Review: Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 Removable Keyboard, Case & Stand for iPad

As promised last weekend, here is my review for the Kensington KeyFolio 2 for iPad. The box cover states that it is compatible with the latest iPad, but I have the iPad 2. Overall, I'm really digging this contraption. It has made class and school work a little easier thanks to its ease and tech savvy-ness. I've only had it for a week, but I surmise that is enough time to give a slid review as I've used it both for school and for leisure at home.




Note that the lime green sticker says "iPad 4th Gen" compatible!

What I liked:

1. IT'S CLASSY! What I mean by this, is that the case itself says "I mean business!" The color I chose, a soft maple brown color, is suitable for both women and men's tastes and provides ample protection if being carried in a work/school bag that may have a tendency to get tossed around. As a Grad student, I just can't carry around an iPad cover riddled with hot pink, leopard, peace signs, or glitter (never mind I still like those things, I just think it gives off the wrong impression).
2. EASE OF USE! Though the KeyFolio 2 comes with a great set of start-up instructions, it really wasn't necessary to ogle them in order to get everything set-up and running. The Bluetooth sync was seamless and I didn't run into any issues when doing this. The iPad itself fits snugly and securely in the allotted slot. It isn't so tightly packed in there that you can't get it out whenever you might want to use it sans keyboard and classy cover. I also have one of those sassy green magnetic smart covers for regular, standard home use.
3. FULL KEYBOARD! The removable Bluetooth keyboard is of solid construction and features all the creature comforts of a full-size keyboard packed neatly into a fun-size for iPad. My long fingers had no problem navigating its landscape whilst editing documents or writing them. Also, the charge holds for a phenomenal length of time. I haven't run into a charging issue yet! I'll put it on the charger every now and again when I remember, but it lasts so long, I never run out of juice!
4. SOLID AS A ROCK! The construction of the KeyFolio 2 is commendable. There are no protruding threads from shoddy workmanship, nor is anything ill-fitting or flimsy. The Velcro strips used to hold the iPad up as a screen are heavy duty! I was very surprised when I used this in bed and sat the KeyFolio 2 on my lap to type. I felt secure when I needed to touch the screen to navigate my iPad. No wobbling.

What could use improvement:

1. I LOVE MICE! The KeyFolio 2 would only be that much more amazing if it had a mouse pad on the keyboard. It's a little awkward to get used to using your fingers to make edits on a document. It would be easier with a mouse.

The KeyFolio 2 was well worth the $69.99 I paid at Office Depot. Compared to some pricier options, I think this was a steal. Kensington is a known and trusted brand, so I have faith in their product. Should my feelings change, I'll come back and edit this post to reflect my views.

I was in no way, shape, or form endorsed to review this product. The views expressed in this blog are my own. I purchased this on my own accord and am not encouraging or discouraging anyone from buying this product.

Love,
Charnelle

Life Hack: Any Color Polish Gel Nails Using the Sensationail System

I truly love to do my nails. I enjoy having a fresh coat of polish- all shiny and pretty. Recently, I purchased the Sensationail Starter Kit from CVS on a sale with major ExtraBucks savings. The best purchase I've ever made. Honestly. Two weeks of chip-free, super lustrous, salon quality nails that I did myself and for pennies on the dollar. I purchased a few more colors since then, but my interest was piqued when I saw through social media that they now offered a Clear Gel Polish. Could I use this over a regular nail polish color and get the same results? Well Sensationail ladies, there was only one way to find out.

I purchased the Clear polish at CVS (again, with major ExtraBucks savings). I used Sally Hansen Hard as Nails polish in "Wet Cement". I love this color in all its smoky gray goodness. I prepped my nails the same way I would if I were using the system in the traditional way- filing and lightly buffing the nail. I used my usual base coat, and applied two coats of the Sally Hansen polish being careful to allow it to dry completely between coats and not to allow the polish to touch any skin around the nail/cuticles. 

 

Once fully dry, I applied the gel primer and base coat per Sensationail instructions. I cured my nails for the recommended 30 seconds after the bas coat application. I followed with two coats of the Clear Gel polish- curing for 1 minute between coats. I used the Sensationail system top coat, and cured for another 30 seconds. I used the lint wipes and solution to buff my nails once complete and I achieved these results. They look great! Just as if I had used the colored Sensationail products. 

I am going on Day 4 now with no chips. Still fabulous nails. I will update this post at the end of two weeks to compare the results, but so far it looks like a win! I didn't find this method endorsed by the brand, so this was all out of my own curiosity. I still plan to purchase more Sensationail color polishes, but some trendy colors- I just don't think are worth spending $9.99-$12.99 per bottle for. Hopefully this is beneficial to any others who use the Sensationail system. I'd love to hear any other tips/tricks or feedback concerning this method.

 

Happy Gel-ing!

Love,

Charnelle

P.S.- My views are unbiased. I am not compensated for anything in this post, nor for any other product!