ClamCase iPad 2-3 Keyboard Case

by ClamCase

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 1 x 8.1 inches ; 1.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• ASIN: B005EN83A2
• Item model number: M3000065
• Batteries 5000 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,413 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

The case is like new, in its original box with the charging cable. There are minor scuff marks on the bottom.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 70 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Overall a great solution with just a few shortcomings... August 30, 2011

By Tuscano77

Amazon Verified Purchase

When I purchased my iPad 2 at the Apple Store, I was disappointed by the lack of options for covers and cases. The Apple smart cover is, in my opinion, not so smart. It certainly won't offer any protection for the iPad. Which, let's face it, will eventually scratch or be damaged from the inevitable accidental drop if not properly encased. I love the design of Apple products and their aesthetics are unmatched. But ultimately (and "purists" might disagree) they have to be covered for most practical every day use.

So after looking at several local stores, including Best Buy, I resorted to Amazon.com for my iPad 2 case. The first one I purchased, a Cygnett brown leather case, was spectacular. But I found that with how I intended to use the iPad 2 (blogging, writing emails, etc) that the onscreen keyboard just wasn't sufficient. So I made a trip back to the Apple store to purchase their blutooth keyboard. However, after a short period of use, I felt that having a separate device for occasional input was cumbersome.

After extensive research online, I came across the clamcase. It seemed like exactly what I was looking for in terms of form factor and functionality. I immediately ordered the clamcase for the iPad 2 and paid for the overnight shipping to receive it the next day. It arrived as expected and I was pleased with the packing of the case itself.

Getting the iPad 2 into the case is fairly simple and quick. The way that it holds the iPad in place seems very sturdy. The dock connector port, speaker and buttons all align nicely with the case cutouts. The keyboard also works great and pairs quickly and easily. It came pre-charged so I could use it right out of the box. I'm actually using the clamcase to write this review. However, there are a couple of disappointments with the design.

First of all, I immediately noticed though that when the case is closed, the lids don't align due to the way the hinge works. This affects the supposed built-in case magnets from aligning to sleep or wake the iPad. I say, "supposed" because after I managed to align the lids with slight force, they still did not trigger the iPad screen. This is a non-issue for me as I really don't mind pressing the power button to perform the same function. But as an advertised feature, it should work as expected. More powerful and slightly larger magnets would likely alleviate this issue. Might even help keep the lid closed a little better.

The keyboard keys are a bit crammed and pressing the spacebar is a slight chore. I read reviews prior to ordering that noted similar complaints. If you have large hands, then you'll likely find typing on the clamcase difficult. The build quality of the clamcase is decent, but I don't think it would offer very good protection from a bad drop. Be aware that the weight is all in the hinge. So don't pick it up by the keyboard like you would a laptop. Otherwise it feels like the case might crack or bend. I would have also liked it if the keyboard would disable once the hinge is at a certain point to prevent accidentive keystrokes. Granted, you can disable the keyboard with the power button, but it's just an extra step that I'd rather not take when wanting to quickly switch to tablet mode. Hopefully in the next design clamcase will take note.

Even with the mentioned complaints, I am still happy with the clamcase overall. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution to your iPad needs, then the clamcase just might be for you. It's definitely an improvment over most options available in the current market.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Clamcase for iPad 2 worth every penny! Functional and easily Portable. August 29, 2011

By Jenna

Amazon Verified Purchase

UPDATE: 10-15-2011:
I have had my clam case since August of this year. I have loved everything about it but now, it will not turn on. I am so frustrated because I cannot return it and now I am stuck with the decision of either buying another one because the case was so worth evey penny when it was working or find another keyboard case. It's really hard to blow $150.00 on something when the only reason I am buying another one is because the first one died on me. This stinks.

I have gone through 3 cases the Clamcase being the third for my Ipad 2. As far as functionality and durability the clamcase cannot be beat. Yes, it's more expensive than others but it is highly functional for work and play. The space bar does feel a bit funny but you get used to it. It's a small inconvenience when considering the overall benefit of the case and the functionality it provides. It's comfortable to use when sitting on the couch whether I am responding to emails or playing games. It's slim and low profile enough that I can put it in my purse and don't have to worry about it getting banged around. I carry my iPad everywhere so this was a really important factor for me. With work, I need to have access to things at all times so having the extra protection of the clamcase eliminated that worry that I had with the other cases.

If you are used to larger keyboards it will take some getting used to when acclimating to the smaller keyboard. However, it is easy to get used to it. SO, if you are strongly considering the purchase, I say do it. You won't regret it.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Not a good choice October 28, 2011

By Jim

I had high hopes for the clam case 2, but have been extremely disappointed. The keyboard is awkward, and pressing the "space" key practically requires acrobatics (ok, an exaggeration). What is (much) worse is that the magnets on my case do not keep the case closed, so as you carry the case around, the iPad is Constantly being turned on/off as a result of the case "sensing" that it is being opened and closed. I stopped using the case for fear of damaging my iPad. I purchased the unit from clam case itself, but don't expect any help from them, and, if you attempt to add a review of the product to their site, as they ask you to, don't expect a review that is less than stellar to show up. Really, this is a "zero" stars item.