by Noel on September 15, 2010
Who says all an iPad cover does is keep your tablet protected from scratches and dust? Not the case with the Kensington PowerBack, which throws in a backup battery and a kickstand to go with its iPad-casing duties.
Despite measuring a sleek 1.6 x 9.4 x 13.8 inches, the accessory manages to cram in a 4,400 mAh battery module onboard, feeding your tablet an extra 5 hours of use. It also includes a microUSB charge and sync port, allowing you to connect your iPad to a computer without requiring an extra dock.
The Kensington PowerBack case has a soft-touch finish, affording you comfortable use, while offering ample protection. A very useful kickstand can be pulled out of the rear side, which you can use to prop the iPad up at three positions - landscape viewing, portrait viewing and typing mode. Other features include LED gauges on the bottom of the case (to clue you in to how much charge is left) and a speaker deflector for unimpeded sound.
Overall, it sounds like a pretty solid all-in-one, which, somehow, manages not to bulk up your iPad the way extra batteries normally would. Price is a bit steep at $130, but the versatility should make it worth every penny.
[Kensington]
Kensington PowerBack Throws A Battery With Your iPad CaseunratedNoel2010-09-15 17:04:42
Who says all an iPad cover does is keep your tablet protected from scratches and dust? Not the case with the Kensington PowerBack, which throws in...
by Noel on September 10, 2010
Not everyone likes a slim iPad case. In fact, I'd rather have mine thick and burly. Tastefully beefy is how I'd describe the Vers Shellcase, a hand-crafted wooden case for everyone's favorite slate.
Pretty enough to hang on a wall, the accessory protects your tablet by encasing it in a hefty pile of steel-reinforced wood. It uses either US-grown hardwood or bamboo, making for a gorgeous natural look that's also durable and sturdy.
The Vers Shellcase measures 9.9 x 8 x 1 inches (w x h x d) and weighs 10 oz. You load the iPad from the top, where it squeezes in snugly for a secure fit. Features include scratch-resistant lining, a UV- and moisture-resistant clear panel, and complete openings for the tablet's ports and speaker. A metal foot is included, which you can use to prop the iPad on a table for viewing or typing.
One word of warning: if you use the iPad in the kitchen, make sure you don't leave it sitting on the counter face down. If I do that in my grandma's house, I swear, she'll start chopping onions and tenderizing meat on the back of this thing. Yikes.
Available in three styles (cherry, walnut and bamboo), the Vers Shellcase retails for around $79.99.
[Vers Audio]
Vers iPad Shellcase Houses Your Tablet In Steel-Reinforced WoodunratedNoel2010-09-10 15:16:49
Not everyone likes a slim iPad case. In fact, I'd rather have mine thick and burly. Tastefully beefy is how I'd describe the Vers Shellcase, a h...
by Noel on September 8, 2010
Want a stylish iPad case with plenty of customizable components? Personalize your tablet's housing with Treegloo, who build made-to-order iPad cases with sustainability in mind.
Seeking to help spur the local economy, the company doesn't only manufacture its cases in the US, they use strictly US-made parts too. Sustainability, after all, doesn't end with the environment. A sustainable economy is just as vital to everyone's quality of life.
Each Treegloo case measures 10.25 x 8.25 x 1 inches and weighs just under 11 lbs. It opens like a book, with the bottom flap sporting an attached frame, sized to hold your iPad securely. Frames are made from US-grown pine, with precision-mitered corners for seamless joints, while the hardcover cases are decked in faux leather, with foam inserts for a cushier feel. With the cover flap folded, the case can also be used as a stand, both in portrait and landscape modes.
Users get to choose colors and designs for each component, even the paper lining and liner prints inside the flaps. There's also an option for personalized logos and colors not available from the default choices, but you'll have to place them as a special request. Each case gets an individual serial number printed on the inside flap.
All Treegloo orders are personalized, so you'll have to go through choosing your colors and designs for every order. That also means you'll need to wait for them to be built, so expect a turnaround time between 8 and 12 days. Price starts at $35 (natural frame, no special extras).
[Treegloo]
Treegloo Makes Stylish, Personalized iPad CasesunratedNoel2010-09-08 16:59:03
Want a stylish iPad case with plenty of customizable components? Personalize your tablet's housing with Treegloo, who build made-to-order iPad cas...
by Noel on September 5, 2010
Designed as an iPad case to take on trips, the Chima Crucial, from Seattle upstart Chima Designs, brings multiple functions that make it an ideal travel accessory. Plus, the stylish looks shouldn't hurt too much, either.
