ClamCase has announced, naturally enough, the ClamCase, and all-in-one: keyboard, case and stand for Apple iPad:
Direct link to video via YouTube here.
MacDailyNews Take: AC/DC’s not going to be happy. [Update: May 8, 2010: As predicted, the video has been pulled and replaced with a new one with different music. We’ve changed the video and link to the new one above.]
Coming “fall 2010.” Price has not yet been set.
Bluetooth Keyboard
– The chiclet style Bluetooth keyboard offers a tactical feedback allowing you to compose and type quickly.
– Your iPad easily connects to ClamCases wireless Bluetooth keyboard
– ClamCase is iPad’s only physical hardware keyboard solution with a case. It features manual power on and off button with blue LED indicator light and automatic power save mode.
– Connection to other HID compatible Bluetooth devices such as Sony Playstation 3, Tivo and HTPC (home theater PC) to give you the ultimate wireless keyboard experience, says ClamCase.
– Bluetooth technology enables the iPad’s 30-pin dock connector to be free for charging, syncing and other hard wired functions.
360-degree Case
– The 360-degree torque hinges enable greater flexibility and fixed angles for featured modes of operation as the simple and sleek design of the ClamCase protects your iPad from dents and dings.
– Made of high quality ABS plastic to ensure long lasting protection.
– Shields against falls and breakage, dust and dirt.
– ClamCase closed position guards against accidental openings and falls.
– Smooth yet grippy rubberized exterior texture of the 360 degree hinge provides a more user-friendly hold for confident handling.
Positioning Stand
– Designed to enhance the iPad experience by providing a you-decide stand with an endless combination of positions to accommodate your desired tasks.
– Flip-back keyboard to expose the rubber hinge grip and enjoy your iPad in tablet mode.
– Watch movies at the perfect angle with the uniquely designed ClamCase stand which can position into an infinite number of viewing angles.
– Manipulate the iPad touch screen and use your favorite apps at just the right angle.
– The unique positioning of the ClamCase allows users the capability to display a digital picture frame slideshow in both portrait and landscape views.
For iPhone, too: The company says it is also working on a version of the ClamCase for iPhone, to take advantage of iPhone OS 4’s Bluetooth keyboard compatibility.
More information here. (ClamCase’s servers are currently overwhelmed.)
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@warren
This is an accessory. Netbooks can’t be taken out of their cases and be a 1.5 lb tablet. So, this doesn’t make the iPad into a netbook, it merely adds some functionality to the iPad that people want at certain times.
It is a case.
It is a bluetooth keyboard.
It provides for multiple viewing angles, which also allow you to use its onscreen keyboard if you like, but at the angle you like.
It allows you to put it on your lap and watch movies, surf, etc. at exactly the angle you want.
You don’t have to leave it in the case!
This is a perfect accessory for the iPad for many, many people.
Use the iPad naked when you want, and take it out naked if you want, or slip it into this case and take it with you if you want whether it’s the bedroom, boardroom, or coffee shop.
If this works the way it looks, I see huge sales of this.
@warren
Hmm. I don’t think you meant it when you wrote, “If Apple thought this was a good idea they would have made it like that.” That sounds a bit too…Calvinistic. Next you might be wearing a scarlet A.
Seriously, the add-on/accessory market is for customization. If you prefer the more Spartan (yea, that’s better than Calvanistic) Apple style, God speed. But I think GregoriusM does a good job of explaining why others, and perhaps many others if not the majority might like a case like this.
Remove the computer from the desktop for portability ?????
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Did everyone forget about the DuoDock ????? Still own mine if anyone wants to buy it !
Oh please! If I need a ‘clam case’ and keyboard, I might
as well bring my 15″ MacBook Pro. All I need is a form
fitting lightly padded case/sleeve that protects my 3G
from dents and scratches when I carry it in my man
bag. Also some kind of gizmo on the back so that it
props at say a 45 degree angle when I’m at my
favorite bar.
daugav
The point is you can’t take the “case” off your MacBook and use it like an iPad. With the ClamCase you have the versatility, but granted it won’t be for everyone.
If they turn the palm rest into a multi touch trackpad with stylus support,and slick product would be just about perfect.
nice but that hinge better be strong to support holding up the ipad at them angels and it has to be heavy on the keyboard side to keep it from falling back its a nice idea but what sucks if your using this or any landscape postion on the ipad and using iwork like i did to write a paper you cant access the tool bar in i work in landscape i have to turn itto portrait every time i want to change font add a picture or tab in. wish apple would make the tool bar available in landscape unless it already is and i haven figured out how to get it???