Review: Grablet for iPad

Why hide the beauty of your iPad behind a case? Instead enhance with the Grablet! Available in a variety of colors, this case will surely add a splash of color and fun to your iPad!

At first glance, the Grablet looks like some sporty rock climbing equipment for your iPad. With its sexy curves, it’ll surely get people’s attention.

This case has four grooves that holds each end of the iPad. The sleek X-shape design displays how elegant and beautiful your iPad is, rather than hide it. The corners are padded and raised to protect from bumps or drops. You can put the iPad face down without scratching the surface. It also works perfectly with the magnetic Apple&reg Smart Cover.

What makes this case stands apart from the rest are the handy quick release straps on the back. Simply push to easily snap them off. Switch with the additional accessories to allow infinite potential uses. You can hold your iPad comfortably in your hand with the Grablet. If you remove the hand pad or wrap, you can let one of the straps hang on a cabinet knob for easy kitchen viewing. Or wrap the straps around your leg for a secure fit. You can even wrap the straps around a car seat for easy movie viewing. The possibilities are endless. For more ideas, see the Grablet gallery.

Each package comes with:
1 Grablet novus g2
1 Grablet Hand Pad
1 Grablet Hand Wrap
2 x 13” Straps w/ 4 G clips
4 x Grablet Strap Retainers

Available in an array of bright and fun colors — Cadmium Yellow, Jungle Green, Ultra Pink, Slate Gray, Burst Orange, Cadet Blue, Fog Silver, Fuze Green, Glacier White, Onyx Black, Sonic Purple, and Lava Red for $39.99.

The Grablet also comes in two versions, one for the iPad 2 and one for the iPad 1.

4.5 out of 5 stars · TheGrablet.com · $39.99 · Amazon ($39.99)

Disclosure: This product was sent by The Grablet for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Review: Hub Innovations Rev 360 Smart for iPad 2

If you find yourself walking around a lot to show screens and apps on your iPad, you may want to consider getting the Hub Innovations Rev 360 Smart Case for the iPad 2. It’s an iPad 2 case that not only fits snuggly on the iPad, but also in your hand!

Made of a soft silicone material, the case fits the iPad 2 perfectly, leaving openings for all the buttons and ports, including a side to slip your Apple Smart Cover into. To use, simply press the case in along all the sides.

What makes this case extra special is the mechanism on the back of the case. There’s a circular piece with a strap that allows you to put your hand in. Once your hand is in, spin, turn, or hold the iPad to the position that best helps you display the screen. And when you’re done displaying the screen, you can put it down on a table and the circular back becomes a stand. Turn it to be in either portrait or landscape mode. It’s about a 30 degree angle, which is perfect for typing.

If you would like higher angle, that’s where your Apple Smart cover comes into play. Place it on the iPad and turn the cover into a stand. Now it’s perfect for movie viewing.

Overall, it’s a wonderful case, especially if you enjoy holding your iPad in one hand. Being able to use the case as a stand too is a bonus. The Hub Innovations Rev 360 Smart Case is available in assortment of over 20 beautiful colors and patterns. Variations of this case is also available for iPad 1 users ($49.95), as well as iPad 2 users who do not have Apple Smart covers ($59.95). The only difference between the regular Rev 360 for iPad 2 and the Rev 360 Smart for iPad 2 is the opening for the to place the Apple Smart cover.

Rating: 4.5 our of 5 stars · $69.95 · hubinnovations.com

Disclosure: This product was sent by Hub Innovations for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Review: Incipio iPad 2 Premium Kickstand Case

If you’re looking for a nicely padded folio-style iPad 2 case, the Incipio iPad 2 Premium Kickstand Case may be the one you want. It has a unique three-fold design that converts your iPad into many different positions and uses.

First of all, putting your iPad 2 into the case is absolutely easy. Open the case and simply slide your iPad into the four sturdy clips. It’s best to hold the case in landscape mode when doing this and slide in from left to right. Once it’s in, you have yourself a good looking iPad 2 folio. But transform itself to be much more.

