Logitech has just announced the Logitech Crayon and Rugged Combo 2 for Apple's new iPad, which are all designed for use by students.
The cheaper iPad, together with the Logitech accessories, aims to enter more schools as Apple tries to increase its share in the education market.
"We've brought years of design expertise into the classroom with Logitech Crayon and Rugged Combo 2, which take advantage of the new iPad's capabilities," said Michele Hermann, vice president of mobility at Logitech.
"Together, these products give students more opportunities to be creative and all new ways to complete their school work, taking learning to new heights."
Logitech Crayon Stylus
The Crayon stylus is a $50 alternative for the $99 Apple Pencil, which was compatible only with the iPad Pro until recently. According to Logitech, it uses technology from the Pencil to deliver precision and tilt support. However, it's not pressure-sensitive.
The stylus is compatible with a host of apps, allowing students to take notes, draw illustrations, and more. The Logitech Crayon also allows students to write on the iPad as they would on a paper with a pencil. The iPad has a palm rejection technology to differentiate between a stylus and a hand resting on the screen.
Logitech promises an eight hours of use, an easy grip, roll-resistance, and pry-resistance. It connects automatically to the iPad without children or teachers needing to pair them first.
Logitech Rugged Combo 2
As the name suggests, the Rugged Combo 2 case is designed to protect the iPad from the rugged environment of a K-12 classroom. It's spill-resistant and acts as a guard against bumps and four-feet drops.
It comes with a detachable keyboard, which connects magnetically to the case. The keyboard has pry-resistant and silent keys. It pairs with the iPad with a click, and it doesn't use Bluetooth to make it easier for teachers to connect the devices. When not in use, children can replace the keyboard with a cover.
Rugged Combo 2 also comes with a pencil holder for the Crayon, a kickstand, and a row of shortcut keys for volume, print screen, and such. For this, schools have to pay an additional $100.
Logitech's new iPad accessories are only available for schools, however. In summer 2018, U.S. schools and school districts will be able to purchase the Crayon and Rugged Combo 2. The new iPad is already available for $329 with a $29 discount for schools.
