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: 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.

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.

Etch-A-Sketch iPad Case

Relive your childhood with the new Etch A Sketch iPad Case by Headcase! Inspired by the original Etch A Sketch from Ohio Art, this favorite toy can be brought back to life by your iPad!

The case comes in two parts — the top red piece and the bottom closing piece. When you first receive the iPad case, you’ll need to open the enclosing. To do this, use a coin, slide and twist to loosen the two pieces apart. You’ll need to do this twice in the two slots at the bottom of the case.

Once you you take the two pieces apart, you’ll see that the top piece is made of a hard and sturdy red plastic, with the same familiar design of the classic Etch A Sketch. The top part of the case has all the cutouts for the buttons and ports of the iPad. If you’re holding it in landscape the mode, the top part also has “Magic Etch A Sketch(R) Screen” written in big gold letters. At the bottom are the two pseudo white knobs (used for drawing up/down and left/right on the original Etch A Sketch).

The bottom piece is made of the same sturdy plastic, except in black. It also has the familiar big X running through the back of the case. However, there’s a big circle cutout in the middle that showcases the beautiful Apple logo. There are also two flip-out tabs that act as a stand for the iPad (in landscape mode).

To put your iPad in the case, gently lay it on top of the bottom piece, and snap the top red piece on. Work you way around the case and make sure each edge is snapped in tightly.

As beautiful as this case is, there are a few flaws. The biggest one is the cutout on the back that showcases the Apple logo. It’s not protected, so there is possibility of it being scratched on the back. I would have liked to see a hard clear plastic covering the back. Another minor issue is that the cutout for the Home button is a bit small. I often find myself using my nails to click on the button — this may be a problem if you don’t have nails. This goes the same for the volume and notification buttons. Also, if you hold the iPad case in portrait mode, you’ll notice that the gold lettering may start to wear off, so be careful touching that area as well. Although there are a few minor flaws, anyone who owned an Etch-A-Sketch will be able to look pass them and enjoy this amazing reminder of their childhood!

Overall, this is a great iPad case if you want to make your iPad look even more awesome. It’s a great conversation starter, and a great reminder of a classic toy. If you’re looking for something special for your geek for the holidays, this case will surely put a smile on their face!

Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars · Headcase · Purchase for $39.00

Disclosure: This product was a birthday gift from my relatives. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to write a review to be part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

iPad Case Review: Otterbox Commuter Series

The Otterbox Commuter Series is quite an attractive case for your iPad. It’s slim, lightweight, and protects the iPad from everyday use.

The case consists of three pieces -a soft interior layer to protect scratches and impact, a hard outer layer for further protection, and a hard snap off piece that allows you to access the back to mount your iPad on a dock or keyboard.

To put the case on, hold the iPad vertically and slide the soft interior case on the top corners first, then the bottom corners. Once that’s in place, put the hard outer shell on, starting at the bottom. The hard shell piece has somewhat of a hook that hugs the bottom of your iPad. Once it’s on, snap the top edge on. It gets a bit tricky near the two buttons. Slide the hard shell over the on/off button first, making sure it’s aligned correctly. Then slide the hard shell over the headphone/mic area. You’ll need to tug the soft interior over these parts through the hole of the hard shell case. The hard shell case should slide easily through afterward. Lastly, slide the snap-on piece on the back and you got yourself a stylish case for your iPad.

With the Otterbox Commuter Series iPad case, you have access to all of your ports and buttons. There are cutouts for your mic, orientation button (soon to be mute button), and speakers. The headphone jack is covered by the soft part of the case, but can be easily removed when in use. The volume buttons are also covered by the soft part of the case, making pressing them much easier.

The two layers of protection and slim look gives the Otterbox Commuter Series the perfect balance between sturdiness and a dash of style! The best part about this case is the back. There’s a round opening that displays the beautiful Apple^TM logo for all to see.

This case however is not the type you want to take on and off all the time. But once you have it on, there’s no real reason to want to take it off. It’s slim enough to fit on most iPad stands. If you need to charge or use the iPad Keyboard connector, simply removed the flap on the back side.

