An iPad is neither a laptop nor desktop computer, but thanks to some tampering — and jailbreaking at times — the iPad is looking a lot more like an actual computer. Following are five accessories and tricks that’ll turn your iPad into a small computer.
The ClamCase
If you’re looking for a way to turn your iPad into a small computer without jailbreaking — and throwing away your manufacturer’s warranty — the ClamCase is just the accessory you’re looking for. The ClamCase for the iPad snaps horizontally onto an iPad, giving it the appearance of a netbook while adding a hard protective case and keyboard to boot. Unfortunately, the iPad ClamCase accessory isn’t available for purchase at the moment, but you can check out their promotional video and visit www.clamcase.com for more news.
Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit
At face value, the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit accessory bundle is just an accessory that allows iPad owners to import photos via a USB and SD card port, but the camera connection kit for the iPad opens up the doors to lots more. Adding USB and SD card support for the iPad is like giving hackers an open invitation to do what they do best — hack. So far the iPad Camera Connection Kit has allowed hackers to use external hard drives with their iPads (more on this later) support USB headsets, and use USB keyboards — and who knows what it holds for the future.
External Hard Drive Support
As stated above, the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit — and jailbreak, of course — will allow external hard drive support for the iPad. External hard drive support on the iPad is a big deal considering that the jumps from 16GB to 32GB and 32GB to 64GB are $100 each, but you could buy a 1TB external hard drive for around the same price. So far, connecting an external hard drive to an iPad is a bit awkward, requiring a laptop, external hard drive and multiple USB cables. While things aren’t ideal at the moment, it’s only a matter of time before the method is perfected and a more practical way of using external hard drives comes to the iPad.
Magic Mouse Support
The Apple iPad supports Bluetooth keyboards (like the Apple Wireless Keyboard), but until recently, there has been no mouse support for the Apple iPad. Using a mouse with an iPad might seem like a big step backward, but there are times when mice can come in handy. For example, typing in Pages is awesome with an external keyboard, but having to poke your finger at the iPad’s display to make selections seems a bit awkward. Thanks to the old trusty jailbreak, an Apple Magic Mouse, and a bit of tweaking, the iPad is able to support Bluetooth mice as shown in this video.
Apps FTW
One of the most obvious ways to turn your iPad into a small computer is by using the apps available in the iTunes store. There are countless apps that’ll let you communicate with your computer or give you the same functionality as an actual computer. LogMeIn, Air Video, GoodReader, Air Sharing HD, and a host of other apps will transform your iPad from a simple tablet to a near desktop replacement.
For more read The ClamCase iPad Accessory Will Turn Your iPad into a Netbook – Sort Of, iPad App Overload: How to Buy iPad Apps Without Hating Yourself Later, and How to Add Any eBook to Work with iBooks on the iPad.
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