Similar to Brenthaven 5-in-1, the case does more than offer protective housing for your tablet. Built into it are mounting and standing options that extend your iPad's use, whether you're at home, inside the office or in transit.
The Chima Crucial is made from ballistic nylon, the same material used int he construction of heavy-duty luggage bags. It features a dual-zipper closure and inner flap pockets for holding small items. While it is quite the durable shell, Chima warns that it won't protect your iPad from drops, so take the usual precautions to keep your device from falling off.
An adjustable kickstand with a Velcro enclosure is available in the back, which you can utilize to set the tablet up at your preferred viewing and typing angles. The Velcro also doubles as a strap for securing the iPad on one hand. A cleverly-styled headrest mount lets you watch videos during both in-car and plane travel.
You can get the Chima Crucial in black directly from their website, priced at $59.95.
[Chima Designs]
Chima Crucial iPad Case Features Kickstand, Clip On Headrest MountunratedNoel2010-09-05 14:06:22
Designed as an iPad case to take on trips, the Chima Crucial, from Seattle upstart Chima Designs, brings multiple functions that make it an ideal tr...
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.
Otterbox iPad Defender Case Offers Serious Drop Protection4.75Noel2010-12-29 19:58:38
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, sav...
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]
Brenthaven 5-in-1 Is A Versatile iPad CaseunratedNoel2010-09-01 17:53:48
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 ...
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]
The Clutch Is An iPad Case With Clutch Bag TalentsunratedNoel2010-08-28 15:30:50
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 car...
by Noel on August 25, 2010
Do you love your iPad to death, but can't get rid of the netbook form factor for on-the-road use? Slip your tablet inside the KeyCase iPad Folio, a carrying case with a built-in Bluetooth 2.0 keyboard that lets you type on your iPad as if you're using a regular laptop.
As awesome as the iPad is, all that fancy multi-touch is no match for a notebook computer when it comes to getting heavy typing done. This "keyboard case" creatively mimics that, giving you a physical QWERTY keyboard, along with propping the slate at an adjustable angle. When not in use, the flap holding the keyboard can be folded right under the iPad, allowing you to use the tablet the way it was meant for.
The Keycase iPad Folio is a book-style protective case that holds the iPad on one flap and the keyboard on the other. A magnetic fastening secures the device when you close it shut, with the durable exterior protecting it from the rigors of regular handling.
Keyboard has a built-in battery that it can juice for up to 45 hours of active use on a single charge. It's dust-proof and spill-proof too, making it ideal for on-the-go use. Features include an auto-sleep mode when the keyboard is idle for 10 minutes and a dedicated pairing button for quickly reconnecting.
Availability of the KeyCase iPad Folio appears to be restricted to Gear Zap (for now), who are pricing it at £59.95 (including taxes). The case only comes in one color (black) and includes a one year warranty.
[GearZap]
KeyCase iPad Folio Puts iPad In A Netbook Form FactorunratedNoel2010-08-25 20:18:13
Do you love your iPad to death, but can't get rid of the netbook form factor for on-the-road use? Slip your tablet inside the KeyCase iPad Folio, ...
by admin on August 12, 2010
I just received my iPad Gelli case a few days ago in the mail and I love it! I ordered a green colored one, and it looks great, not only on its own but on my iPad as well. In fact, I haven’t taken it off my iPad yet, and I don’t plan on doing so anytime soon, because there’s no need to!
If you look at the prices of a lot of iPad cases out right now, you’ll see that some of them can be quite pricey. The cheap price of this iPad was the reason I bought it (and because it looked cool), but now it seems like I got a really good deal. If you’re looking for a case that won’t seem like it’s even on, in a good way, then this is what you want to get. I’ve had similar cases for my iPhone, and they’ve worked just as well, but I didn’t know if it would work on my iPad, since it’s way bigger.
Well, this case does really work. Since the back of the iPad is really prone to damage, like scratches and stuff like that, I knew I had to get a case right away. In addition to having a nice green color, this case has a cool pattern on the back of it, and I’d say it improves upon the original design on the iPad rather than taking away from it.
So if you’re looking for something to protect your iPad without adding any kind of bulk to it, I’d say this does the job very well. It looks great, it feels great, and most importantly, I’m not worried about scuffing up the back of my iPad now. Besides that, this case is really cheap compared with what else is out there.
iPad Gelli Checkmate Casesunratedadmin2010-08-12 18:09:22
I just received my iPad Gelli case a few days ago in the mail and I love it! I ordered a green colored one, and it looks great, not only on its ow...
