular brands, and their Defender Series offers the ultimate in safety and protection.  These are real rugged iPhone 4 covers, ideal for people who like to keep active and take whatever the elements throw at them!  Just as you would wrap yourself up warmly when heading out into an adventure, the OtterBox Defender swaddles your iPhone in three layers of protection, keeping it safe.  The layers consist of a thin, thermal-formed sheet which acts as an iPhone 4 screen protector and key protector; a hard-wearing polycarbonate shell to protect against bumps and then a sleek silicone skin to absorb shocks and keep the case looking stylish.

OtterBox for iPhone Defender Series

ElementCASE Vapor PRO Black Ops Edition for iPhone 4

Something for the more discerning iPhone user, the ElementCASE Vapor Pro is one of our most high-end cases.  Its list of features sounds like something out of a science fiction film, with aerospace polymer RF insert to prevent signal loss, black ultrasuede backing and an electrolyte coating to protect from abrasion all mentioned.  Don’t get too bogged down in terminology, though; all this means is that your phone is protected by military-grade aluminium to prevent scratches, cushioned by soft and plushy ultrasuede and helps you avoid the dreaded “death grip” that can be the bane of the iPhone 4 user’s life.  The ElementCASE Vapor PRO also has extra-large cutouts at the bottom of the case to accommodate even the largest iPhone 4 charger.

Element Case Vapor Pro Black Ops Edition for iPhone 4

BoxWave Keyboard Case For The iPhone 4

Something a bit different here, for people that find the on-screen keyboard too tiny and tricky to use, or who just appreciate the tactile sensation of actually having physical buttons under their fingers – the BoxWave case with in-built physical iPhone 4 keyboard.  At first glance just a normal iPhone 4 case, the BoxWave slides out smoothly to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard that pairs automatically with your device via Bluetooth – so you can choose between whether to use that or the on-screen keyboard.  The case also has a built-in battery which charges over mini USB, so it won’t leech any power from your iPhone 4 battery.

BoxWave Keyboard Case for iPhone 4

Bling My Thing iPhone 4 Hard Case – Crystal Milky Way Mix

Fancy yourself a bit of a star?  The Bling My Thing Crystal Milky Way case gives that bit of showbiz pizazz to your iPhone 4, with sparkling crystallised Swarovski Elements placed carefully onto the durable and protective plastic of the hard case itself.  At 0.7mm, the case is thin enough to just cling to the curves of your phone, making this one of our most glamorous iPhone 4 accessories.

Bling My Thing iPhone 4 Hard Case - Crystal Milky Way Mix

Kukuxumusu Hard Shell for iPhone 4 – Shark Attack

Kukuxumusu do a range of funny cartoon designs on their cases, which are great for a younger audience who want something a bit kooky and unusual.  The back of the case itself is clear apart from the design, allowing the iPhone itself to show through – after all, what’s the point in having it if you can’t flaunt it sometimes?  Each of the Kukuxumusu cases has iPhone 4 screen protectors included, and is manufactured from a hard polymer to keep the phone protected.  Other designs include Jumping Sheep and Kung Fu Sheep.

Kukuxumusu Hard Shell for iPhone 4 - Shark Attack

Griffin Adidas Mi Coach Armband For iPhone 4

There’s a common idea that having a top-end smartphone means you’re a bit of a tech whizz, but that’s not always the case.  If you’re more jogger than blogger and more cyclist than typist, the Griffin Adidas Armband for iPhone 4 lets you hang on to your phone during even the more intense workout routines.  That’s great for gym visits, when you don’t want to leave it in the changing rooms, and for when you’re out in the great outdoors or just biking to and from work.  iPhone has a huge range of apps to assist you in your training (as well as of course access to all your favourite work-out tunes!) so a handy way to carry and access your phone is invaluable.  This iPhone 4 armband also has an easy-access pocket for keys, so you can keep all your essentials with you at the same time, and it’s made from neoprene to keep your phone protected and dry.

Griffin Adidas Mi Coach Armband for iPhone 4

MiLi Power Pack 4 3000mAh external battery pack for iPhone 4

Smartphone capabilities may be getting better and better but battery power just isn’t keeping up with demand, unfortunately; that’s just a fact.  You’re lucky these days if your phone even lasts the whole day through.  So an external iPhone 4 extended battery can provide a much-needed extra boost, and the MiLi Power Pack gives you a whopping extra 3000mAh.  You just slide your phone in and the external battery pack will charge it up.  The PowerPack also has a built-in iPhone 4 stand which is fantastic for propping your phone up and watching videos on the train or sharing photo galleries.

