PADACS readies iPad 2 keyboard cases for April
PADACS (http://www.padacs.com) says its first products for Apple’s new iPad 2 — the improved Toccata and Rubata Bluetooth keyboard cases — are planned for an April launch in the US and Canada.

The PADACS Toccata Bluetooth Keyboard Case (shown) contains a compact QWERTY keyboard that’s purportedly large enough to type on comfortably without adding to the iPad 2 case size. Charged by an included USB cable, the Lithium battery-powered keyboard runs for as long as 45 hours. The PADACS Rubata iPad 2 keyboard case provides a cover with a built-in hard plastic shell Bluetooth keyboard with special iPad keys.

The Toccata 2 Bluetooth Keyboard Case has been redesigned to hold the 33% slimmer iPad 2, making the entire Toccata 2 case thinner and sleeker. Other enhancements include: keyboard controls to adjust the iPad screen brightness; addition of new keys including a right shift key and a Photo Frame button for the iPad; removal of the keyboard’s Print Screen button; a combined Backspace and Delete key; and a side pin connector for charging.

The Rubata 2 Bluetooth Keyboard Case has undergone a total transformation. Now made from synthetic leather, the Rubata 2 has a redesigned hard shell keyboard that extends iPad 2 functionality through enhancements including: keyboard controls to adjust the iPad screen brightness; more intuitive Bluetooth connectivity controls now located on the keyboard; replacement of an on/off switch with an on/off button; addition of a “.com’ key” and a larger Delete key; and a side pin connector for charging.

Pricing for the new-look PADACS Bluetooth Keyboard Cases remains unchanged at US$49.95 for the Toccata 2 and $79.95 for the Rubata 2.