Unless you got one of the initial batch that was, as far as I know, available only from ZAGG, then you already have the updated design. Check the pictures in my review to verify which version you have.

If you have the new iPad, you can keep the keyboard, and just buy the updated case for either $29.99, or $59.99. However, if you don’t use a screen or back protector, then your iPad 2 case will probably still work for the new iPad. Mine did until I put the new skins on.

Given I’ve never used the original case before the re-design, I obviously can’t directly comment on improvements, however I can say that mine is very well built, with no problems closing it tight (and turning off the screen with magnets) and I am extremely happy with the case overall. I love how quickly the iPad can be removed from the case (usually for playing games 🙂 ) and the way the keyboard can also be removed easily is an added bonus.

I also noticed when comparing cases, while trying to decide on the best one to buy, that only a couple of manafacturers use decent quality chiclet keyboard designs, with good tactile feedback. Thankfully Zagg is certainly one of these as the keys feel great for a compact design.

I also checked out the carbon fibre stitching of my case and it seems to be very good quality. Everything lines up nicely and looks like its been constructed with attention to detail. Time will tell how well it wears, but as its stands now I think it’s definitely the best keyboard folio case available.

My only complaint is not one directed at Zagg, but at Apple for such poor hardware keyboard implementation in iOS! I appreciate the few keybord shortcuts that are there (nice to have Cmd+C and V and the home button and music controls) but it sucks that you can’t use the arrow keys in any apps to scroll for instance. For example I’d love to use the arrow keys to move quickly through stories in Reeder, but the only time the keyboard is really active is when you click in a text field so it can’t be done.

Do you think we will see better hardware keyboard support in future versions of iOS? And hopefully the ability for 3rd party apps to utilise it in more sophisticated ways? Or is Apple too focused on touch to worry about improving the support for keyboards? This is one area where Android really kicks iOS’s butt, given hardware keyboards have been a part of Android from the first release.