Well, loyal audience, we took a few days off here at Macsources to spend time with our family during the holidays. A nice side effect was that we received some generous techie gifts that we will spend the next few posts talking about. The first item is the ClamCase for iPad.
Since I received my iPad in the Fall of 2011, I have wanted a Bluetooth keyboard to accompany it. As a writer, I love the portability of the iPad, but find that typing of any length can be cumbersome without a ‘real’ keyboard. For a time, I was using a Bluetooth keyboard by Targus. It was specially made for the iPad and included a home screen and lock screen key. The Targus keyboard was a fine choice if you are stationary, but I found quickly that it doesn’t travel well.
I began doing research and searching for a keyboard/case for the iPad. I wanted durability and portability as well as functionality specific to the iPad. When forming a wish list for Christmas this year, I found the ClamCase. It basically turns an iPad into a laptop. The case contains a Bluetooth keyboard and is beautifully designed to allow for all of the iPad’s functions. The cutouts for the camera, power button, charging cable, speaker and volume control are a perfect fit. I’ve noticed that with some third-party cases for Apple products the cutouts don’t line up just right. That isn’t the case with ClamCase. It’s meant to work with the iPad.
The case part is tough. I believe one of my favorite things is that since it’s made out of heavy-duty plastic, I don’t need to worry about scratches. The design allows the you to use the case as a laptop, stand for the iPad, or simply as the protective case. The hinge allows for a 360 degree flip. The ClamCase also has an automatic sleep/wake function so that when you open it or close it, the iPad acts appropriately.
I was very excited to find this under my Christmas tree. It truly is a product that will help my iPad reach its full potential. It’s everything I hoped for in a keyboard/case combo. The only downside I have found is the added weight, but I was expecting it and since I carry it around in my laptop bag, it’s really not an issue.
I can recommend this product to any iPad owner. It’s a great productivity booster. The ClamCase for iPad 2 is $149 from clamcase.com.
