The following round-up is from our esteemed colleagues at The Wirecutter. We recently were discussing this very topic in the Editor's household, where children abound and the SmartCover fails to do much protecting.
Some people think the iPad is so gorgeous it doesn't need a case. I disagree, and my favorite overall case is Joy Factory's SmartSuit 3.
I'm surprised we could narrow it down; this took some doing. After about 70 hours of trolling published reviews and surveys of every case available for the new iPad, we called in roughly a dozen finalists to check the fit and feel ourselves. We eliminated the obviously ugly, cheap-feeling, poor-fitting, ill-reviewed cases in previous iPad 2 iterations, and selected the most protective, ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing models available. We looked at every model from makers like Speck, Targus, XtremeMac, G-Form, Switcheasy, Marware, DODOcase, Grovemade.
(An up-front tip of the hat to iLounge's Nick Guy is in order here, because he is clearly the best iPad case reviewer around. We gained a lot, not only from his insights but from the sheer number of cases reviewed. His work represents as complete a catalog as you'll find.)
As for our criteria: The case had to hit a reasonable price point ($60 or less) and protect the iPad by leaving no corner exposed. If it came with a front cover, it had to include magnets in order to activate the automatic sleep/wake functionality. It had to be able to be folded back into a stand, be constructed with durable and quality materials, and be comfortable to hold. Again, when we did not test, we let experienced reviewers eliminate the duds. For example, Vaja's Leather Agenda, as Nick Guy explains, was too expensive for a case that leaves the bottom edge and upper corners of the iPad open to nicks. Meanwhile, models like Speck's PixelSkin HD made the cut because the casing holds the iPad so securely that even without the magnetic cover, it offers outstanding protection.
Our dozen finalists included the Kensington BlackBelt, the M-Edge Latitude Jacket, the Acme Infinite Angle, the Zero Chroma Vario-SC, and multiple models from Speck and Targus. Review units of Case-Mate's Textured Tuxedo Case and Barely There were not available, though Gear Diary was a fan. I'd consider adding them to the short list when we can see for ourselves, but they do require some sticky tape to be applied to the back of your iPad, so I'm not going to hold my breath, either.
As for the testing, we slipped our iPad into each case and carried it around in a shoulder bag to determine weight. We also flexed the casing and did some drop tests to determine durability, watched video, typed on inclines, and held each one in-hand. Then we considered whether the asking price was a value or not.
Our Favorite:
*images below each caption
Joy Factory SmartSuit3: Again, the SmartSuit3 took the crown because it excels at every important task expected of a $60 case. It adds very little bulk to the iPad, the exterior material feels solid and is beautifully textured, and the magnets are perfect. Folding the cover's segments into a vertical or slight incline stand is easy and the case will hold its position even with some jostling. When closed, and even when we held it face-down in the air, the cover clung to the iPad without waking it. The smartest surprise is the magnet in the back, which holds the flap flat against the rear side so you can hold it as if there were no case at all, a feat we didn't see matched on many other models. One gripe: It's not available in very fun colors; only black, grey and brown. Some might call that boring; we call it classic.
Aside from our own look, CNET included the previous version of this case in its list of the Best iPad Cases, and iLounge gave the same model a B+ (Recommended). Neither has reviewed this model. Complaints about the stand's functionality and open corners seem to have been resolved with this update. Unanimous 5-star Amazon reviews reflect the improvement. $47
OTHER MODELS I'D RECOMMEND:
Standard Full Cases:
Skech Fabric Flipper: This comes closest to matching Apple's aesthetics in a full case. The cover's magnets are spot-on (though it won't hold on to the back like Joy Factory's does) and the cloth/rubber exterior provides just the right amount of grip. For protection, it lacks the SmartSuit's coverage—the Fabric Flipper leaves the top of the iPad exposed, explained here. $45
STM Skinny: The Skinny is a tremendous value. It has a tough nylon exterior, the plastic casing that holds the iPad has precise dimensions with all-over protection, and the whole thing is unobtrusively light. Our only issue is with the slide tab that holds the flap shut. It keeps the iPad asleep when it gets thrown around, but sliding it out and opening for use takes effort. We also prefer the four-piece segmented cover on the Joy Factory, but for $20 less, this is a solid choice. iLounge gave it a deserved A- (Highly Recommended). $40
Incase Book Jacket Select: This is the iPad case for the board room. We like its suede interior lining, easy angling for typing and video, and its elastic band that keeps the magnetic cover in place so you won't waste the battery on an awake iPad if your bag contents rustle the case. It's good, but the corners are left exposed and the fit is a little chintzy so it's not our favorite. The new iPad model hasn't been reviewed yet, but our experience with it was mostly positive, except for the added bulk. New colors are available, too. $60
