I recently had the pleasure of trying out a prototype for a new iPad case designed by a lawyer for lawyers (and others). The Clutch is a new case and handle product from DC Mobile Design, LLC a new shop from my city of Portland, Oregon. DC Mobile is currently mounting a Kickstarter campaign to bring the prototype into full production.
One of the designers, Jamie Daigle, is a trial lawyer who uses the iPad extensively in his practice. In designing the Clutch, he wanted a case that he could easily carry all day, from counsel table to podium to side bar, securely and without fatigue. The Clutch combines a sturdy thermoplastic elastomer case with an polycarbonate ergonomic handle. The case rotates freely around the handle but will not rotate accidentally. Multiple anchor points on the case also allow the Clutch to serve as a stand in a multitude of portrait and landscape positions. The handle doubles as a carrying case for your headphones, power cable or other small peripherals. In my time using the Clutch, I found it comfortable to hold and use. The Clutch rotates silently and holds firmly in any position. The round handle takes little effort to hold and was a natural fit in my hand. I enjoyed testing the prototype so much that I’ve asked DC Mobile if I can use a prototype when I speak at the ABA TechShow in March.
I like seeing how a lawyer’s specific needs inspired the design. You can find out more about the design at DC Mobile’s Kickstarter page and become a supporter if you are interested in helping bring the design to reality. The first video below comes from the Kickstarter page and the second video shows more views of how the case and Clutch work together.
Hi, have you heard any updates on production or distribution of this product – the Kickstarter initiative appears to have ended without producing the amount of funds required? I learned about it too late, but am very interested in purchasing this product.
I don’t know what the status is. The web page for the company is still live. Perhaps you can contact them through that site.
Red flag #1 here is that it’s on Kickstarter: a website where entrepreneurs who can’t raise capital from experienced investors go to instead raise it from 20something web surfers, who then occasionally lose their money, even though the “capital” is actually for pre-ordered units, not for “investments” that carry inherent risks. Product purchases are not supposed to be “risky.” As a business model, Kickstarter is a failure.
I do also like this concept. But I prefer it be vetted through normal business channels.