iPad

Ten Super-Stylish iPad 2 Cases for the Connoisseur

March 15, 2011 | Andy Boxall

iPad, iPad 2, iPad Accessories

Ten Super-Stylish iPad 2 Cases for the Connoisseur

So you’ve got yourself an iPad 2, or are hoping to when they’re back in stock.  How about a lovely case to keep it safe?  Sure, Apple’s own Smart Cover is perfectly good, but what about if you want something a little more stylish, or just plain unique?

We’ve gathered ten iPad 2 cases for your consideration, and although the prices may be high, we’re sure your iPad 2 is worth it!

XGearlive 360 Shield.

Carbon Fiber didn’t do the reception on our iPhone 4 any favours, but that won’t matter for the majority of iPad 2 owners, so feast your eyes on the 360 Shield, a stunning carbon fiber case.  It’s more of a shell with a cover than a case, but that means it can act as a stand for your iPad 2 as well, plus the tough carbon should protect your tablet too.  The 360 Shield is set for release on the 21st March, when it will cost $99.99.

Temple iPad 2 Smart Case.

This is a gorgeous and highly unusual case for your iPad 2, made from re-purposed World War II canvas with 100% oiled saddle leather detailing, it’s really going to standout from the crowd.  The cover flips back to form a typing stand or a picture frame stand, and a magnetic clip keeps it held together.  It’s a pricey thing though, and is up for $179 from Temple themselves.

iSkin Monty.

The Monty is part of iSkin’s Q.West range, and it’s a simple sleeve case that doesn’t actually say it’s made from leather, but could certainly pass for it if it’s not.  The inside is lined with microfiber, so it won’t damage your iPad and should keep the screen relatively fingerprint free too.  I’ve used iSkin’s iPod cases before and they’re great, so here’s hoping these iPad cases are similarly well-made, plus at $49.99, it’s fairly well-priced.

Killspencer Historical Reserve in Desert Sand.

Like the Temple case, this is another iPad 2 case made from an unusual material, this time from a vintage cotton canvas designed for use in the Vietnam war.  It has a main pouch for the tablet and two smaller pockets for your phone and some business cards.  We chose the super-cool Desert Sand color as our favorite.  Again, exclusivity comes at a price, and this made-to-order bag will set you back $150.

Proporta Shine High Gloss Protective iPad 2 Case.

We’re big fans of Proporta’s cases for both the original iPad and the iPhone 4, having reviewed several before, and their forthcoming iPad 2 offering looks to be another winner.  It features an unusual high-gloss exterior made from imitation leather, complete with stitching and a soft-feel lining, plus the folio design incorporates both an upright and a typing position support.  It’s expected to be released on the 6th April and can be pre-ordered for $54.95.

Urbano iPad 2 Folder.

Urbano’s range of iPad 2 products is excellent, but we had to go for the cool Vintage version of their versatile iPad 2 Folder.  It’s a standard folio design, so you can position your tablet for ease of viewing or typing, but it’s made from suede with a soft foam interior, and Urbano logo detailing on the outside.  It’s yours for $99.95.

Capulet Fleur.

One of the more feminine iPad 2 cases we’ve come across is from London fashion designers Capulet.  This is the Fleur, and the taupe leather with orange suede interior was our favorite of the available colors.  The Italian leather looks gorgeous, and Capulet say each piece is unique and its satin finish will only improve with time.  It’s for the iPad and iPad 2 and is going to set you back a serious £240/$316.

Pad & Quill Octavo.

Pad & Quill are already well known as iPhone case makers, and this iPad 2 case should be equally well-received.  Covered in Italian leather with a Baltic beech veneer iPad 2 holder, this hand-made folio-style case is a thing of beauty!  It’s very well-priced too at $59, but like several other of our featured cases, it’s not on sale until the end of the month.

Grove iPad 2 Case.

This is an example of a wooden iPad 2 case done right!  The bamboo casing is backed with tanned leather with a laser-etched design, but what’s really clever is that leather section folds round to cover the screen, and interacts with the same magnetic sensors used by Apple’s Smart Cover.  The case is hand-made and therefore takes a while to deliver, but for $79 we think it’s well-priced for this degree of workmanship.

NSP iPad 2 Flight Case.

This perhaps isn’t suitable for everyday use, but if you do find your iPad 2 in need of some serious protection, NSP’s Flight Case should do the trick!  The steel corners protect the case and the foam insert keeps your iPad 2 safely in position, and the lock will keep anyone else out.  There’s enough room for accessories too.  At $180/£109 it’s not cheap, but it’ll certainly keep your iPad 2 safe!