iPad Accessory Review: Inno Pocket Transformer Case for iPad

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I know that there are tens of thousands of new iPad owners since early this morning for each and every new iPad app or accessory will bring a sense of wonder. And for good reason. There are so many applications and so many accessories available for the iPad and so many of them have their own unique way of bringing more functionality to the wonder device.

We’ve reviewed a lot of iPad cases here on the site so there are many from which to choose but this particular case surprised me. While it has familiar features, it has a unique design and is made of the material that I have not encountered being used in iPad case. Inno Pocket’s Transformer Case is a clear, polycarbonate case that offers complete 360° protection to your iPad but lets you watch what is happening on the screen even as the screen is covered.

I have tried it out for a few days so let’s take a look… and then give it away.

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From InnoPocket:

InnoPocket’s Transformer is a sleek, sturdy case for iPad that offers a functional 3-in-1 utility design. InnoPocket has developed unique carrying cases since 1998 and the iPad Transformer continues InnoPocket’s legacy. Transformers’ patented swivel hinge design allows you to easily rotate the lid for optimum table top viewing but still securely grip the device when carrying or holding the device

Features-

Shield for protecting, Stand for viewing, Stage for typing
Contemporary book style case without the bulky hinge.
Constructed from crystal clear polycarbonate with non-slip rubber grips on the swivel hinge for comfortable use
Patented swivel hinge design allows you to quickly optimize viewing angles with the only hard case to offer multi viewing angles.
Easily Transform your case into a work station by folding the lid back for low-level typing solution.
Provides full protection for iPads incredible glass display and aluminum body wrapped in high quality durable polycarbonate.
Dock Connector, Volume rockers, Power switches and the speaker carefully crafted for full accessibility

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I wanted to start the review with this picture of the iPad in the case to show you that, once it’s placed inside, you are still able to see everything that’s going on on the screen even while the protective cover sits over the screen. Unfortunately you’re not able to activate the iPad’s screen when the case is closed but you can start something playing and then watch it even as you know that the iPad screen is protected.

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When the case is inside it puts a clear plastic layer on both the front and back of the iPad but leaves the speaker and dock connector open at the bottom. That way you can charge and sync your iPad without removing it from the case and listen to music or a movie with the cover in place over the screen.

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Cut-outs in the upper right-hand side of the case offer access to the volume rocker and the mute switch (the switch formerly as the “rotation lock”). They are little bit recessed once in the case but still fully accessible.

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One of the design features that I really appreciate on this case is that if you immediately flip to the other side of the case you’ll see that there is a cutout of equal size that serves no function. It simply exposes a small stretch of the aluminum side. The reason for this is quite simple–the case is designed so that the iPad can go into it in either direction. That’s right, this is one of the few cases which is designed with the understanding that not all of you people are right-handed. Yes, some of us are left-handed and it’s nice to see a company that doesn’t completely overlook us. 🙂

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Small rubber stoppers on both the face of the plastic cover and sides keep the actual clear material from coming in direct contact with any surface it is placed on. I imagine this is important since this kind of clear material has, at least in my experience, suffered severely over time when scratches begin to accumulate.

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Here’s a view of the iPad being put into the case. It snaps from the bottom and it hinges open so that you can access the screen. Simply lower the cover and snap in place to get full protection.

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The large black hinge along one side of the case swivels around 180° so that the cover of the case can fold flat against the back allowing constant access to the iPad screen.

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And as you can see, even with the case clipped securely on the iPad there is no disruption of access to the screen because of side clips or other means of securing the iPad to the case. At the same time, however, the iPad is in the case quite securely it isn’t coming out unless you want to come out.

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Here’s a view of the case with the cover flipped around and sitting on the back of the iPad. It creates a rather thick lower section to the iPad but it does leave the iPad completely accessible for use.

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And the black plastic hinge that swivels around functions quite nicely as a way to get a good grip on the iPad so that you can hold it with one hand and access the screen with the other.

In all, this unusual iPad case is more than a bit unique. It uses a material that lets you have complete protection to the iPad screen even as you watch a movie, and it flips around so that the iPad screen can be completely accessible when you want to use the iPad in that way.

And if you flip the back piece around but don’t place it flush against the back of the iPad it works as a nice stand as well!

I don’t think this is the case for me since it adds a fair amount of bulk to the iPad but I really have no complaints with regard to the construction and execution of it. I think it’s a good case for someone who wants this kind of protection. I do have concerns over what the case would look like in a few months as scratches begin to accumulate but haven’t had it long enough to see whether or not this is truly an issue about which to be concerned.

If you have a new iPad, or have had one since day one, and this case is the type of protection you been looking for I can certainly recommend getting it. It is even priced quite reasonably, particularly in light of the excellent construction.

The InnoPocket Transformer Full Hard Case for iPad is available directly from the InnoPocket Website.

MSRP: $29.99

What I Like: Full 360 degree coverage and protection; service three different use-functions for the iPad

What Needs Improvement: It adds significant weight to the iPad; Cannot use touchscreen through clear cover; I’m always concerned how clear cases look a few weeks or months down the line when scratches start adding up.

GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!

Here’s a thought: let’s give it a review unit away. It has been used for the review but has no scratches on it. It will, however, not come in retail packaging.

Oh, and there’s a twist. You can’t win for yourself. No, let’s give it to somebody who just got an iPad for Christmas. To enter to win toss someone you know who just got an iPad and why you think this would be a good case for them. We’ll pick the winner on Monday, send the case on Tuesday, and then you can give it to the person you mention in the post by the end of the week.

The fine print:
1. This contest will be open until Monday January 24; the winner will be announced shortly after.
2. Shipping address must be in the USA
3. If you’re entering this giveaway using Facebook connect, you MUST have your Facebook page set to accept messages from non-friends so we can contact you through your page if you are the winner. If you are unsure how to set your privacy settings to allow this, feel free to contact us for assistance or read Facebook’s instructions.
4. The winner will be announced on the site and will have 24 hours to contact us. After 24 hours a new winner will be picked.

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.