9 of the Best iPad Cases

The iPad is the latest ‘must have’ gadget that is supposedly going to change the way we use computers forever – in a similar way to how the iPhone changed the way we use our mobile phones. The iPad has only been out in the UK a matter of days and is already proving to be a big hit and is selling out fast.

Regardless of whether you spent hours camped outside the Apple store on launch day, or ordered it well in advance online, you’re going to want to keep it safe and not have to worry about dropping or scratching it.

To keep your new gadget looking its best and to keep it protected you’ll want to invest in an iPad case, but with such a wide range available, it can be difficult to know which type of case to go for. So, to help you out, here’s a list of our top 10 iPad cases.

1. iPad Silicone Case – Black

If your iPad is never likely to leave the house, then this simple silicone skin is just what you need to keep it looking like new. It’s made from dust repellent silicone and has a non slip finish. iPad Silicone Cases are available in Black, Purple, Green, Orange, Red, White, Pink and Blue.

2. Tuff-Luv Napa Leather Folio for Apple iPad – Black

The Tuff-Luv Leather Folio a stylish multi-purpose case for your iPad. It’s side hinged and has a fold out stand that you can use to prop your iPad up in either landscape or portrait mode. The folio has a slot on the side for you to slide your iPad in to and once it’s in there’s no chance of it falling out as a stud fastening keeps it in place. All of the buttons and controls are accessible and the case doesn’t interfere with their use.

What makes this case stand out is the built in stand. On the back of the case is a fold away stand that once in place will hold your iPad upright. The stand is perfect for when you want to read or watch movies on long plane or train journeys, and don’t want the arm ache that you get from holding a book for long periods of time. Just stand it up on the tray on the back of the seat in front of you and your iPad is perfectly positioned.

3. FlexiShield Skin For Apple iPad – Clear

Flexishield skins are the most popular style of case that we sell for touch screen mobile phones. They’re also proving to be a big hit among iPad owners. If you’ve not come across these before, they’re made from a tough, flexible gel and they cover the back, sides and corners of your iPad. It’s moulded to accommodate the volume controls, orientation lock and speakers and even leaves the Apple logo visible. They don’t interfere with the dock connector or headphone ports and they do a great job of protecting the aluminium back cover of your iPad. FlexiShield Skins don’t cover the screen, so an iPad Screen Protector is a worthwhile investment.

4. Tuff-Luv Veggie Pull Case for iPad

The Veggie Pull Case for iPad is a great case even if it does have a a slightly silly name. It’s ideal if you carry your iPad around your bag or backpack. It’s lightly padded to protect against knocks and bumps and covers all parts of the phone. It’s a tight, form-fitting case that has a pull tab to make removing your iPad quicker and easier. In case you’re wondering, they called it “Veggie” because it’s made from high grade artificial leather and is vegetarian friendly…

5. iPad Flip Case – Black

Simple and effective, the flip case protects your iPad against knocks and scrapes. It has storage space for bank/credit cards and cut outs for the volume controls, orientation switch, dock connector and headphones. It protects the screen when it’s closed, but we’d still recommend using it with an iPad Screen Protector.

6. iPad Leather Case + Stand

If you’ve done your homework on the iPad, you’ll have no doubt seen the official Apple case for it that still hasn’t managed to make a UK appearance.  This leather case for iPad is similar in many ways. It not only keeps your iPad safe, but also doubles up as a stand to in landscape mode. The front cover folds back on itself to create a sturdy stand that allows you to display the iPad upright for looking at photo’s and videos, or at a shallower angle that is perfect for browsing, emailing and playing games.

Your iPad is zipped in place securely so there is no chance of it falling out. The inside of the cover has a soft lining that helps keep the screen free from fingerprints but we’d still recommend using an iPad Screen Protector with it. The best thing about this case? The price – it’s half what Apple are selling theirs for.

7. Maya II Sleeve for iPad – White

Maya produce stylish, handcrafted cases for mobile phones and portable devices. Like the Veggie case, the Maya II Sleeve is more about protecting your iPad while you’re carrying it around in a bag or backpack than making it easier to use. It’s a slightly looser fit than the Veggie case and this makes it a lot easier to insert and remove your iPad.

8. InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector – Apple iPad

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! InvisibleShields are perfectly suited to touch screen devices and are one of the most popular ways to protect your iPad. They’re made from a tough, thin plastic film that covers pretty much all of the iPad. It adds a slightly rubbery, non-slip finish to your iPad. The film has been vigorously tested and can withstand scratches from hand drills, screws and nails and being kicked across the floor (although we wouldn’t suggest trying it for yourself). They can be removed in no time at all and it won’t leave any sticky residue behind either. As they don’t really add much in the way of bulk to your iPad you can still use them with most other iPad cases and covers, although I’d avoid sleeves as the non slip coating may make removing them a little bit trickier.

9. ZeroShock 3 Netbook Case 8.9-10.2″ – Black

This isn’t a case that’s made specifically for the iPad, but it still does a great job of protecting it. It has a tough, splash proof exterior and a soft flexible memory foam lining that really does protect your iPad well. Dual zips make getting to your iPad quick and easy and a pocket on the front cover provides storage space for your charging cable or other iPad accessories.

That’s just a selection of our iPad cases. We’ve got a lot more coming in the next few days, including some from Knomo and Cool Bananas. Look out for a post on the best premium iPad cases next week. In the mean time, if you’ve not seen a case here that you like the look of, take a look at our full range of iPad cases, or head over to our sister site GearZap.com and check out what iPad cases they have to offer.