This week’s iPad case roundup features the usual mix of elegant, practical, rugged, and eclectic. But we’re also seeing more and more cases dedicated to protecting the iPad in environments that go beyond the ordinary, and the existence of these accessories is proof that Apple’s tablet is more than a mere desktop ornament. But I digress—on to this week’s offerings!
Griffin: The IntelliCase (iPad 2; $60) brings together hard polycarbonate to protect the back of your tablet and soft TPU to keep the front safe—the latter via a flexible cover with magnets that put your iPad to sleep when you’re not using it. The cover also folds in two different positions to allow the case to double as a viewing stand.
Hypershield: the Back Cover for iPad 2 (iPad 2; $20) complements Apple’s own Smart Cover with a tough shell that protects the back of your tablet from bumps and scratches. The Hypershield is available in a range of colors that match Apple’s own offerings.
And, in case you don’t own a Smart Cover, the Snap-on Back Cover (iPad 2; $30 to $35) is a similar case with both front and back protection. It comes in the same eleven colors as the Smart Cover, along with a denim-and-green combination for a unique look.
iFrogz: The BackBone (iPad 2; $35) is a hardshell back cover designed to be compatible with Apple’s Smart Cover, protecting the parts of the tablet that the Smart Cover doesn’t, well, cover. The BackBone comes in the same colors as the Smart Cover, along with a clear model.
The Summit (iPad 2; $60) is a cross between a snap-on cover and a folio that allows you to prop up your iPad 2 and keep it safe at the same time. The Summit is made of a leather-like polyurethane material in black, blue, green, pink, or white.
Pelican: You never know when your tablet might experience an unfortunate encounter with the pavement, or even a body of water. If you frequently find yourself in situations where sudden immersion is a possibility, Pelican makes the 1075 HardBack Case (iPad and iPad2; $75) just for you. Rugged and functional, the case provides plenty of storage and is waterproof up to three feet—as long as you keep it closed, of course.
Sleve360: The Sleeve360 (iPad and iPad 2; $60) features a kickstand that allows you to use the case as a viewing stand, plus a looparound strap for easy one-handed carrying. Even better, the case rotates 360 degrees so that you can position the tablet any which way you want—perfect for then you’re walking around or making a presentation.
Trident: The Kraken Series (iPad 2; $50) is built with true protection in mind. Made of impact-resistant polycarbonate and double-enforced with a shock-absorbing, silicone inner sleeve, the Kraken even comes with a free clear-film screen protector. The case is available in black, blue, green, pink, or red, and its design provides easy access to the iPad’s ports and cameras.
USBFever: The Folio (iPad 2; $53) is made of synthetic leather and can double as a viewing stand in landscape orientation. A convenient strap makes it easy to carry your iPad around, while the magnetic closure keeps everything secure and puts your tablet to sleep when you’re not using it. The Folio comes in black, brown, or grey.
Zagg: The ZaggFolio (iPad 2; $100) incorporates a removable Bluetooth keyboard in a folio-like case that props up the iPad while typing but folds conveniently away when traveling. The keyboard, which includes a number of iPad-specific keys for functions such as volume and playback control, is rechargeable, and the company claims it provides weeks of use between charges.
ZooGue: The BinderPad (iPad 2; $30) is a pouch that can be attached to any standard three-ring binder—perfect for teachers and students who use their tablets in conjunction with regular textbooks and plain old paper. It’s made of thin, light polyester and is available in either black or dark grey.
iPad (1st generation) Family