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Despite what Microsoft wants you to think, keyboard-packing tablet cases aren’t a new idea. It’s just that typically you have to settle for a cramped set of keys that are only a marginal step up from an on-screen layout. So borrowing an idea from IBM’s old butterfly ThinkPad keyboards, Elecom has created a transforming iPad 3 case that doesn’t leave touch typists feeling cramped.
As far as naming goes the TK-FBP048ECBK probably isn’t going to stick in your head, but the clever mechanism that allows the keyboard to split in two and fold away into a footprint no bigger than the iPad 3 is worth remembering. A Bluetooth connection means the iPad’s dock connector remains available for charging, and the keyboard’s USB rechargeable battery should keep it running for weeks at a time. Combined with a built-in stand it looks like the ideal portable keyboard for people who use their iPads as laptop replacements. But at £135 it’s a pricey alternative to just carrying a separate keyboard.
[Elecom via Damn Geeky]
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“Despite what Microsoft wants you to think, keyboard-packing tablet cases aren’t a new idea”. No, but very thin, usable touch sensitive keyboards that are built into a fold-over cover are. Why does an article about an iPad cover have to be an excuse to knock Microsoft. Or am I being a bit grouchy this morning?
No, I’d agree with you. Microsoft never said that a keyboard in a tablet case was new.
I agree and I want the microsoft keyboard for my ipad. Their keyboard makes all the keyboard accessories for the ipad seem bulky to me.
It’s the same with my Nexus 7 even the plain covers seem too bulky.