Best cases for iPad 2 – Updated
We take a look at a range of different cases for Apple's new iPad 2
The wildcard
If you have kids, your iPad can be put to excellent use as a video player in the back of the car. However, you probably don’t want them putting their sticky fingers all over it while munching through a packet of Haribo. The ideal solution is a case that lets you mount your iPad 2 on the rear of a headrest, such as Griffin’s Cinema Seat 2.
It comes in any colour, as long as that’s white, and isn’t yet on sale in the UK. Given the iPad 1 version costs around £35, it’s a safe bet that the iPad 2 version will cost a similar amount. A sturdy Velcro strap keeps the whole thing fixed securely in place, and has cut-outs for the volume rocker and headphone socket. There’s also a cut-out for the speaker and dock connector, so you can power it from your car’s 12V socket, as long as you buy a suitable adaptor, such as Proporta’s Dual USB Car Charger for around £10.
Griffin Cinema Seat 2: 4/5
UPDATE – July 2011
You asked and we listened. We’ve added more case reviews, including this one that works in conjunction with Apple’s Smart Cover. The HyperShield Back Cover for the iPad 2 is designed to complement the Smart Cover and protect your iPad’s aluminium back.
It’s made from TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) which is a cross between plastic and rubber and – at just 1.4mm thick – keeps your iPad 2 looking slim, which is more than can be said for most after-market cases.
It’s available in 10 colours to match whichever Smart Cover you have – even the leather versions. Our grey sample perfectly matched the grey Polyurethane Smart Cover, so it looks like an Apple product.
The cover fitted tightly onto our iPad and has cutouts for all the buttons, camera and connector. We’d have preferred a perforated grille over the speaker, though, as this is the one area that’s not well protected.
This minor grumble aside, there’s little else to criticise about the HyperShield. It allows the Smart Cover to work unimpeded, and will help to ensure your iPad stays in pristine condition.
The HyperShield isn’t widely available, but you can buy one from N E fing for £19 – our sample was kindly sent from here.
HyperShield Back Cover for iPad 2: 4/5