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Santa placed a shiny new iPad under your Christmas tree. Since then, you’ve probably downloaded that Mark Twain autobiography and have test driven innovative apps such as Star Walk and Flipboard. Like so many others, you’ve no doubt come to the conclusion that the revolutionary device is amazing, even if you’ve only used it to drop exploding eggs on those dastardly green pigs in Angry Birds HD.
But wait, what’s that? It’s a small scratch on the edge of your new gadget! Old Saint Nick must have spaced on delivering a protective case to keep annoying scrapes and grime at bay. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a rundown of several options to keep your iPad safe, all of them rugged enough to handle both day-to-day use in the city and a camping trip in the sticks. Each is hardier than the standard $39 case offered by Apple.
Saddleback Leather iPad Case
These tough, full-grain boot leather cases come in four different styles: carbon black, tobacco brown, chestnut and dark coffee brown. The fold-over design makes them great for kicking back on a riverbank or for propping-up on a desk. These cases come with a 100-year warranty that’s likely to outlive not only your first iPad but your next five. Their industrial-gauge, marine-grade thread and pigskin (suede is also available) ensure that neither you nor your grandchildren will ever need it. Consider one of these puppies your
next family heirloom.
$105 at saddlebackleather.com.
Saddleback Leather iPad Case
iPad Defender Series Case
The roughest, toughest case on this list: The iPad Defender Series Case by OtterBox. Scratches? Drops? The Defender laughs at them. With one of these babies, you could probably chuck your iPad off the top of Mt. Everest and find it undamaged on the trek back down (don’t quote us on this). The built-in stand makes watching Up in the Air on a cross-country flight a breeze. A clear, protective shield also shields both the screen and the Apple logo. Choose from colors including black, white and blue.
$89.95 at otterbox.com.
OtterBox iPad Defender Series Case
Sportshell Convertible for iPad
This versatile accessory prides itself on being four-cases-in-one. The Convertible serves as a hard-shell case that protects the iPad, a photo frame that displays photos or graphic designs on the back, a stand for using the iPad while seated and a hand strap that can be used while you’re killing time in a queue at the airport. A great option if you plan to use your iPad in a variety of places.
$59.99 at mareware.com.
Timbuk2 Quickie
The budget option and “the perfect bag when you don’t need a bag.” Its interior love-glove can protect iPads, as well as small laptops and notebooks. The Quickie’s additional pockets are great for storing power cords or other small odds and ends when you find yourself in a situation reflective of the bag’s name (if you get our drift). The Quickie comes in Oxford nylon black and a variety of sizes ranging from extra small to large. Timbuk2 also offers iPad sleeves in a variety of colors.
Quickie: $45.00 to $50.00; Envelope Sleeve for the iPad: $30.00 both at timbuk2.com
Timbuk2 Quickie
Col. Littleton Leather Travel Bag and iPad Case
This one may not be practical if you’re taking your iPad on a three-day backpacking adventure, unless you’re going for a look straight out of an Eddie Bauer catalog circa 1925. The soft-dry-milled leather bag snugly accommodates the gadget and can also be used to stash a travel clock or a camera. The secure brass snap closure is tough enough to withstand falls.
$110 at orvis.com.
Col. Littleton Leather Travel Bag and iPad Case
SCOTTEVEST
Or perhaps you’d rather travel light and skip a case altogether? SCOTTEVEST offers a line of compatible clothing with interior pockets large enough to handle an iPad. It offers a range of clothing, from Outback Jackets suitable for roughing it to stylish SeV Sportcourts. Everything features sleek NoBudge pockets that prevent bulkiness while also accommodating the iPad almost invisibly. A weight-management system in every article of clothing helps keeps things balanced.
Scottevest Fleece 5.0
SCOTTEVEST’s patented Personal Area Network even lets you run earbud cables through a hidden passage in the fabric. The company has received Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak’s seal of approval. He went from being a customer to sitting on SCOTTEVEST’s Board of Advisors. A great choice, especially if you’re looking to keep your prized possession close to your heart.
$75 to $450 at http://www.scottevest.com.
—Brandon Hartley