iPad Cases – Many Styles Available

Which iPad 3G case is the best?

Having the latest accessories for electronics has become popular enough that people want additional options. Now that the Apple iPad is here, people are looking for elegant, yet stylish, means of protecting their investment. There are numerous case companies that have been working hard to come up with the next best thing in iPad case design. Just like with the iPhone, having interchangeable cases and covers are just as important for showing off their iPad than if it were naked. Everyone appreciates the beauty of Apple products when they are by themselves, but with their elegant multi-touch glass screens, there is a need to give it that little extra to protect it from the elements.

Currently, the Apple store only has 5 different brands of iPad cases. A quick search around the Internet will suggest at least another 10 companies that have different styles and types of iPad cases that Apple isn’t suggesting just yet. None of the cases are marketed specifically to iPad Wi-Fi or iPad 3G. Depending on your preferred methods of protection, some cases are meant for storage only and therefore wouldn’t ever interfere with your Wi-Fi or 3G signals.

Here is a list of a few different types of iPad casing based on what your needs may be.

iPad Back Cover Case

As most users are looking at the iPad like a large iPhone or iPod Touch, it’s only natural that the most common style case on the market is similar to what is on iPhones right now. They’re made of different materials, usually silicone or a hard plastic, that snap onto the back of the device and protect the bottom from scratches and provide additional grip support for use while holding it. These style cases still allow all of the ports and speakers to be accessible, but don’t provide any way of traveling with it unless you put it into another bag. Incase has a wide variety in multiple colors. They also don’t provide any kind of screen protection.

Screen Protection

 Which leads to the next point. Screen protection. The iPad’s screen is the key to why it has become so popular. The screen is multi-touch, made of glass, and has made mobile computing what it is today. There isn’t anything out there right now that can compare to being able to just reach out and touch the Internet, rotate photos, and play games without the need of any additional peripherals. Putting a screen protector onto the iPad is probably the best idea. Even if you decide to go naked and don’t want any form of case on there, a sticker-like screen protector will go a long way in keeping dust, smudges, fingerprints, and small knocks from turning your beautiful new iPad into a paperweight. Available from only a few manufacturers at the moment, iLuv sells an anti-glare, clear protective film, and a mirror-like film starting at $14.99. Similarly, Speck products have a 2 pack deal for $24.95.

Apple Brand iPad Case

 Apple’s first, and so far, only iPad case that they market with their brand name is reminiscent of a large book. The front cover bends back at different angles for movie watching or table-top access to the iPad. While still allowing access to all of the current ports through holes in the cover, the only way to utilize the iPad is to bend the case back or remove it entirely. It seems to add an additional few steps to a device that should be just ready to go constantly. Incase also made a similar style case that seems to be slightly better quality and made of a faux-leather. There is nothing wrong with this style casing, it’s just not for everyone. If the majority of your iPad-ing were going to be on a table, or in a horizontal view for watching movies and typing, then this case would be perfect. If you wish to use it in your hands more often than not, then this case may prove to be a hassle.

iPad Sleeves & iPad Totes

Sleeves & totes are meant more for travel storage than protection while using the iPad. Made from different materials, the main design is as such: a snug fitting, soft interior, case that you slide the iPad into. Some include additional pockets in the front for storing chargers and earbuds, like Belkin’s Vue Sleeve for iPad. Others are designed as carry all totes, that make it simple to carry everything you need for your day and still have a protected place for your iPad. Great if you’re going to be travelling away from home and want to make sure you’ve got your iPod, earbuds, all of the chargers and cables you’ll need, and still have enough room to toss a notebook for your next class, then this style case is the best option for you. Incase’s Travel Kit even provides a pocket to carry a Bluetooth keyboard along with you in a similar style to a briefcase.

No matter which style case you choose, there is no right or wrong. Personal biases are evident on different blogs and websites as to which is the best case, or which is the worst. Personal comparisons are going to be your best shopping tool. Browse the Internet, stop into an Apple store, or check out a local Best Buy and see what cases they’re offering that you can pick up and feel. This will help you get an idea of what you’re looking for and perhaps what materials you’d like it to be made out of. Protecting your iPad is going to provide additional quality of life to a product that can come with quite a hefty price tag, depending on the model. It’s important to see that investment through all the way to the end – or until you upgrade to the next generation.