Apple, Logitech Debut Affordable ‘Crayon’ and Rugged Case for iPad

Along with a newer low-cost iPad and other education-focused platforms, Apple teamed up with Logitech to introduce two new accessories for its tablet lineup at its March 27 education event in Chicago.

Crayon Stylus

Chief among them is a new iPad stylus made by Logitech. The Crayon accessory is a stylus that Apple promises will deliver low latency, tilt support and high sub-pixel precision.

The so-called “digital pencil” sports an 8-hour battery life and instantly connects to an iPad without the need to pair.

At $49, the Logitech Crayon is roughly half the price of an Apple Pencil. Its lower price point should put it in reach of educators and students on a budget.

In Logitech’s words, it’s “an affordable solution” for students so that they can take handwritten notes, draw and illustrate, and create diagrams.

Logitech promises compatibility with a wide range of apps, including Apple’s own Pages, Numbers and Keynotes, as well as the Microsoft Office suite. That will allow students to markup PDFs and add sketches to documents, along with other functionality.

The new entry-level iPad also features Apple Pencil support.

Rugged Combo 2

In addition to the Crayon, Logitech and Apple also announced a new iPad case with a built-in keyboard called the Rugged Combo 2. According to Logitech, it’s specifically designed to withstand the wear and tear experienced in K-12 classrooms and puts a range of features within easy access with “one-click” pairing.

Along with providing protection against bumps, scratches and up-to-four-foot drops, the detachable keyboard also sports pry-resistant keys that are spill-resistant — adding to their durability. They’re also silent, so tapping away on an iPad won’t disturb other nearby students.

The Rugged Combo 2 is powered by a connected iPad, so it never needs to be charged. It also features a kickstand with four use modes and angles, as well as a built-in pencil holder specifically made for the Logitech Crayon or Apple Pencil.

Availability & Pricing

Both Logitech accessories will become available to U.S. schools and school districts in the summer. Interested education groups can visit this website for more information. Wider retail availability for non-educator consumers isn’t currently clear.

The Logitech Crayon will retail for $49.99 when it launches, and the Rugged Combo 2 will start at $99.99. More information about the accessories is available on Logitech’s website.