iPad case with built-in keyboard

This post describes a protective case for a keyboard-less tablet type computer (eg. Apple iPad) that incorporates a built-in keyboard for a convenient conversion between tablet like device and laptop type device.

Target

Although the case will be a general purpose case usable by anyone, the following people categories will find it highly useful.
- students: due to the lightweight and long battery life of tablet computers (eg. see iPad) students will prefer to take one of these devices to class for taking notes instead of a full laptop or netbook. The case keyboard will allow students to use the tablet as a laptop taking advantage of the physical full keyboard for increased typing speed and accuracy.
- professional workers: tablet computers (eg. Apple iPad) includes office suites and other business applications very similar to desktop alternatives. However operating these applications without a real keyboard is very difficult. The case keyboard will give professional workers full mobility and a familiar laptop like device that can be used at the office or on the go (eg. on the plane).

Case details

The case will resemble a regular Apple iPad case with reinforced panels for structure and a slim built-in keyboard on one side.

Figure 1 shows the opened case as is seen from above. On the right side is mounted the tablet device. On the left side is the built-in keyboard. See next section for keyboard specifications.


Figure 1

Figure 2 shows the case in laptop position, with tablet on the vertical side and the keyboard on horizontal side.



Figure 2

To maintain the balance of the case in laptop position, a flexible hinge will be placed on the back of the cover. Figure 3 shows the hinge in open position sustaining the case in laptop position.


Figure 3


When traveling the case will be closed as showed in figure 4 to protect the tablet.



Figure 4
 
Construction materials

The case can be constructed using reinforced vinyl / leather panels for a classical tablet case look and feel. A such case will usually be left permanently on the device for protection
The case can also be constructed using hard plastics for a laptop / netbook type look and feel. A such case may optionally contain other devices as described in the "Other case additions" section below.

Keyboard details

- The embedded keyboard should be slim to prevent adding thickness to the case. A rubber type keyboard may be a good fit
- The embedded keyboard should be Bluetooth type for easy / transparent integration with the tablet computer (eg. Apple iPad). The Apple iPad (and potentially other tablets) have built in support for external Bluetooth keyboards
- The Bluetooth keyboard should be powered by one or many button-like batteries.
- The Bluetooth keyboard should have a very low-power Bluetooth transmitter / receiver in order to ensure long battery life due to the fact that the tablet device it will always be located in close proximity with the keyboard.
- Alternatively, a non-powered, non-Bluetooth keyboard can be used by connecting it to one of the tablet ports (eg. to the iPad universal connector) by using a short cable.

Other case additions

The case can incorporate additional devices that are missing from the hosted tablet or that can supplement the existing hardware. Example:
- camera. Since some tablets like Apple iPad don't include cameras, the camera on the case will be integrated via Bluetooth or connector with the tablet in order to fill the missing functionality.
- extra battery. The case may contain an extra rechargeable battery connected to the tablet for additional hours of operation.

Conclusions

By combining revolutionary tablet devices (eg. Apple iPad) with a functional case the users can get the best from both worlds: coolness and mobility offered by the tablet while maintaining laptop usability by the use of keyboard.

Any intention to sell or build a product based on this information should be discussed and approved in writing by the author of this post (owner of VMA Smart Tech Ideas blog).