by Noel on October 29, 2012
If you're in the market for a handcrafted and premium iPad case, the Palette Case appears to be a good pick. It's stylish, functional and not priced exorbitantly -- the latter being the main flaw in a lot of premium iPad accessories (you know it's not a feasible product when the case is more expensive than the actual tablet).
Designed in San Francisco and made by local craftsmen in New York, it's angling itself as a "locally-built" accessory -- a far cry from the usual China-sourced cases you'll usually find in the market today (yep, even some that are priced at premium ranges). It's a looker, too, so be assured that your tablet won't be decked in anything but a sweet-looking receptacle.
The Palette Case features a lush Merino wool back panel that makes it soft and comfy to hold. Even better, the backside gets a large hole in the center, allowing you to slip two fingers in to secure the device when in use. That way, there's no danger of having your iPad slip off your grasp, allowing you to use your hands without having to watch your actions too closely.
Out front, it gets a trifold leather panel that attaches to the side via embedded magnets, allowing you to either turn it to the side like a folio cover or remove it completely to get it out of the way. When detached, the leather cover can be folded to work as a stand in both landscape and portrait modes. The embedded magnets will secure it to the back of the tablet case.
You can get the Palette Case directly from the product's website. Price is $120.
[PaletteCase]
Palette Case Decks Your iPad In Leather And WoolunratedNoel2012-10-29 02:20:38
If you're in the market for a handcrafted and premium iPad case, the Palette Case appears to be a good pick. It's stylish, functional ...
by Noel on April 19, 2012
You just got the new iPad. And you want a brand-spanking-new keyboard case for it. The YourType Folio + Keyboard looks fit for the deed.
Made by Belkin, it's a foldable iPad case with an integrated keyboard opposite the tablet's container. Unlike other cases with integrated keys, the entire keyboard is fully detachable, so you can leave it at home and use the accessory like a regular folio case if you want.
The Belkin YourType Folio + Keyboard is a stitched iPad case with a smooth inner lining and a magnetic tab closure. For typing, it allows you to stand the iPad at a slight tilt in landscape mode. You can opt for higher angles, but you'll need to remove the keyboard to make room.
The removable keyboard pairs with your iPad via Bluetooth, which it will do automatically at the push of a button. Keys feature a spring mechanism and function-specific keys that include most of the common commands you'll need to use with iOS. As with similar keyboard cases, though, you may want to exercise caution when putting pressure on the case with the keyboard slotted in, as it looks like the keys could touch the iPad's screen if you're not careful.
Amazon has the Belkin YourType Folio + Keyboard available now, priced at $99.99.
Belkin YourType Folio + KeyboardunratedNoel2012-04-19 17:14:17
You just got the new iPad. And you want a brand-spanking-new keyboard case for it. The YourType Folio + Keyboard looks fit for the deed.
Ma...
by Noel on April 19, 2012
The CushPad makes for a viable accessory when standing your tablet on less-than-even surfaces. If you're not a fan of the size or form of that repurposed pillow, though, the CampFire case should make for an interesting alternative.
Made by X-Doria, it's billed as a "sleeping bag for the iPad." Not only can you use it to set the tablet up on less-than-stable surfaces, it also doubles as a bag to cover your slate like a padded sack.
Both second- and third-generation iPads can fit into the plastic housing integrated into the CampFire. When opened up, the iPad sits snugly in the frame, backed by a padded cushion that lets you prop it up in both landscape and portrait orientations. The padding is chunky enough that you should be able to hold it steady on most any surface, including your lap and your bed.
When you're done using the tablet, simply loosen the string and flip the whole panel inside out, positioning it so the padded fabric covers the entire tablet, much like a drawstring bag. While the bag doesn't look all that comfortable to carry by itself, the entire thing should sit snugly on your backpack during trips.
From the name, we're guessing X-Doria is trying to market the CampFire as an ideal accessory when using the iPad while you're outdoors. That means, you can stand it on a blanket while lounging on the sand or on the ground when resting inside your tent. It's available now, priced at $59.99.
[X-Doria]
CampFire Is A Pillow Stand That Doubles As A BagunratedNoel2012-04-19 17:11:56
The CushPad makes for a viable accessory when standing your tablet on less-than-even surfaces. If you're not a fan of the size or form of that r...
by Noel on March 10, 2012
Someday we'll have foldable iPads that can fit in a card slot on our billfolds. Until that day comes, though, we'll have to settle for The Wallet, an iPad 2 case that doubles as a functional (and non-pocket-friendly) wallet.
