Grove iPad 2 case: hard bamboo body, ecological leather cover, high resolution engravings
Wood is such a beautiful material, and we’ve seen some very innovative iPad cases made from wood in the past year. However, isn’t it a shame to cut down so many trees just to cover our iPads and iPhones in wood? We can do better than that. Grove did it. Instead of wood, they have created an amazing case using bamboo.
Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource. It can grow as much in 5 years as other trees do in 100 years. This is one reason why the use of bamboo has become an increasing design trend in recent times.
Grove have created an exquisite iPad 2 case from bamboo, and it’s completed by a leather cover tanned with vegetable based stain, thus providing beautiful, eco friendly protection for your device. This ecological case also provides full coverage and 100% functionality for the iPad: both cameras are fully operational with the case on, the precision speaker grill prevents sound obstruction and the cover is “smart”.
The iPad 2 case from Grove is "smart"
The smart cover folds into stand
You already know from Apple what Smart Covers can do: put your iPad to sleep when you close them. This cover does the same. Like the Apple one, the Grove cover can be folded to form a triangle-shaped stand. It can also fold flat, in case you don’t need to use it as a stand.
The Grove case for iPad 2 is still “a work in progress”, but the outcome will be worth the wait, as the Grove team detailed on their website:
At Grove we have the highest standards of quality and we chose to significantly improve the functionality of our product at the cost of
delaying the release. Combining leather and bamboo, our iPad case has both the functionality of a detachable smart cover with the protection of a full case while maintaining a thin profile and signature Grove Quality in design and construction. We debated making the change because it would cause significant delays but we chose to emphasize the added functionality over a timely release.
Although we are sorry we can’t give you a hands-on review of this awesome iPad 2 case right now, we are certain it’s going to be amazing when it’s released as Grove only produces accessories built to the highest quality standards.
Grove iPad 2 Case Features
Grove iPad 2 case - speaker grill detail
the case body is handcrafted from bamboo
there are cutouts for all ports and cameras, as well as a nicely finished grill for the speaker
the vegetable tanned leather “smart” cover automatically puts the iPad to sleep when closed and it folds into a small stand for watching videos or typing on the virtual keyboard
the cover is stitched for an exquisite look and for more durability
the case features a hand-rubbed natural oil finish
there are two choices of color: natural bamboo or amber
the vegetable leather cover can be plain, custom or laser engraved (the artist series features some amazing models, all engraved in super high resolution)
If you like the Grove iPad 2 case and you want to be locked into the special price of $79, you need to make a $20 pre-order deposit. This will secure your place for an early shipment. Pre-orders can be made here.
Tuff-Luv Marrakesh Multi-View "Stasis" Series: Case Cover for Apple iPad 2
The Tuff-Luv Marrakesh iPad 2 case belongs to the Multi-View “Stasis” series and it is available on Amazon. “Stasis” is a feature which puts your iPad 2 to sleep automatically when you close the cover. Tuff-Luv implemented this feature in several iPad case models: Marrakesh, Tri-Axis Genuine Leather, Tri Axis Saddleback Leather, Natural Hemp and Veggie Leather.
I’ve chosen the Marrakesh for today’s review because it’s probably the most cheerful iPad case I’ve seen so far. The combination of high-quality textiles and faux leather looks so exotic that it makes heads turn. There are two versions of the Tuff-Luv Marrakesh iPad 2 case: Medina Red and Souk Brown. While we think that the fabric patterns on the Medina Red looks fabulous, we can’t say the same about the Souk Brown with its checker board pattern stripes which don’t fit the overall aspect of the cover.
Main Features of the Tuff-Luv Marrakesh Case for iPad 2
Tuff-Luv Marrakesh - detail
“Stasis” – close the cover and your iPad will automatically go to sleep, thus saving on the battery power
Multi-view stand feature – this allows you to choose from five viewing angle settings within the 30 degrees – 75 degrees range
Tuff-flap – your iPad is secure even if you accidentally drop it (this means it won’t come loose, but it might still suffer)
Stylish looks - the case is made from an excellent quality fabric with an interesting hand-crafted exotic motif
The Tuff-Luv Marrakesh iPad 2 Case Cover is available on Amazon and if you order it now, you’ll benefit from a special discount.
The iPad is one cool piece of technology. The iPad 2 is even cooler. However, the need for a real keyboard is still there, especially if you are fond of your typing speed. Luckily, there’s a new breed of iPad accessories, the folio case with Bluetooth keyboard. Not only are they protective, they also solve the problem of typing on your iPad.
