Is the iPad 5 coming? At least one case manufacturer thinks so—and has made a big bet on it. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got plenty of protective accessories for tablets that already exist.
The Genuine Leather Case (iPad mini; $40) is made from real aged leather and doubles as a stand capable of supporting multiple viewing angles in landscape orientation.
Available in black, chestnut, or brown, the case’s cover is also compatible with the iPad mini’s magnetic sleep/wake feature.
The Portable Keyboard Case (iPad mini; $80) incorporates a wireless Bluetooth keyboard that—the company claims—features well-spaced keys arranged in an ergonomic design.
The keyboard offers up to 155 hours of use time, and the case features a foldable back that turns into a stand when in use—making it easier to turn your iPad mini into a portable office.
The Nomad (iPad 2, 3, and 4; $40) is an integrated case system that allows you to take your iPad wherever you go.
It comes with a custom-built cover that doubles as a stand for viewing in portrait orientation; it also includes a hand pad, a hand strap, and four configurable straps with a special retainer.
Is Apple about to announce a new iPad at its upcoming Worldwide Developer Conference? The folks at Gumdrop Cases seem to think so, and they’ve got a collection of cases (iPad “5”; $35 to $60) to prove their faith in that belief.
The line, admittedly built on a gamble, includes three models, each built with rugged use in mind and available for purchase immediately—although the new models won’t ship until June 12, and we assume that’s only if Apple really does announce a new iPad on June 10.
The Justin Ultra Slim (iPad 2, 3, and 4; $70) is a folio-style case that hides a built-in battery that can fully recharge an iPad up to two times—or, thanks to a USB port, your iPhone up to seven times.
Designed to add minimal bulk to your tablet, the case keeps all buttons, ports, and cameras accessible during use.
The company’s Leather iPad Mini Case (iPad mini; $195) is made from the finest vegetable-tanned leather and keeps your iPad safe during transport.
The simple but elegant sleeve design comes in black, chestnut, chocolate, or tan.
The B1B (iPad mini; $48) is a back cover for the mini that features a special design the company calls “unobtainium” (in honor of the popular fictional element of the same name), whose primary goal is to ensure the prompt dispersal of sweat and skin oils, ensuring an excellent grip.
The B1B is compatible with Apple’s Smart Cover, and it features all the appropriate cutouts to ensure that you can access the tablet’s buttons, cameras, and ports.
The Life Raft (iPad mini; $45) is a skin made from life rafts recycled from Pan-Am aircraft. The tough and durable material, just half a millimiter thick, adheres to the back of your tablet using a special 3M adhesive.
The case is also available in a version designed to fit Apple’s full-size tablets (iPad 2, 3, and 4; $50); unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be inflatable.
If you enjoyed this week’s roundup of iPad cases, check out last week’s edition, Golden Slumbers.
Author: Marco Tabini
Marco Tabini is based in Toronto, Canada, where he focuses on software development for mobile devices and for the Web.