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Clamcase or ZaggMate?

Most excellent review "JeffShahan" I'm always skeptical about buying things unseen and unhandled (sp.) when it comes to Apple accessories that are from a non-Apple or not a recognized company. I would be in your exact situation if not for the Macworld SF Expo. There were a couple other people pushing their contraptions, but luckily I didn't bite. I did look at something that rolled out a rubberized keyboard that just rolls up and fits in any backpack or messenger bag in seconds (bluetooth)...:cool:
 
MikePA said:
Their web site has always shown orders ship the month following when you order. Nothing new.
Click to expand...

I have had mine on order since 12-20-10, only thing I've received is a bunch on emails on why they aren't shipping.
 
ClamCase Issues

My ClamCase shipping path was as follows:

Electronic Shipping Info Received, January 30, 2011
Processed through Sort Facility, February 08, 2011, 6:19 pm, HOUSTON, TX 77201
Delivered February 10, 2011, 2:26 pm

Why the delay? There aren't any answers. At any rate, I rushed home to get my unit. When I picked it up, I wondered why it was so light. I shook it and heard nothing. Upon opening the package, much to my surprise, I discovered that there was no ClamCase in the box.

There was some bubble wrap and a letter from the USPS apologizing for damage to the package (which I did not see any evidence of), but no ClamCase.

I've contacted ClamCase to alert them of the issue and am awaiting a response as we speak.

UX
 
Update to Empty Shipment Post

I received notice from ClamCase asking me to send a copy of the letter from the USPS. They promised to send a new package in the morning.

I'll update everyone on future happenings.

UX
 
I'd say go with the Clamcase. It looks really dope while in the case and the keyboard looks sufficient unlike some other ones like the ones they sell at Brookstone.
 
ClamCase Issue Resolved

I'm all set with my ClamCase. After reporting the incident, the company shipped a new unit the following morning - very responsive.

I have to say, I'm quite impressed. The unit is more sturdy than what I expected and works quite well. Everyone that has seen and used it has been impressed as well.

As for the shipment problem, it appears someone at the Houston USPS shipping facility opened the damaged package and ran off with the unit.
 
Here's another option. Reminds of the Clam Shell MacBooks back in the days.

http://www.rocketfishproducts.com/products/computers/RF-ICAP12.html

rocketfish_advanced_series_icapsule_ipad_keyboard_case_1.jpg


rocketfish_advanced_series_icapsule_ipad_keyboard_case_2.jpg


rocketfish_advanced_series_icapsule_ipad_keyboard_case_3.jpg
 
I just got my clamcase, i love it! the keyboard shortcuts are so worth it, i do find myself searching for the trackpad somethings though hehe maybe i can put a picture there or something, of a real trackpad
 
uxpassion said:
.........

As for the shipment problem, it appears someone at the Houston USPS shipping facility opened the damaged package and ran off with the unit.
Click to expand...


UPS seems to have a theft problem they don't want to acknowledge.
 
LGgeek said:
UPS seems to have a theft problem they don't want to acknowledge.
Click to expand...

While others have a reading comprehension problem they're eager to display.

uxpassion said:
As for the shipment problem, it appears someone at the Houston USPSshipping facility opened the damaged package and ran off with the unit.
Click to expand...
 
My clamcase finally received

After months of waiting, multiple emails send to the company, and a shipping number that never seemed to show my product was shipped I received my clamcase today. I am not going to do a review or anything but I will say it was worth the wait and I actually have mine in my hands. Hopefully you will receive yours soon as well.

Take care

Techno The Mage Out..

:eek:
 
i may choose clamase, since i have different styles to choose from, although the zaggmate also looks cool.:D
 
To Clamcase or not to Clamcase?

I can personally say from experience that the Zaggmate with keyboard was a disappointment for me. I had it for a week or so and ended up returning it. There were no alternate viewing angles while the iPad was in the stand (only the version without keyboard has multiple viewing angles). Also, while on my lap and gaming, it was not very stable, especially when in portrait mode, which made it top heavy. It also almost fell out of the case and on the floor when I was removing it from my lap as there's nothing at all to secure it to the case. Another drawback was the inset keys and space bar; I felt my thumb miss the space bar a few times, and the edge where the cutout is for the keys bothered my palms while resting them there during typing. I guess if you have tiny hands and small fingers (which I do not), it would probably be fine.

The only positives to the Zaggmate, at least for me, were the brushed aluminum design (very sleek looking to match the iPad) and the light weight and thinness to it. For those reasons, but mainly for the keyboard, I gave it a try. I'm glad I did so I wouldn't wonder what it was like.

At the time I ordered the Zaggmate, I didn't know anything about the Clamcase. It looks like a great product, and I first read about it and saw videos in late December. I haven't ordered one yet because I wanted to wait for actual consumers to have them in their possession and give reviews after using them. But then I read how some of you felt that the company wasn't reliable and that they just took your money and nothing was shipping when promised. That's also why I didn't order one yet. But now it seems like the long wait was worth it from what I've read.

My main questions are these:

(1) How is the feel of the keys and the spacing (or lack of spacing) between them? Is there a "click" like with standard Mac keyboards, or even a silent click? I'm also concerned that I'll hit two keys at the same time or miss the space bar due to their small size and tight spacing.

(2) When in tablet mode, how easy is it to hold in one hand without feeling like you're going to drop it? I'm sure it'll get tiring very easy.

