Protecting your iPad Air
Torture tests show that Apple's latest flagship tablet is potentially a very delicate device indeed. And at $499 for an entry level 16GB wi-fi only model, it could be well worth investing in some extra protection.
Speck StyleFolio $39.95
Not only does it sport a full anti-scratch lining and a rigid back that allows the user to prop up a tablet at multiple viewing angles, the StyleFolio will be available in a choice of 14 patterned and plain colors, all in a smooth to the touch ‘vegan leather' finish.
http://www.speckproducts.com/
Otterbox Defender Series for iPad Air $89.95
Aimed at the most heavy-handed of users, this is less a cover and more a protective shield, designed to protect the lightweight tablet from drops, bumps, knocks, dust and scratches. It will also hold the tablet up in a choice of viewing angles and offers the space for a wireless keyboard.
http://www.otterbox.com/
Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio $149.99
Lightweight, discreet and with a built-in, wipe-clean Bluetooth keyboard, this case finds the right balance between style, practicality and protection. Available in carbon Black, Mars Red Orange and Urban Grey, its exterior styling and proportions will appeal to anyone who loves and uses Moleskine notebooks.
http://www.logitech.com
Twelve South BookBook Travel Journal $99.99
Twelve South has built a business by making iDevice covers that look identical to antique, leather-bound books. And once one gets past the novelty, it's actually quite a good idea. Books fit in bags and on shelves and never look suspicious or worth stealing. And, with the BookBook Travel Journal that extra girth (the iPad Air is extremely thin after all) is put to very good use. As well as offering tablet protection, the BookBook has space for headphones, cables and even books.
http://twelvesouth.com
Zagg Ifrogz Script Cover for iPad Air $59.99
A simple folio cover available in a range of five colors -- black, blue, red, green and orange, the Script Cover is cheap enough to buy several in different colors if accessorizing outfits is your thing. As well as protection against knocks and scratches, the cover can be used to prop up a tablet at different viewing angles. Zagg also offers the ZAGGkeys Folio, which, at $99.99, is almost three times as expensive but comes with a wireless keyboard and a special pivoting hinge which allows the screen to be tilted and viewed at virtually any angle.
http://www.zagg.com
Belkin TriFold Cover $39.99
Very similar in design to Apple's own smart covers, the TriFold has a triple jointed cover that folds back, one third at a time into a triangular shape that serves as a make-shift stand. Available in dark blue, red or black it also has an elasticated front band which stops the cover from accidentally opening and, when combined with its leather finish, gives it the feel of an artisan notebook.
http://www.belkin.com
Moshi Versacover Price TBA
A totally original take on the combined cover and stand concept, the Versacover is expected to launch soon and features an Origami folding cover which, once the instructions have been memorized, can be folded into a strange pyramid shape which, when rotated, allows an iPad to be viewed at three different angles. It's also made from microfiber, meaning that stains can be removed with a damp cloth. But, cool and quirky as it undoubtedly is, the fact that the tablet is otherwise completely exposed when the cover is used as a stand could lead to accidental bumps and scratches, the very things that a traditional cover is meant to protect against.
http://www.moshimonde.com
iLuv Step Folio $59.99
Is it a bag, is it a stand, or is it a cover? Well, it's all three. A detachable shoulder strap means that the tablet is comfortable to carry when not traveling with any other baggage and its pivoting tablet mount means that the iPad itself can be rotated through 90° when the cover is serving as an angled stand.
http://www.iluv.com
