IpadCase
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Alleged iPad 2 cases show up with some interesting cuts (video)
Looks like some Chinese manufacturers think they know what the next-generation iPad looks like -- we've seen numerous pictures today of supposed cases all with the same features: a headphone jack, a hole for a camera on the back, just one dock connector (not two), and a mysterious slit on the bottom. So, what could that be? An SD card slot seems unlikely since the cutout predominantly strips away the back of the case, not the bottom edge. Our source speculates it might be the antenna -- if all the manufacturers saw was the aluminum case design, the cutaway could've been made as a precaution, not knowing exactly what it's for. (Then again, the antenna for iPad 3G is found on the top of the device). We're thinking it might be for a revised speaker design -- the cutout is located just above and behind the location of the current iPad's speaker. Maybe we'll find out for ourselves by April, and maybe we won't -- consult your own crystal ball for that one. Some more case designs in a video after the break.
Locking iPad case makes your tablet far less portable, attractive, and enticing to thieves
Sick and tired of hauling your iPad into a dodgy work environment, scared to even leave it in your desk drawer for half a minute while you scurry across the office for a cup of scorched coffee? Never mind finding a new career -- just fill out the paperwork necessary to pack a concealed weapon and head over to Mac Locks. You see, the aforesaid site is now carrying what it calls the world's first locking iPad case -- a plastic shell that can be closed via lock and tethered to pretty much anything via a coated steel cable. Once it's secured, the only way to remove the tablet is the right way, or the fast way, with the breaking-and-entering method rendering the device worthless. The case itself can be had for $39.95, whereas the case / cable bundle is going for $64.95. But hey, it's hard to put a price on peace of mind, ya know?
Pantone iPhone and iPad cases thumb their noses at Apple's grayscale aesthetic
Considering the affection the design community has for Apple products and the Pantone Matching System, combining these passions seems ripe for success. At least that's Case Scenario's theory with this new line of licensed cases: they're Pantone approved, so you know the hues and ridiculous code names are legit. In total, nine different versions are available for the iPhone and four for the iPad, providing plenty of style leeway should the colorware route be out of your budget. No word on pricing or availability just yet, so for now it looks like our Capsure color identifier will have to remain holstered until more details surface. %Gallery-109303%
Zaggmate iPad keyboard case joins the fray
Have an iPad but still feel the need to have a case and/or keyboard to go with it? While we have certainly seen similar iPad cases with keyboards and even some cases made out of wood, you may want to check out the newest addition to the "iPad case with keyboard" category from Zagg. While there are two different versions of this new Zaggmate case, one with a built-in QWERTY keyboard and one without, I imagine the one with the keyboard will be the bigger seller of the two, especially for those looking to make their iPad their travel computer. Made from anodized aluminum and packed with military grade high-density padding, the keyboard connects with your iPad via Bluetooth, enabling horizontal or vertical use. Priced at US$99.99 with the keyboard and $69.99 without, Zagg says the cases are "Coming Soon" but you can sign up to get an email notification when they are available for sale. Check out videos of both models below. [via Engadget]
Zaggmate iPad keyboard case saturates a market in record time
Alright, folks -- we get it. There's a market for iPad cases with accompanying keyboards. If none of the other options that have emerged over the past few months tickled your fancy, Zagg is introducing yet another to mull over. The Zaggmate actually does manage to differentiate itself fairly well from the competition, with two models being available: one with a keyboard and one without. This clip-on stand can elevate your iPad (positioned horizontally or vertically) for easier viewing, and the "with keyboard" model obviously throws out a full QWERTY set to make those Pages creations somewhat easier to bang out. Currently, Zagg's got this one listed as 'Coming Soon,' with the standard model carrying a $69.99 price tag and the keyboard edition demanding an extra $30. Peek 'em both in their YouTube debuts just after the break. Update: The Zaggmate was actually hanging around at the CES New York Press Preview last night -- we caught a couple of hands-on shots below, but as you'd expect it's a pretty cheap feeling, plastic keyboard / case. %Gallery-107122% [Thanks, Adrian]
Crux 360 case converts your iPad into a netbook for $149 (video)
Hello, trend. The Crux 360 is the third such device that we've seen in the past two months, and if we had to guess, we'd say it probably won't be the last. That said, it's easily the best looking of the bunch, and it's available to pre-order beginning today. For all intents and purposes, this case transforms your iPad into a netbook (at least, a netbook sans a bona fide operating system), but it's also capable of flipping back in order to become a kickstand. A Bluetooth keyboard is built right into the "lid," and if you're in need of little visual explanation, a video is waiting just after the break. $149 and she's yours... someday.
