Apple iPad Gear

One of the more substantial cases we reviewed for the original iPad came from a company whose wares were previously unfamiliar to us. Powis iCase reflects the company putting a great deal of thought into their designs. A close look at the original case revealed a company will to put in the small, easily overlooked, extras that add value and, in the process, created a case that had looks and functionality. Judie reviewed an early version of their iCase for the original iPad, gave the company some feedback, and then they sent updated versions of the case to both of…

As we’ve written previously on here on the site there is a lot to like about Apple’s Smart Covers. They are thin, they are light, they function as a two position stand, and they have the really neat automatic sleep/awake functionality built into them. At the same time, they do nothing to protect the back and sides of the iPad two. There are many who don’t worry all that much about scratching up their iPad. Their approach is simply this–the iPad is meant to be used and Apple slimmed it down for a reason. Why bulk it up unnecessarily. I…

With all of the tablet focus on the iPad 2 (and new rumors about the possibility of an iPad 3 release coming less than a year after a second generation device) it is easy to forget just how many original iPads are in circulation and serving their owners remarkably well. In fact, there are many people who don’t feel the need for the FaceTime camera and are opting to get a discounted first-generation iPad instead. (We were out to dinner last night with friends who recently bought refurbished original iPads for that very reason and have no regrets.) As a…

Back in February we reviewed Joby’s gorilla mobile Yogi for iPad 1. It is one of the most flexible and functional cases ever and is the case that is on my iPad 1 the majority of the time. I was happy to see Joby release an updated version for the iPad 2, and I liked the original version so much that I ordered the new one as soon as I could. The case came the other day, and I am loving it. Because the iPad 2 is thinner than its predecessor, the new Yogi feels even better in the hand when used…

The number of iPad 2 cases from which to choose continues to grow and that is a good thing. After all, in the last two weeks alone I’ve seen family and friends continue to adopt the iPad 2 in fairly large numbers and each of these new iPad 2 owners has different tastes and needs when it comes to their device cases. More available cases means more choice and that makes it more likely than ever that each of them will find the case that is just right for their needs. Enter the latest case we have had a chance…

Here’s an iPad accessory that took me a bit by surprise. When I first took a quick look at it I figured this thing would be a bit silly: interesting but silly. Then the thing came and my first thought was “This thing is a big pillow with an iPad stand sewn to the top of it”. Then I used it for a few days and thought, “Okay, this thing gets a good review.” 🙂 What is “this thing”? It is the Prop ‘n Go from Padded Spaces and it is a well conceived, nicely executed, off-the-beaten-path accessory for anyone…

We have already taken a look at some of the iPad 2 cases that are now being released that work with Apple’s Smart Covers. The other day Jamie reviewed a case that picks up where Apple’s screen protection leaves off. Here’s another example of a case that lets you also use the Smart Cover you may already own. This one comes from The Joy Factory. We reviewed their SmartSuit2 and loved it. (I’m still using it as one of my two “daily drivers”.) The company also offers the SmartGrip2. It is a simple case that hugs the back and sides…

I tend to be partial to folio-style cases for my iPad 2, but there is something to be said for some of the more unusual “rugged” cases that offer complete protection AND a removable screen cover. That’s where the Seidio Active case for the iPad 2 comes in. When closed, the case offers complete protection AND it brings along the added benefit that the screen cover can serve double-duty as a multi-angle stand. I’ve been checking one out for the past few days; let’s take a look at it. From Seidio: Created for those that have and want to maintain…

  When the iPad 2 came out I happily purchased the Smart Cover. Over time I’ve developed an appreciation for its screen protection and stand functionality, but I can’t accept having absolutely no protection for the back. So, I went shopping. My goal was to find something that would: be a perfect fit, protect the device, work nicely with the Smart Cover, and not add too much bulk or weight. Those requirements led me to XGear’s Smart Cover Enhancer, one of the many available back covers (more reviews forthcoming!). The Enhancer snaps on and grips the iPad securely: no gaps…

So you love your iPad 2 but just aren’t read to go completely paperless. What to do? Well, you COULD carry your iPad and a separate notepad OR you could grab Booq’s new Booqpad for iPad 2. Yes, the Booqpad is a great example of “old-school meets new world”. It brings your iPad together with a writing tablet and even throws in spots for business cards, a few separate notes and a pen. It is one of the more unique designs we have seen when it comes to iPad 2 cases so lets take a closer look. From Booq: The…

The iPad 2 is slimmer than the original iPad. It is lighter than the original iPad. It has two cameras so you can Facetime or shoot video. All of those were nice upgrades from the first iPad but none of them are the BEST feature of the iPad 2. No, the BEST feature, in my humble opinion, is the smart Sleep/Awake functionality. Within days of getting the iPad 2 I had forgotten that I even needed to use the home button to turn on the iPad. Now I simply put the cover over the screen and BAM! – it goes…

I love a minimalist case for my iPad and iPhone. I appreciate being able to add some protection to the somewhat delicate devices without losing the slim, light look and feel Apple has been able to achieve. It is the reason I have been a fan of Case-Mate’s Barely There series  cases since they first appeared on the scene, and I have been lucky enough to review one for pretty much each of the devices I have owned since. The company has released the iPad 2 version of the Barely There and were kind enough to send a review sample…

There are a handful of leather accessory manufacturers who just “get it”. They know that when it comes to protecting expensive electronic devices there are people who want simple designs, great materials and excellent craftsmanship and are will to pay for it.  Among the companies on that short list is Noreve Saint-Tropez. Noreve knows how to make beautiful leather device cases that look great, add visual appeal AND protection and don’t add unneccessary bell and whistles. Sure, Noreve offers some fancier cases but they always make sure to have something simple, straight-forward and gorgeous available. That includes their new Traditional Leather…