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iPad docks are a dime a dozen, but this is one of the few that we've seen that really is interesting because it uses a hollowed out iBook to dock your iPad. Instead of waiting for a clamshell dock, you can make your own.

060810_rg_iBookinIpad_02.jpgThis mod comes courtesy of a Japanese Apple fan (translated version here), who got tired waiting for the perfect keyboard accessory. Instead, he hacked together a solution using an old iBook. He calls is the iPad In iBook. While this falls short of the ClamCase, there is the tangible benefit of making this yourself and having it right away.

This project was done by simply hollowing out an old clamshell iBook. The screen was replaced with a new Apple keyboard, which connects to the iPad using the camera connection kit. Since the replacement keyboard isn't the same width as the one in the iBook, you can't close it without possibly damaging the iPad. That is a tad annoying, but ultimately, it can be remedied by enterprising modders.

However, if the goal is simply to have a docking station at home, that isn't mobile, then you won't need the clamshell to close. It would still be neat for this to close flush, but it's still a great mod. The one thing that we wonder about is that you are basically turning your iPad into an iBook, which isn't that sleek for mobile computing.

[via DVice, photos by Apple Noir]

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