by Noel on September 3, 2010
You're probably smart enough never to use your iPad while in the tub or hovering near the pool, so a waterproof case isn’t all that necessary, save for very specific instances. What's more difficult to avoid, however, is dropping the iPad on a hard surface - a very real possibility when you're playing one of those tilt-to-control games. The Otterbox Defender Case lets you armor up for those occasions.
Clad in "three layers of protection," the accessory gives your tablet the ability to survive all manners of drops, bumps and shocks, as well as keep tiny specks of dust from entering its vicinity. All features remain accessible even with the full gear on (without the front shield for the screen, of course) via silicon plugs, so there's no sacrifice for the added durability.
The Otterbox iPad Defender Case measures 9.99 x 7.89 x 0.94 inches and weighs 13.6 oz without the shield (20.7 oz with it). Protective layers consist of a hard polycarbonate shell, silicone protectors and a self-adhesive film for the screen. While a tad on the hefty and bulky side, the added toughness should make the extra size worth it.
It's been designed to accommodate use with the dock accessory. Just remove the snap-off door and you can slip it in with the armored case still in tow. The shield also incorporates a built-in, fold-out stand that you can use to prop the iPad up in horizontal viewing mode.
Priced at $89.95, the Otterbox iPad Defender Case is far from cheap. If you've ever found yourself at risk of dropping your tablet, though, it might be a good investment.
by Noel on September 1, 2010
Sure, it's hardly as pretty as some of the sleeker iPad cases out there. When it comes to delivering usability features, though, it's going to be difficult to challenge the Brenthaven 5-in-1, a multi-function iPad case that does more than its share to maximize the value for your money.
Clad in a polycarbonate body with a rubberized texture, the case offers two-sided hardshell protection (first function) to keep your tablet out of harm's way. When in use, you need only lift off the front case, so the back panel remains perpetually covered. An EZ-Grip handle system is also installed in the back, so you can hold your iPad securely, while you tap away with one hand (yep, second function).
Need to type? Not a problem. The Brenthaven 5-in-1 can be used as a typing stand, holding your iPad securely at a comfortable angle for using the onscreen keys (third function). It offers two options for watching movies. You can either use the case as a horizontal viewing stand (fourth function) or commission the strap attachment for hanging it over a car seat's headrest (fifth function). See, they weren't kidding about the 5-in-1 part.
The case itself measures 7.55 x 9.75 x 0.5 inches and weighs 1.1 lbs. It only comes in two colors: black or a metallic bronze finish. Brenthaven offers a 100% lifetime guarantee for the accessory, so we're guessing this would have durability to spare.
You can pick up the Brenthaven 5-in-1 iPad case directly from the company's website, priced at $59.95.
[Brenthaven]
by Noel on August 31, 2010
Want an iPad stand that won't take up much space in your stash? You might be interested in the PadFoot, a truly minimalist stand that makes a case for matching "the iPad's simplicity and elegance."
Designed by Michiel Cornelissen, the accessory is just a single slab of polyamide material that can handle, pretty much, all the things you expect a stand to do. Whether propping up the iPad in landscape or portrait mode for viewing, or setting it at an angle for onscreen typing, it claims to get the job done.
The PadFoot is a 3D-printed polyamide stand that takes the shape of a horizontally-sliced hotdog, with a slanted opening where you're supposed to put the slate all the way through. As suspect as it looks (I mean, it holds the iPad on literally one corner), Michiel claims it makes for a strong and stable base for your tablet (personally, I'd probably try it with my hands ready to catch the device the first few times). Do note that it can only be used on a flat surface, so forget about setting up the iPad right on your bed for some late night YouTube viewing.
Its best use will likely be as an on-the-go stand, especially if you'd rather not burden your already overstuffed bag with more bulky accessories. At only 15 grams, it’s especially lightweight too, adding practically no heft to your mobile ensemble.
You can order the PadFoot from Shapeways, who builds each piece upon order. Price varies depending on color (white, black, magenta or green), starting at $25.
[Shapeways]
by Noel on August 30, 2010
Reading books on the iPad is great. While, admittedly, not as comfortable as e-ink, it offers a largely satisfying experience. The BookBook for iPad case adds even more familiarity to your tablet-reading habits, allowing you to hold your slate like a real, physical book.
You have to admit: there's a certain irony about dressing up a device that's helping usher the death of printed material as a book. I guess it's part of the novelty here, along with the case looking exactly like a really old volume printed at the turn of the century.
The BookBook is a handmade iPad case that protects your tablet with a tough shell made from reinforced hardback leather. Creator Twelve South calls it a " safe cocoon around your prized iPad" and, from what we can tell, that's exactly the kind of shelter it provides. Cushy leather corners and a soft elastic band hold your iPad gently in place.
Features include dual zippers with leather pulls and full access to all external controls. Using a button and a string stitched into the case, it can also fold to double as a viewing stand, allowing you to watch movies and slideshows at a comfortable angle.
Two styles of the BookBook for iPad are available: Classic Black (dark brown cover with black accent on the spine) and Vibrant Red (more vibrant brown cover with red accent on the spine). You can order one for $69.99.
[BookBook for iPad]
by Noel on August 28, 2010
Looking to ditch the clutch bag for something that will fit in your new iPad? Wrap your hands around the Clutch, a spacious organizer for your carry-on gear that can handily replace your favorite clutch bag.
Put your iPad on the main slot with the clear front panel and the rest of your accessories on the three separate compartments on the other side. There's a zippered area for your cash and valuables, pouches for your phone and credit cards, and extra space for even more of your haul, whether you want to carry lip gloss, pepper spray or a crazy-ass switchblade knife.
Designed for the ladies, the Clutch comes with stylish pleats that help it look more like a bag than a regular case. A large zipper shuts the three compartments close and a strap secures the two flaps, so you can carry it without worrying about any of your accessories falling off.
Unlike other cases with extra compartments, you can use it to sit your iPad upright (for viewing or typing) without the need for any extra accessory. All iPad ports and controls are easily accessible too, with cutouts built into the main compartment.
The Clutch is available in red and black, priced at $89.99.
[Happy Owl Studio]
