Roger Fingas
Though the focus at its press event was on a new budget iPad and education-oriented software updates, Apple on Tuesday also teased two new Logitech iPad accessories, meant for schools only: the "Crayon" stylus, and the Rugged Combo 2 case and keyboard. [Updated with more details, pricing, and launch info]
The Crayon, sized like its namesake, will cost just $49.99. That should make it more appealing for some institutions than the Apple Pencil, which is bigger and $99.
Logitech said that the stylus will share features of the Apple Pencil, such as low latency, palm rejection, and tilt functions. Battery life is 8 hours, and the product is designed to be both pry- and roll-resistant.
Like last year's Rugged Case, the $99.99 Rugged Combo 2 is intended to keep an iPad intact in a K-12 environment. It's spill-resistant, and should protect against drops up to 4 feet.
Other features include an adjustable kickstand, a stylus holder, and shortcut keys for functions like media playback. The keyboard is also designed to be quiet and pry-resistant, and joined to the case through a proprietary connector — preventing students from attaching their own accessories.
The sixth-generation iPad, now on sale, is equipped with an A10 processor, and represents the first non-Pro iPad with Apple Pencil support. Otherwise however the tablet is essentially unchanged from last year's budget model, including its use of Touch ID instead of Face ID.
Both Logitech accessories should be available to U.S. schools this summer through Apple's educational channel.
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
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Wesley Hilliard
18 Comments
The Logitech stylus did surprise me.
But why most non-Apple brands make ugly looking devices? After You look at the Pencil, Crayon is an eye-sored pos!
I suspect that the Logitech Crayon and Case are place-holders until Apple offers a new Pencil and Case...
Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I’d give a kid a real coloring book and crayons before I’d give them an iPad.