subject: 10 Most Bizarre iPad Mods [print this page] 10 Most Bizarre iPad Mods 10 Most Bizarre iPad Mods
When the Apple iPad made its debut in early 2010, many people stared, transfixed by its beauty. It was a device like none other, and it opened up a world of possibilities that may take years to fully explore. Other people got busy thinking of unconventional uses for their iPads. Here are 10 of them.
1. The 80s arcade game. The arcade games of the 80s were endless variations on big, boxy cabinets, most of which sported a joystick and a couple of push buttons to operate the game. One sentimental handyman turned his iPad into a mini replica of an arcade game, complete with functioning joystick and buttons.
2. The Sprocket Pocket. Sure, you could use hand signals like you were taught in bicycle safety classes, but you could also turn your iPad into a Sprocket Pocket. It's a wearable iPad holder that turns the iPad on your back into a turn signal / stop tailgating me device. Learn how to make one at http://www.maya.com/sprocket.
3. The vintage Macintosh Mod. The first Macs, circa 1984, caused almost as much sensation as the iPad. For those who want to combine two generations of gadget lust, it turns out that an empty Mac shell fits an iPad perfectly, except for the "Home" button being covered.
4. The manual typewriter keyboard. You want to complain about touch screen typing? I'll give you something to complain about. How about a keyboard for your iPad made from that anvil-sized cast iron manual typewriter in your grandma's attic? This brainchild of designer Jack Zylkin will make you appreciate your touch screen like nothing else.
5. The iPad "guitar" DJ machine. Since a YouTube video featuring Franz Keller and his iPad guitar, many aspiring DJs and just plain crazy people have turned their iPads into multipurpose synthesizers that take the art of deejaying to a whole new level.
6. The dashboard mount. Your first reaction upon seeing an iPad custom-mounted into the console of a luxury car might be, "Why didn't I think of that?" Maybe because you drive a 98 Subaru and you're lucky to get the tape deck to work? Anyway, the newest dash mounts let you remove your iPad once you reach your destination.
7. The dolphin communicator. SpeakDolphin.com tells the story of researchers who chose the iPad as the best tool for learning to communicate with dolphins. The dolphins immediately demanded development of an app to notify them when it was 5 minutes to squid-time.
8. The Etch-a-Sketch. Commissioned by Ohio Art, so you know it's genuine, the Etch-a-Sketch iPad cover gives you the joy of bringing up a full-screen rendition of The Last Supper and trying to convince people you drew it just by using the "Horizontal" and "Vertical" knobs. People will laugh, but they'll also be jealous.
9. The motorcycle mount. Bring tears to a geeky gadget-lover's eyes by mounting a brand new iPad to the gas tank of your motorcycle and then laying down rubber as you leave. On a motorcycle, an iPad brings a whole new level of meaning to the phrase "driver distraction."
10. The monument to laziness. Somebody actually invented an iPad frame that allows you to lie flat on your back while your iPad is suspended over your face. You still have to go to the effort to actually press the touch screen, but otherwise you don't have to move. (Just be careful of bedsores.) See it for yourself at http://zedomax.com/blog/2010/07/20/worlds-weirdest-ipad-stand/.
