The Best iPad 2 Cases
A brand new shiny gadget is a beautiful thing. One that's scratched, scuffed, or (gasp!) smashed is not only regrettable, but avoidable. Fragility and mobility are the perfect combination for disaster when it comes to tablets. If you have an iPad, the first thing you need to do is get a case to protect it. The good news is that a simple Google search turns up scores and scores of cases designed specifically for the iPad 2, so there are plenty of types and styles to choose from. We've looked at a lot of them to bring you 35 very cool cases.
Besides providing protection, a good case can help you do more with your iPad. One of the more popular flavors is the folio, which when folded the right way acts as a stand, propping up your iPad at various angles for typing, gaming, video viewing, or ebook reading. When you're not using the stand, the case folds back to cover the iPad's back panel, and more importantly, the very fragile 9.7-inch screen, keeping it safe from damage when you shove it into an overstuffed backpack. We found a bunch of folios in various materials and designs.
If you want to add some personality to your tablet, a protective shell could be the way to go. Shells, typically constructed from plastic or rubber, come in bright colors, patterns, and textures—we found some sweet-looking ones. But a shell will only cover the iPad's back panel, so you'll need a transparent screen protector or something like Apple's Smart Cover, which is a thin perforated layer of polyurethane or leather that uses magnets to adhere to the iPad's screen to protect it.
Not a fan of the added bulk of a case? At least get a sleeve to protect your iPad while it's in transit. We've got some of those too. But keep your fingers crossed that you don't drop that tablet while you're using it—you'll be out of luck.
By Wendy Sheehan Donnell
