New ClamCase Pro keyboard turns your iPad into a MacBook Pro

By Lisa Eadicicco January 15, 2013

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Tablets are already replacing laptops as portable computers for some, with detachable keyboards making it easier and more convenient to work on the go. A newly released keyboard for the iPad simulates a MacBook Pro experience even further with a sleek and airy design.

Accessory maker ClamCase has just introduced its ClamCase Pro: a lightweight Bluetooth keyboard that can transform an iPad into essentially an ultrabook. The keyboard even resembles that of the MacBook Pro, sporting an aluminum silver finish and a black set of keys. The case also supports Apple’s tablet at various angles, allowing for more flexibility while writing.

According to ClamCase’s official website, the Pro model is thinner and lighter than its predecessor and also provides protection for iPad devices. The keyboard maker’s website even simulates the layout of Apple’s product pages, making it easy to mistake ClamCase’s device as one straight from Cupertino, Calif.

The keyboard isn’t available yet, but users can preorder the device here for $170. It seems like a bit of a steep price, but most high-end iPad keyboards fall in that price range. Logitech’s Bluetooth Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the iPad will run you about $100, and Belkin’s Folio case costs about the same.

In terms of words per minute, ClamCase boasts that you can type up to 76 words every 60 seconds, while Zagg’s keyboard only measured at 73 words per minute. This data comes from ABC News’ words per minute test, which reported that Logitech’s keyboard reached 71 words every 60 seconds.

The polycarbonate shell makes the ClamCase Pro scratch resistant and more durable, and it also comes with a soft touch hinge for grip. The original ClamCase was voted as one of the top rated iPad keyboards by PC Mag in November alongside Logitech’s option.

Check out the video below to get a hands on glimpse at the new ClamCase Pro keyboard.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Lisa Eadicicco is a technology and video game reporter based in New York City. She graduated from Purchase College in 2012…

Mobile

Best iPad deals: Save on iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad Mini

iPad Pro 2020 Screen.

If you’re in the market for some tablet deals the Apple iPad is a great tablet to turn to. The iPad frequently makes some of the best Apple deals you’ll find, and it sometimes even turns up better savings than Samsung tablet deals, Amazon Fire tablet deals, and even Kindle deals. There are quite a few iPad deals out there right now, and we’ve rounded up all of the best iPad deals below. They include a massive discount on the iPad Air M1 as well as a couple of price drops that came with the recent release of the iPad Pro M4, which is also seeing a surprising discount right now. With any iPad purchase you’ll get access to Apple’s software ecosystem so if you’re looking for some complementary devices you should also check out AirPods deals, iPhone deals, and MacBook deals for some additional Apple savings.
Apple iPad 10.2 (9th Gen) (64GB Wi-Fi) -- $249, was $329

Apple's A13 Bionic chip is no M1 or M2, but it still offers 64-bit architecture and neural engine support for excellent performance. In other words, this 10.2-inch iPad is incredible value. It has a 10.2-inch Retina display, 64GB of storage, supports Touch ID and Apple Pencil (1st Gen), and it's size, plus all-day battery life make it an excellent choice for anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle.

Computing

The 6 best iPad alternatives in 2024

Green OnePlus Pad Android tablet on top of space gray 11-inch M1 iPad Pro 2021.

When it comes to tablets, few brands are as universally praised as iPad. Apple has done an incredible job with the entire lineup, ensuring there's a high-powered device for every type of activity. However, not everyone has bought into the Apple ecosystem, and if you own a Windows desktop PC or Android smartphone, you may not be interested in adding an iPad to your collection.

Apple certainly dominates the tablet market with iPad, but there are plenty of great iPad alternatives to choose from in 2024. Whether you want something budget-friendly or just as powerful as an iPad Pro, there's bound to be something that catches your eye. Here's a look at the six best iPad alternatives of 2024, including products from Samsung, Microsoft, OnePlus, and more.

Computing

The new iPad Pro would be perfect, if only it were a Mac

A person gaming on the M4 iPad Pro and playing Diablo Immortal.

It’s no secret that I’ve been cheering on Apple’s gaming advances over the last year or so. Long-suffering Mac gamers have gone from being the forgotten also-rans of Apple’s ecosystem to feeling on top of the world, all in a very short period of time. But there’s one vital piece missing from the puzzle, and Apple’s new M4 iPad Pros have made it incredibly obvious.

I’ll admit, Mac gamers have been treated well in recent times. Not only have we had phenomenal hardware advancements in the form of the M3 Max chip -- which is a genuine gaming chip so cool and quiet that you’d be fooled into thinking it’s not -- but there’s also been a slate of top-tier games arriving on Apple’s platform, including my beloved Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s a good time to be a Mac gamer.