The exterior of the case is made of a rugged rip-stop nylon. It’s thick enough to provide a lot of protection for your iPad 2. To protect it from bumps and scratches, the interior is made of a soft micro-suede material, along with four sturdy clips that hold your iPad 2 in place. There are cutouts in the flaps for the camera and the buttons and ports are not covered, making them easily accessible.

A stand. The tri-fold design allows this case to become a stand. On the front interior flap of the case is a soft rubber strip that has 3 grooves (or indentations) in it. Fold flap with the iPad 2 on it and set it on one of the grooves. This then converts your case into a nice iPad stand. There are three angles that you switch between. Each one is good for surfing, video viewing, and email reading.

Typing Mode. It was such a pleasant surprise when I learned that the case can be converted into a typing position. You’ll first need to flip the case inside out (backwards). Then you’ll notice on the front flap, there’s a smaller mini front flap that can be pulled up. Open and pull up and you’ll see three ribbon stays. Now fit the flap with the iPad 2 into the exposed ribbon stays and it’s in the perfect elevated position for you to type your notes or documents. This feature makes the case work very well in the classroom or business meetings.

Screen View Only. Perhaps you’re playing a game or reading a book and prefer to have your screen exposed. So you need the front flap to not get in the way. To do this, flip the front flap back so it touches the back side. On the back flap is an elastic band. Pull this band over the front flap so it gets held in place. Now the case won’t get in the way of your reading/game playing!

Overall, the Incipio iPad 2 Premium Kickstand Case is not only very functional, but lovely and professional at the same time. The rip-stop nylon on the exterior adds a beautiful texture to the case. The only drawback is that the case is slightly thicker than most folio-style cases. But this extra padding helps absorb any drops or impact the iPad 2 may face. If you enjoy having a built-in stand, need a case that will protect both the front and back of the iPad, and type a lot on your device, this is case may suit you.

The Incipio iPad 2 Premium Kickstand Case is available in four colors — Black Nylon, Light Gray Nylon, Sand Nylon, and Black Synthetic Leather. Each can be purchased for $39.99.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars · MyIncipio.com · $39.99 · Amazon ($25.94)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Incipio for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Review: Moshi Concerti for iPad 2

If you have an on-the-go lifestyle, the Moshi Concerti may be just the iPad 2 case for you. Not only is it stylish, but it also provides complete protection for your precious device. In addition, there are many ways to use it, making your iPad 2 experience quite enjoyable.

The Concerti is a folio-style case made of a beautiful microfiber material from the inside and out. On the inside of the case is a silicone enclosure that securely holds the iPad in place. This soft silicone interior case covers the edges of the iPad, keeping it safe from everyday wear and tear. It has cutouts for the dock, speakers, on/off button, camera, headset jack, and mic. The volume buttons are not cut out, but the material is soft enough that you can easily press on the side.

This case offers many different functional positions. After you put your iPad in, you’ll notice that it’s on the left side, unlike most iPad 2 cases. This allows it to open up in a way where you can use the camera without needing a camera hole in the microfiber part of the case. If you’re holding it in portrait position, open and fold the cover to the left to expose the camera.

Another way to use the case is to turn it into a stand. The case allows three different stand positions in landscape mode. All great for web surfing, gaming, and video viewing. To use, open the case and have the iPad in landscape position (Home button will be on the left). Select a position to stand it in — there are three set of bumps on the interior of the case that will hold the iPad in the position you wish it to be.

Also, if you enjoy carrying your iPad around in your hand — like to take roll in a class or notes while you’re walking, there’s a built-in hand pocket to help alleviate wrist stress in the case.

To keep the case closed, there’s a convenient elastic strap that holds the front cover in place. Simply lift up the strap and wrap it around the case.

