By Jon Bannister

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid who could spill his drink on it, there are some waterproof iPad cases on the market that should offer some protection from those unexpected accidents.

There may not be any cases that completely safeguard your iPad from accidental dunks underwater, but it looks like we’re getting close. And these or similar models should provide enough protection that you feel confident taking your tablet with you out into the rugged world.

More iPad and Tablet Articles

Cosmos vs. Bluecell Stylus Pens

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. … [more]

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: Understanding the Difference

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen … [more]

HDE AD-GCPD22-7C vs. Arkon IPM-TAB1: Comparing Two Tablet Stands

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and … [more]

Related iPad and Tablet Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Top 10 iPad and Tablet Accessories

Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths … [more]

Top 10 iPad Cases

The ideal iPad 2 case protects your valuable possession from everyday wear and tear and allows you to use it in comfort and style. We looked for cases with the following qualities: 1. A built-in stand for holding it upright and/or a slanted typing … [more]

Best Android Tablet

The iPad is no longer the boss in the tablet arena – the increasing popular Android OS tablet is a huge competitor that is taking over the market. With a super sleek interface, frequent updates, a plethora of apps, unlimited customization, and more – this makes any tablet running Android a very good alternative the stale Apple OS on the iPad… [more]

Best 7″ Tablets

Saving in price but not sacrificing features – 7” tablets allow a more portable experience. Hold your tablet with one hand, put it in your back pocket, bring it every where. Pay less too. They’re some hot hitters this year and these are our top 10 – 7” tablets of 2012…. [more]

Best Budget Tablets

Some people just dont understand the Tablet craze, and can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something they might not use. Or maybe your a college student, or just don’t have much to spend on tech gizmos in general…. [more]

By Steve Holdgren

Extra peace of mind when it comes to a device like the iPad is practically a necessity. The Otterbox Defender series offers that peace of mind from all sorts of bumps, shocks, drops, and scratches. The silicone construction takes any impact force away from the unit and disperses the energy to keep the tablet safe. The ports and buttons are covered and therefore protected from dust, but still fully functional and accessible. If you need to attach some large accessory, the bottom half of the case slides off easily. While it’s made of a strong rubbery material, the case itself is not too heavy or bulky. It feels nice to hold and has a nice grip. We liked that the screen shield doubles as a versatile stand for watching media and typing. The case is a bit expensive at $60 to $80 online.

Prices

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Jon Bannister

The iGen TabZip Water Resistant iPad Case is a popular choice for a waterproof case that also doesn’t cost much. With double seals and welded seams, it works quite well at keeping water, sand, and other debris away from your iPad or other tablet. After sliding the tablet inside the pouch, you can still use the tablet to its full capability; sound even transmits through the bag. The fully transparent case, which costs $13.99 or less, seems effective at keeping out moisture. It’s a fantastic value with solid performance. If you are looking for a plain and simple way to protect your device from water this may be the way to go.

Quick Specs

• Waterproof up to 25 feet
• Double-sealed pouch

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

This is one heavy duty ipad case which costs $38. It follows a similar design to all the other waterproof cases out there, but adds an extra feeling of protection from shocks and dings. The clear pouch creates an air-tight vacuum around your iPad, e-reader, or similar tablet to protect it from water and allow you to operate the touchscreen. It’s ideal for hiking or camping trips or any activity where you could potentially expose your expensive devices to water, snow, or dirt.

Quick Specs

• Headphone jack
• Armband and neck lanyard
• Fits many devices

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

By Jon Bannister

Priced at $42.74, the OverBoard Waterproof iPad Case is a good option for protecting your iPad. It’s a black poly-urethane case that encloses and seals the iPad, protecting it from water splashes, raindrops, and wet hands. The touchscreen functions still work through the case, including sound. Just be aware that you cannot use earphones with the case, and the pictures can come out fuzzy through the camera hole. We found the seal to be secure, but some users say that it loses its effectiveness after a few years. We liked that the case floats if dropped in the water.

