So after having a wonderful time with my iPod Touch, I knew I was going to need an iPad when they arrived. I wanted to bring it on vacation so that I would also have something for the kids to use at the hotel and in the car. After dropping a bunch of money on the iPad, how could I let my 4- and 6-year-olds use it? Well, by reaching out to Speck and getting some of their dope cases to keep my device as safe as possible! Speck sent over 4 different cases for review, and I wanted to talk about each one of them.
PixelSkin
Rubbery, soft-touch case slides snugly onto your iPad
Custom-designed cutouts for full access to ports
Cool tactile texture for a comfortable grip
The PixelSkin is a case for slippery-fingered adults, I think. My wife actually has the iPod Touch version of this case and loves it. We tested the green version of this for the iPad, and it felt nice. It is really easy to put on, and once it’s on your iPad, you have access to all of the ports. I like the fact that the volume controls are also protected, as this keeps stuff from finding its way in as you use the hardware volume controls. The texture is nice if you have to hold the iPad for long times, plus sweaty hands will not be an issue here.
CandyShell
One-of-a-kind design; seamless hard shell case with soft, rubberized interior lining
Flip-back panel for use with iPad dock and iPad keyboard dock (not included)
Rubberized interior, front bezel and button covers offer shock absorption and protection
Hard Shell. Soft Center. Sweet Looks… The ultimate in protection for iPad
When we talked about letting our 6-year-old use the iPad by himself, we knew we were going to need “The ultimate in protection for iPad” with the CandyShell. I was already happy with the CandyShell for my iTouch, so I knew this one was going to be a winner. I like the interior rubber lining, as it gives me that added feeling of protection, and the cool flip-back panel is great if you use an iPad dock. It also keeps stuff out of the interface for when you are not docked or charging. I also love the look of this case; I mean, if you have to put a case on your device, it should look just as nice as the device does when it does not have a case. The CandyShell does that, in my opinion. So for the real world protection test? Well, let me just say I had not really planned on that for this article, because who goes out of their way to drop an iPad? But my boys seemed to take care of that for me. While the device was in the bathroom, my older son dropped it into the unfilled bathtub from a few feet up. I am happy to say that the CandyShell did its job, and the iPad remains working and beautiful. If you have kids that will either drop your device or use your device from time to time, the CandyShell is a great way to go.
ShieldView
Protects touchscreens from scratches, smudges
Anti-glare for improved visibility
Non-adhesive; easy to apply/remove
Okay, so what if your iPad is protected from dropping, but the front screen is all gummed up or scratched? That does not seem to make any sense. Speck has you covered here, as well, with a non-adhesive screen protector called the ShieldView, which also lends you some anti-glare action, as well. I was quite happy to have this on the device after my son decided that he did not need to wash his hands after dinner before trying to play a game of Pinball HD. It is also helpful if you are sitting outside and want to read some of those PDF comics that we have. (Introducing my son to DarkWing Duck has been a pleasure.) I have the ShieldView on my iTouch, as well, and it has protected against some rubbings that in my opinion would have been scratches if not for the screen protector. I have been a bit more careful with the iPad so far, but I am sure at some point the ShieldView will save the day–just another piece of protection and peace of mind.
PixelShield
Flexible, reinforced layer protects screen from rough impacts
Textured, padded neoprene exterior snugly fits iPad
Micro-fleece inner liner is soft and scratch-free
Comfortable integrated carry handle is easy to grab and won’t snag
Smart, lay-flat design cuts time at airport security checkpoints
So you say that your iPad is too cool for a case, and that you are super-careful with it. That is fine, but what happens when you need to bring it on the subway to take a trip? Well, this is where the PixelShield comes in handy. You just slip it in, and it has some screen protecing in there, as well, in case it gets bumped. Once you get to your destination you can bring out your sleek iPad in all of its glory. It seems this would also be a great way to get the device on and off a plane/train/automobile trip as well.
PixelSleeve Plus
Three layers of protection help keep your iPad looking new
Lay-flat airport checkpoint-friendly design–keep iPad in sleeve without removing during security checks
Integrated low-profile carry handle for comfort and convenience
Textured neoprene exterior is soft, grippy and stylish
So let us say that you have a case on your iPad already, but you want to give it that added bit of protection while traveling? The PixelSleeve Plus not only comes with a handle but also is able to accomodate the iPad with the CandyShell case on it. Double bonus while going on vacation and my iPad was flopping around in my luggage to feel like it was going to be okay, because PixelSleeve Plus had my back.
So as you can tell I am very happy with the offerings that Speck has put out for the iPad, and my comfort level that my device will be protected is very high. The fact that the iPad looks awesome in the CandyShell case is a bonus, and we even got to put it through some real-world testing. If you have an iPad, you also need to have a Speck case, point blank; just look above and find out which one fits your style. That is, unless you are some superhero who has never dropped anything in his or her life. My suggestion, if you are going to bring your iPad on vacation with your kids, is get the CandyShell and ShieldView.
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
YouTube
RSS