The Kensington KeyFolio Keyboard Accessory Case for iPad 2 is a good choice, if you want something good-looking and durable. These are the features that make this folio case with keyboard worth its price:
The case is made from durable artificial leather
It features a slim profile, without bulky flaps in front of keyboard
It provides full access to all ports and controls on the iPad
The rubberized, spill-proof keys are very responsive and they also protect the iPad screen from getting scratched when the case is closed
The bluetooth keyboard features iPad specific keys
The Kensington iPad2 keyboard folio has a slim profile
Materials used for the keyboard, USB connector and switches are more durable than the ones used in other no-name iPad folios, so you get much better value for your money.
The Kensington KeyFolio Keyboard Accessory Case for iPad 2 needs one Lithium Ion battery to operate. The battery is included in the pack.
Kensington takes pride in the fact that their keyboard accessory case has no magnets in it, therefore it doesn’t interfere with the iPad’s digital compass. I’m not sure it really makes a difference, but you know what they say: “it’s better to be safe than sorry”.
This keyboard folio case fits all iPad 2 models and the iPad original model. You can find it on Amazon. It qualifies for the Super Saver Shipping program.
While it is true that we are big fans of ZaggMate, if you don’t like the idea of a hard shell case, you might be better with the Kensington KeyFolio Keyboard Accessory Case.
Targus 360 Degrees Rotating Stand / Case for iPad 2
Targus are sending us one of these, unfortunately it has not arrived yet so we can’t give you the full “hands on” review. However, we thought it would be good to do a quick roundup of the features, as so many of you have written in with requests for more iPad 2 case reviews. We’re checking our mail box almost hourly, so don’t worry, as soon as they arrive you will be the first to know. We promise!
Like many other iPad 2 accessories, the Targus 360 Degrees Rotating Stand / Case is specifically designed to match the new shape of the device and to allow full access to all functions. Unlike many others, this stand makes it very easy to switch between landscape and portrait positions, thanks to a mechanism which enables the iPad to rotate 360 degrees while inside the case. This rotating mechanism was thoughtfully designed to frame the Apple logo, creating a cool visual effect.
The Targus 360 Degrees Rotating Stand / Case - effective protection, slim profile
When used as a case, the Targus 360 Degrees Rotating Stand / Case provides excellent protection, thanks to the hard-shell design and to the soft lining material that prevents scratches on sensitive surfaces. Despite the sturdy, highly protective, molded exterior, the case is slim enough to fit inside other iPad 2 cases.
The exterior case dimensions are: 9.84″L x 7.68″W x 0.71″H, just in case you want to check if it fits inside other cases or bags you already have.
The Targus 360 Degrees Rotating Stand / Case is available from Targus.
UPDATE: You can get the Smart Cover from as low as $26 from Amazon. Thanks to Simon’s helpful comment below.
The long-awaited iPad 2 is now available. Although the screen size is still 9.7”, the new iPad is slimmer and slightly smaller than its predecessor. Those of you who resisted the impulse of buying an iPad as Christmas present can have it now for the same price but with the new operating system from Apple, iOS4 and with lots of additional functions such as dual video cameras, gyroscope, HDMI video out and magnetic screen covers.
iPad2 Smart Cover unfolding
The magnetic screen covers are called “Smart Covers” and they surely live up to their name, thanks to a series of interesting features which we are going to talk about here. This is not a hands-on review of the iPad 2 Smart Cover, since it’s yet to become available for purchase, but a description of its main features and benefits that make it awesome.
First of all, the Smart Cover addresses the issue some iPad users had, that it was a shame to cover such a beautiful design with a case. For the iPad 2, the case was designed right alongside the product, and the result was a cover for the glass screen. The back of the new iPad is made from durable aluminum, therefore it doesn’t need protection.
iPad 2 Smart Cover folded as typing support
The Smart Cover attaches to the iPad 2 via magnets and it bends and folds around, revealing the screen and at the same time offering support for typing or watching movies. There are magnets not only inside the cover but also inside the iPad 2, therefore the cover will snap onto the iPad in the correct position every time. It’s so easy to attach or remove the Smart Cover, that you can have more than one, so you’ll be able to match it with the colors of your outfits. Apple will provide the Smart Covers in ten colors, five in polyurethane and five in leather.
The Smart Cover will be available in 10 colors
The cover is padded with a microfiber lining which cleans the screen any time you move it.
Another interesting feature is that the cover automatically wakes up the iPad when you open it and puts it to sleep when you close it. This will be a great battery life saver.
The price announced by Apple is $39 for the polyurethane covers and $69 for the leather covers. We are going to update this article with a list of online stores where you can order your Smart Cover as well as other iPad 2 accessories.
Do you care about animals but still enjoy nice quality leather goods? If you do, you must check out the new Venture Reptile iPad case. It looks like lizard skin, but it’s faux leather. It’s so cool that we don’t need to kill animals to make wallets, book covers, iPad covers and other similar stuff!
Like all other cases in Case-Mate’s Venture line, the Reptile offers good protection for the iPad, thanks to the Velcro tab and snap button closure. The case features an impact resistant, flexible plastic shell padded with a soft, velvety material.