In addition, the package also comes with a cleaning cloth, squeegee, and screen protector, which is at least a $15 value. The Otterbox Commuters Series iPad case comes in only black and can be purchased for $64.95.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars · $64.95 · Otterbox.com · Purchase on Amazon ($36.84)

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

iPad Case Review: Fabrix Booklet

If you’re looking for a nice clean design, you need to take a look at the Fabrix Booklet! It’s a folio-styled iPad case that holds your iPad securely in place, minus al the bulk.

Open the case and simply slide in your iPad into the slot. The slot has cutouts for the iPad screen, the Ambient Light Sensor, and the Home button. Along the edges are cutouts for ports like the headset, speakers, charger, as well as openings for the on/off, orientation (soon to be mute), and volume buttons.

Once the iPad is in, you can close the front flap and it’ll look like a beautiful book. The booklet is held together using ultra thin magnets. This prevents the front flap from opening up on its own. Anti-slip suede used on the interior prevents the iPad from sliding out. You can hold it upside to test. To take the iPad out will require you to pull it out. This eliminates the need for straps or small flaps to hold it in.

When you open the flap, there are three small and thin compartments on the inner side. These compartments are nice to slide in business cards, or smaller pieces of paper. Bend the flap further back to create a sturdy landscape iPad stand. You can put it in portrait mode, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

One downfall of this case is that doesn’t protect every aspect of the iPad. The left edges of the iPad (if you held it in portrait mode) are exposed, making scratches and bumps possible. I would recommend carrying this case in an iPad bag if you intend to take it to various place, or apply a scratch protect system that covers the edges of the iPad.

Overall, the simplistic look and high quality materials used for this case sets it apart from other cases. The case is lightweight and protects the screen, which is a huge plus.

The Fabrix Booklet is available in 3 colors — Faux Black, Gray Matter, and Classic Tan, perfect whether you’re a fashionista, a professional, or both!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars · $59.90 · FabrixCases.com

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

iPad Case Review: OtterBox Defender Series

Holy iPad! It’s the Batman of all iPad cases! That’s right, the OtterBox Defender Series iPad case has arrived. It’s super strong and tough, and has three layers of protection. Try to get through this case evil doers!

But with all silliness aside, this case is the most protective case I’ve seen yet. It looks very stylish and is quite multi-functional too. There’s enough layers of protection to impress even your iPad!

The first and inner-most layer is the slide and snap-on polycarbonate shell. Remove the upper piece and slide your iPad in. This polycarbonate piece is lined with a velvety material to keep your iPad scratch-free within the case. The bottom half of this case is removable so you can use your iPad Keyboard (or stand) with the case on. The removable piece also makes it easy to charge the iPad without removing the entire case. Simply slide the lower piece on and off when needed. Another nifty feature of this layer is the clear round plastic around the Apple logo, making it visible, yet keeping it scratch-free.

The next layer of protection is a durable silicone skin that wraps around the entire case. Every part around the edge of the iPad is covered by silicone, including the buttons and ports. If you need to use the headphone jack, simply pull out the silicone covering to use. This feature keeps the port dust-free when not in use. The orientation lock button is also covered in a similar way. Simply pull out to access the toggle switch. As for the volume and on/off buttons, you can simply press on them to access the features. There are cutouts where the speakers are, so the audio of the iPad is not compromised in the case.

The last layer of protection is a fun one. It’s the shield that you snap on top of the case to protect the display area when not in use. It makes a nice travel case if you need to toss it in a backpack or suitcase. But when you are using the iPad, this shield can convert into an iPad stand! On the interior of the shield are two slanted pieces that pull up to create a stand. Slide in your iPad (with case) on and viola, you have yourself a nice little iPad TV set. It’s very convenient when you need the iPad to be in a viewing position. The iPad will only fit in landscape mode, and the angle cannot be adjusted (~45 degree angle). And when you don’t want to use the stand, you can snap the shield onto the back of the case for more heavy-duty protection.

The one downside to this case is that it’s very heavy. It adds an additional 1.3 pounds to the iPad (with the shield on), but you can’t expect less from an indestructible case! Because of the weight, it’s not ideal for reading in long periods of time. The other downside is that it costs about 1/5 of the device. It’s a bit steep for an accessory, but the materials used are high quality if you can look pass these drawbacks. So prepare to put your iPad in the toughest case available on the market today!

