It’s a wireless keyboard. No, it’s a security anchor. Actually, the Kensington Computer Products Group’s (http://www.kensington.com) KeyFolio Secure is both: an US$129.99 security case for the iPad 2.

It extends Kensington’s KeyFolio family of products by incorporating the ClickSafe one-click locking mechanism and built-in security anchor. The built-in ClickSafe lock can be engaged with a click. Constructed from carbon steel cables with a corrosion-proof steel lockhead, it’s one of the toughest locks for consumer electronic devices I’ve run across.

The KeyFolio keyboard in the KeyFolio Secure is also one of the finest products in its class. When you first turn on the keyboard, both the Power Indicator Light and the Bluetooth Status Indicator Light glow for three seconds. You can’t connect the keyboard to your iPad until only the Power Indicator Light glows.

Then, on your iPad, tap Settings. Open Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on. On the keyboard, press the Connect button. The Bluetooth Status Indicator Light starts blinking. The keyboard now appears on your iPad screen. Tap Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard. Your iPad screen displays a passkey. Enter the passkey on the keyboard, and press Enter.

Your iPad screen shows the keyboard as Connected. On the keyboard the Bluetooth Status Indicator Light turns off. You can now use your keyboard to type in any app.
What’s nice is what if the devices are connected and you turn the iPad off, the devices are still connected when you turn the keyboard back on. You can just start typing to use the keyboard.

Likewise, if the devices are connected and you turn your iPad off, the devices are still connected when you turn the keyboard back on, and you can just start typing. However, if the devices are connected and turn Bluetooth off on the Apple tablet, when you turn Bluetooth back on, you’ll have to connect the devices again.

The KeyFolio is built for power conservation. If the keyboard sits idle for 15 minutes when it’s connected to your iPad, the keyboard goes into a “dormant” state. Press and hold the Connect button for three seconds to “wake it up.”

As far as I can ascertain the KeyFolio will run about as long as an Apple Wireless Keyboard running on batteries. Of course, you will have to charge it occasionally, and it come with a charging cable for just that.

The keyboard can be removed from the case. However, the case itself leaves all ports and controls for the iPad open and easy accessible, including the 30-pin docking connector. When closed the keyboard case protects the screen of the iPad from damage.

The case is made out of plastic, but is thin enough that it adds little bulk to the iPad. Its angle stand can be adjusted for optimal typing and viewing angles. The case also sports a place to stash a stylus.

If you only use your iPad at home, you probably won’t need the KeyFolio Secure. But if you use your Apple tablet at work or in a hotel room, you likely need a keyboard and a way to make sure no one pilfers the device. Kensington’s KeyFolio Secure serves both purposes with aplomb.

Rating: 9 out of 10

— Dennis Sellers