A New Era For Tablet Accessories – Credit To Asus
At Computex, Asus was rewarded with their innovation in design with an award for the ZenPad 8.0 tablet. The ZenPad 7.0 shares the same design features. There is a lot to talk about, but let’s just say that the design is amazing and there is pretty much no reason to look outside of what Asus offers in terms of accessories.
To clarify, the ZenPad S 8.0 and the ZenPad C 7.0 do not have the interchangeable design. There are still nice covers, like the Clutch Case and TriCover folio cases, but the true hero accessories (cases and covers) are for the ZenPad 8.0 series and the ZenPad 7.0 series. Don’t worry, on this page, our reviews and details will specify which ZenPad they are compatible with.
Quick Links:
- New! ZenPad 10 Keyboard Dock in Black or Metallic, now available in USA with free shipping for $69. Full details here.
- ZenPad 10 keyboard dock available from Taiwan based eBay seller. Worldwide shipping. Full details here.
- Z Stylus now available in US market. Just $29. Details here.
- Want to buy a Z Stylus for your Z580CA, Z300C, Z300CG or Z300CL? Currently you can get one from Taiwan with free shipping to anywhere in the world. We did and it’s great! Full details are here.
Compatibility Summary:
Power Case:
- ZenPad 7.0 and ZenPad 8.0
- Models: Z370C, Z370CG, Z380C, Z380CX, Z380KL
- Price: $24.99 US
Audio Cover:
- ZenPad 7.0 and ZenPad 8.0
- Models: Z370C, Z370CG, Z380C, Z380CX, Z380KL
- Product listing: PAD-21 Audio Cover_CA81_Z380_WH//8/10 (90xb02vp-bsl070)
- Price: $69.99 US
- 5.1 speakers inside including sub woofer
Zen Clutch Case:
- ZenPad 7.0, 8.0, and 10
- Price: Coming Soon
Zen Case:
- ZenPad 7.0 and ZenPad 8.0
- Models: Z370C, Z370CG, Z380C, 380CX, Z380KL
- Price: $9.99 US
Z Stylus:
- ZenPad S 8.0 (Z580CA only) and ZenPad 10 (all models)
- Models: Z580C, Z580CA, Z300C, Z300CG, Z300CL
- Mfr #: 90XB02WP-BTO000
- Price: $29.99 US
Audio Dock:
- ZenPad 10
- Models: Z300C, Z300CG, Z300CL
- Product Listing: Z300C-DOCK-BK and Z300C-DOCK-WH
- Product: DA01-KB
- Price: $59.99 US
TriCover:
- All ZenPad models
- Price: ZenPad 8.0 ($14.99 US), ZenPad S 8.0 ($17.99 US), ZenPad 10 ($19.99 US)
Zen Case: This is a basic accessory that is essentially a colored back plate for the ZenPad 7.0 and ZenPad 8.0 tablets. This allows for a wider range of colors, which would be desirable to those looking for a fashionable look. Obviously not everyone is looking for a tablet to match their outfit, but the Zen Case is for those that do.
Zen Clutch: This case is the most fashionable accessory available for the ZenPad tablets. It essentially makes the tablet into a purse like device. This doesn’t not swap out the back of the ZenPad like the Zen Case does. We still need to see more details on the Zen Clutch because they were not available to the public at Computex. We’re hoping for more details soon. If you want to classiest and most stylish case, this would be the one for you.
Power Case: To us, this is one of the most impressive ZenPad cases. This case snaps into place, and is part of the ZenPad 7.0 and ZenPad 8.0 interchangeable design. There is a battery inside of this case which can extent you ZenPad battery life up to 15 hours total. For those traveling, this would be an ideal case to own. Because it replaces the back cover, this case fits tightly for little extra bulk and is a perfect design match to the ZenPad.
Audio Cover: Talk about innovation! This cover wowed the crowd when first unveiled at Computex. It’s the world’s first tablet cover with 5.1 surround sound speakers built into it. It even has a sub woofer! We are looking for some hands-on time with the Audio Cover to see how well the speakers perform, but from what we’ve seen and heard from Computex, it’s more than sufficient for a tablet situation.
Z Stylus: At this point only some basic information is know about the Z Stylus. It has 1024 points of pressure sensitivity and a 1.2mm tip on the pen itself. When it comes to stylus pens, things can become a bit technical. At this point we really don’t have more specs or details. We expect by the end of June or early July to have more details. Keep in mind that this is only compatible with the ZenPad S 8.0 and the ZenPad 10 models.
Audio Dock: This is the ZenPad 10 specific keyboard dock. You might have heard about the Transformer Pad tablets and those keyboard docks, but this one is a bit different. Rather than having an touchpad, Asus has designed this with built in speakers instead. The keyboard looks fairly tight, but not that different from the Transformer Pad keyboard docks. With the ZenPad 10 being slightly smaller (less bezel) the keyboard simply doesn’t appear to have the same size to work with. This means slightly shrunken down Shift keys for example.
There is no question that the tablet market is crowded. What can happen in such a rapidly changing market, is high turnover for tablets. So when it comes time to buy a slightly outdated Asus tablet, those model specific accessories, like a nice case, won’t be found anywhere. Asus can hopefully bring more of the official cases and accessories to the market once they trim down their volume of tablet releases. It’s understandable to a point when you have so many SKU’s, it would require a lot of inventory and shelf space to keep a variety of cases and accessories. I’ve seen this issue first hand. I did buy a MeMO Pad ME302c for an amazing price. However, when it came time to buy a case, there was next to nothing. When I say nothing, I really mean that. I could not find or order an official Asus case which is what I really wanted in the first place. Rather, I took a gamble on an Amazon third party case, which actually turned out to be a great product, but I consider myself fortunate.
