So, you’ve got a shiny new iPad. And you want to protect it. But you didn’t want to spring for the US$40 Apple case. Especially since it seems like everybody and their brother is making some sort of case for the iPad. At MacNews World Headquarters, Dennis is getting them by the box-load. And he sent a few on to me to take a look at.

I’m very particular about my computers and related equipment. I have a nearly-four-year-old 17-inch MacBook Pro that looks new. Because I keep it clean and take care of it. So when I got an iPad, I wanted something to put it in to keep it clean and scratch-free.

There are as many ways to protect your iPad as there are folks who have bought them, it appears. So here’s a quick evaluation of a few of them.

First up is the iLuv textile Case with Band Clip ($40, http://i-luv.com/product_sales.asp?category_cd=t41&cat_lev=1&&keyword=). This is a single function case. It is for carrying the iPad only. You can’t charge it or use it in any way while in the case. There is a small clasp that keeps the iPod in the case. iLuv has a full line of iPad cases and enclosures (more on that in a minute)

The same can be said for the WaterField Designs Slip Case ($30, http://sfbags.com/products/ipad-cases/ipad-cases.php). It is simply a carrying case. But it is well-made (in the USA) and obviously quality. The case is perfectly sized to keep the iPad inside without a clasp. This is the least expensive of a full line of iPad cases.

The iLuv Flexi-clear Case is a tight-fitting silicone case ($30, http://i-luv.com/product_sales.asp?category_cd=t41&cat_lev=1&&keyword=). The case fits perfectly, allows full use of the iPad and has the advantage of being sticky so the slick iPad can be more easily propped against something. But iLuv wants you to pay another $20 for an anti-glare protective film for the screen. 

Newer also has a full line of cases for the iPad. I looked at two NuGuard protective casings, the Hard Shell ($25) and the Premium Leather ($25, http://www.newertech.com/products/ipad.php). Both are snap-on protectors. The Hard Shell is clear, showing off the design-beauty of the iPad. But it is as slick as the iPad’s case. The leather case is much easier to grip. the Hard Shell seemed to be more secure on the iPad than the leather case. Newer is much more reasonable on the price of the protective film for the screen, $10.

But in the end, I have stayed with the Apple case, primarily because it protects the screen while closed, but is still fully functional and protects the iPad when opened.

When I get protective film, I’m likely to use the iLuv Flexi-clear Case on a regular basis.

-- Don Foy