The protective hard shell makes the difference between these new models and the original Venture iPad case which we had the pleasure to review a while back. All features that we liked back then are still here: the easy access to all ports and commands, the ability to charge and sync the iPad even with the case closed, the light weight of the case and the slim profile.
The Venture Reptile used as stand
Being tailored to snugly fit the iPad, the Venture has a super slim design, easily fitting in a medium-sized purse. It’s hard to guess that this thin and elegant profile hides a built-in stand that can be used for both landscape and portrait view. The angle is not adjustable, however it’s best for typing with the iPad on your lap. Turning the case into stand is easy: just open up the two snap buttons that keep the cover in place, then fold the iPad over the cover and you’re done.
The reptile-like faux leather case is available in three finishes: black with pink accents, pink with black accents and purple with silver accents. All three color combinations are modern and stylish, making this iPad case a perfect mix of fashion and functionality.
You can choose and order your Venture Reptile iPad case from Case-Mate.
We’ve chosen to review the HardShell iPad case today because it comes with a novelty that we found very useful: two hidden feet that fold out offering support for an optimal typing angle. Although this is a really cool feature, it’s not the only one that made us recommend this iPad case.
We also appreciated the sleek and minimalist design, the snap-on lid and the perfect compatibility with other iPad accessories such as the Apple iPad Dock. Docking the iPad with the case on was a challenge for the first generation of iPad cases, the official one from Apple included.
HardShell iPad case with Apple Dock
Lately, most important manufacturers started to take this into consideration, therefore one can find several good choices at reasonable prices. Just browse through our other iPad cases reviews if you’re interested and see what other options you have.
The soft touch texture and the beautiful bright colors are two more reasons to take a closer look at this protective cover that would fit your iPad so well. If you enjoy taking your iPad with you everywhere you go, the Hard Shell from Hard Candy Cases will be your friend. This cover is lightweight, ergonomic and functional, it looks youthful and fun, and most important of all, it’s going to protect your iPad effectively.
Hard Shell iPad Case - ergonomic angle for typing and viewing
The only thing to keep in mind is that the foldable feet need to be handled with care, otherwise you risk to break them.
You can see all available colors and buy your HardShell case from the eBags website.
Update: ZAGGmate is now available for iPad 2; slimmer, sexier, and still the best case on the market for your iPad. You should get yours from ZAGG while stocks last.
Why would I buy a keyboard for my iPad? This is a question more than a few iPad owners have asked themselves. The answer can be anything from “I wouldn’t!” to “I need it for faster and error-free typing”. While most heavy iPad users acknowledge a physical keyboard is better than the built in virtual one, they also agree that carrying an external keyboard around with them is completely impractical.
Since so many people buy an iPad case anyway to keep their expensive device protected, ZAGG have spotted this opportunity and created the ZAGGmate, an iPad case with built-in keyboard. On the outside, the ZAGGmate looks and feels just like an original Apple gadget, thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum with a bead-blasted, anodized finish. Slim and sleek, it is the perfect matching case for your iPad, it’s also the thinnest hard cover available. But wait! The ZAGG mate is way more than a case. Open it, set the inner hinge in any one of the preset positions, and you’ve got an iPad stand with variable angles, perfect for both landscape and portrait orientation. If this is all you need from your iPad stand/case, you can buy the ZAGGmate without keyboard. You’ll get a beautiful case and adjustable stand for only $69.
ZAGGgmate with keyboard - iPad landscape orientation
However, for an extra $30 you can have the ZAGGmate with keyboard, which will provide the benefit of faster typing, and the comfort of feeling real keys under your fingers. We give this two thumbs up The ZAGGmate with keyboard only adds about ¼ inch to the iPad thickness, so most people won’t even know there’s a keyboard inside your slim aluminum case.
The keyboard is wirelessly connected to your iPad via Bluetooth. Before you can use your iPad with the ZAGGmate keyboard you need to pair them. This is easy, it’s the standard procedure of pairing two Bluetooth devices. It only has to be done once, and then the iPad and the ZAGGmate will “recognize” each other by default after that.
ZAGGmate features:
ZAGGmate - iPad cover made from aircraft grade aluminum
Slim, lightweight and durable, thanks to the aircraft-grade aluminum
Perfect match for the iPad, thanks to the anodized finish
Excellent drop protection provided by the military grade high-density padding
Ten viewing angles, suitable for both portrait and landscape mode
Flat, large base, excellent for use on uneven or soft surfaces (such as a bed or a couch)
Built-in wireless Bluetooth physical keyboard
Special function keys for music control, volume control, home, search, slideshow, keyboard language and more
Here are the technical specifications and the box content, as published on the ZAGG website:
Size and Weight:
Height: 9.75 inches (248 mm)
Width: 7.625 inches (194 mm)
Depth: .4 inches (10.2 mm)
Depth w/keyboard: .54 inches (13.7 mm)
Weight: 7 ounces (.2 kg)
Weight w/keyboard: 12.8 ounces (.37 kg)
Box content:
ZAGGmate
MicroUSB cable for charging
Quickstart guide
Four rubber feet (optional)
Battery: ZAGGmate with keyboard uses a 510 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer battery that will last for several weeks of normal use without charging. It comes already installed and it probably can’t be replaced by the user (at least we haven’t found a way to access it yet).
