In the course of a year, I have tried on and evaluated numerous cases for the iPad, many of them being of the keyboard case variety. None of them are quite like the ClamCase. I have had a ClamCase review unit for several months now, and I have found few flaws to note with its usability and design. I originally saw the case being used at a local technology conference, and I was so intrigued by it that I wrote to the company requesting a unit to evaluate. A short time later, I had the unit in hand and with a lot of real-world experience hours now logged, I can comfortably say that this is the best keyboard case currently available. Read on to find out why.
A keyboard case that works
As mentioned in the intro, I've tested quite a few keyboard cases for the iPad. Unfortunately, many of them fell short in some capacity whether it was a slow to respond to Bluetooth or an incomplete feature set. If there is one aspect of a keyboard case that is considerably vital, it is the typing experience. The ClamCase delivers one of the best keyboards this side of a Macbook Pro or Lenovo ThinkPad. Unlike cases that have small, cramp, or sticky keyboards, the ClamCase keyboard produced one of the fastest typing experience that I have had for an iPad accessory. This includes the Apple made Bluetooth keyboard, which I never got accustomed to using since it was always its own separate entity. In terms of connectivity, the ClamCase responds with accuracy and speed via Bluetooth 2.0. A few taps on the keys and the case pairs up with the iPad within seconds. Unlike most iPad portfolio cases and Apple's own Smart Cover, the ClamCase has an unlimited number of viewing positions due to a well designed and durable 360 degree hinge. I've been able to use the iPad to Skype and FaceTime from a variety of angles, a very handy feature when setting up a chat between our baby and his Grandpa.
But, it's still a Tablet
One of my biggest complaint with most keyboard cases is that they all came in a portfolio style case. This means that when using the iPad outside of the landscape/typing mode, you have an awkward, bulky, and often unwieldy predicament. The ClamCase makes it a point to provide a Tablet handheld position as the keyboard swings completely around a sturdy hinge and hides behind the iPad. You can quickly swivel the keyboard back to enter landscape mode or close the case entirely with a series of smooth motions. The solid hinge makes the entire case feel solid (if a bit heavy) and the makers of ClamCase complete the experience by providing multiple dedicated keys for shortcuts including one that reverts back to the on-screen keyboard in Tablet mode. Other very useful shortcuts include dedicated buttons for search, cut/copy/paste functions, volume control, and home/lock keys.
Article comments
1 - Steve
All great until case gets a crack at headphone jack area. No glue will repair crack and clamcase no help. Case close to cracking apart. $150 down the drain. Buyer beware
2 - Gene
I have the same exact problem. Case is less than a year old with normal usage. No wonder Clamcase only has a 90 day warranty. I do not recommend that anyone buy this product.
3 - David
Bummer guys. I've emailed the press team from ClamCase but haven't heard back. I haven't had issues with my case, but admittedly, I've moved on to other cases for testing/review.
If I hear anything back from the company, I'll be sure to post.
4 - David Chan
Hi Steve and Gene,
I just heard back from ClamCase, and they're willing to work with you individually. Please contact me at david.chan (at) blogcritics.org and I will forward you the direct line.
Thanks,
David
5 - jennifer
thespacebarisnotworkingonycaseasyoucansee.verydissapointingastonhowuchoneyyboyfriendpaidforit.alsothekeystoppedworkingtoo.
6 - David
Just to follow up, the folks at ClamCase are willing to work with individuals experiencing trouble with their product.
Please call (800) 939-0335 or write customerservice@clamcase.com
7 - Robin Allemann
I got a white clamcase 3 months ago. It works great, but all the parts with a rubberized coating have lost their white color, and are now an ugly pink beige. These areas include the entire bottom of the clamcase, all around the center hinge, and two areas by the keyboard. I contacted clamcase within the three month period and they said they wouldn't help and that I had just gotten my clamcase dirty. Not true, as the plastic areas are very white and spot free. So, I re-contacted them, this time sending several pictures and they never responded. Too bad, as the clamcase looked very nice when I first got it.
8 - Linda
i have had mine for about 16 months and the keyboard just fizzled out. Half the letters work, half dont. I got the same crack at the headphone jack that someone else mentioned. MIne happened after about 6 months. I think it's a stress point when opening and that's why it weakened .
i absolutely love the case, but the materials could be more durable for the amount of money you pay . i hate to say, but i will probably buy another one because there's nothing else out there that works as well as the Clamcase. I asked them if they plan to make them in different colors, because I would prefer something other than black or white, but they said they had no plans for that.