Mobile Technology

CruxSKUNK case converts the iPad into a laptop

CruxSKUNK case converts the iPad into a laptop
At first glance, it is hard to tell that this is not a laptop
At first glance, it is hard to tell that this is not a laptop
View 13 Images
At first glance, it is hard to tell that this is not a laptop
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At first glance, it is hard to tell that this is not a laptop
The CruxSKUNK viewed from straight on
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The CruxSKUNK viewed from straight on
From behind it looks a lot like any other Apple laptop
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From behind it looks a lot like any other Apple laptop
The CruxSKUNK will turn the screen on automatically when you open it
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The CruxSKUNK will turn the screen on automatically when you open it
The CruxSKUNK closes up like any other laptop
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The CruxSKUNK closes up like any other laptop
You can use the CruxSKUNK as a stand for watching videos on iPad
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You can use the CruxSKUNK as a stand for watching videos on iPad
The CruxSKUNK from above
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The CruxSKUNK from above
The CruxSKUNK can be opened and set flat for reading on your iPad
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The CruxSKUNK can be opened and set flat for reading on your iPad
The CruxSKUNK does not add much bulk to your iPad
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The CruxSKUNK does not add much bulk to your iPad
CruxSKUNK is only 19 mm thick
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CruxSKUNK is only 19 mm thick
CruxSKUNK has a full size QWERTY keyboard
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CruxSKUNK has a full size QWERTY keyboard
CruxSKUNK connects to your iPad using Bluetooth
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CruxSKUNK connects to your iPad using Bluetooth
The CruxSKUNK during its creation
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The CruxSKUNK during its creation
View gallery - 13 images

The CruxSKUNK is a new case for the iPad, designed to make your device look and feel like a laptop. There are already plenty of iPad cases with keyboards built-in, but most of them look like standard cases, and do little to add style to the iPad itself. With this new case, however, you might actually confuse your iPad for your laptop.

One of the major drawbacks of most iPad keyboards is that they are flimsy and impossible to use on your lap. This forces you to choose whether you want to use your iPad as a tablet, or use it with a keyboard. The CruxSKUNK was designed with this problem in mind. Because it is built from rigid materials, you can set it on your lap the same way you would a laptop computer and not have to worry about it falling over.

I own one of those fold-up iPad keyboards, and while it is great if I need to write something short, the buttons feel excessively small for my larger fingers. The CruxSKUNK promises a full-sized keyboard with real keys. When I read that, my large fingers most certainly wanted me to take notice.

The developers clearly had versatility in mind when they developed this case. They included a 360-degree hinge, which allows you to put it in almost any position you want. This means you can rotate it flat and use your iPad as you would if it was not connected to a keyboard case of any kind. You can also spin it so it is used as a stand, which makes watching movies easier.

In designing the CruxSKUNK, its creators were trying to keep Apple’s aesthetic, and it looks like they certainly succeeded. They even left the back open, so you can see the Apple logo. The designers claim that “most of the people we've shown the CruxSKUNK to have mistaken it for a MacBook Pro.” Of course, they take this as a compliment, because that's the look they are aiming for.

Another key aspect of the design was overall thickness. The developers did not want the case to bulk up the device and make carrying it unpleasant. The CruxSKUNK comes in at 19 mm thick, with a 6 mm base, so it certainly seems that they succeeded in keeping a low profile design.

The CruxSKUNK connects via Bluetooth. It has a 350 mAH battery that should only need a charge once a month. It comes with a USB sync cable for charging when the battery does eventually run out. The device also includes a leather sleeve for carrying it around between uses.

The developers are currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, and while they have already met their goal, the project is still eligible for new backers through October 3. The lowest pledge amount to receive a CruxSKUNK is US$155. They expect to ship the cases to backers sometime in November of this year. Once it's on the market, it may face some competition from a similar Kickstarter product, the MacBook Air-like Brydge iPad case.

Take a look at CruxSKUNK's Kickstarter video below for more information.

Source: Kickstarter

View gallery - 13 images
4 comments
4 comments
Weihan
With all the add-ons available for the now ubiquitous iPad, why not just get a notebook / Macbook Air in the first place?
bas
Why not make a macbook/ipad hybrid by distributing hardware in the screenpart and the keyboard part so the screenpart can be on its own and act like an ipad/tablet whereas the two together can work using the hardware combined for a macbook-like affair.
Micah Houchin
Plants: (First thought) Oooh that brightens up this room a bit. Pencil-plant: (First thought) A pencil standing up in a planter.. What's the point?
In general, I say we just scrap the idea, and make a pencil incinerator. Flashy, fiery, and you could toss the ashes into the compost. Yay! (Moderate sarcasm)
Cuspchild
Will this keyboard carry a touchpad for finger navigation as well