Overall, this a great case to dress up your iPad 2 in. It’s stylish, functional, and quite versatile. Not only does it fully protects the iPad 2, but it feels so soft in your hands as well. The Concerti is available in three colors — Tyrian Purple, Sahara Beige, and Falcon Gray. You can purchase it for $55.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars · MoshiMonde.com · $55.00 · Amazon ($54.95)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Moshi for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Review: Incipio iPad 2 Smart Feather Ultralight Hard Shell Case

If you own an Apple smart cover for your iPad, I bet you love it. It flips, folds, stands, protects the front screen and makes your iPad more useful. But sometimes, you may find that the smart cover falls off too easily. For example, when you’re reading in bed and you slightly shift the iPad’s position, the cover just pops off. Although the magnet is strong, oftentimes, it will remove itself from the iPad when you prefer it not to.

That’s where the Incipio iPad 2 Smart Feather Ultralight Hard Shell Case comes in! It’s a light back cover for the iPad 2 that works seamlessly with your Apple Smart cover. It’s form fitting, looks great, and you’ll hardly notice it’s there. It protects the back side of your iPad 2 very well, but what makes this back cover stand out is the side hinge holder (custom molded feather, as they call it) that holds your iPad 2 smart cover in place. Yes, that means no falling off when you don’t want it to. You can have the Apple Smart cover open and hold onto that, and it won’t shake off.

The Smart Feather also has cut outs so all your buttons and ports are available. In addition, the Smart Feather also comes with the Incipio^® Vanity Kit, which is one clear screen protector, applicator card, and cleaning cloth.

The Incipio iPad 2 Smart Feather Ultralight Hard Shell Case comes in an array of colors that compliments the Apple Smart Covers — black, gray, blue, green, orange, pink, red, cream, tan, navy, and frost (lovely if you want to see the Apple logo through it).

Rating: 4.5 starts out of 5 · MyIncipio.com · $34.99 · Amazon ($24.86)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Incipio for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

iPad 2 Case Review: Speck Fitfolio

With protection from front to back, the Speck Fitfolio can keep your new iPad 2 safe and sound. This form-fitting case is easy to use and can be set in many functional positions.

To put you iPad 2 in the case, you’ll need to first align all the ports to hard cover interior. Then just snap it in place. It’s as simple as that.

There are cutouts for all the ports. The cutouts also make it easy to get to all of the buttons without much trouble.

Folio. The Speck FitFolio, as the name suggests, can be nicely used as a folio for your iPad 2. It covers both the front and back of your new device and looks highly elegant and professional.

There’s also a handy bungee cord that holds the front cover in place when it’s closed, or secures it to the back of the case when it’s open. This works very nicely for both landscape and portrait mode. Again, the multiple use for this case is very nice.

Upright positions. The Fitfolio is also a stand for the iPad 2. On the soft interior cover, there are four different indentations that you can place the iPad in, ranging from position angles between 45 to 75. This makes it really handy to watch movies and videos from your iPad 2, or even games.

Typing position. Flip the case around and you got yourself a nice typing stand for your iPad. Talk about universal! To get the case into this position, hold the iPad 2 in landscape mode with the front cover pointing down. Now take the front cover and pull it backwards. Pull the front cover so it meets the back cover and pull the rest of the cover around. This will form a nice pedestal for your iPad in landscape typing mode. This makes it very convenient to type when the iPad is in your lap or on a table.

Overall, the Speck Fitfolio iPad 2 case is slim, form-fitting, and stylish. As an added bonus, it has multiple uses which makes it a nice all-in-one case. Best of all, the Fitfolio protects both the front and back of the iPad and costs just under $40; that’s the cost of just an Apple Magic cover that only protects half of the device.

The Speck FitFolio is available in red, black, and grey.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars · SpeckProducts.com · $39.95

Disclosure: This product was sent by Speck for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Review: HyperShield Back Cover for iPad 2

Do you love your iPad 2 and it’s special magical cover by Apple? But do you also feel something is missing? Like the back cover? How do you keep that precious Apple logo and back side from being scratched? Not to worry, HyperMac has you covered!

