Best Case Scenario - These iPad Cases Were Made for Walking

Posted 10/27/2010 at 1:45pm | by Florence Ion

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This week's Best Case Scenario explores two very utilitarian iPad bags, including one that’s virtually theft proof. Plus, Booq has a brand new iPad Folio case that's as rugged as it is cool looking, and ColorWare released a kitschy handle grip for the iPad that's a whopping three Benjamins.

PacSafe VentureSafe 300

If you're strolling through a heavily crowded urban city, you might want to take the necessary precautions to protect against the occasional pick-pocketer or curious kid. Fortunately, this iPad bag from PacSafe is officially theft proof. See, the zippers clasp on to a hook on the inside of the side pockets, so those that are trying to quickly unzip, snatch your goods and run away can't without a bit of effort. Additionally, the pockets are like a deep crevice, so even though you can hide the smallest bits and possibly lose them in the shuffle, at least they won’t fall out. There are also the usual key clips and slots for pens, as well as a slot in the main compartment of the bag that holds your iPad and a small mp3 player, complete with a headphone loop at the top for your on-the-go listening pleasure. And hey, at least you don't have to worry about someone stealing your stuff.

Besides the sort of mom-jeans aesthetic of this bag, we like the idea behind it. Keeping our Apple products and expensive gadgets safe and secure are important, and though there's no deterrent to having someone actually rip the bag off of you (at least the strap is slash proof), you won't have to worry about pick pocket theft while being packed in like a sardine on a crowded metro train. ($74.99)

Targus Spruce EcoSmart Mini Messenger for iPad

If you're looking for an iPad messenger bag that's a bit smaller and a bit more pleasing to look at, the Targus Spruce EcoMart Mini Messenger Bag is small enough to fit into a ginormous bag, while still maintaining a ton of pockets for your iPad’s other bits and pieces. The main compartment has a padded sleeve made especially for your iPad, so it's not flopping around in there while you're running to catch the bus. There's also room for folded up pieces of paper, a small notebook, a couple of pens, and the iPad’s connector cables and USB wall plug, plus a compartment on the front flap made especially for your mobile phone. But hey, don't expect to fit your lunch in this thing--you'll need a separate lunch box for that. ($39.99)

Colorware

This is not so much a case as it is a gimmick. When we first put it on the iPad, it made our device look like the iBook of old, with their candy-shelled tops and their handlebars. But of course, we can't see any real world application for this contraption. First of all, with the fear of theft in a public place, why would you carry your iPad on you as if it's a handbag? Secondly, it's not like the frame actually protects the device from nicks and scratches on either side of the iPad's chassis. While it is a sturdily built product--complete with screws that you must unscrew and re-screw with the included screw driver (screw that!)--we cannot recommend this device for protecting your iPad from the dangers of this world. Well, that is, unless you really need a handlebar for the device, then by all means. ($300, yes it's really $300)

Booq Folio

Finally, a Folio that isn’t just for well tailored business types. The Boa folio iPad case is made of durable denier fabric and it can be propped up in three positions: flat on a desk or lap, elevated for typing and vertical. The iPad locks into place inside the folio and it’s a very sturdy fit. There’s also a pocket on the inside flap that can hold folded up pieces of paper or notes, and one on the outside that seats your iPhone or iPod touch.  Frankly, we're just glad that it doesn't match a stuffy old business suit. ($49.95)

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