iPad cases continue to pour in like the flood waters recently did in Nashville (where I live, by the way). Here’s a look at the latest batch.
Acme Made (http://www.acmemade.com) has released two new iPad cases: the Skinny Sleeve and the Slick Case. Crafted of “StretchShell” neoprene and employing a stretch-stitch seam, the Skinny Sleeve is able to hug the iPad, purportedly making it one of the thinnest sleeves available.
It is slim and attractive, no about it. The glossy case has a nice, solid grip to it so should prevent it — and the iPad — from slipping from your fingers. To protect the iPad’s large screen the Skinny Sleeve includes a protective insert sewn directly into the lining that guards the large screen against scratches.
There’s nothing particularly unique about the Skinny Sleeve. However, it does what it’s designed to do, and looks good doing it — though the price tag of US$29.99 seems a bit steep. The Skinny Sleeve is available in gloss black and gloss white.
Rating: 6 out of 10
At only 10 bucks more, the $39.95 Slick Case is a better buy. It’s a compact, zippered case with a internal divider that offers scratch-protection for the screen while providing a safe place to store cables and accessories. Additional holders can secure the iPad into the case — or you can simply zipper the case around the iPad.
The design is simple and effective. I like the fact that the case both protects the iPad and offers a place to stash items such as earphones.
The Slick Case is designed with Acme Made’s StretchShell neoprene that’s both water and stain resistant. It’s available in matte black and gloss white.
Rating: 8 out of 10
If you’re looking for a really inexpensive item for the iPad, look no further than the $9.99 Kensington Reversible Sleeve (http://us.kensington.com/html/17157.html). It offers a soft neoprene construction with cushioning that protects the iPad against bumps and scratches. The Reversible Sleeve is slim enough to slip into a backpack or case.
The big advantage of Kensington’s Reversible Sleeve is that it’s cheap. It’s a big on the dull side, but if you need some elementary iPad protection that won’t break the bank, this will do it.
Rating: 8 out of 10
— Dennis Sellers