Project Title: CruxSKUNK™ – Powerful iPad® Laptop
Status: Open
Closing Date for Funding: Wednesday Oct 3, 4:56pm
URL of the Project: Find it here.
From the Creatives:
Turn your iPad® into a laptop: This isn’t our first rodeo. At Crux we’ve been busy making keyboard cases for your iPad® for about 2 years now. Needless to say we’ve learned a lot about design, manufacturing, and getting a product to market. The CruxSKUNK™ is the culmination of everything we’ve learned. There is essentially no other keyboard case that can touch the fit, finish, attention to aesthetics, and detail that we’ve put into the CruxSKUNK™. We’ve done a lot of work in this space, in fact we have over 8 patents pending on all of the technology that comes in the CruxSKUNK™. We think you’re gonna love the result. We really hope you’ll join us in getting this product to market and into your hands!
The CruxSKUNK™ maintains the simplicity of the iPad® while staying true to Apple’s® design aesthetic. It perfectly compliments the style of the iPad®. In fact, most of the people we’ve shown the CruxSKUNK™ to have mistaken it for a Macbook Pro®. We of course take this as a compliment since we want to give our users an experience that is seamless between the iPad® and the CruxSKUNK™.
Thin – Extremely thin: At 19 mm, the CruxSKUNK™ and iPad® combination is about as thin as a Macbook Air® and weighing about the same—it’s just as easy to carry around.
Thin – Ridiculously thin: At 6 mm, the CruxSKUNK’s base is the thinnest keyboard for your iPad® on the planet! Yes you heard correctly.
Large keyboard: The CruxSKUNK™ features a full-sized QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard is raised above the plane of the surrounding aluminum—which makes it extremely easy to type on. In addition, you’ll be typing on a full-sized keyboard with full-sized keys. You won’t have to compromise on this keyboard since all of the keys are exactly where your fingers remember. Last but not least, we’ve added special function keys to the top for those functions you use most often.
Bluetooth connectivity: Connecting to the CruxSKUNK™ couldn’t be easier. You’ll only have to go through the pairing process once with your iPad. After that your iPad® will always remember your CruxSKUNK™ .
Patent – Pending hinge: The CruxSKUNK™ features our patent-pending hinge which allows for 360 degrees of rotation. This special hinge allows you to use your iPad® in a multitude of positions and allows for ultimate control when adjusting your iPad® screen.
Machined to perfection: The three main parts of the CruxSKUNK™ are machined from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum in the exact same process that Apple® machines its Macbooks® and iPads®. The Aluminum parts are then sandblasted and anodized to give them the same finish as your iPad®.
Who at Gear Diary Backed It: I DID!!!!
At What Level Did We Back: I got in on the “ACCELERATOR SPECIAL” What’s that?
As a thank you for helping us keep the funding momentum. You will receive a CruxSKUNK™ and leather sleeve for $155. You’re essentially getting the CruxSKUNK™ and sleeve very close to cost.
Why We Backed It: As we have discussed here on Gear Diary numerous times, the new iPad is an amazingly powerful device. Add in the fact that apps have recently stepped up their game in terms of power and utility and the iPad is now Mike’s 80% laptop and Carly’s 90% laptop. As for me? I just use it all the time and love it. Judie and I both backed another project that turns the iPad into a laptop but I couldn’t resist this one. It is slick-looking, comes from a company that is already established in the space and… well it looks like something that will help me get even more use from my iPad and, in the process, carry my 15″ MBPr even less often than I do.
Sure it is pricey even at the early-ish bird level I backed but it is also really impressive. I just hope there is a way to make sure it also works when the iPad 4 is released.
How’s Communication From the Creatives Been?: It is too early to say.
What Has the Experience Been: Ditto but I expect it to be quite good. These are serious folks who really want to make a mark in this space.
Would You Recommend this Kickstarter Project?: YES! And Mike… you need to back this one. Seriously. 
