jsh1120
iPF Noob
This product has come up in several other threads, most notably in comparison to the Zaggmate/Logitech case/keyboard combo. Since it's not immediately obvious what the "Origami Workstation" is or how it works, it seemed worth a thread of its own.
Stated simply, the Origami Workstation is a case designed to hold the Apple Wireless keyboard. It "unfolds" (origami-like) into a stable stand that holds an iPad or an iPad 2 with or without the SmartCover and with or without a back cover in either a portrait or landscape orientation. Together, the stand and the iPad make up a "workstation."
Pros:
() If you're a fan of the Apple Wireless Keyboard, the OW provides both travel protection in a rigid case that adds little to its bulk and a very good stand for the keyboard and iPad combination. The cost of the OW and the Apple Wireless keyboard is virtually the same (about $100 USD) as the Zaggmate Case Combo. I happen to like the Apple Wireless keyboard very much so this is its primary plus.
() If you already have (and want to keep) the iPad 2 Smart Cover and/or a cover for the back of your iPad, the OW is one of the few (only?) option for adding a keyboard stand.
() The OW's "unfolding" feature is a clever design that allows the user to "connect" triangular portions of the open case top to form a rigid stand that holds the iPad. (Easier to see than to explain.) The case itself is rigid, plastic covered in a black rubberized material, it appears. Very stable and compact.
() Unlike other options, the fact that the keyboard case is separate from the iPad means you have the option of taking it with you or leaving it at home. (This is also a "con," see below.)
Cons:
() The iPad simply "sits" in the OW stand. If you're looking for a clamp to hold it in place, look elsewhere. On the other hand, you can remove the keyboard from the stand if you want to create some space between the iPad in the stand and the keyboard. And unlike some stands, the OW works with both the iPad and the iPad 2.
() The stand, while very stable on a desk or table, is less than ideal for your lap. The triangular support for the iPad must itself be supported by a solid surface (or your thighs.) I don't use my iPad in bed much but if you do, another solution may be better.
() The black rubberized keyboard cover/stand is unobtrusive but, at least to me, doesn't exactly look "classy." YMMV.
() Unlike the Zaggmate/Logitech combo case (and some others), you may still need a bag/case to hold both the iPad and the OW. I consider that an advantage but you may not. As noted above it enables me to carry the iPad alone when I don't need a keyboard. On the other hand, if you want a single solution for a case, keyboard, and back protector, the Zaggmate is probably a better choice.
There are, of course, a myriad of choices for a bag that can accommodate both the OW keyboard case and the iPad. Timbuk2 makes a nice, relatively cheap netbook case that works well for me. For those who want something classier (and more expensive) Waterfield Design makes cases that will hold the iPad (2), the OW, and various accessories in a very durable attractive bag. I have their "Travel Express" (or I will have on Father's Day.
)
The bottom line is that if you REALLY need a keyboard and (like me) you're VERY picky about keyboards (like me), and you already have (or want) a SmartCover and a back protector for your iPad 2, and you have (or want) another case/bag for your iPad or iPad 2, the InCase Origami Workstation is a nearly ideal solution.
Origami Workstation for iPad and Wireless Keyboard : Products By Incase
iPad Travel Express - SFBags - WaterField Designs - iPad 2
For a review with photos, see
Reviews: Incase Origami Workstation for iPad and Apple Wireless Keyboard | iLounge
P.S. I bought the OW at Best Buy. It appears it's also available from Apple Stores. Haven't found a price lower than $29.95 but you may be more fortunate on that score.
Stated simply, the Origami Workstation is a case designed to hold the Apple Wireless keyboard. It "unfolds" (origami-like) into a stable stand that holds an iPad or an iPad 2 with or without the SmartCover and with or without a back cover in either a portrait or landscape orientation. Together, the stand and the iPad make up a "workstation."
Pros:
() If you're a fan of the Apple Wireless Keyboard, the OW provides both travel protection in a rigid case that adds little to its bulk and a very good stand for the keyboard and iPad combination. The cost of the OW and the Apple Wireless keyboard is virtually the same (about $100 USD) as the Zaggmate Case Combo. I happen to like the Apple Wireless keyboard very much so this is its primary plus.
() If you already have (and want to keep) the iPad 2 Smart Cover and/or a cover for the back of your iPad, the OW is one of the few (only?) option for adding a keyboard stand.
() The OW's "unfolding" feature is a clever design that allows the user to "connect" triangular portions of the open case top to form a rigid stand that holds the iPad. (Easier to see than to explain.) The case itself is rigid, plastic covered in a black rubberized material, it appears. Very stable and compact.
() Unlike other options, the fact that the keyboard case is separate from the iPad means you have the option of taking it with you or leaving it at home. (This is also a "con," see below.)
Cons:
() The iPad simply "sits" in the OW stand. If you're looking for a clamp to hold it in place, look elsewhere. On the other hand, you can remove the keyboard from the stand if you want to create some space between the iPad in the stand and the keyboard. And unlike some stands, the OW works with both the iPad and the iPad 2.
() The stand, while very stable on a desk or table, is less than ideal for your lap. The triangular support for the iPad must itself be supported by a solid surface (or your thighs.) I don't use my iPad in bed much but if you do, another solution may be better.
() The black rubberized keyboard cover/stand is unobtrusive but, at least to me, doesn't exactly look "classy." YMMV.
() Unlike the Zaggmate/Logitech combo case (and some others), you may still need a bag/case to hold both the iPad and the OW. I consider that an advantage but you may not. As noted above it enables me to carry the iPad alone when I don't need a keyboard. On the other hand, if you want a single solution for a case, keyboard, and back protector, the Zaggmate is probably a better choice.
There are, of course, a myriad of choices for a bag that can accommodate both the OW keyboard case and the iPad. Timbuk2 makes a nice, relatively cheap netbook case that works well for me. For those who want something classier (and more expensive) Waterfield Design makes cases that will hold the iPad (2), the OW, and various accessories in a very durable attractive bag. I have their "Travel Express" (or I will have on Father's Day.
The bottom line is that if you REALLY need a keyboard and (like me) you're VERY picky about keyboards (like me), and you already have (or want) a SmartCover and a back protector for your iPad 2, and you have (or want) another case/bag for your iPad or iPad 2, the InCase Origami Workstation is a nearly ideal solution.
Origami Workstation for iPad and Wireless Keyboard : Products By Incase
iPad Travel Express - SFBags - WaterField Designs - iPad 2
For a review with photos, see
Reviews: Incase Origami Workstation for iPad and Apple Wireless Keyboard | iLounge
P.S. I bought the OW at Best Buy. It appears it's also available from Apple Stores. Haven't found a price lower than $29.95 but you may be more fortunate on that score.
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