Griffin Elan Form Graphite for iPhone 4

Greetings! It's been a while since my last post (little thing called college just started) but i'm back and equipped with my new iPhone 4, and this lovely case for it! I recieved this case free of charge from Griffin (again) so I could review it. See the reviewer policy here http://bit.ly/griffinreview

when I first recieved the case, I thought it was identical to the free case I got from Griffin through the Apple case program. upon further investigation, however, I noticed it was a tad different (albeit not much).

The case is made out of "super-protective impact-resistant polycarbonate shell," and it does indeed feel quite tough. I don't know if I would trust the case with a dropped phone, but it's a step up from the free griffin case from the Apple case Program.

One drawback (or advantage depending on what you prefer) is that the case does have 2 pieces (as pictured). The top piece does seem to come off rather easily, but unless you drop the phone, I don't see it comming off without at least a little force.

All in all, this seems like a pretty solid case. The price (34.99) seems a bit steep for a case so similar to the free one (in fact, the back design is basically the same except the diagonal faces the other way), but if you want a little more protection, like many college kids need (no pun intended) then this might be the case for you.

Update

Hello all!

You may have noticed the lack of my own photos and videos on the website recently. I'm working on getting a better recording device (iPhone 4 perhaps?) to give you the best quality. My camera is currently in the shop and is taking longer than expected. I assure you I will have photos and videos up as soon as my camera is fixed.

Thanks for your patience!

-Nathan-

Griffin FlexGrip for iPad

Before I start my review, I'd just like to say I received this product free of charge from the good people over at Griffin. To see their reviewer policy go to http://blog.griffintechnology.com/reviewer-policy. They gave it to me for review, and that's what I'm going to do now.

The Case:
The case is made out of a silicone type material that is pretty stretchy, and is, in fact, much easier to keep a hold of than a naked iPad. There are two groves (one on either side) on the back of the case that aid in the gripping. All of the ports are open, and are cut to perfection. However, the top button is NOT open, it just has a little protrusion to show where the button is. This doesn't bother me but if it bothers you, it could very easily be cut off to expose the button I have noticed a weird odor, and the odor will get on your hands if you use the case for any period of time. I don't know if the odor goes away eventually, but even if it doesn't it's not that noticeable unless you get right up on the case. Also, the edges of the case seem a little to easy to get off. It's not a tight fit.

IMPORTANT:
I have found that the actual color of the blue differs slightly from the blue on the website. The actual blue is more of a UK (go CATS!) blue, which is darker than the pictures show (looks like the picture I have posted here). I don't know if that's the case with all of the cases, but i felt it was worth mentioning.

Uses:
This case is a good way to show off your iPad with your favorite color, while making the iPad easier to grip. I will say I wouldn't stick the iPad in a bag with a bunch of other things while incased in this only. If your planning on doing that, I would recommend a screen protector. a popular brand is the Zagg invisashield. If you have another bag you carry only your iPad in, this case is a great way for some further protection, and an easy way to keep your iPad looking snazzy, as you won't have to take it off when putting it in and taking it out of the bag.

Pros:
keeps the iPad slim
comes in 4 colors for originality
access to all ports
makes the iPad easier to grip
easy to put on and take off

Cons:
weird odor
doesn't offer a whole lot of protection
top button not exposed

The bottom line:
This case is a pretty traditional type of case. It covers everything you don't need to use the device, while still offering maximum protection. It's high quality, and I'm confident it will last quite a long time. I give it 4 out of 5 stars because of some of the minor problems (loose fit, top button not open, etc.). This case should do great with college students, and I expect to see it a lot around campus.

Click here to get the FlexGrip for iPad

iMaxi iPad case ("for those heavy web browsing days")

Hello once again.

Today I received perhaps one of the most odd iPad cases out there. the people over at hiphandmaids were nice enough to give me a sample for review, so I tried it out.

Uses:
This case is certainly unique. I picture it being used to cover up an iPad taken to a girls night out (for 30 somethings mainly) to get a good laugh. It would also make a great functional gag gift. It's definitely a conversation starter, that's a given. I have to be honest, I don't see this item taking off with the college crowd, but I've been wrong before. stashing your iPad in the "case with wings" offers extra protection when putting your iPad in with other items in a bag or backpack. If you wanted to get the iPad out for class, you have to completely unfold the case, which could prove somewhat challenging on the tiny desks or in the air. It's not ideal for the college setting, but it would definitely work. It's also enough to get some added attention- if your into that sort of thing.

