It’s time for the latest roundup of protective accessories for your iPad. In this installment, we bring you the usual mix of cases for all tastes and needs—and an old friend makes a surprise appearance.
Acase: The Omni (iPad 2 and iPad 3; price unavailable) is an ultraslim portfolio-style case made of PU leather and available in black with a subtle, brown trim. In addition to protecting your tablet from bumps and scratches, it features a built-in Bluetooth keyboard and an extendable pull-out flap that makes it easier to stand the iPad upright for typing or viewing.
G-Form: The Extreme Edge (all iPad models; $40) is a protective solution designed for active and extreme use. Its foam padding keeps your tablet safe, while the military-grade ballistic fabric provides additional protection against bumps and scrapes. As an added bonus, the case, according to the manufacturer, fits most tablets up to 10 inches in size—which is great if you happen to have more than one iPad around, but only need to take one out of the house at a time.
Sherpa: The Original Sherpa (iPad 2 and iPad 3; $25) is a handy case for the iPad that comes with a convenient shoulder strap that helps keep your hands free while you’re on the road. In addition to the original model, the company also sells a Magnetic edition (iPad 2 and iPad 3; $50), which is compatible with the iPad’s magnetic sleep/wake feature, and the Scribe (iPad 2 and iPad 3; $60), which also includes a silicone Bluetooth keyboard.
ThinkGeek: The Padintosh (iPad 2 and iPad 3; $25) is a snap-on hardshell case that protects the back of your iPad—and sports a picture of the original Macintosh, complete with its iconic “hello.” text, written using MacPaint. The case is made of ultrathin (2mm) material that fits snuggly around your tablet, and it’s even compatible with Apple’s own Smart Cover. A series of cutouts provide unhindered access to the iPad’s cameras, controls, and ports.
Toast: This company’s iPad back covers (iPad 2 and iPad 3; $45) are made of real wood veneer that is specially scored so as to bend and conform to the iPad’s contours precisely. The cases are also compatible with the Smart Cover thanks to a small tab that can be peeled off to accommodate Apple’s screen-protecting accessory. The covers are available in three woods—walnut, bamboo, and ash—and can be personalized with a line of custom text for an additional $5.
Vaja: The Smart Grip (iPad 2 and iPad 3; $100) is a snap-on, hardshell back cover crafted from leather. It weighs less than four ounces yet still provides excellent protection for your iPad. The body and inside of the case, which is handmade using a process that takes twenty days, can be manufactured in a variety of custom color combinations chosen from a selection of over two dozen base hues.
ZooGue: The Genius Pro (iPad 2 and iPad 3; $50) is a case hand-made using premium leather. It can be propped up for viewing and typing at a variety of angles in landscape orientation. The case’s cover closes securely thanks to its magnetic clasp, which is also compatible with the iPad’s magnetic sleep/wake feature, and its microfiber interior contributes to keeping your tablet’s screen tidy. The Genius Pro features enhanced corner and side padding to protect your tablet from bumps and scratches, and the case comes in black or pink.
iPad (third generation) family