I’ve been playing around with the BlackBerry Playbook and, overall, I’m impressed. I say “overall” because I love the hardware but am increasingly frustrated by the lack of apps. (More on that in an upcoming post.) Since I DO love the hardware I’m more than a bit interested in some of the various ways to cover and protect the 7″ tablet. Thankfully Case-Mate is rolling out some nice options.
The Venture
The first is the Venture. This was one of my favorite cases for the original iPad and it looks like a great case for the Playbook if you are going to take it everywhere and, especially, use it in a work setting. (After all, despite the name that IS how RIM is positioning its tablet isn’t it?)
As Case-Mate explains:
This case is meant to be seen by others. Take it out on the town or into a meeting; either way, it’s ready to perform. The Venture protects the PlayBook while on the go and doubles as a secure stand whenever and wherever it’s needed. The stylish cover snaps closed to keep the screen scratch-free. Unsnap the cover, flip it over, and the Venture case works as a stable stand, ready to take notes or show your presentation at a moment’s notice. Available in black/grey.
The Venture will be $39.99.
Barely There
I also love Case-Mate’s Barely-There series. It is one of the iPhone cases to which I am constantly returning. Well, Case-Mate is rolling out a version for the Playbook and it looks like a great way to protect the back and sides of the device without adding too much bulk.
Barely There
As Case-Mate explains:
One of Case-Mate’s best-selling cases, the Barely There combines style with function for the ultimate slim case. Offering a thin layer of protection and polish, the Barely There is made from specially engineered materials, including a hard-to-break plastic shell. Choose from one of the colorful shades available to add a modern look to your PlayBook. Available in black.
The Barely There has an MSRP of $34.99.
Pop!
Finally, for those who want to lighten up the slightly stuffy 7″ tablet there is the Case-Mate Pop!. The Pop! is a different take on Playbook cases and adds something quite useful, a built-in stand.
Pop!
From Case-Mate:
Offering a support system like no other, the PlayBook Pop! case brings a new standard to the power of two. Co-molded materials of plastic and soft rubber unite to create a hard case with a soft touch. A built in stand extends for an ideal viewing screen or remains hidden to create a flat back cover. Available in black, grey and pink.
Pop!
The Pop! will be $39.99.
The full release follows.
Case-Mate® Introduces Accessories for the Just-Released
BlackBerry PlayBook tablet
Offering Stylish Essentials to Outfit the New Tablet DeviceATLANTA, April 20, 2011 – Case-Mate®, known for its innovative accessories that protect, style and enhance mobile technology, today announced they will be carrying a line of cases for the newly launched BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet. Customers can choose from one of three Case-Mate favorites for their new coveted device – Pop!, Venture and Barely There – which feature co-molded designs, slim perfection and practical style.
“Case-Mate continues to offer mobile accessories for the hottest device as it comes to market,” said Erik Attkisson, Chief Marketing Officer at Case-Mate. “By offering three of our most popular styles for the PlayBook, customers can select to outfit their device with the best in protection, design or style.”
An official participant in the exclusive Built for BlackBerry program, each of Case-Mate’s BlackBerry PlayBook tablet cases will display the Built for BlackBerry logo on its packaging. Customers can rest assured that their new PlayBook case was built, tested and designed specifically for BlackBerry and meets the manufacturer’s high level of quality.
Many of the following Blackberry PlayBook tablet cases will be available from Case-Mate beginning on April 19:
Pop!, $39.99: Offering a support system like no other, the PlayBook Pop! case brings a new standard to the power of two. Co-molded materials of plastic and soft rubber unite to create a hard case with a soft touch. A built in stand extends for an ideal viewing screen or remains hidden to create a flat back cover. Available in black, grey and pink.
Venture, $39.99: This case is meant to be seen by others. Take it out on the town or into a meeting; either way, it’s ready to perform. The Venture protects the PlayBook while on the go and doubles as a secure stand whenever and wherever it’s needed. The stylish cover snaps closed to keep the screen scratch-free. Unsnap the cover, flip it over, and the Venture case works as a stable stand, ready to take notes or show your presentation at a moment’s notice. Available in black/grey.
Barely There, $34.99: One of Case-Mate’s best-selling cases, the Barely There combines style with function for the ultimate slim case. Offering a thin layer of protection and polish, the Barely There is made from specially engineered materials, including a hard-to-break plastic shell. Choose from one of the colorful shades available to add a modern look to your PlayBook. Available in black.
Anti-Glare Anti-fingerprint Screen Protector, $19.99: No muss, no fuss. Keep your screen free of prints, smudges, wandering eyes and most importantly, scratches, with this screen protector.
All of these Blackberry PlayBook tablet cases will be available for purchase at www.case-mate.com. You can also find cases for a wide variety of BlackBerry and other smartphones and tablet devices on the Case-Mate Web site.
About Case-Mate
Case-Mate is the leader in design of fashion-forward accessories for mobile technology and tablets. Since 2006, the company has helped consumers express their individual style with products that protect, adorn and enhance their mobile devices. Working with top designers from around the world and using cutting-edge materials, Case-Mate’s team of technology and design aficionados have created an extensive repertoire of mobile and tablet cases right for any style and every occasion. For more information, visit http://www.case-mate.com.