Quick Specs

• Waterproof up to 19 feet
• Black case
• Poly-urethane

Prices

Jon Bannister has always had an interest in the latest technology and gadgetry. A graduate of the Georgia Tech computer science program, Jon has a very technical and working knowledge on how computers interact with and improve… See more about Jon

Choose a case that suits your user habits

• Are you a student or a professional that needs a slim, lightweight yet functional case for your iPad 2? Consider a folio-style case which opens like a book and automatically powers up the device. This style case typically folds back to form a stand for viewing media or comfortable typing.
• If, on the other hand, you use the iPad 2 for personal use and want something durable enough for fairly rough handling, then think about buying a model that encases the iPad in plastic, rubber, or a combination of the two. These cases are good at absorbing shocks and protecting the iPad from light bangs; they may or may not have protection for the screen.

Consider style as much as function

• The iPad 2 is a sleek, visually striking tool. You want a case that enhances and shows off those features. A folio case is usually slim and comes in high-quality materials like leather and suede.
• Of course, you can also select a clear plastic case that maintains the distinctive design of the Apple product.

Remember comfort when it comes to typing

• For students and professionals especially, a case that folds up into a slanted position for comfortable typing is a must.
• Some models, like the Targus Versavu Case & Stand, combines the iPad with a wireless Bluetooth keyboard, effectively turning the device into a fold-up laptop.

Look for sturdiness and stability in design

• Most iPad cases come with a stand-up feature that lets you view movies and other media without physically holding the device. Be sure that the case stands up without the risk of toppling over.
• The greater flexibility a case provides in viewing angles, the better.

Think about how much value the special features provide

• Folio-style cases should support sleep mode, turning the iPad off when you shut the case and preserving battery life. When you open the case, the iPad will spring to life automatically.
• Another must-have feature: easy access to all the ports and iPad features. You don’t want to have to remove the case to use the camera; there should be a hole for the camera and all other buttons and switches.
• Other convenient features which enhance the user’s experience include a holder for the stylus and an elastic arm band for easy carrying.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Featured iPad and Tablet Articles

Cosmos vs. Bluecell Stylus Pens

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. … [more]

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: Understanding the Difference

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen … [more]

HDE AD-GCPD22-7C vs. Arkon IPM-TAB1: Comparing Two Tablet Stands

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and … [more]

Waterproof iPad 2 Cases

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Top 10 iPad and Tablet Accessories

Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths … [more]

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen at the bank drive-thru. Why is that?

The difference lies in the type of touchscreen, either resistive or capacitive.

• Resistive touchscreens sense pressure, from a finger press or a stylus. The surface of the resistive touchscreen flexes under pressure, and the machine detects where the pressure is coming from—that is, which part of the screen you’re touching.
• Capacitive touchscreens don’t rely on pressure, and for that reason they require just the lightest touch. Their electrodes respond to only certain objects, like fingertips. Because you don’t have to use great pressure on a capacitive screen, you can use light swipes and taps to operate the touchscreen.

Resistive touchscreens have the advantage of being slightly more accurate, and you can use objects besides just your finger to get them to work. Capacitive touchscreens require a specific kind of stylus to increase the sensitivity of the screen, and such a stylus can be more accurate than your finger.

JB Burden has been reviewing, and researching TVs and Electronics for more than 9 years. His topical “interests” include pixel orbiters, louvered screen filters, and in-plane switching panels… among other things. See more about JB

More iPad and Tablet Articles

Cosmos vs. Bluecell Stylus Pens

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. … [more]

HDE AD-GCPD22-7C vs. Arkon IPM-TAB1: Comparing Two Tablet Stands

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and … [more]

Waterproof iPad 2 Cases

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid … [more]

Related iPad and Tablet Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Top 10 iPad and Tablet Accessories

Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths … [more]

Top 10 iPad 2 Cases

The ideal iPad 2 case protects your valuable possession from everyday wear and tear and allows you to use it in comfort and style. We looked for cases with the following qualities: 1. A built-in stand for holding it upright and/or a slanted typing … [more]

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and comes with a USB keyboard to make typing easier. The Arkon stand doesn’t include a keyboard, but it works with a variety of tablets whether they’re encased or not.

One advantage of the Arkon stand is that it quickly folds up into a compact form that fits in a bag, purse, or pocket. The non-slip base keeps the tablet from sliding on slick surfaces. If you already have a case or sleeve for your tablet, then the Arkon fold-up stand is a convenient addition—unless, of course, your case already folds into a stand. The Arkon stand costs $12.45.

The HDE case includes an extendable stand and USB keyboard, all for $11.40—making it a very valuable purchase if you don’t already own a case. The case fits tablets up to 8.75 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches. While the keyboard makes it much easier to work on the tablet, some users have complained that the keyboard was incompatible with their tablet, even with the adapter. It could be user error, or there could be a defect with their particular purchase.

