Review

 As more of us either use, or are considering using, our iPads or tablets in a live music or studio setting, you know how precarious it can be to have it be both secure and within easy reach. Well, worry no more because the iKlip Xpand from IK Multimedia is here to alleviate your concerns with an incredibly handy and secure method of mounting your tablet to a mic stand or desktop for use on stage or in the studio.

Now that Microsoft is offering a version of its ubiquitous Office productivity suite for the iPad, Apple’s tablets are even closer to being a device that can be used for getting serious work done. Mouse support and multi-window functionality in a future iOS version would be nice, but with a decent Bluetooth wireless keyboard, an iPad does a pretty good job these days. I took one of the best-known iPad keyboard solutions for a test run and was impressed by just how good the experience can be. The ZAGGkeys Folio not only offers a compelling Bluetooth keyboard, but it mounts it in a clamshell enclosure that transforms the iPad into an ultra-portable laptop. How well does the ZAGGkeys Folio work? I wrote this post (over 1,000 words) using a ZAGGkeys Folio and my iPad Mini with Retina Display and it was virtually as fast as my usual PC-based writing setup.  

 Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablets are pretty slick pieces of hardware. Accessorizing the Surface Pro with a new Alcantara Signature Type Cover adds a new premium look and feel to the Surface Pro, making the transformation to laptop even better looking and more luxurious.