Nifty: ClamCase Transforms Apple iPad Into Netbook
We know there are plenty of VARs out there carrying iPads probably encased in some leather folio and accompanied by an Apple Bluetooth keyboard. And that setup is annoying. I’ve been there. Who wants to carry two pieces of hardware? The ergonomics are all messed up. Enter ClamCase, which is designed to provide robust, hard-shelled protection and converting your iPad into a fully functional netbook. Is it all it’s hyped up to be? Read on and find out …
For the 90 minutes it takes to charge the keyboard case, you get 90 hours of continual use. Pop the iPad in and ClamCase’s special patent-pending hinge provides 360 degrees of movement, so you can fold the iPad all the way back and enjoy the view or prop it up at an angle for watching movies or writing e-mails. The keyboard is recessed into the case, so it won’t hit the iPad screen or accidentally press keys when the case is closed.
The keyboard also comes with iPad specific-keys, allowing quick access to copy and paste, the home screen and media playback. Plus, it’s styled after Apple’s own chiclet-style keys, with the same ‘scissor’ button action that Apple fans will instantly recognize. The case is made out of high-grade PC-ABS plastic, but also contains ‘Soft-Touch’ surfaces for a solid grip and durability, according to the ClamCase makers.
The iPad is snugly and safely secure inside the case via 3M anti-scratch and shock absorption pads, ensuring that your iPad isn’t scratched by the very case you bought to protect it. Plus, it features a snap-close hinge to lock the case.
ClamCase is priced at $150 US, but you can grab it now for $119. Here’s the fun part: ClamCase is being marketed to the business community, and its marketing materials showcase what it looks like when running a VNC client to access Windows on the go.
But there’s just one negative: its weight. The ClamCase weighs in at 1.7lbs, .2lbs heavier than the iPad itself, so it essentially doubles the heft. Still, it’s a small price to pay for the level of functionality. When it comes down to it, 3 pounds is still pretty light, and the toughness and build quality seems to outshine other keyboard cases on the market. Plus, it’s only 1 inch thick, roughly the same thickness as a MacBook.
Anyone doing serious work on their iPad should take a look at this case. The enterprise is proving that real work can be done with the iPad, and perhaps may be done even better with this ergonomic style. But Apple is notorious for continually redesigning the form factor of its products. Will the iPad 2 have the same shape as the original iPad? Will it fit in the ClamCase? $150 is a large investment for an electronic accessory, and I’d want to know it’s future-proof.
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This looks like a great product. Since I already own my iPad, it won’t matter too much to me if they revise the ipad to to not fit the clam case because I won’t be replacing my 900 ipad investment anytime soon. However, when I went to the clam case site, there was a better price if I was willing to purchase a gift card first,which I did. However, as an after thought, a gift card is charged immediately, regardless of then the product ships. And, when I logged into order the product with my gift card code, it was not simple, I had to log back out, more than one ended up in my cart, etc. When I got the order right, I was disappointed to read and be stuck agreeing to the nonrefundable terms. It seems to me that if a company is making a good product, they don’t need to have these odd gift card purchase schemes and nonrefundable terms. This made me very skeptical of how satisfied in will actually be with the product…since they don’t seem to believe in it enough to unconditionally guarantee it or provide information about when it will ship. Not off to a good start.
Bonnie: Please let The VAR Guy and David Courbanou (the post’s author) know how things turn out once you receive the ClamCase. Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts.
-TVG
Hi,
I have a comment about Clamcase for ipad2.
I live in Australia amp; Clamcase won’t sell to overseas people, so when I wanted a white Clamcase, I had to use a forwarding agent. This cost me $75 extra on top of the Clamcase $149 amp; postage to the forwarder. Ok, I paid it because I really wanted one. Arrived in Oz about a week later amp; was great, for about four months. Then the battery stopped holding a charge amp; needed to be charged daily.
I contacted Clamcase, which isn’t easy, I was told the warranty was 120 days, so tough luck, no assistance.
Yes, its a fantastic product, while its working, but when the battery stops holding a charge, you’re on your own and Clamcase are not interested in helping.
So for an expensive case that lasts four months, you really have to decide you want one.
Priscilla