Take a moment to think about all the product design, negotiation with vendors and manufacturers, and secret new technologies that go into creating a new piece of hardware. Do we want all that beauty and industrial design to become scratched and damaged the day after taking an item out of the box? We love our phones, laptops, tablets, and other portable devices and want them to stay in pristine shape. But we also want to be able to use them without a hassle. We look at cases from Speck and Pelican, plus the e-Handle™ from Davis Technologies. Yes, it’s a bit of a paradox to keep elegantly designed products under wraps, but sometimes, protection trumps style.
Speck
We originally met Speck at the first MacWorld Boston soon after the introduction of the first iPod. Back then, Speck was a small company, fast on its feet to keep up with the ever-changing iPod models from Apple. Since then, they have become one of the most visible suppliers of cases for the Apple computer and phone market with prominent usage on many college campuses. Naturally Speck has added iPad cases to their product lineup, and we think these two are worthy contenders for the top iPad case award, certainly the iGuy is the most fun!
HandyShell for iPad 2
The HandyShell Case is a hard-shell case with a nifty flip-out handle to help carry an iPad with a secure grip - our favorite as quick stand for the tablet! The HandyShell's handle can be used as a thumb ring for a one-handed grip or as a stand when the iPad is used in landscape or portrait mode. It is more than just a pretty way to carry an iPad, and with Speck’s well-known hard-shell design, we found that this iPad 2 case was very protective and handy to use.
At first glance, we worried about the strength of the handle - could we trust it to hold an expensive piece of gear? - but the hinge turned out to be quite strong and we soon came to trust it without question. Corning’s Gorilla Glass is tough stuff indeed, but even a diamond can crack if hit in just the right spot. From our experience, Gorilla Glass is similar in that if the device is dropped in just the wrong spot the glass can still become damaged. The HandyShell is tough enough to hold up to most accidental drops. We think the HandyShell a great product with a unique ability due to its versatile handle.
iGuy for iPad 2 and iPad
Our vote for the most fun in an iPad case goes hands down to the iGuy for iPad2 and iPad from Speck. This fun, brightly colored case covers your iPad with soft flexible case, but with a twist. This isn’t a normal, boring, functional case – this is the iGuy! Friendly, with little arms to welcome you or your kids - we really love him.
The iGuy concept isn’t new. We still have our feline-inspired Speck kitty case for the first generation iPod Mini, and over the years Speck has created more variations, bringing a little whimsy and cuteness to iPods and iPads. So, we were delighted to see it smiling at us at a recent press event. Great for kids, adults, teachers, and anyone who could use a digital hug. Lest we forget, the iGuy is also great protection for your iPad. That nice squishy exterior is EVA foam, and it’s great for shock absorption. Perfect for the kid, or anyone who thinks like a kid, in your digital life.
For more information on the Speck HandyShell case for iPad® 2 visit: www.speckproducts.com
For more information on the Speck iGuy for iPad2 and iPad visit: www.speckproducts.com
Pelican
Pelican is a company best known for its line of camera cases. The term “Pelican case” has become synonymous with tough, plastic, water-resistant cases that range from small to large professional-level cases that can take just about anything you throw at them. Recently they launched a line of cases for portable electronics, and their iPad and tablet cases are good scaled-down examples of their design and technology. Pelican unveiled their iPad case at the Consumer Electronics Show and it certainly keeps the family name proud.
Pelican’s HardBack Series of new protective cases offers protection for e-readers, tablets, netbooks and laptops. The new cases in the series are water-resistant and according to Pelican, crushproof as well. They are robustly engineered with what seems like a nearly indestructible plastic polymer shell, and they also feature an anti-scratch, gel padded interior. Some models offer the ability to customize the foam padding and storage compartments for cables and a Bluetooth keyboard.
The i1705 HardBack case with an iPad insert that we tested lived up to its reputation, with a precision fit and finish, and tough-as-nails construction. We felt secure that it would protect just about anything you could throw at it while keeping your iPad safe. It sports everything from a pressure relief purge valve, an integrated slot to hold your tablet for viewing, and a watertight gasket.
According to the company the cases are capable of surviving a 3-foot drop and a 3-foot deep dunk in water. We found the HardBack cases to be durable, reliable, and stylish. We have used larger Pelican cases for years and their reputation for toughness is justified, as the testimonials from users including the military on the Pelican site attest to. This is a solid, flexible solution that will allow your iPad to survive things you might not!
For more information on the Pelican line of HardBack cases visit: www.pelican.com
e-Handle™ from Davis Technologies
Another approach to keeping your phone or tablet close at hand is a simple Velcro-based solution from Davis Technologies. According to the company, the e-Handle™ is made from soft, hypo-allergenic materials, including latex-free nylon and non-toxic adhesives.
How to use it? Just stick the piece of supplied Velcro to the back of your tablet or phone, and then stick the matching Velcro strip that is attached to a 360° rotating head after adjusting to fit your finger or hand. We found that it was a simple idea that worked well. Because it will fit on whatever product you attach to it, from an e-reader to a phone and instantly adaptable, it will assist folks with using and carrying their device.
When we met with Davis Technologies recently, they stressed that the e-Handle™ is also useful for users with limited hand dexterity, which proved true in testing. The product comes in two sizes, a small one for your phone called the CellHandle™, and a larger version for tablets. We tested the tablet version and think this is a simple yet effective solution to working while walking, or when you don’t have a flat or stable surface on which to place your tablet.
For more information on the e-Handle™ from Davis Technologies visit: www.scottpaultech.com
Harris Fogel & Nancy Burlan, posted 5/24/2012
