Protection from scratches
Even if you keep really, really good care of your car, parking it in
the corner of the lot, putting it in the garage at night, and waxing it
once a month, it’s still going to show wear and tear over time. Here’s
the scrape where the neighbor kid ran into you on his skateboard. Here’s
where a runaway shopping cart slammed into your door. And here’s where
your daughter decided black marker would be a great addition to your
white paint job.
Face it; accidents happen, and unless you want to keep your iPad
wrapped in tissue paper and locked in your office, you’re going to
expose it to some less than savory circumstances. That’s why you want to
invest in a sturdy case to protect it from the computing equivalents of
your sedan.
Easy Portability
Let’s say you skip the case. So where are you going to store your
wireless keyboard, your power cord, and your notebook? Even a simple neoprene sleeve will allow you to keep everything together, and some portfolio-style cases come
with keyboards built right in. And if you’re storing your iPad in a
larger tote bag or briefcase, the case or cover will make it easier to
store and locate.
Easy Use
I use my iPad with a wireless keyboard, and I love having the case that flips open
to create a stand. I can plop down my keyboard, flip open my iPad, and
I’ve got a versatile, light mobile computing workplace. The same would
be true if I wanted to watch a movie or read an e-book; the case allows
me to use my iPad the way I want to.
Now that you know why you need an iPad case, let’s look at the types available:
Hard and soft shells
Shell cases are typically made of plastic, rubber, or metal, and act
as a sheath around your iPad. They leave the screen exposed, so you’ll
want to make sure you apply a screen protector in
addition to your shell. The main difference is that the hard shells are
hard and slick, and the soft shells are rubbery and provide a bit more
“grip.” They come in a huge variety of colors and styles, some with
logos and cartoon characters. Which you choose is a matter of how you
plan to use it, and personal preference.
Portfolio
Portfolio cases flip
open to reveal your iPad. They are popular because they offer an added
layer of protection for your screen. People also like portfolios that
allow you to set them up as a landscape or portrait easel, so you view
the screen in your selected orientation. Portfolios are typically made
of real or imitation leather, and range widely in price.
All-in-one
An all-in-one case is
great if you are using your iPad for a lot of word processing or email,
as I do. The wireless keyboard is already integrated in the case, so
it’s one less thing to keep track of. These are also typically made from
leather, but new styles are emerging all the time.
Sleeves
Sleeves
are simply carrying cases that keep your iPad safe while in transit.
Usually made of a neoprene or slightly cushiony material, the cases
typically zip shut and provide safe transport on their own, or tucked
inside a larger bag.
Whether you’re an on-the-go word processing Knicks fan, or a
video-watching Paul Frank lover, you’ll find a case to fit your taste
and needs. The choices are limitless, so you are almost guaranteed to
find a case that won’t cramp your personal style.