Clamcase Laptop-Like Shell for the iPad

[fishmd]

Hey Arn,
one of our users here has already made something like this with a gutted old laptop serving as the shell and the Apple Bluetooth keyboard for the keyboard.

See thread https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/910037/

 

[Tanguyvd]

add bluray!

what about fiber and usb3 connection, and legacy SCSI .... that would be nice

 

[iZac]

I love how apple tells its consumers what they should want, and then other companies step in and try to make that product into what consumers asked for in the first place.. I would still love a 10" macbook with OS X, but this case is ridiculous

would a mac mini hack with a 6" screen and huge car battery do you?

 

[Lone Deranger]

Maybe it comes with complimentary suction cups.... or velcro strips!

seems like it would be top-heavy.

arn

 

[BornAgainMac]

Next the iMac G4 swivel arm design.

 

[TeeJayEm]

If you go the apple route, you have to pay $120 for their case + bluetooth keyboard. Try standing your iPad on the coffee table and type on a keyboard in your lap. If the price is right i just might buy it.

 

[iZac]

Don't worry, Apple is on the case

 

[E.Lizardo]

So all this does is combine a protective case with a bluetooth keyboard.
I think I'll keep apple's case and use the keyboard I already have.
Stupid idea.
Maybe next they could make a case that converts the iPhone into a bag phone.

 

[epo]

Photoshopping a concept is cheap ...

Bet this ridiculous idea never gets realised.

 

[Porco]

I don't think I'd buy one myself unless it was giving more funtionality (e.g. an extended battery and dock pass through, maybe with space for integrating the camera connection kit), but I quite like it.

It's not really all that different an idea than having a case/stand, like the one Apple sells, or a keyboard dock, again like the one Apple sells. It's a fun idea for a case and keyboard in one, and I don't see the big problem with it that's worth all the cynicism in this thread.

 

[E.Lizardo]

It's nice to see Macrumors members are again opposing choice.

For my part, I think someone finally made the iPad just a little bit useful. Now at least you won't need to carry 50 accessories in your backpack in order to use iWork on it.

Still, I'm not swapping my laptop for one either way.

I must have missed all those posts saying it should not be allowed to be made.Most just point out that it's stupid and has some major design flaws(weight distribution for one).

 

[bobob]

Bet this ridiculous idea never gets realised.

Didn't you read the OP - - it's only the first of many!

Clamcase is likely the first of many integrated keyboard case designs for the iPad.

 

[MrCheeto]

Anybody with some mad photochop skillz and a couple of minutes who would be able to put together a demo pic of my hot new product idea? (I'll split the profits with you!)

Um, I guess Google Image search for "iPad Dock Mainframe" brought nothing up?

*Sigh* Yet again, I'm stuck doing all the work.

 

[bobob]

Um, I guess Google Image search for "iPad Dock Mainframe" brought nothing up?

*Sigh* Yet again, I'm stuck doing all the work.

Wow! Is that the IBM triple iPad model?!?

 

[MrCheeto]

No, it's the quad-reel-to-reel (another behind the pompadour ******) with iPad dock connectors and high-speed reels...but no USB -.-'

 

[northernbaldy]

is there space for a 3.5" floppy?

 

[MrCheeto]

Lookout, Nana!!

No, the IBM Quad Reel does not support ANY standard tape sizes or other media.

 

[Takeo]

Question.... do any of these people demanding an iPad with USB, HDMI, Mouse, Keyboard, Laptop form factor, SCSI, Floppy Drive, VGA port... etc. actually have one... or even used one?

 

[Starfires]

It's a Maybe

Cummon everyone, the one main thing the iPad is missing for productivity is a keyboard. Netbooks are no good as almighty Steve himself said and something like this could make the iPad for many situations all you need. I've been thinking ever since I had my iPhone that coupled with an ergonomic keyboard it would do fine and this goes in that direction. The problem with mini-notebooks, et all is that despite all their open-ended (relative) power they just aren't all that 'snappy', which from my limited experience of using it, I find the iPad definitely is.

Of course, I kind of like the fact that the iPad is entertainment and consumption-oriented. It gets away from the whole seriousness of the 'computer thing'. But for people wondering if it can replace a laptop, here's the answer- by temporarily becoming one!

 

[Takeo]

I agree that this actually isn't a bad idea. I would use the iPad alone 90% of the time... but for working on a doc or replying to a lot of email... a keyboard would be nice. I thought about the Apple Keyboard Doc... which is a neat... but it requires you to sit at a desk. It would not work well on your lap and there are no palm rests. It also forces you to use the iPad in portrait orientation. A Wireless Keyboard would work too and allow any orientation... but then you have two separate pieces. And no palm rests. Awkward. So this thing does make sense. And I'm glad they didn't try to make it be anything more than a bluetooth keyboard. But I would have tried to "think outside the box" to see if it would be made to look a lot LESS like an actual laptop. Why make it look like a laptop? I think it would have been way cooler if the keyboard part was super thin for instance... more like a book cover than a laptop base. Thinner than the iPad. You could hide some weights inside to balance out the top heavy factor... and it would have looked much cooler.

 

[Sweetfeld28]

I don't think its a bad idea, or product. However, would I buy one if I owned an iPad, I'm not sure. It does look very appealing though.

 

[lileoj]

Wow I love this concept I cant wait to see if and when it will come out!

 

[prss14]

How about a MacBook Air????

 

[iSimx]

This is pointless.

iPad was not designed to be a laptop.

If a person wants a laptop then they should just get a laptop.

If they dont like the iPad for what it is, or dont have a use for the it, then dont buy an iPad.... why buy it and then convert it into something else??

So stupid.

So true... it IS a stupid idea.

 

[clank72]

What is the point of this thing? The day you forget your laptop will be the same day you forget to bring a clamcase.