iPad case roundup: Ten intriguing yet imperfect cases for your tablet

The best iPad cases

All of the iPad cases tested have something to offer users, but most fall short of perfection because of pretty serious limitations. Balance is lacking almost completely across the board, except for Apple’s own Smart Case. It fits the iPad well enough, is easy to keep clean, and offers good protection. A close second is the Seidio Expert, which has a cleaner, more professional look, but also keeps the iPad in place with a sticker. I’m personally more inclined towards the Ipevo Origami, which is superbly thin and light for a cloth case, fits the iPad better than any of the other cloth cases, and also covers up all of the bezel glass which makes the iPad much more comfortable to hold. The strange folding mechanism takes some getting used to, and it’s not particularly good looking, but you can never go wrong with black.

My personal favorite is the BookBook, which offers a unique design specifically tailored for reading. And that it is, with easy-to-hold felt insides and a wonderful hard-cover book aesthetic. It’s the sort of case that you can be equally satisfied bringing to the beach or library, but expect funny looks at board meetings.

No case can match the iPad’s beautiful design, but a protected, working tablet is the best kind. If you’re careful and don’t mind the cold, metallic feel of the iPad, perhaps you should flaunt it and skip a case altogether. The few that really strut their stuff suffer other pangs, like weak stands, covered cameras, or a cheap feel. The best offer no real balance for form and function; instead they work in certain situations excellently. The BookBook is perfect for reading, and any passersby will do a double take. The iPevo Origami forgets looks entirely for a simple aesthetic and exceptional build. Knomo’s iPad 3 Folio is the life of the party, but about as useful as one person at a see-saw. Seidio‘s Expert offers the closest thing to elegant and clever design, while Apple‘s Smart Cover is a simpler, plainer and more approachable take.

Of course, style and function are completely up to you. What sort of tablet case do you prefer, or would you skip it entirely? Let us know in the comments below.