The Profile Hard Shell is a solid, wraparound case for the Apple iPad, offering more protection and a classier look than a silicone sleeve.  Adding to this stylish look is the superb, soft-touch leather covering, which is wonderfully tactile and far more pleasing to hold than the cold surface of the iPad itself.

The case clips onto the iPad very easily, and is firmly held in place at each corner, so there is never any worry it’s going to fall off.  The top and bottom edges are left open, providing access to all the ports, while a section is removed along the side for the volume rocker and mute switch.

With the shell fitted to the iPad, a felt lining keeps it free from scratches, and the leather backing provides extra grip and a good degree of shock protection too.  As the front panel is left entirely open, it doesn’t affect the operation of the iPad in any way, and only adds around 120 grams to the overall weight.

There is one thing that lets the Profile Hard Shell down, and that’s the way the edges have been finished.  As the leather obviously has to be fixed into place, a type of plastic resin has been used to make sure it doesn’t come away from the corners, which is all very well, but it appears to have been slapped on rather haphazardly.  Bumps and lumps run along the edge, while globs of it sit on the corners; spoiling the look of the case when examined closely.

This is a purely aesthetic concern, and may not even affect every Profile Hard Shell, but it was annoyingly noticeable on ours.  Still, at £24.95, it’s very reasonably priced for a leather shell-style case, and should do a good job of protecting your iPad while giving it a touch of class at the same time.

You can order it directly from Proporta’s website.