Made from genuine cowhide leather, the case boasts superior grip and durability, so the entire thing should hold conveniently in hand. Plus, leather always looks swanky, so it's double the awesome.
The Wallet is a slim profile iPad case measuring 8.5 x 11 x 2.125 inches. Design is strictly business-like, complete with a leather strap magnetic closure, so it should go equally well with both your office suit and Darth Vader costume. The tablet frame sits on the right side of the folio, with full port and camera access, as well as support for the iPad 2's "wake-on-open/sleep-on-close" feature. And, yes, it offers an integrated typing angle.
Since it's meant to double as a case for stashing other stuff, you get a load of pockets and pouches on the left side. Designed for serious organization, it features a large main pocket (can hold hard drives and notebooks), two zippered pockets, five card slots, a phone holder and pen loops.
Thinkgeek has The Wallet for iPad 2 available now, priced at $79.99
The Wallet Holds Your iPad And A Whole Lot Of StashunratedNoel2012-03-10 01:31:46
Someday we'll have foldable iPads that can fit in a card slot on our billfolds. Until that day comes, though, we'll have to settle for The Walle...
by Noel on February 27, 2012
There are plenty of cases out there that make it look like you're carrying something other than an expensive tablet. This Origin of Species Case, though, makes it look like you're carrying something nobody will ever want to steal: a tattered, old hardbound book from the library.
Clad in the classic style of an early edition of Charles Darwin's most famous book, the case literally looks like a book you stole out of your grandfather's attic. Worse, it's not some exciting volume about cool stuff from the old days or whatever. Instead, it's that old evolution book that you'll only read if: it was mandatory in school, you're a biology nerd or you're trying to impress a biology nerd.
To get the authentic-looking hardbound style, the Origin of Species Case wasn't put together in a Chinese factory by large machines. Instead, it's handmade by traditional English bookbinders, Manor Bindery. The plastic only appears inside with the actual holding frame -- the rest of the case is made from genuine bookmaking materials, like greyboard and wibalin.
The case measures 8.25 x 1.25 x 10 inches, with a frame designed to hold an iPad 2 (won't fit 1st gen -- sorry). Aside from working folio-style, it can also be used as a stand.
The Origin of Species Case is available from Uncommon Goods. Price is $70. They have other book designs there as well, including replicas of early covers from War and Peace, Pride and Prejudice, and The Theory of Relativity.
[Uncommon Goods]
Origin of Species Case: Hide Your iPad In A Tattered Hardbound BookunratedNoel2012-02-27 03:16:10
There are plenty of cases out there that make it look like you're carrying something other than an expensive tablet. This Origin of Species Case...
by Noel on February 7, 2012
Sometimes, you buy an iPad case because it offers good protection. Maybe you'll buy one because it looks good. Other times, you buy it because it comes with extra features you want. The Padintosh leaps over all of those reasons: you'll buy it because it's ridiculously awesome.
Made by Thumbs Up World, it's an iPad case that resembles the front panel of the classic Macintosh from 1984. All the familiar elements are integrated -- off-whitish color, a floppy drive and a whole lot of character as only the Apple of that era can deliver. It's not a 1:1 reproduction (the screen on the original Macintosh, for instance, was just 9 inches -- smaller than the iPad's), but it will do.
More novelty than a useful accessory, the actual Padintosh case is about twice the size of the iPad 2, giving you plenty of material to grab on to while playing Atari games on your tablet. It doesn't really make it easier to transport your iPad, browse on your iPad or do anything with your iPad, but we still bet this thing will fly off shelves as soon as they hit. Oh yeah, you can stand the entire thing on a wall, so it looks like you've got a real 80s-era Macintosh (just add a keyboard at the bottom for more realism). Compatible with the Smart Cover, too.
The Padintosh for iPad 2 is currently on preorder from Firebox. Price is £19.99.