ZAGGmate for iPad - keyboard and stand
We believe the ZAGGmate with keyboard is one of those must-have iPad accessories, definitely one of our picks for the best of 2010. It provides three items in one: a beautiful, military-grade protective hard case, an adjustable stand and a Bluetooth keyboard. All this fits into such a thin profile that it leaves the portability of your iPad unspoiled.
The ZAGGmate is available for pre-order on ZAGG’s website. We couldn’t find any information on how many of these ZAGG will be able to ship before Christmas, so if you think this could make the perfect gift for someone you know, it might be a good idea to get your order in early. Get it now from ZAGG.
We got a message from one of our readers, asking us to review the Crumpler iPad bag. This is how we discovered Crumpler The Moderate Embarrassment, a heavy-duty, water-resistant messenger bag, sized to accommodate the iPad plus a few accessories and personal belongings. The bag is ergonomic and comfortable, it has a nicely padded separate compartment for the iPad and plenty of pockets for other things. The iPad compartment size is 11.02” x 7.87” x 1.18” and can therefore fit the iPad either naked or in a thin hard shell case. There’s another Crumpler bag which also fits the iPad: Skivvy, but that’s really small, it’s more a sleeve rather than a bag, therefore if you want room for more than your iPad, we’d advise you to go for The Moderate Embarrassment.
Crumpler The Moderate Embarrassment looks good. At least in the opinion of our team. All the details of this bag are beautifully made, the quality is amazing, the color combinations are modern without being garish. The materials are smooth, yet weatherproof and durable. This is not an elegant business bag, but it’s perfect for college students, casual day-to-day business, or for travel and weekend trips away.
Crumpler The Moderate Embarrassment - interior compartments
We appreciated the nicely padded shoulder strap. If you ever had to hold a bag on your shoulder for a long time, then you know how important this tiny detail can sometimes be. The outer flap closes securely thanks to a pair of Velcro fasteners. The good news is that thieves will have a hard time opening your bag. The bad news is that you’ll also have a hard time should you attempt to open your bag in silence. Other than this minor issue, Crumpler The Moderate Embarrassment makes a great iPad bag.
2011 UPDATE: The Moderate Embarrassment is no longer available on eBags. You can take a look at Crumpler The Considerable Embarrassment instead. It looks similar but it is a bit bigger.
Most active people would agree that the best iPad cases are those which can also convert into an iPad stand. When you’re always on the go it is very important that the stuff you carry with you is highly functional and as light as possible. This is why a solution like The Venture is ideal, because it offers you an elegant protective, and lightweight iPad cover coupled with a sturdy stand that enables you to type on the virtual keyboard, read e-books while you’re cooking, watch movies, or even give a presentation on your iPad.
Here are a few of The Venture‘s features that grabbed our attention:
The black faux leather exterior gives this iPad case an exquisite look and feel, emphasized by the subtle green highlights on the edges and smooth interior lining.
The form fit design is excellent because it holds the iPad tightly in position, preventing unwanted movement within the case.
All ports and buttons on the iPad are free. Even better, the smart design allows charging with the case closed.
Although it doubles as a stand, The Venture has an unbelievably slim profile.
Converting from case to stand is very simple: just open up the cover and flip it over. The viewing angle is perfect for typing or reading books. It would have been nicer to be able to adjust the angle or to be able to use the stand in portrait position, but these aren’t significant drawbacks, as most of the times the stand is needed for typing or for watching movies.
The cover features a secure snap closure, so the iPad can’t accidentally slip out of the case.
The Venture - profile view
The Venture - interior cover
The Venture costs $89.99. It’s not a cheap iPad case, but if we consider the professional appearance, money saved not buying an additional stand, and the convenience of having protection and functionality on the go, then we can say The Venture is worth the relatively high price tag.
You can buy The Venture from Case-Mate with free standard shipping.
. “Stasis” is a feature which puts your iPad 2 to sleep automatically when you close the cover. Tuff-Luv implemented this feature in several iPad case models: Marrakesh, Tri-Axis Genuine Leather, Tri Axis Saddleback Leather, Natural Hemp and Veggie Leather.
The ZAGGmate with keyboard only adds about ¼ inch to the iPad thickness, so most people won’t even know there’s a keyboard inside your slim aluminum case.
