It’s hard to keep your children away from your iPad—and it’s hard to leave them alone with it if you want to get it back in working condition. Which is why you might want to check out one of the cases featured in this week’s roundup.
And if children are not your thing, worry not—we have plenty to go around for grownups too, from haute couture to great carrying bags that will let you bring your office with you everywhere you go.
The Tweener (iPad mini; $25) is designed for use in educational settings, where electronics are often subjected to stresses they weren’t exactly built for. Made entirely from non-toxic materials that are latex-, PVC-, and phthalate-free, the case is also stain resistant and easy to clean.
It comes in black, green, blue, red, or orange; a companion stand can be had for an additional $20.
The SeeSaw (iPad 2, 3, and 4; $35) is built for children, with a generous amount of padding and a special self-standing design that makes it easy to grip and use in a classroom setting.
Available in citron or pool blue, the SeeSaw’s non-porous material is easy to clean and resists most stains. It also features a convenient slot on the back for storing a stylus.
The Belgique (iPad mini; $30) features a padded construction that uses memory foam to provide maximum protection with a sturdy grip. Designed for active lifestyles, the case’s exterior was inspired by the mosaics of Spanish artist Gaudi.
It comes in black, pink, red, or blue.
The Hive Honeycomb (iPad 2, 3, and 4; $40) is made from high-density silicone for an optimal combination of solid protection and light weight. A special antistatic coating helps the case avoid becoming sticky and collecting dust.
It’s available in black, grey, or red.
The Piges (iPad 2, 3, and 4; $100) is made from high-quality leather and features a pop-out stand that allows you to prop up your iPad for viewing in landscape orientation.
The Piges is available in black, red, brown, or tan.
The Padova (iPad mini; $209 to $689) is for those who are serious in their appreciation for exotic leathers and the highest level of craftsmanship. Stitched by hand and made to measure for your iPad mini, the case features a sleek, protective cover that doubles as a viewing stand; a brushed-metal home button; and a removable, metal typing stand.
The Padova comes in black, brown, tan, or deep-red Italian bark-tanned leather; or in several exotic skins such as ostrich and crocodile.
The Aria (iPad 2, 3, and 4; $110) is a book-binding case handmade from full-grain American leather with a solid-wood frame. The satin finish offers great looks and superior durability and is available in three combinations of brown and black.
The cover, which is compatible with the iPad’s magnetic sleep/wake feature, flips around to become a stand for typing and viewing in landscape orientation.
The Boomerang BookCase (iPad 2, 3, and 4; $90 to $125) features a hand-sanded, American Maple frame with rounded corners for a unique look. It can be closed either with a double-bonded elastic band or with a series of hidden magnetic latches.
An optional stand props up this case, which is also compatible with the iPad’s magnetic sleep/wake feature, making it possible to use it for viewing or typing in landscape orientation.
The TekTuk (all iPad models; $60) is your mobile iPad office and your home storage system. The convenient carrying package has enough room for all your mobile devices and their accessories, and when you get home, the front cover tucks under your mattress to give you a nifty bedside storage pouch, complete with elastic straps to keep your charging cables close at hand.
Made from durable synthetic materials in black with red stitching, the TekTuk also features a convenient carrying handle and zippered closure.
Author: Marco Tabini
Marco Tabini is based in Toronto, Canada, where he focuses on software development for mobile devices and for the Web.