The Case:
Like I said, the case actually does a pretty good job of protecting the iPad. Its foldable design puts many layers between the iPad and the outside world. the inside sleeve is made out of a soft cotton, while the rest of the inside is made out of a slightly rougher (yet still not enough to scratch the iPad) material. the very outside is a very flexible vinyl that leaves a leather-like appearance. the folds are held in place by velcro on the top 2 flaps. It comes in all white, or white on the outside with red on the inside (yes it looks exactly like what your thinking). They also say they will do different colors if you ask.

The case does add considerable bulk the the ipad, but it offers more protection because of it.

Pros:
very protective
entertaining
completely covers iPad

Cons:
bulky
no access to ports
putting in and taking out awkward (alot of folding and unfolding)

Bottom Line:
This is one of those cases you either have to have, or don't even look twice at. I'm not going to give it stars because lets face it, it's not aimed at 18 year old guys. I will tell you that if you want this because you think its fun, but are worried that the craftsmanship is second rate, go ahead and buy it. It's handmade and very high quality-not a 10 cent gag gift you will find at Spencer's gifts. It may be silly, but its definitely functional.

Click here to get the iMaxi

My New Blog

Welcome!

You may notice that everything seems to be exactly the same besides the name. as of right now, it is. I changed my blog name because I want to be able to review more than just the iPad cases. I don't have the new iPhone to do case reviews, but I will be getting one soon. So, I just wanted to be able to review those cases as well, and not get people confused by the name. enjoy!

Pad and Quill

When I first saw these cases, I knew they would be perfect for your average college student. They look like a book, they offer some major protection, and best of all, they won't break the bank.

At first glance, they look very similar to the Dodocase, and indeed they are. However, these are currently shipping much quicker than the Dodocase.

The case also offers access to all ports, as well as a way to stand up the iPad for typing, and viewing. Even better, there is a strap that holds the book closed when your not using it, as well as a little red bookmark for easy iPad removal. They also offer a similar "little black book" for iPhone 3G/S and iPhone 4.

So clearly, this company knows what people want when it comes to cases. Protection, access to ports, quality and (for those college students) a way to conceal your iPad with the rest of your books. Here's the kicker. Their current iPad case is labeled as "Volume 1," so maybe there is another case coming?

I have heard from a reliable (VERY reliable) source that they may in fact be coming out with another case for iPad. And a little birdie told me said case may be geared towards college students looking to use their iPad.

This is definitely something you want to stay tuned for. As always, I will bring you updates as they become available. This company has proven they know quality, now let's see if they know college students.

click here to check out the Pad and Quill website!

kensington reversible sleeve for netbooks (and iPad!)

for my first review, I decided to go with something simple. The Kensington reversible sleeve for netbooks was not created specifically for iPads, but you can bearly even tell!

Uses:
This sleeve is great for when you need something to put your iPad in when transporting it in another bag with a laptop or something. I Wouldnt recomend stuffing it in with alot of other things that are heavy or sharp, as the case is not durable. this case could also work as a concealer, as its difficult to tell if theres anything inside, and it hides the iPad from view completely. Perfect if your roomate has friends over and you don't want them to sneak a peak at your iPad!

The case:
the case is made out of a very lightweight, fleixble, synthetic type material. to insert the ipad, you have to pull down the flap, put the iPad in, and stretch the flap back over the top. The stretching can be a bit awkward, but its not too bad. there are no zippers or connectors , as the case is designed to stay closed on its own, and it does so very well. there is no access to any of the ports when the iPad is completely in the case, but there is a way to charge it halfway in the case, which ive shown in the pictures. It says its reversible, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to use the other side. its an ugly greyish color, and the black seems are clearly visible. not to mention you have to cut off the tags for it to look somewhat ok.

The case offers some padding, but not a large amount. Its definitely enough to protect from objects in a bag, but not enough to completely protect it when dropped.


warning: some people have reported that the case can stain invisiShield protectors along the seems of the case. I can neither confirm nor deny this claim, but it's worth mentioning

Pros:
Lightweight
almost perfect fit
stretchy for good fit
reversible
CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!

Cons:
not a perfect fit, as it wasn't designed for iPads
getting off and on can be awkward (pushes buttons etc)
no access to ports

The bottom line:
This case is very cheap (5.99 USD on amazon) and it does an amazing job at protecting your iPad when you aren't using it. I give it 4 out of 5 stars, simply because its not a perfect fit. If your a college student who wants to transport your ipad in another bag, this is a must have for protection!

Buy it now on amazon.com

What I do

Hello!

My job is to give honest reviews about new and upcomming iPad cases. I'm brutally honest and will tell you what you need to know. I'm focused on how the cases and accessories will be benifitial in a college setting. I will tell all the college students with iPads about which cases will work, and which won't. Enjoy!