My kingdom for an iPad case

My kingdom for an iPad case
Now that I am part of the so-called iPad Cult, I am starting to look for just the right case. Of course, our writers have written *extensively* about iPad cases, but everyone’s needs are a little bit different. As luck would have it, there are more cases available than I could ever dream of shaking a stick at. Now I just have to decide what it is I want.

I have a long history of using cases on my iPods, and I’ve really been a huge fan of silicone slip-covers. They feel nice in my hand, provide plenty of traction, and they have protected my iPods extremely well. In fact, I dropped my iPod touch onto concrete from about three feet last month, and it is good as new. Without a doubt, I know that silicone cases are what I like for handheld devices. Does that apply to my iPad as well?

I have to admit, the Apple-branded case is looking pretty good right now. Maybe silicone isn’t right for this form factor, and I should take my lead from what Apple is putting its name on. I do like that the case acts as a stand, but I am still not sold on having a fold-away screen cover. Doesn’t it make holding the device something of a pain? Maybe I can convince my local Apple store to let me fiddle with one.

I’ve done my own searching. I’ve read the bile-filled user reviews of every case on the block. Now I want to know what you guys use for your iPads. What have you found works the best for you? Let me know by leaving a comment on this post.

Photo Credit: Apple.com

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About Grant Brünner

Grant is a writer from Delaware. In his spare time, Grant maintains a personal blog, hosts a weekly podcast, and researches genealogy.

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I too have the HD Accessory case but mine is black. I really like the utility of the flap on the left since people keep giving me paper that I have to carry until I get to scan it in or transfer the contents as a summary into my Evernote.

I picked up the Apple case when I bought my iPad. I used it for about a month or so then found this case http://www.hdaccessory.com/servlet/the-3111/Apple-iPad-W-dsh-Fi-WiFi/Detail which I love love love!

The zipper around the edges is great and protects my iPad well. Because it zips up closed, I'm able to confidently carry some papers, my Starbucks free drink cards (no addiction here!), and a cotton screen wipe in the flap on the left-hand side. And I didn't worry when I dropped it because the cover stayed closed (unlike the Apple case which would, based on my luck, open up just before the screen smashes against the ground).

When using on the subway for reading or watching video, it's very discrete because the zipper gives the effect of holding a normal portfolio. My motto: Security through Obscurity!

Some issues but not biggies for me: I've found that the zipper scratched the paint on the lower left-hand corner along the edge. Another thing to know is that it's a little bulky thickness-wise. Although there's no adjustable stand feature, the cover does flip around to the back of the iPad so it's like holding a large paperback book with the already read pages folded around to the back of the book. For typing, I haven't missed the lack of a stand feature but YMMV.

It was only about $12, so I was worried about the quality, but it's been fine with no obvious weak spots.

Highly recommended!

Apple-branded case has been fine. What it needs is a little pouch or something to hold the screen-cleaning cloth.

Well, I have not gotten the IPAD yet, but I have designed a case on Zazzle with one of my photographs. I think anyone who wanted a personalized case could design their own. Here is an example of the one I designed:
http://www.zazzle.com/foggy_wood_ipad_case_speckcase-176491866959521836?gl=zack12349&rf=238454171356551295

Anyone can design their own case on Zazzle, I used one of my best photographs that had been published in a National Geographic Book 'Simply Beautiful Photographs.'

But I must admit after seeing the Zagg case which includes a keyboard I was really impressed.
http://www.zagg.com/accessories/zaggmate.php?gclid=CPS287W2kKYCFUmo4Aodnmugog

Now which one will I buy? I think I will flip a coin.

I just wish someone would make a case with a cutout for the dock. You know how hard it is to take the iPad in and out of the Apple case just to put it on the dock? Why can they not just leave that 4"x2" portion cut out or flare it out so that you can dock it while its still in the case?

This is case CEO case from Marware looked really good. I haven't used it personally but I've seen it on other people's iPads. Very slim compared to other similarly styled cases/stands. But not as slim as Apple' own case.

http://www.marware.com/products/iPad/C-E-O-Hybrid-for-iPad

I have had both the iPad and the Apple iPad case since the week of launch. I have two friends who both tried two different cases, I also bought a DodoCase soon after it became available.

My friend Jeff bought the Sena Folio for iPad leather case with the snap which holds it closed when not in use. The trouble was the design or his brute strength. He pulled the snaps off of three different units due to the fact they were very tight, returned to the Apple store for exchange. I’[m not saying they all have this issue but the three he used from the same Apple store had this issue. He decided to try the Apple case and has promoted its use heavily ever since. (Note: Jeff is a power user, he takes his iPad too all meetings and now leaves his MBP at his desk during the day.) Maybe the Sena case was not intended be used as often as he used it?

Colin bought a silicon skin from Best Buy and hated it from day one. It never stayed snug enough to make him happy. He returned it and went ‘naked’ until his Dodocase arrived. I think the size of the iPad does not allow a good enough fit for a user carrying around in-hand. He received the Dodocase which we all agree the early rubber corner materials left much to be desired. Whenever I'd meet up with him, he'd have that case and there was always a corner missing and he'd look at the Apple case and tell me, yup I am getting one of those when I buy my wife her iPad. I have not heard from him on his experience with it yet.

As for me, Dodocase vs. Apple case: These are the only two I have used. I use the Dodocase from day to day as I go from meeting to meeting, coffee house to coffee house. BUT when I travel long distances, car or plane, it is always in the Apple case. The thing is functional, protective (not that I think it would protect against any type of drop onto concrete) and it is easy to clean. Of all the cases I have seen, this one is built to last. When it gets a little dirty from this or that (I also have three kids under the age of 4) I just pull the iPad out and wipe the Apple case down with a damp cloth. It is back to factory new each time. Note on the Dodocase rubber corners: the latest design is made far superior rubber and the adhesive is great. I have had the current ones on for over a month with many add/remove of the iPad and they have held up like champs, a 100% improvement over those in which it shipped.

I hope my long-winded post is of some assistance for you. I'd go with the Apple case no matter what, then branch out from there if you want, always having the Apple case as the 'standby.'

Larry

Hey Grant: I use the inCase Book Jacket Haggis mentioned above and it does a decent job. It is pretty thick though, compared to the Apple branded case.

Personally, I'm looking at the new ClamCase expected in mid-January (http://bit.ly/f0klQj).Instead of spending the $$$ on a MacBook Air, my goal is to move all my portable computing to the iPad, so hopefully the ClamCase will help fill that need.

Welcome to the iPad family !!

I hear you, James. I really feel that the iPad is closer to the MBA than it is the iPhone.

No more hauling around my laptop. It's now my desktop replacement, while I bring along my iPad with me.

I've been using an Incase 'Convertible Book Jacket' for my iPad since August. It's an incredibly versatile, hard wearing and good looking case that really compliments the iPad.

http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/convertible-book-jacket-cl57512r/1

I'm going to check that out. I'll look to see if it is available in a brick and mortar store so I can touch it.

The Apple iPad case rocks. I bought it when I got my iPad and it's just perfect. Very slim. Very protective. And puts the iPad at a great angle for typing.

Thanks for the comment, Tom. I'm glad it's slim. I don't want anything too chunky.

The black one of this is the one I'm using. Pretty useful: http://www.jivotechnology.com/cat/ipad/product/executive-case-and-stand/colour/197

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