In addition to the case and front shield, the package also comes with a cleaning cloth, squeegee, and screen protector, which is at least an additional $15 value.

The Otterbox iPad Defender Series Case is available in black for $89.95. You can purchase it at OtterBox.com.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars · $89.95 · OtterBox.com · Purchase on Amazon ($50.29)

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

iPad Bag Review: NewerTech iFolio

You know those briefcases that business people carry with them to the office? Now there’s one made specifically for the iPad. It’s called the iFolio from NewerTech. It’s handcrafted here in the US from imported premium Brazilian leather. This little luxury item is a perfect fit for the business types.

The iFolio can be used in two ways. You can use the shoulder strap and wear it on one side. This is nice if you need to keep your hands free. The bag hangs right next to your side and feels very sturdy and lightweight. You can also remove the shoulder strap and convert it into a handheld case by holding the strap on its spine. I find the latter way to be convenient when you take your iPad to a meeting. It just gives the professional touch.

The case is held together with a zipper. Unzipping it will reveal a very business-like setup. To the left are compartments for various things. One compartment is for papers or a small notepad and there are also two credit card/identification/business card slots. In the center is a loop for a pen. I think this is the perfect place for an iPad stylist! On the right side is where you iPad would go.

The iPad is held together by four flexible leather straps. Putting your iPad in may be a little tricky at first, but is easy once you get the hang of it. Be sure to put the iPad into the top straps first. These ones are more fixed. Then put the lower right strap on next, and then the lower left strap. The lower left strap is wider, so it’s more flexible to reach the edge of the iPad. The one thing I noticed is that these four straps aren’t symmetrical or evenly sewn on the case. Also, the fourth strap is much wider than the other three. This was a bit odd, but they did their job well, which was holding the iPad firmly in place.

Once the iPad and your belongings are in place, just zip and go. I think this folio is more of a carrying case for the iPad and is not meant to be used on a desk. Typing from your lap is fine, but putting the case with the iPad on a table may not be the best way to use it. The cushions of the case get in the way. Fortunately, the leather straps can be stretched to hold the iPad along with a NewerTech NuGuard case in it for less formal use.

If you do not have many things to take with you, this is a very beautiful case to carry your iPad in. But if you’re like me and like to carry your keys, wallet, and phone with you, you may want to carry a smaller second bag.

Overall, the iFolio gives off a professional look and feel to those you rare carrying it. It’s classic design will attract business men and women alike. Although it may be beautiful and luxurious, there are some downsides including the uneven straps holding the iPad, lack of extra space and storage, and the high price to pay. The case does come with a lifetime warranty, which is very assuring.

The iFolio is available in a big assortment of colors — black, red, cream, dark red, yellow, orange, lite green, dark green, blue, cognac, and tan. The price range from $129.99 – $179.99 depending on the color. You can purchase it at NewerTech.com.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars · $129.99 – $179.99 · NewerTech.com

Disclosure: This product was a 2-month review unit sent by NewerTech for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

iPad Sleeve Review: Waterfield Designs Slip Case

Simple yet elegant, the WaterField Designs’ iPad Slip Case is a perfect fit for your iPad. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. A lot of thought has went into the making of this slipcase.

The exterior is waterproof, keeping your precious toy away from accidental spills. The interior is lined with a soft ultra suede that not only keeps your iPad safe from any impact, but also cleans your device as you take it in and out of the case. Protecting your iPad is as simple as slipping your device in. Be sure to have the glass side of the iPad face the heavier padded side of the case. To take it out, hold onto the tab at the end and shake.

Due to the fitted size, this slipcase is best used without any other cases on the iPad. Overall, this case takes simplicity and elegance to a whole new level. If you want to wrap your iPad in a little luxury, this may be the sleeve for you.