The new HyperShield is a back cover for the iPad 2. The HyperShield is made of a durable TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) which is a gel-like material that not only protects your device from scratches but also has shock absorbing properties for any bumps along the way.

Putting the HyperShield back cover on is quite easy. Simply pop in the cover by matching the ports and cutouts. Press around the iPad 2 to snap on the cover and you’re done. You’ll notice that the back cover has all the cutouts for your ports, speakers, buttons, and camera. To finish it off, add the Apple iPad 2 cover and you got yourself beautiful matching ‘case’ for your iPad 2.

The HyperShield has many desirable qualities any iPad 2 user would love. First, it comes in an array of colors — all matching any of the Apple iPad 2 covers you may have already purchased. Second, for those of you who love the new slim look of the iPad 2, you don’t have to worry about this back cover adding any extra bulk. It’s slim, yet protective. Third, it’s completely compatible with the Apple iPad 2 front cover. There’s a side cutout that allows the hinge on the Apple cover to attach nicely. Lastly, it’s quite stylish as well. It covers the iPad 2 where protection is needed, and also add a beautiful bevel around the edge of the iPad to bring the colors together.

The only drawback is that the cutout on the left side for the hinge is wider than the hinge itself, so part of the aluminum back of the iPad 2 is exposed. The reason it’s there is so the hinge of the Apple iPad 2 cover would have a place to fold back on. It’s about the size of a pinky finger, so not too wide, but this may be a concern for some people.

The HyperShield for iPad 2 is available in a big range of colors, including all the matching Apple covers and clear — gray, blue, green, orange, pink, cream, tan, black navy, and clear.

Overall, I think the HyperShield makes the iPad 2 feel more complete, especially with an Apple iPad 2 cover. It’s also reasonably priced at $19.95.

Rating: 4.5 out 5 · HyperShield.com · $19.95

Disclosure: This product was sent by HyperMac for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Review: Happy Owl Studio Clutch for the New iPad and iPad 2

Do you have a geeky gadget gal in your life? Surprise her with the Happy Owl Studio’s The Clutch! It’s a sexy purse/case to carry her iPad and along with her other gadgets. Her devices and items will fit in this nice slim purse-like bag, complete with shoulder strap and plenty of compartments. The best part is that no one will know she’s carrying an iPad in there.

The Clutch is made of 100% genuine leather and contains two main compartments — one for the iPad, and one for everything else. The side for the iPad has a holder with the screen part cut out. The edge of one side is held together by a strong Velcro. Access to the iPad is easy when this compartment is open. The iPad doesn’t need to be taken out of the case/purse for most tasks. There’s also a cutout for the back camera if you want to sneak a photo or two. Cutouts for all buttons and ports for the iPad are also available. When the purse is closed, the iPad will be sleep mode. And when it’s open, it’ll wake up. On the side of the purse that covers the glass screen is a beautiful soft microfiber fabric that protects the iPad when closed and not in use.

Next to the iPad compartment is a zipper compartment that has room for all of her other gadgets and necessities. Within this compartment are smaller pockets perfect for a cellphone, pen, pencil, stylus, credit cards, business cards, cash, and more. There’s also two smaller zipper pockets inside as well that can store lipstick, eyeliner, mirror, keys, usb drives, sunglasses, camera, or anything a geeky gal needs.

Holding the purse together is a button latch with the Happy Owl Studio logo on it. And to carry the clutch, it also comes with a removable D-ring strap. The strap is adjustable, so you can wear it just over the shoulder or as a cross-body purse. And the front of the purse has a beautiful pleated pattern that’s both classy and stylish.

The clutch is made especially for the chic geekette. It’s available in two colors — black and red. The black clutch has a deep purple interior and purple stitchings on the outer layer of the purse. The red clutch has a red interior and gray/dark gray stitchings. It’s the perfect little purse for a night on the town, or even the geekiest of conventions. The clutch is also compatible with both the new iPad and the iPad 2.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars · Happy Owl Studio.com · $79.99 · Amazon ($79.99)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Happy Owl Studio for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.