KeyboardCase
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Ask Engadget: what's the best iPad keyboard case?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Courtney, who obviously thinks the virtual iOS keyboard isn't svelte enough for her needs. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I'm sort of overwhelmed by the amount of iPad keyboard cases on the market, and would love to hear opinions from owners. Which one feels most sturdy, and which has the nicest key travel? They're all priced nearly the same, so it really comes down to quality, fit and finish. Thanks for any guidance!" Ignore the fact that the iPad 2 is likely just a few weeks away -- we're talking about the here and now. You've read our $0.02 on a few of these, but why not throw a few opinions of your own in comments below?
Rocketfish iCapsule keyboard case looks ugly but exceedingly useful
So far, iPad keyboard cases seem to follow two schools of thought -- the folio and the mini-clamshell -- and while both have their merits, neither do the job quite as well as the set of chiclets on your standard netbook. Best Buy's in-house Rocketfish label has a different idea: forget about making it svelte, and just hand you a full-size Bluetooth laptop keyboard that holds your iPad as well. It's called the iCapsule, and as you can probably tell it can accommodate your slate in both portrait and landscape modes, and when you're done it folds up into a hardshell case with an integrated carrying handle. The unit takes two AA batteries -- rather than a rechargeable Li-ion cell -- and costs $100 to own, though it's presently both on sale for $80 and unfortunately out of stock. We'll let you know if we get the chance to try it for ourselves. Two more pics at our source link, if it has piqued your curiosity by now. [Thanks, Yeti]
Clamcase iPad keyboard case hands-on
The folks from Clamcase stopped by our trailer this afternoon with some of the first finished products to roll off the assembly lines, and while we didn't get to spend as much time as we would've liked, we got to take a ton of photos of this intriguing accessory that essentially converts your iPad into a netbook. In our few moments actually using the thing, we can say that it's got a sturdy build quality and a decent keyboard; although there's a fair amount of travel, it just feels a bit cheap. It's also a bit cramped, but as the company rep pointed out to us, it's as large as they could've made it without adding to the iPad's already large bezel. We'll update this post when a real review unit lands back on our trailer front door, but for now enjoy our photos below. %Gallery-113355%
BoxWave Keyboard Buddy iPhone case review
Ever since Apple added Bluetooth keyboard support to iOS, manufacturers have been working to deliver products that add a hard keyboard to the iPhone with at least a little bit of style. We've checked out a number of these before -- namely the Nuu Minikey and the TK-421 -- but we've yet to find anything that actually makes it worth the extra bulk (not to mention battery consumption). BoxWave's Keyboard Buddy is yet another sliding keyboard case built for the iPhone, but is it better than the rest? Read on past the break to find out. %Gallery-112731%
Clamcase iPad keyboard case / stand now on sale, ships January 2011
Surely you haven't forgotten about Clamcase! Since we first caught wind of this guy, a smattering of iPad keyboard cases have come to light, but quite a few folks have apparently been waiting for the original to materialize. This week, the company opened up the pre-order hotline for the device, hawking it for the not-exactly-bargain-bin price of $119. It's available in any color you want, so long as it's black, and if all goes well it'll hit the shipping docks next month. It's definitely the nicest of the bunch based on pictures alone, and it's not like it'll have to try awfully hard to beat the rivals that have already let us down. So, what's it going to be? You in for one? Update: Thanks to a snazzy gift card, it's just $99 for a limited time. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
ThinkGeek TK-421 iPhone keyboard case review
We've been eagerly waiting for iPhone cases with built-in keyboards to hit ever since iOS 4 added Bluetooth keyboard support, but they simply haven't materialized like we'd hoped -- in fact, ThinkGeek's TK-421 case is the first to hit the market, nearly eight months after iOS 4 was first announced. Now that it's finally here, we've got to ask -- is this thing the ultimate iPhone accessory? Does the iPhone actually need a keyboard? Does flipping open automatically make something awesome? Read on to find out. %Gallery-108609%
TK-421 abandons his post, brings us this flip-out QWERTY case for iPhone
Nuu Mini Key didn't satisfy your desire for a physical keyboard on your iPhone? Try this TK-421 QWERTY case instead, which sexes up the formula with a swiveling package that hearkens back to the T-Mobile Sidekick. There's still no extra battery life to be had here, and yes, the keypad connects via Bluetooth, but we're willing to sacrifice a good bit for a totally awesome hinge and a dedicated number row. Invented, designed and sold by ThinkGeek, gadget stocking stuffer seller extraordinaire, the unit's priced at a very reasonable $50. Shame it's not slated to ship till "mid-November" and only then in limited quantities, else we'd snap up two right now. Watch that screen spin right round after the break.
AIDACASE brings Keycase Folio Deluxe iPad case to the US
We hope you didn't go to the trouble of importing the Keycase Folio from the UK -- AIDACASE has just announced that it's making the iPad case available in the US in a slightly improved "deluxe" version. That naturally includes the same Bluetooth keyboard as before, but AIDACASE has opted to use a micro USB cable instead of an Apple dock connector for charging the keyboard, and it's added a new magnetic flap to keep the case securely closed. Otherwise, the case looks to be identical to the non-deluxe version, and it's available on Amazon right now for $100. Full press release is after the break.
ClamCase iPad case magically turns your tablet into a laptop
The second we heard the iPad had Bluetooth keyboard support we knew we'd see a laptop-style case emerge, and here we are, watching a rendered product video for the ClamCase, which triples as case, a stand, and a keyboard. Sure, we have our doubts that the Iron Man 2 footage and AC/DC track being used were properly licensed and the product isn't actually real, but we've got a feeling iPad keyboard cases are going to be the playground for accessory manufacturers -- and the trend is just going to intensify when OS 4.0 brings keyboard support to the iPhone. We'll be honest, we can't wait to see what happens when some of these companies let their freak-flags fly -- check the ClamCase video and PR after the break. Update: New video after the break -- one that's decidedly less Shoot to Thrill. %Gallery-92406%
Dust-Off announces "Keyboard Quiver"
We can't say we've often felt the need to whip out a full-size keyboard on a second's notice, but Dust-Off seems to think there's enough folks clamoring to do just that, and it's hoping they'll find its new "Keyboard Quiver" to their liking. Apparently designed specifically with "active gamers" in mind, the Keyboard Quiver measures 21x12x6 inches, and boasts enough room for a mouse, cellphone, headphones, and other gear in addition to your keyboard, with plenty of padding provided to keep everything in tip-top shape for your next LAN party or impromptu gaming showdown. You'll still have to make do with your current carrying gear for a little while longer though, as the Quiver won't be available until sometime this October, when it'll set you back $70.