The Waterfield iPad Slip Case is available for $29 an comes in a variety of colors — black, blue, green, brown, red, and silver. You may purchase it online at SFBags.com

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

Video Demo

iPad Case Review: Speck Fitted Cases

The wait is finally over! Speck’s Designer Fitted iPad cases have arrived. Don’t just protect your iPad, dress it up! With a variety of fun new colors and patterns, you’re iPad can become more than just an entertainment tool; it could become a conversational piece!

This case is made of two hardshell pieces – the back side is made of a Specky fabric design and a front side that lines the edges of the iPad. Put the iPad into the back side of the case first. Make sure the cutouts for the iPad are all properly aligned. Then snap on the top of the case, again, making sure the cutouts for the buttons are aligned. Snap on and you’re done. It’s as simple as that.

One drawback to the case is that there’s no easy way to clean the design side if it got dirty. It is made of fabric, so you have to be careful where you put the iPad. I recommend putting it on top of an iPad sleeve or napkin when you use it. You may want to avoid using it at restaurants or where food is close by.

Unlike it’s iPhone counterpart, the iPad case is much easier to remove. Simply find the bottom opening where the charger cutout is, and start removing it slowly. It shouldn’t take you more than a minute to take the case off.

This case protects the back of the iPad as well as the edges of it. The front part is beveled a bit, so if the iPad was to fall flat face down, it wouldn’t touch the floor. The case is also light and adds more style than weight to your iPad.

The Speck Fitted iPad cases are currently available in the following colors/patterns: Houndstooth Gray, Fadeaway Gray/Black/Green, Fadeaway Gray/Black/Pink, ClassicPlaid Pink & Gray, Black & White Plaid. You can purchase it for $49.95 at SpeckProducts.com

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.

iPad Case Review: M-Edge Leisure Jacket

For the brave souls who like to take their iPads on vacations, M-Edge has come out with the Leisure Jacket case just for them! It’s unlike any other iPad case on the market.

The front of the Leisure Jacket case has a clear vinyl cover that allows you to fully access all of the iPad’s touch screen. Tap, swipe, and zoom as you normally would on the iPad. The backside of the case made of a strong fabric and has a pocket built in. Within this pocket are three mesh compartments for your other accessories and devices like your iPhone, headset, and charger. There’s also a deeper pocket that you put paper as well. I don’t recommend stuffing this pocket too much since it’ll make the case uneven.

Both sides of the case are held together with a dual zipper. This is especially useful for times when you want to open part of the case to charge the iPad or plug in your headset. Removing the iPad from the case is not necessary at all. For example, you can charge the iPad just by unzipping part of the bottom.

The interior of the case is made of a high density foam frame that fits the iPad very nicely. Have the iPad face-up when you want to use it. The foam interior has cutouts for all of the iPad’s buttons and ports. All you have to do is press on the vinyl to toggle the buttons. You can do this with the convenience of not having to remove it from the case! When the iPad is not in use, you can put it upside-down in the case for extra protection.

Although this case looks water-proof, it’s not at all, and there’s a big warning for that. It does however protects your iPad from any moisture that might enter. If you’re brave enough to take your iPad to the beach, the park, or even the gym, this may be an ideal case for those kinds of trips. The case is great for keeping sticky sand off your iPad, not to mention sweaty fingers. Simply wipe the case clean with a cloth before removing your iPad.

One downside to this case is when you use it indoors, there is extra glare on the iPad due to the room’s lights. But this case is not made to be used indoors anyhow.

Another downside is that case is not a tight fit. It’s made in a way so you can move and squish the vinyl cover around easily. This works well for its outdoor use, however this design may not look as clean and sleek as some cases. For what it’s used for, it works well.

Overall, it’s a one-of-a-kind case that works well if you’re near any kind of moisture or the outdoors. The M-Edge Leisure Jacket iPad Case comes in a big variety of colors — red, lime green, orange, blue, and black. You can purchase it at MEdgeStore.com for $39.99.

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

iPad Case Review: Macally Snap-On Cases

If want a durable and lightweight case for your iPad, Macally may have what you’re looking for. Macally’s Metrobpad (Black Protective Snap-on Cover) and Metrocpad (Clear Protective Snap-on Cover) are cases that easily snap onto the iPad and protect the backing and four corners of it.