Adonit Writer adds one more option to the iPad folio + keyboard barrage
We weren't too fond of the AIDACASE KeyCase Folio, but we should've known a flood of alternatives would be hitting the market shortly thereafter. Adonit dropped us a line to say that its rival is in the final stages of production and should be ready to order by Christmas, and while the final edition will add a lot of polish, there's a gallery of pre-pro shots just below for your perusal. The Writer iPad folio + keyboard combines a Bluetooth keyboard with a case, and the board itself slides on a magnet for maximum positioning awesomeness. There's also a quick iPad release, auto-keyboard sleep function and an exterior that'll look far sexier than what you're seeing here. Hit the source link to be alerted when it goes on sale, and as for pricing, expect to part ways with $120 or so. Or $420 when combined with a Colorware Grip for iPad. %Gallery-106021%
iPad Etch A Sketch case: can you handle more magic?
If there's one sure way to get consumers to part with their hard-earned cash it's nostalgia. So check this, the official Magic Etch A Sketch iPad case licensed from Ohio Art. Made from ABS plastic, the case features rubber feet, felt backing, and retractable kickstands for laying the iPad flat or angling it for on-screen keyboard use. And those knobs? Decoration only son, they don't actually do anything. And while it promises to make you the "coolest kid in the conference room," it's more likely to confirm your boss' suspicion that he hired an overgrown baby -- such is the price for wistful affection. Oh, and the $39 required to take this home.%Gallery-102844%
AIDACASE KeyCase Folio Deluxe for iPad Bluetooth keyboard case review
We were expecting a flood of iPad-oriented Bluetooth keyboards to hit the second Apple announced that its tablet would support them, but it's basically been crickets so far -- except for the AIDACASE KeyCase Folio Deluxe, which we first saw hit the FCC in April and is now finally shipping. But after all the wait, is it actually worth $100 to lug this thing around with your iPad? We've been testing a review unit -- head past the break to find out. Update: The video should be working now (if you were having issues). Sorry about that folks! %Gallery-102620%
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.
KeyCase iPad Folio packs a Bluetooth keyboard, scores FCC approval
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/KeyCase_iPad_Folio_packs_a_Bluetooth_keyboard'; It's not the laptop-style ClamCase iPad case that we saw renders of way back in May, but this so-called KeyCase iPad Folio does manage to do a similar trick, and it's thankfully very much real -- it's just landed FCC approval and is already listed at one online retailer (though it's out of stock). The big selling point here, of course, is a Bluetooth keyboard that fits in the case and props up your iPad while in use, which can also be removed whenever you're looking to lighten the load a little. Unfortunately, there's still no official word on a widespread release for the case, but UK retailer GearZap has it listed at £60, or just over $90.
TUAW review and giveaway: Twelve South BookBook for iPad
When fellow TUAW blogger Dave Caolo teased you with the news of Twelve South releasing the US$69.99 BookBook cover for iPad, you knew that a review and giveaway couldn't be far behind. We're happy to say that you'll have a chance to win one of these beautiful iPad covers. But first, let's give the BookBook for iPad a test flight. It's rather ironic that the sleek glass and aluminum iPad is inspiring a lot of old-school cases. The first out the door was the Dodo Case, a leather-bound tome that resembles a Moleskine in more ways than one. It has a hand-carved bamboo interior shell to hold the iPad in place, and an elastic band holds the cover closed when the iPad is not in use. These $59.95 cases have resulted in a resurgence in the book binding trade in San Francisco, and there's a long waiting list for them. Minneapolis-based Pad&Quill also has a similar case called "The Case, Vol. 1" with a hand-carved birch interior lining. The Dodo Case has spawned a host of imitators, including a number of blog posts from people who are creating their own Moleskine-type iPad cases by hand. A lot of iPad owners, however, were waiting to see what Twelve South would do for the iPad. This, after all, is the company that started the whole retro case market with the BookBook for MacBook Pro. Well, the wait is over, and now Twelve South is shipping their beautiful distressed leather book binding case for the iPad. %Gallery-100141%
Magic Eraser magically cleans your Apple products
Besides its usefulness cleaning walls, tables and shoes, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is excellent at cleaning many Apple products. If your white MacBook is starting to look brown and your Apple iPad Case has stains from who knows where, the Magic Eraser just may be your solution. And at $2.99 for a two-pack, it's not that big a gamble. The Magic Eraser and similar products are made of melamine foam; for consumer household use, it acts like extremely fine sandpaper. This allows it to get into tiny grooves and pits to "erase" stains. Per instructions on the package, just add some water to the Magic Eraser and begin gently -- and I repeat, gently -- rubbing it on the surface area of what you're cleaning. As you're dealing with electronics, it's a good idea to turn off the device and not use too much water. With the Magic Eraser, I was able to remove all the grease from my burgers and French fries from my Apple iPad case. It looked almost new again. Although Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser is one of the more commonly known brands of melamine foam-based cleaners, others exist. They include the 3M Scotch Brite Easy Erasing Pad and the Nano Sponge. Store brands, which are commonly less expensive, also exist and I've found them to work just as well as national brands. As is the case with cleaning anything expensive, especially electronics, it'd be wise to be extra cautious. This includes test cleaning on a small area, and not over-applying water. TUAW & Aol assume no liability for any damage to your equipment caused by the use or misuse of this product.