(3) While the keyboard is folded under for gaming mode, how stable is the iPad when tapping the screen? Does it shake a lot, or is it pretty secure? I guess it would depend on how hard the screen is tapped.

(4) Just to confirm, there are no set number of viewing angles, right? It looks like it stays secure in whatever position it is put.

(5) For those who received defective Clamcases or any other issues you've had, how has Clamcase's customer service been? Do they respond quickly and send replacements in a more timely manner than their first shipments?

(6) For anyone who has ordered one more recently, say within the past 2-3 weeks, what has your experience been? Are they being shipped in a more timely manner and received in perfect working condition?

That's all I can think of for now. I've been reading this forum (thanks to everyone for posting) and watching the videos but still aren't convinced it's the best keyboard case out there. I also saw the Crux Case and Rocketfish iCapsule, both with keyboards, but it seems they have a couple of major design flaws.

Any further info from those who have received and used their Clamcase would be greatly appreciated!
 
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(1) How is the feel of the keys and the spacing (or lack of spacing) between them? It's fine. Is there a "click" like with standard Mac keyboards, or even a silent click? My iMac keyboard does not have a click, silent (whatever that is) or other wise. I'm also concerned that I'll hit two keys at the same time or miss the space bar due to their small size and tight spacing. I've never hit 2 keys at once nor missed the space bar.

(2) When in tablet mode, how easy is it to hold in one hand without feeling like you're going to drop it? I'm sure it'll get tiring very easy. The Clamcase and iPad is heavy but only a wuss would feel like they are going to drop it. However, you're not going to stand at a train station for an hour playing solitaire either.

(3) While the keyboard is folded under for gaming mode, how stable is the iPad when tapping the screen? Does it shake a lot, or is it pretty secure? I guess it would depend on how hard the screen is tapped. It is pretty secure.

(4) Just to confirm, there are no set number of viewing angles, right? It looks like it stays secure in whatever position it is put. Correct.

(5) For those who received defective Clamcases or any other issues you've had, how has Clamcase's customer service been? Do they respond quickly and send replacements in a more timely manner than their first shipments?

Visit the Clamcase forum on Facebook, specifically the discussion board. Several people got units that were DOA due to a hardware problem, but they shipped new ones out immediately. No reports of any problems since. I ordered mine on 1/21/2011 and received it on 3/5/2011
 
Thanks, MikePA, your answers were helpful. By a click of the keys, all I meant is the slight hesitation that is felt before the key is fully depressed, and by silent, I meant you don't hear anything but just feel it. Then again, I'm using an older Mac keyboard from 6 or 7 years ago.
 
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CAdreamin' said:
Thanks, MikePA, your answers were helpful. By a click of the keys, all I meant is the slight hesitation that is felt before the key is fully depressed, and by silent, I meant you don't hear anything but just feel it. Then again, I'm using an older Mac keyboard from 6 or 7 years ago.
Click to expand...

Yes, you can feel the keys on both the Clamcase and the Zaggmate.
 
The Clamcase had terrible build quality. I was one of the first to order on December 20th, and received mine in the beginning of February.

Not only does it add significant weight to the iPad, but it seems poorly designed. For example, the edges are sharp, which means that if you put it into tablet mode, the edges cut into your hands and arm.

Also, the keys are very, very tiny. If you're a bigger guy like I am (six-foot-six), you'll have a tremendous amount of difficulty with the keyboard.

And, there isn't any magnet or latch mechanism, which means that the Clamcase never closes securely. And, there have been recent reports of the Clamcase dying within a month.

The exterior of the Clamcase is really prone to "shiny scuffs" because of the material, which means it's impossible to keep looking new.

And, in the short time I had it, the Bluetooth was finicky and wonky on a number of occasions.

I sold mine on eBay for twice what I paid and never looked back. It came nowhere close to living up to the hype.
 
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Alucardx03 said:
Not only does it add significant weight to the iPad, but it seems poorly designed. For example, the edges are sharp, which means that if you put it into tablet mode, the edges cut into your hands and arm.

Also, the keys are very, very tiny. If you're a bigger guy like I am (six-foot-six), you'll have a tremendous amount of difficulty with the keyboard.

And, there isn't any magnet or latch mechanism, which means that the Clamcase never closes securely. And, there have been recent reports of the Clamcase dying within a month.

The exterior of the Clamcase is really prone to "shiny scuffs" because of the material, which means it's impossible to keep looking new.

And, in the short time I had it, the Bluetooth was finicky and wonky on a number of occasions.
Click to expand...
I ordered mine the same day, 20th of Dec 2010. Though I had one arrive DOA in January, they shipped me out another next day and I got it in like 3-4 days later. Ever since I got that one in my hands it has worked flawlessly. No problems whatsoever. However I have to agree with you about the keys are close together and does take a bit of getting used to. It is heavy too, but not as heavy as a full laptop. About it closing with magnets. Mine closes fine, it is heavy enough in the lid with the iPad there that it does close fully. Never had a problem with that. My bluetooth works great. No problems in that area. Regarding the edges of the case when inverted to a tablet with the iPad in it, does have some sharp edges but never paid much attention to it so it must not bother me much. But now you have me thinking about it.
 
I got my Clamcase on Saturday. It works as advertised and is more convenient than the ZaggMate which I had been using. Does it have the build quality of an Apple product? No, but it meets my needs which involve accessing work email via the Good app and accessing a VDI at work for almost everything else, both of which require a good amount of typing.
 
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