MiLi Power Pack 3000mAh External Battery Pack for iPhone 4

For many of you, the idea of an iPad 2 having a physical keyboard may seem somewhat redundant – after all, there’s already a virtual one right there on the screen!  Others, on the other hand, will be wondering why no one thought of it sooner – there’s just something about the tactile feel of buttons under your fingers that you can’t get from a smooth capacitive screen, not to mention the fact that typing’s simply faster on a physical keyboard.  It also helps to cut down on those annoying smudges and greasy fingerprints that inevitably build up on the surface of your tablet display!

At first glance, the KeyCase looks like any other iPad 2 case, albeit a rather stylish one.  It’s made of hardwearing leather, to protect the tablet from bumps and scratches, and a magnetic clasp gives it that extra bit of security as well as finishing off the professional look.  There are specially-designed cut-outs in the case to allow access to all of the iPad’s buttons and functions, ensuring that the case doesn’t impair usability.

Inside, though, there’s a secret – a full QWERTY iPad 2 keyboard, just ready to pair with your iPad 2 via Bluetooth and let you type away to your heart’s content.  The keyboard features quiet keypress technology, pairs automatically with your device and has a 10-minute auto-sleep function to help preserve battery.  The battery of the Bluetooth keyboard will last for up to 45 hours off one single charge – probably longer than the iPad itself – so you don’t have to faff around charging it up too often.

All in all this is a gorgeous piece of kit, especially suited to commuters who need to do a lot of typing on the hoof, and people who prefer a more tactile experience.  It’s one of our favourite iPad 2 accessories so far.

As I’m sure everyone knows by now, the second gen iPad boasts both front-and-rear facing cameras, a dual-core processor and a revamped design, making it 33% lighter, 15% thinner and 100% more stylish owing to the new magnetic iPad 2 Smart Covers.  You can read my blog on it here and of course we’ll be hard at work over the next few weeks sourcing iPad 2 accessories.

Speaking of which, we do already have our first iPad 2 case available, the Xqisit Book Case with Desk Stand for iPad 2. The Xqisit is a stylish and hard-wearing leather case with incorporated desk stand, for the ultimate in protection and functionality.

Xqisit Book Case With Desk Stand - iPad 2

Last week man behind Mobile Fun Anthony Cook was interviewed in the Telegraph, so that’s worth a look at if you’ve ever wanted to know more about the company or the man behind it all!

We caused a bit of a stir through the blogosphere last week with the release of the TypeTap Swivel Mini Bluetooth Keyboard for iPhone 4, which takes the idea of the original TypeTop Keyboard Case (a top seller over the past couple of months) and goes one better, with a unique 360% tilt and swivel motion allowing you to position your iPhone in the best position for whatever you’re up to – great for movies and FaceTime.  And of course the physical keyboard makes typing faster, easier, and an all-round more enjoyable tactile experience.

TypeTop Swivel Mini Bluetooth Keyboard for iPhone 4

We’ve also got a great range of HTC Incredible S accessories now available, and m’colleague Matt also spotted some unusual HTC Incredible S cases out in the wild at MWC the other week – you can take a look at them and read his views here.

Drop me a line if you’re a journalist with further inquiries or wish to request review samples!

MF Nat

Email on mobile phones is becoming a pretty standard feature, but the one thing that still puts me off emailing on a traditional handset, is having to type (a sometimes lengthy) email using the mobile phone keypad. Predictive texting and phones with half/full qwerty keyboards do make this a little easier, but its still not the same as having a proper, full sized keyboard.
The good news for Nokia owners is that if you have a handset that runs on S60 (think Nokia N95, N96, 5800 etc..) you can use a full size Bluetooth keyboard with your phone. Officially this isn’t supported on all phones, but un-officially all Symbian 60 devices are supported!

Now obviously if you’re walking down the street trying to email, this is going to be of no use to you what so ever, but what if you’re out of the office and need to reply to that email or maybe you’ve plugged your phone in to the TV to watch back your photo’s and want to be able to control your phone remotely?

Now obviously if you’re walking down the street trying to email, this is going to be of no use to you what so ever, but what if you’re out of the office and need to reply to that email or maybe you’ve plugged your phone in to the TV to watch back your photo’s and want to be able to control your phone remotely?

We’ve put together a short guide that tells you how you can set up your phone to work with almost any Bluetooth keyboard. Read More…