Incipio SLIM Kickstand Folio: We like the Incipio Kickstand Folio ($40) for its convincing faux leather (although it's also available in nylon). As ChipChick said, the Kickstand is a favorite for its lightness (8.8 oz.), and holder cutouts that grip the iPad's curves correctly. CNET included it in their list of the Best iPad 3 Cases and Covers for the same reasons. But, as MacLife points out, there are other cases that are tougher and more ergonomic. It also has no magnetic cover, which is a major drawback for us. $40
Rugged Cases:
Griffin Survivor: If I were buying for protection (like work on a job site), I'd get this case. It meets military standards for field use, and ZDNet's evaluation of tough iPad 2 cases found Griffin's model to be more protective and unobtrusive than the Gumdrop Cases Drop Series and the OtterBox Defender. $80
Backs (That Work With Apple's Smart Cover):
Incipio Smart Feather Ultralight Hard Shell Case: A hard plastic back with a slot for Apple's smart cover that—get this—keeps it from flopping off! It stops the magnets from loosely attaching to the back when you fold the smart cover back, but that's a small price to pay for a cheap case that works perfectly with the smart cover. Tried it. Liked it. OMG look at this price >>> $20
(There's an NGP back cover made of a gummier material (NGP stands for Next Gen Polymer) that Incipio sells which does not have room for a smart cover. I don't like it.)
Skins:
DODOcase BOOKback cover: This is a faux leather skin that sits on the back of your iPad, protecting it only from the scratches that happen when the iPad is placed against a table covered in salt, dust, etc. It also helps grip. Brian tried it and loves it. $25
GelaSkins: For a skin, this is an OK option, with great designs available and durable adhesion. Be warned that there's not enough protection to survive a drop or scratch, but if you want to preserve the iPad's lines, this is a solid choice. $30
Keyboard Cases: We don't like these, and prefer a dedicated keyboard outside of a case. But we'll recommend some in the coming week.
The Rest We Looked At:
These other models are all right, but we recommend them only for specific use and prefer the models above. But we include them here to give you a wider variety to choose from.
Targus Slim: We almost made this our top choice, but then iLounge gave it a C. The exterior material's rough cloth texture feels great, and it barely adds any weight, but, as iLounge points out, the cover slides and wakes the iPad easily. $50
Grovemade Basic iPad Case: This case is my pick for most beautiful design, and the front cover is almost as solid as Apple's model. But at $140, the bamboo won't survive a spill from the desk onto the floor, and putting a crack in the wood grain is heartbreaking. $140
DODOcase: This book-like case has become a classic, and it still hits some great points. It's got beautiful construction with a solid elastic strap. Still, at $60, other cases are more protective for less dough. If you, like I, prize aesthetics over functionality, this is a great choice—even President Obama agrees.
SwitchEasy Canvas: Though this earned a coveted "A" rating on iLounge, editor Nick Guy says that customers have been having problems with the case cracking. I don't like the Velcro on the underside, but it provides solid protection at every corner. $50
Targus Vuscape: It has the same qualities as the Slim, but the cover only closes with a securing clip that requires pressure. $45
Speck PixelSkin HD: The PixelSkin fits the iPad well, and the texture on the front and rear looks and feels cool. We didn't like that the cover is too rigid to prop it up easily, and that the flexible casing is loose around the iPad. $50
Speck FitFolio: The FitFolio holds the iPad well, and has bumpers all around that keep the iPad from harm, as noted in the iLounge review. We didn't like that cover has, like the PixelSkin, a plastic clip that must be forced into place to close and sleep. $40
Kensington BlackBelt: It's a simple, unobtrusive addition to the iPad, but the band fits the new iPad loosely. It protects from bumps and drops, but not much more—further explained here. $40
ZeroChroma Vario-SC: Joe Brown, from Gizmodo, loves this case and he's not wrong to admire it. The only issue for us is that it has no front protection and the rear arms that provide the multiple viewing angles makes the iPad feel off balance. Still, it has the most adjustable stand of any case we've used. But that lack of protection can be ignored only if you plan on doing a lot of Netflix-ing. $50
Acme Made Infinite Angle: The adjustable strap that rests the iPad at any angle works well, and the magnet that attaches it to the cover feels solid. But the lining partially covers the home button, enough so to be annoying. $60
M-Edge Latitude Jacket: Great protection all over, but the zippered exterior adds significant bulk. Still, if you want padding on the cheap, it's a bargain. $35
OK, that's it. My brain hurts. Please don't make me look at any more iPad cases.
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