To sum up: The HDE case gives you more for your dollar, but some people have found it difficult getting the keyboard to work. The Arkon stand is a simple but incredibly useful accessory to carry around with you, and it works whether or not your tablet has a case.

JB Burden has been reviewing, and researching TVs and Electronics for more than 9 years. His topical “interests” include pixel orbiters, louvered screen filters, and in-plane switching panels… among other things. See more about JB

More iPad and Tablet Articles

Cosmos vs. Bluecell Stylus Pens

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. … [more]

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: Understanding the Difference

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen … [more]

Waterproof iPad 2 Cases

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid … [more]

Related iPad and Tablet Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Top 10 iPad and Tablet Accessories

Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths … [more]

Top 10 iPad 2 Cases

The ideal iPad 2 case protects your valuable possession from everyday wear and tear and allows you to use it in comfort and style. We looked for cases with the following qualities: 1. A built-in stand for holding it upright and/or a slanted typing … [more]

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. Cosmos and Bluecell are two manufacturers that offer inexpensive styluses for smartphones and tablets in a variety of bright colors. These styluses are not the highest quality compared to more expensive stylus pens from Boxware, Griffin, and Pogo. However, they still serve their purpose well, are lightweight and colorful, and clip to a pocket or book.

Cosmos offers a three-piece set for $6.99; the included styluses are aqua, red, and black and include the Cosmos brand name. The colors are attractive and unisex, and the soft tips work on capacitive touchscreens without leaving marks. The only potential issue comes from the tips, which may tear over time. A torn or rough stylus tip could scratch or mark a touchscreen.

Bluecell offers four styluses for $5.99—a better value. There are two pink and two purple pens—the colors are cute but may not appeal to men. The stylus pens can help women with long fingernails tap their capacitive touchscreens with better accuracy.

Overall, these pen sets from Bluecell and Cosmos serve the same purpose. The Cosmos pens have a wider appeal for both men and women, but the the Bluecell styluses come at a better value. We wish both kinds included a headphone jack input that attaches the stylus to a tablet so it doesn’t get lost.

JB Burden has been reviewing, and researching TVs and Electronics for more than 9 years. His topical “interests” include pixel orbiters, louvered screen filters, and in-plane switching panels… among other things. See more about JB

More iPad and Tablet Articles

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: Understanding the Difference

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen … [more]

HDE AD-GCPD22-7C vs. Arkon IPM-TAB1: Comparing Two Tablet Stands

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and … [more]

Waterproof iPad 2 Cases

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid … [more]

Related iPad and Tablet Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Top 10 iPad and Tablet Accessories

Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths … [more]

Top 10 iPad 2 Cases

The ideal iPad 2 case protects your valuable possession from everyday wear and tear and allows you to use it in comfort and style. We looked for cases with the following qualities: 1. A built-in stand for holding it upright and/or a slanted typing … [more]

By Steve Holdgren

The ideal iPad 2 case protects your valuable possession from everyday wear and tear and allows you to use it in comfort and style. We looked for cases with the following qualities:

1. A built-in stand for holding it upright and/or a slanted typing position
2. High-quality material that looks attractive and offers protection
3. Convenient features like a stylus loop and an elastic strap
4. Supports sleep mode with a magnetic cover
5. Interior material doesn’t scratch the iPad
6. Exterior material is comfortable to grip
7. Lightweight yet durable design; not too bulky
8. Good value for the price

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

Featured iPad and Tablet Articles

5 Tips for Choosing an iPad Case

Are you a student or a professional that needs a slim, lightweight yet functional case for your iPad 2? Consider a folio-style case which opens like a book and automatically powers up the device. This style case typically folds back to form a stand for viewing media or comfortable typing….[more]

Cosmos vs. Bluecell Stylus Pens

Styluses come in handy whether you’re using a tablet, smartphone, e-reader, or other device with a touchscreen. Some people even carry around their styluses to use on public ATMs or kiosks. A good stylus works on capacitive and resistive screens. … [more]

Resistive and Capacitive Touchscreens: Understanding the Difference

Most of our gadgets today feature touchscreens. We’ve long hand touchscreens on ATMs, supermarket check-out lines, and other public places. But you’ve probably noticed that the touchscreen on your smartphone or tablet works differently than the touchscreen … [more]

