My husband had picked up an iPad just before the holidays. My thought/secret wish was that he’d spend a few months with it and (as in the case of *some* things around here), grow bored and it would wind up in my hands. That scenario never played out! He took to it about as hungrily as I did to my iPhone 4 on its release day. I’ve been relegated to playing the occasional game on it. I figured I could spend my time more productively by finding a case instead.
Cases seem to break down into one of three design categories: Sleeve, fitted case, or folded case. While Apple’s simple iPad Case offers a compact, simple form of protection for the iPad, my husband owned one for a while and found it flimsy and its surface easily marked with fingerprints (much like handling the iPad itself, ironically enough).
One thing that the Apple case does offer is the ability to use the iPad as a stand for typing or viewing videos. The goal of finding a case that combines quality, good design, and durability wasn’t going to be an easy one.
Until that is, I came across Speck’s DustJacket for iPad. The red version had been out of stock for awhile, but it’s now back and available online. The other colour choice is black leatherette.
Speck just sent me the red version to test drive and I must say, I’m impressed!
The first thing I noticed was the thicker design of the DustJacket. The portion of the case that holds the iPad is made of plastic. When I placed the iPad into the four corners, I felt the security of the case with those four clicks. The thick, rounded beveled corners will protect the iPad should the case hit a hard surface while completely opened.
That same holder contains a hinge that easily clicks into the five slots, allowing the iPad to sit at various angles on a table or desk.
With the case open and folded over onto itself, you can sit the iPad onto a table with the proper angle for typing as well as for watching videos.
In addition, all ports are easily accessible with this case.
The exterior is made of a canvas material and the interior is black lined micro-fleece.
The pros:
– A solid, thoughtful case design
– The case will protect the iPad no matter how it’s open
The cons:
– A bit heavier than the Apple iPad case
– Over time, the black micro-fleece may start to attract dust.
Speck Products sells the DustJacket online for US $49.95.