iGear Announces iPad Wired Keyboard and Rugged Case Combo for Smarter Balanced Field Test in Schools
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) April 14, 2014 -- Schools conducting tests such as Smarter Balanced on iPads badly need a solution that provides rugged protection for the iPad, and a reliable keyboard without the Bluetooth woes. iGear’s new product, the iPad Wired Keyboard, is a great companion to the company’s popular Slim Tough Case G4 used in thousands of schools across the country. The combo provides the best of all worlds – rugged protection, versatile stand system, reliable connection, premium quality material, fits in the Bretford PowerSync charging cart, and most importantly, a lifetime warranty.
Smarter Balanced is a state-led consortium developing assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics that are designed to help prepare all students to graduate high school college- and career-ready. The consortium recommends using a wired keyboard to ensure a reliable and efficient testing environment.
Smarter Balanced Testing Device Requirements guideline points out: “While wireless keyboards are permissible, districts should be aware that high-density deployments of wireless keyboards and mice might interfere with each other or with the wireless network. Therefore, they should test the room configuration before the examination date and consider wired alternatives.”
The iPad Wired Keyboard from iGear is compatible with all iPad models, ranging from the iPad 2/3/4, Air, Mini, Mini with Retina Display, and other iOS devices. It beats competing brands such as Logitech, MacAlly, and Griffin by offering a solid aluminum frame, ultra smooth key mechanism, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Premium construction quality matches Apple’s OEM keyboard
- 8-pin Lightning connector or 30-pin dock connector for iOS devices
- Reliable wired connection, perfect for classroom use
- High grade silver aluminum frame with white plastic keys
- No batteries required - minimal power draw from the lightning port
- Dedicated short-cut keys for frequently used iOS functions
- The best and smoothest typing experience of any third party keyboard
- Dimensions: 11.25”x4.75”x0.6875”; Weight: 11.4 oz
The keyboard construction is very similar to Apple’s OEM keyboard. The look is almost identical with the silver aluminum frame and white plastic keys. It is quite lightweight, in fact it actually weighs in slightly less than the Apple keyboard. It offers the same dedicated short-cut keys that Mac users are used to for frequently used iOS functions. This keyboard also offers the smoothest typing experience of any third party keyboard. Basically, it combines the convenience of portability with the abilities of your desktop keyboard for the optimal user experience.
While iGear does offer Bluetooth keyboards for iPad, there are benefits to the wired keyboard. The wired keyboard is beneficial for schools because in a busy classroom, the teacher doesn’t have to worry about disconnected Bluetooth wireless keyboards. Students can connect themselves with the lightning port and no batteries are need since the device pulls power through the lightning connection.
“The iPad Wired Keyboard is the perfect solution for Smarter Balanced Field Tests,” said Jimmy Sun, President of iGear. “Built to the same specifications as Apple’s OEM keyboard, the iGear Lightning Keyboard is a high quality, reliable keyboard with the smoothest typing experience of any third party keyboards.”
iPad Slim Tough Case G4
iGear designed the STC G4 for schools by listening and incorporating customer feedback. Combining the best quality material with advanced engineering, the G4 case is built to last. The company is so confident with the G4’s durability, they just announced a Lifetime Warranty for school purchases. During the lifetime of the G4 case, if the case is broken for any reason, even if it’s caused by accidental dropping on the floor, iGear will repair or replace the case at no cost. The customer is only responsible for sending the broken case back to the company.
The fourth generation Slim Tough Case G4 offers multi-layer protection using a combination of (1) an outer soft rubber shell, (2) an inner polycarbonate hard case, and (3) a scratch-resistant lens covering the screen. This case is supremely shock absorbent, yet allows the user full access to buttons and charging ports. The built-in kickstand is reinforced with stainless steel pivots and slides, making it virtually unbreakable. It works in both vertical and horizontal orientations, and also functions as a handle for holding the iPad with just one hand.
To make sure the case adequately protects the iPad in any situation, iGear put the Slim Tough Case through the “ultimate drop test.” The STC protected the iPhone from a 20-foot free fall to a paved driveway. The phone escaped without a scratch, and was recording video the whole time! Watch the drop test video here: http://youtu.be/cTZe5ziR8LU.
The STC G4 is customizable with supplied artwork. Using a Tough Skin decal, cases can be custom printed with schools’ full-color logo artwork, tracking ID and barcode, and lost-and-found verbiage for each iPad, making the management of multiple devices tremendously easy.
“The iPad Slim Tough Case G4 is made for kids and students,” says Jimmy Sun, president of iGearUnlimited.com. “It offers all the features schools asked for – industry-leading drop protection, built-in screen protection, and fits in the Bretford and other charging carts.”
Like all iGear products, the iPad Wired Keyboard and STC G4 come with 30-day money back guarantee and Lifetime Warranty. It’s available from the company’s website at https://www.igearunlimited.com. The 8-pin Lightning connector model is scheduled to ship by early April, and the 30-pin dock connector model will follow later in the month. All colors of STC G4 are in stock for immediate shipping.
About iGearUnlimited.com
iGearUnlimited.com is powered by Sunrise Digital, an Inc. 5000 company established in 1988 and employs the most advanced equipment and technology, such as G7-certified HP Indigo and UV flatbed presses, and digital die-cutting, to create best-in-class products. A privately-owned enterprise, the company is based in Chicago and sells products worldwide.
Jimmy Sun, Sunrise Hitek Group LLC, http://www.igearunlimited.com, +1 (773) 792-6380 Ext: 11, [email protected]
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