HDE AD-GCPD22-7C vs. Arkon IPM-TAB1: Comparing Two Tablet Stands

The 7-inch tablet stand and carrying case from HDE and the Arkon portable fold-up tablet stand are two popular options for viewing the iPad or other tablet in an upright position. The HDE stand also functions as a protective carrying case and … [more]

More Top 10 Lists

Top 10 Tablets

Top 10 tablets for 2012 … [more]
 
 
 

Top 10 Waterproof iPad Cases

As iPads and other tablets become more commonly used in our day-to-day activities, we need a reliable protective case that safeguards the iPad from water splashes. Whether you want to enjoy your tablet at the pool or beach, or you have a messy kid … [more]

Top 10 iPad and Tablet Accessories

Apple iPads and other tablets are all the rage, and owners are always looking for accessories that make the tablet experience even greater. We examined several accessories—from protective cases and stylus pens to card readers and cleaning cloths … [more]

Best Android Tablet

The iPad is no longer the boss in the tablet arena – the increasing popular Android OS tablet is a huge competitor that is taking over the market. With a super sleek interface, frequent updates, a plethora of apps, unlimited customization, and more – this makes any tablet running Android a very good alternative the stale Apple OS on the iPad… [more]

Best 7″ Tablets

Saving in price but not sacrificing features – 7” tablets allow a more portable experience. Hold your tablet with one hand, put it in your back pocket, bring it every where. Pay less too. They’re some hot hitters this year and these are our top 10 – 7” tablets of 2012…. [more]

Best Budget Tablets

Some people just dont understand the Tablet craze, and can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on something they might not use. Or maybe your a college student, or just don’t have much to spend on tech gizmos in general…. [more]

A lightweight, clear protective case, this Exact snap-on case lets you carry around your iPad 2 in a pocket or bag without worrying about scratches. The heavy-duty plastic seems strong but appropriately flexible. You can still access the ports and buttons easily. The edges are fairly smooth and comfortable to grip. We would have liked some texture to make the case less slippery, but we appreciated how snugly it held the iPad 2. And because it’s transparent, you can still see the shiny back with the Apple logo, which some people miss when they use a thick leather case. For $4.95, it serves its intended purpose well.

Prices

If you need the extra peace of mind that your iPad 2 is protected from drops and bumps, then the Otterbox Reflex Series case is a great choice. Constructed of tough polycarbonate and TPE rubber, it encases the iPad 2 around the back and sides. You can still press the buttons through the rubber cover and feel them clicking. If you need to attach some large accessory, the bottom half of the case slides off easily. While it’s made of a strong rubbery material, the case itself is not too heavy or bulky. It feels nice to hold and has a nice grip. We liked that the screen shield doubles as a versatile stand for watching media and typing. The case is available for $45.33.

A handsome folio-style iPad 2 case made from cowhide leather, this case from AYL allows you to stand it upright, in a slanted position for movies, and a lower position for comfortable typing. Extremely thin and lightweight, it features nice, sturdy-looking stitching and construction. We like how it closes securely with a magnetic clasp and it automatically awakens or puts to sleep your iPad 2. It’s also nice to have a variety of colors to choose from: red, brown, and black. Professionals and students will appreciate the protection it offers from most scrapes and scratches. It’s available for $34.

A durable, sturdy case from Case-Mate, this flexible plastic shell in pink and gray lets you handle your iPad without fear of scratching or banging it. The combination of plastic and rubber provides shock absorbers, scratch resistance, and shielding from impacts. There’s no cover over the front, but the lips over the cover let you lay the iPad face down without the screen touching the table. The built-in kickstand is a convenient feature; it lays flat within the back and pulls out to hold the iPad upright in the portrait or landscape position. We just wish it would lock into place for extra security. The case is available for $49.99.

Prices

A handsome iPad 2 case made of top grade cowhide leather, this Bear Motion folio-style cover protects the iPad from scratches and bumps. The material is high quality and resists scratches. The cover folds back to form a stand for watching media and typing. It also supports sleep mode and awakens the iPad when it’s opened. Essentially, all the convenient features you expect from a quality iPad case are here, and the construction is quite effective and durable. Aesthetically it’s somewhat plain, but it holds the iPad securely and offers great all-around protection. It’s available for $34.99.