Case of the iPad

So, I had to jump through some hoops, with the help of a good friend, to get a 32GB 3G iPad at a reasonable price. These aren't officially available yet where I am, and thus the prices asked by resellers looking to make a big buck are, well, "big". Anyway, it still isn't a cheap purchase, and protecting the investment is going to be the first order of business.

When it comes to iPad (or iPhone) cases, there really isn't one ideal choice. Different people will have their own different likes and dislikes. I think it also comes down to function. If you are going to be using this in one relatively protected place, e.g. your living room, then a shield-type case with the iPad face exposed will likely be a good option. However, if you are going to be traveling a lot with your iPad, you'll likely want to give it more protection in the form of a reinforced flap, e.g. a foleo-type case.

I can't make up my mind how I will want to use this. I can see both usage scenarios. I will use it a lot at home; however, I bought the 3G model because I can see myself using it out and about where there may be no wifi service. So, I did the reasonable thing and bought two cases. For the foleo-type case, I went with Apple's official iPad case because it offers some protection without adding too much bulk. I also like the folding cover that allows me to use it at a slight angle for ease of typing. The case I am more excited about, however, is the Speck Fitted Case for the iPad (pictured). I am more excited about this case because it will allow me to use the iPad in the traditional way Apple intended for it to be used - as a tablet. No flaps and covers to get in the way. Being a Scot, I also very much like the tartan look of the material on the back of the case (I chose the Faded Gray "color"). Another benefit of this case is the raised "lip" on the front frame of the case, which means that when the iPad is placed face down on a flat surface, the screen does not actually touch the surface.

I'm also planning on looking around for a netbook zipper case/sleeve that would fit the iPad (in the Speck Fitted Case) snugly. If all goes according to plan, I may not even need to use the Apple case.