So to me, when Asus says that it’s reducing the number of tablet models, my hope is to see wider availability for their official branded accessories. No question that Asus has terrific folio style cases and plenty of great colors. The hope is that they are available, especially for the North American market.
If you look at the photos of various Asus accessories, some look very fancy. I’m sure if you went online to shop, you’re going to be hard pressed to find one to buy.
Do I really need a case to protect the screen of my tablet?
This question comes up a lot. Here is the thing. The screen is made of Gorilla Glass, which is what I call “scratch resistant”. Things like a diamond ring or sand/grit will scratch these screens. A tablet isn’t likely ending up in your pocket when there might be specs of sand or grit. However, sand or grit might get onto a cover, which will then rest on that screen. There is a chance of scratching, but unlikely to happen.
The biggest risk is from dropping. Concrete or pavement can crack your screen. The angle and how high it is will obviously play a role in whether your screen will crack. When it comes to drops, that Gorilla Glass isn’t going to help. One thing to consider is that screens are replaceable, although expensive. If you take your tablet outside of the home, then it’s a wise decision to go with some type of case of bumper cover so that the corners of the tablet have a cushion should it get dropped onto a hard surface.
The way I think of things, I don’t have concerns in my home regarding damaging my tablet. I don’t have hard concrete floors, and I’m not worried about grit scratching the screen. In that sense, if it was strictly for home use, I wouldn’t feel the need for a case or cover. You will have to look at your location and travel with your tablet to determine whether it’s a good investment or not. Just remember that screens can be replaced via a repair, so if you happen do go without a case and it gets damaged from a drop, at least you can revive your tablet from your mistake. It’s not the end of the world!
Photos of Official Asus Tablet Cases and Accessories
Good advice on the bumper case. I never leave my home without it!
where can i buy the tricover for the asus s 8 z580c?
thank you
We’ve been trying to track down places selling official accessories, but simple said, we haven’t found any. In fact, looking on the Taiwan Asus store which just announced tablets for sale, they don’t have the cases yet. We hope to post good news asap. Trust us, we’re looking everywhere and will continue to do that. Thanks.
We haven’t seen these in retail anywhere at this point. Perhaps a visitor to the site might have seen them somewhere? Just now they’ve been added to Asus.com, but informational only. We hope to update with retail news soon.
It’s very nice accessories but why didn’t recommend where i can buy it.
Nowhere on the planet yet. Sorry to say, but they are not selling anywhere right now.
Thanks for reply, pls tell me if you know.
i’d love to get that orange colored zen case for my zenpad 7 z370cg. anyone selling it?
What country?
Any word on where you can buy this stuff? I have a 300c and it’s a great little tablet, but I’d like to buy the audio dock with keyboard. Any word on when or where to get them?
The audio dock for North America is available in one place, the Asus US online store. If that’s where you live, you can check it out here: http://store.asus.com/us/item/201509AM290002183/A18483
does anybody know if the ASUS ZenPad 8.0 Zen Case also fits the zenpad S8 ?
No, it’s difference because Zenpad S 8.0 with 4:3 screen.
Where can i get folio cover for my ASUS ZenPad 8.0 (Z380C/Z380KL) ?
At this point, eBay is about the best option. It’s going to be a bit more expensive if you go Asus brand on eBay but supply is simply limited out there.
Where can I get screen guard and cover case for Asus ZenPad 8.0(Z380KL) in South Africa? Please help
Great question. We will have to dig around for you. I’m sure this isn’t ideal, but a lot of eBay sellers have international shipping and sometimes free. That said, we will see what we can find for your area.
Where can I get screen guard and audio cover for Asus ZenPad 8 in South Africa. Please help
I have just purchased the Zenpad 7 in the UK. Can you explain why the UK specs and accessories are so different, for example no sim slot, or sound pad cover.
will ship to VietNam ?
I just wanna buy a z stylus pen for zenpad 10.
i am from egypt , does it avlaible here or not ?
does it in egypt ?
I would like to get pink color for zenpad10
Here in Philippines
Hello, I would like to purchase Zen Clutch (White) for my Z370G in Malaysia. But the official store doesn’t have it. Where do I get this Zen Clutch internationally?
Where i can buy the Folio Cover for asus zenpad 3s 10 (z500m)?
Hi,
I have a ZenPad 10 3S. I would really like a keyboard folio case. Do you know where I can get one?
Cheers.
The battery cover case is a great idea but in my experience it simply doesn’t work!
The tablet uses the internal battery in priority, right until the tablet runs out of juice and powers down. In the meantime it has only used a couple of percent of the accessory battery.
So the accessory adds only weight and cost, but no extension to battery life.
Anyone knows where to buy in Europe (UK) Zenpad C 7.0 (Z170C) bottom cover (case) replacing broken old one ?
Cheers
Super Interested in one of the keyboard docks, either the DA01 or DK01. These are only compatible with the Z300 platform.
But I want a 10″ tablet with 64gb memory and 4gb ram (the Z500) OR the Verizon Wireless with 32… This makes drives me to a Z500
Why is the keyboard dock only compatible/available for the z300 platform and not the z500?
Is there another keyboard/case type thing that works with the Z500 really great? Looked at the Logitech Universal Keyboard Folio, but I think it’ll be very oversized…
Does the zenpad tricover fit the asus zenpad 3s 10 z500kl? I think not, but I was looking for original case for my asus and I can’t find anything…
Just bought a Asus Z500M would like to buy a genuine case,can buy plenty of cases from other company’s,Seen some on the U K website,so where can i buy one?