New iPad case will offer hard shell, built-in keyboard

A recent FCC filing has revealed an upcoming iPad case with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard. With an iPad installed, it'll look and behave more like a traditional laptop, for better or worse.

Since this case includes a wireless keyboard, it must meet with FCC approval, and that's how it was discovered. Though it's less fun that this homemade version in my opinion, the case features a built-in keyboard and angled mount for the iPad itself. AppleInsider says that the keyboard is expected to get 100 days of standby time, and a theoretical working time of 90 hours, though real-world performance will probably differ. The battery will be charged via a standard dock connector-to-USB cable.

GearZap has it listed for £59.95, though it isn't currently available. It looks pretty cool and should offer nice protection when closed. If you use the iPad primarily for writing, keep an eye open for when this goes on sale.

[Via AppleInsider]

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Source: http://www.gearzap.com/ipad-folio-with-integrated-bluetooth-…

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A recent FCC filing has revealed an upcoming iPad case with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard. With an iPad installed, it'll look and behave...

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Louie

I think I like the ClamCase more
http://clamcase.com/

August 27 2010 at 12:58 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Karl

Missing (tiny?) RIGHT-SHIFT key is a dealbreaker. Awkwardly placed | is also poor.

Nice concept, awful key layout.

August 26 2010 at 1:18 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rego

Case might be functional and work for some; but a black keyboard sure is ugly!

August 26 2010 at 12:42 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jugney

I think people are missing the point - by comparing to a laptop, it seems you're assuming this would be someone's primary computer. Take my use-case. I own a desktop computer and a laptop. Since most of my work is on the desktop, the laptop is only used when I'm on the go. And I don't need much out of it other than being able to access the web, email, word process, etc.

A case like mine makes an iPad more realistic. And this case makes an iPad more FLEXIBLE - it can still be more portable than a laptop, but if I need to do more typing, I can use the keyboard. And even though the price then approaches a full-fledged laptop, why do I care? I want the portability, because this isn't my main machine anyway.

August 25 2010 at 10:39 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to jugney's comment

FightTheFuture

my sentiments exactly, people have to let this nonsense go.

this is a case. not a way to connect your printer, a dvd rom drive, a video card or a firewire camera.

it's a case.

if i get an external monitor for my macbook pro, does that mean that i should've bought a Mac Pro or iMac all along? no.

August 26 2010 at 1:18 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Buzz

Air = 3 lbs. $1499.
iPad = 1.5 lbs. $499.
This thing = ? lbs. $ 70-ish.

Hmm.

August 25 2010 at 7:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Bill Mac

Or you could just use an iPad in THE WAY IT WAS INTENDED!!!!

top trying to turn it into something its not already! Geesh!

August 25 2010 at 6:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

3 replies to Bill Mac's comment

Kei

This is already available online. I saw this on YouTube. Didn't look that good in terms of quality. Looks like they just rebranded it.

August 25 2010 at 6:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

KosherSalt

Now if only there was an ipad case you could plug a charger into, had a hard drive, camera and (what the heck) a video card and a DVD drive.

(bloody...)

August 25 2010 at 5:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to KosherSalt's comment

redcard

It's a case, kid. Let's not get carried away with ridiculous extrapolations, eh?

August 26 2010 at 12:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

KosherSalt

(heh) *sarcasm*

signed,
a 28 year old kid.

August 26 2010 at 2:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

lsc

In related news, new iPad case completely misses the point.

August 25 2010 at 4:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to lsc's comment