[Firebox]
Padintosh Turns Your iPad 2 Into An 80s-Era MacintoshunratedNoel2012-02-07 01:53:09
Sometimes, you buy an iPad case because it offers good protection. Maybe you'll buy one because it looks good. Other times, you buy it because...
by Noel on January 18, 2012
There are generally two types of iPad cases: those that add functionality to your tablet (like standing it to movies or mounting to a wall) and those that serve as a single-purpose carrying case. The Ottocase Byze is among the latter and it fulfills its deed with elegant style.
Designed to work with both the first and second generation iPads, the case is a simple landscape pouch with a flap. Aimed at those who prefer to roll business-like with their gadgets, it bears an understated that's more classy than hip.
The Ottocase Byze is made from genuine high-quality leather with complimentary outer stitching for those who like their cases as adult as they are and alcantara lining on the interior to provide necessary protection from scratches. The flap stays shut using a hidden magnetic closure, so you don't have to worry about the pouch accidentally opening while you're walking.
Fit doesn't appear to be too tight, so we're guessing you can cram an iPad with a skin cover in there for double the protection. And if you've already got enough black accessories that you don't really want another one, they do offer it in a variety of colors, including brown, white, red and tan.
Amazon has the Ottocase Byze available, priced at $95 each.
[Amazon]
Ottocase Byze Is An Elegant Leather iPad PouchunratedNoel2012-01-18 23:18:47
There are generally two types of iPad cases: those that add functionality to your tablet (like standing it to movies or mounting to a wall) and thos...
by Noel on November 3, 2011
Military geeks use iPads too. And the GumDrop Drop Tech series looks exactly like the kind of case those so inclined should be rocking.
Physically, this thing looks gnarly. Clad in a reptile-like shell with scalloped surfaces (for better grip), it's how I'd imagine soldiers in battle carrying their iPads. Each bundle brings complete security for the iPad 2, as well, even shipping with its own screen protectors (including a privacy screen cover) and port covers.
The GumDrop Drop Tech Series Case measures 12.1 x 1.5 x 9.9 inches and adds about a pound of weight to your gadget. Its main selling point are the multiple barriers of shock absorption, which uses two levels of shock-absorbing TPU rubber to serve its protective functions, along with corner bumpers for further reinforcement. You also get a microfilm dust filter with the set, so you can take it to the desert and not worry about tiny speckles getting inside.
If Batman had an iPad 2, he'd have the black version of this thing. Seriously. It comes with a belt clip, too, so the Dark Knight doesn't even have to tweak anything on that Batbelt to hold this thing.
Amazon has the military-inspired GumDrop Drop Tech Series For iPad 2 in a variety of colors, priced at $69.95.
GumDrop Drop Tech Series For iPad 2 Is A Military-Inspired Durable CaseunratedNoel2011-11-03 16:13:36
Military geeks use iPads too. And the GumDrop Drop Tech series looks exactly like the kind of case those so inclined should be rocking.
Physi...
by Noel on November 3, 2011
Ever seen one of those watertight plastic bags that people put their iPads in? While that works for waterproofing your tablet, it's all ghetto as hell. Apple gadgets deserve to look good no matter the function and this Aqua iPad Case should help you do just that.
Rigged to keep your gadget pretty while keeping it protected, it's the perfect case to house the iPad in whether you're tanning on the beach, lounging by the poolside or relaxing in the tub. It's waterproof up to one meter, too, so you can drop the whole thing in the water and pick it back up like nothing happened.
The Aqua iPad Case features a waterproof Perspex shell, framed with rubber sealing and a touch-sensitive transparent skin. That way, you can use the iPad's touchscreen, button and cameras as normal, all while protecting it from any potential encounter with wetness. The shell is reasonably slim, with an attractive design, especially when compared with many of the waterproof cases in the market.
According to the product page, you can even use the cameras to take underwater videos and pictures (just make sure you stay within one meter of depth, though). Aside from water, the case will also repel sand, dust and snow, making it an ideal iPad housing during outdoor trips. If you cook with your iPad in the kitchen, it should cover the deed, too, so you don't suffer the effects of spilled food and sauces while copying recipes off Epicurious.
Firebox has the Aqua iPad Case now, priced at £34.99.
[Firebox]
Aqua iPad Case Waterproofs Your Tablet Without Compromising StyleunratedNoel2011-11-03 16:10:20
Ever seen one of those watertight plastic bags that people put their iPads in? While that works for waterproofing your tablet, it's all ghetto a...