Metrobpad (Black Protective Snap-on Cover)
The difference with this case is the non-slip coating that helps you hold the iPad more securely. The surface of this case is very nice to the touch and is coated both on the interior and exterior of the case. The only downside is that you may find fingerprints on it if you tend to have oily fingers. However, this can be cleaned off easily with a hand wipe.

Metrocpad (Clear Protective Snap-on Cover)
This case is absolutely clear, making it almost invisible. Your iPad would look close to what it looked like when you unboxed it. Your beautiful Apple logo will display right through the case.

There are four small nubs on both of these cases, so when you put it flat on the table, only the nubs are touching it. Also, all of your connections and controls are open, so there’s no need to remove the case when charging, changing the volume, or plugging in the headset.

These cases are slim enough to fit in most loose fitting iPad sleeves. I highly suggest purchasing a sleeve for your iPad since the front side is not protected. These cases may be thin, but they’re not thin enough for the Apple iPad keyboard dock. You will need to remove it when docking it on the stand.

Luckily, removing the case off the iPad is an easy task. Simple push down on the two corners of one side and the case comes off.

Overall, these cases are perfect if you’re looking for a thin light hardshell iPad case. You can purchase the Metrobpad and Metrocpad at Macally.com for $29.99 each.

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

iPad Case Review: Speck CandyShell

Speck Candyshell cases are back, and they’re bigger and better than ever! It’s no surprise that an iPad line for the Candyshells has been made. The iPhone version won Beatweek Magazine’s Best Rubber iPhone Case of 2009 Award! A bigger version of the case does require more care and Speck has handled that quite nicely. Not only that, they did it with a bit of style!

The interior is made of a soft rubberized material that absorbs any impact the iPad may encounter. The unique part about this case is the opening in the lower back. This allows you to dock the iPad on the keyboard without removing the case. It’s also handy when you need to charge the iPad too. Simply lift the cut-out piece to charge or dock your iPad. It snaps on and off of the iPad easily and kind of reminds me of a doggy door!

The edges of the case completely covers the iPad to prevent any scratches and bumps on the sides. There are also cutouts for the headset, screen lock, and holes for the speakers. However, the on/off button and volume controls are covered with a rubberized material. This also means that you may have to press them slightly harder than usual.

Overall, it’s a very unique design that’s both protective and stylish. The case covers the iPad seamlessly and is currently available in two colors — BatWing Black and NightShade Purple. You can purchase the Speck CandyShell for iPad for $49.95. For more information, see SpeckProducts.com

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.

iPad Case Review: Griffin’s Elan Passport Folio

This is a hands-on review of Griffin Technology’s Elan Passport Folio Case for iPad.

Although there are lot of cases in fun and bright colors for the iPad, you may still want to dress it up in a tux now and then. That’s where the Elan Passport Folio Case comes in. It’s a sleek case that gives your iPad a whole new professional look. You look like a businessperson carrying it and it’s perfect for taking into the office. Another benefit is that it conceals the iPad pretty well so people would not know that you’re carrying an iPad. This is good if you don’t want your investment to have “steal me” written all over it. It looks like a daily planner or small paper notebook when closed up.

Putting your iPad into the case is easy. Insert the iPad in on the right side first. The latches on this side do not stretch. The latches on the left side are flexible; stretch them so they hold the iPad in place.

The interior of the Elan Passport Folio is made of a soft gray microsuede lining the protects your iPad from scratches. Credit cards and business cards fit nicely in the 4 pocket inserts on the left flap. There is also a side pocket where you can insert larger sheets of paper into. The portfolio case is closed securely with a strap and insert on the outer front side of the case.

Beside being a great carrying case, I also found multiple uses for it. It could also be used as a digital photo frame, a TV stand, or even a desktop calendar. If you insert the iPad in and flip the covers inside-out, it will stand up. This allows you to display the iPad on your desk. If you use it this way, I would recommend putting a book or something heavy behind the case so it doesn’t slide too far back and fall down.

The Elan Passport Folio Case for iPad by Griffin Technology is available in black (with gray interior) and can be purchased at GriffinTechnology.com for $49.99.

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