Engadget T-shirt iPad sleeve completes a nerdy + heartwarming loop
Somewhere out there there's a naked, shivering Engadget reader who loves his iPad very much. His name is Colin, and he scored the shirt at Engadget Show 008, which was fashioned into this case by the fine folks at HelloRewind, which he naturally heard about on Engadget.
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%
A tale of two iPad cases: the Dodocase and M-Edge Trip Jacket
If you're like us, one of the first things you wanted to do after getting your iPad was to find a great case for it. Right off the bat, we weren't really that into Apple's offering, which is strangely 90's in its design aesthetic, though it does have a number of decent features if you're looking for a do-it-all scenario and don't have strong feelings on looks. For us, however, the goal was finding something that kept a low profile, shielded the slate from unnecessary grime, and made it easier to deal with. Oh, and we wanted it to look like a book. After reviewing the options, we've come up with two choices that we think are your best bets for turning your iPad into something a little more familiar, so here's our quick take on M-Edge's Trip Jacket, and the stunning, hand-made Dodocase. %Gallery-92232%
Sprint's snazzy, speedy 4G iPad case
You bought your iPad, now you need a case. And since you decided to purchase a Wi-Fi iPad instead of waiting for the 3G model, you're trying to figure out how the heck to connect to the Internet on those occasions when you're away from Wi-Fi. Sprint is coming to your rescue. Their new 4G case for iPad is really just a nice case with a special pocket for one of their Overdrive 4G (US$349, less with rebates and 2-year activation) routers, which gives you a really fast connection to the Internet in those locations where Sprint has rolled out their 4G WiMAX service (see the Sprint site for details). How fast is really fast? 3 - 6 Mbps, which is considerably faster than the 600 Kbps - 1 Mbps you'll get with 3G service. You have to purchase the Overdrive separately at a Sprint or Best Buy store, and of course the iPad doesn't come with the case, but if you have a need for speed and a new, naked iPad, this is a pretty nice solution. If you're not currently in a 4G service area, the Overdrive 4G router also works well with Sprint's 3G data service. You'll also gain a lot of new friends when you share your 4G connection with up to four other people. [via Electronista]
Road tested: The Apple-branded iPad case
I'm going to come right out and say it. I hate the Apple iPad case. I thought I'd like the fact that it protects the iPad and works as a stand. I don't. For US$39, I really thought Apple would deliver a protective case that perfectly augmented the iPad using experience. It didn't. Unfortunately, I pre-ordered my case before Victor gave the case his once over. How do I hate the case? Let me count the ways. I hate the hard edges that constantly catch my fingers whenever I pull the case out of my handbag. I hate the folding bit that never folds back quite flat. I hate how the bottom of the case keeps me from easily putting in or pulling out the docking cable. I hate how unstable the whole thing is, especially when I try to stand it in portrait mode or in full-up landscape (rather than laying down-ish landscape) orientations. For the $40 I paid, I was hoping for more. Or at least...better. I've tried giving the case a shot on a day to day basis, but after using it for a while I'm just giving up. For now, I'm going back to a padded envelope--at least until more and better cases hit the market. As Mike Rose puts it, "Padded envelopes are cheap, readily available, and involve no labor." If the same-old-same-old ennui drags you down, you can apply duct tape and an Apple label to spice things up.
iPad LapDock asks why you'd ever need a laptop, we can think of a few answers (video)
Don't act like you haven't thought about it, every slate device is just begging for the perfect keyboard accessory that can also function as a hard case. Some industrious souls have gotten on the case of building just such a contraption for the iPad, titled it the LapDock, and given it no lesser a goal than to completely obviate the need for laptops. Shh, no need to ruin their halcyonic existence with talk of the added connectivity, functionality, and versatility of laptops, just let it slide. As to the current state of affairs, well, the LapDock looks like a nicely carved wooden case with room for your iPad and Apple Bluetooth keyboard and that's about it. Not the highest of high-tech implementations, but it's still at the, ahem, prototype stage. Go after the break to see if it catches your fancy.
Apple iPad accessories hands-on / micro-review
We've taken an in-depth and thorough look at the iPad, but we wanted to spend a little time with some of Apple's official accessories the company handed out with review units. There's nothing crazy here, but we did make some interesting observations about add-ons for the iPad, so join us for a phantasmagorical peek inside the world of fantabulous tablet accessamifyin'. %Gallery-89690%
