Steve Jobs certainly wouldn’t agree, but I know a few of you grumps out there were disappointed when the iPad turned out to more of a big iPhone than a convertible tablet with a built-in keyboard. Even if you’re not one of those people, serious typing on the iPad pretty much requires lugging a Bluetooth-pairable physical keyboard around with you.
If you fall into either category, you might be interested in this case that transforms into an iPad stand, complete with integrated Bluetooth keyboard. It’s a great design: the keyboard’s chiclet keys get folded against the display when closed to protect the glass. Sure, it adds a bit more bulk to your iPad, but if you do a lot of typing on the go, this is certainly preferable to lugging a real keyboard around you.
Unfortunately, this convertible iPad dock is a bit expensive, costing just over $90… which seems like a lot of money to spend for what will only prove to be marginally convenient for most. Perhaps when it passes through the FCC and hits these shores, though, they’ll have figured out a way to lower that price. Halve that tag and this would be a no-brainer for me.