A range of options for a variety of uses

Three separate companies have recently debuted new products for the iPad 2, ranging from Joby's famous "Gorilla" line of hands-free positioning stands and cases with their emphasis on displaying the iPad, to cases from Marware and Qmadix -- the former emphasizing a thin, light but full-featured case, while the latter opts for a bluetooth keyboard-including model.

Joby has revised their previous GorillaMobile Ori and Yogi products to allow for the cameras in the iPad 2. The Ori ($70) is a metal case for the iPad made of lightweight commercial-grade aluminum that doubles as a display stand, raising the iPad up 14 inches so as to be seen more clearly for group presentations -- but also works as an origami-inspired case that comes with a microfibre screen cover, weighing only 16 ounces and able to be set into a variety of positions for typing or viewing.

The Yogi ($40) uses the bendable, flexible legs seen on the company's many camera and video stands to allow the iPad 2 to be stabilized on uneven surfaces or wrapped around a fixture for the ultimate in positioning. The legs are attached to (and can easily be released from) the polycarbonate back case with rubber bumper which can help protect the iPad from shocks or drops. The new design prevents the back camera from being obscured.

Case and accessory maker Marware have brought out their Microshell Folio iPad 2 case ($70), claiming it as the thinnest and lightest case of its kind. Like many others, the case expands on the idea put forward by Apple with their Smart Cover, but also adds protection to the back of the iPad as well.

The magnetically-attached front cover includes the "sleep/wake" functionality, and folds over when not covering the screen to create ergonomic viewing and typing angles. The back case features a rubberized coating to improve grip that offers a soft touch while guarding against scratches and nicks. The case is a mere 1.5mm (0.05 inch) thick and available in black, white or silver. The company also sells the back cover portion by itself for those who already have an Apple Smart Cover.

Qmadix has introduced a portfolio-style case with an included Bluetooth keyboard, but with a difference -- the keyboard is removeable. The simply named Qmadix Portfolio with Removeable Bluetooth Keyboard ($150) is custom-tailored for the iPad 2 and allows full access to all cameras, buttons, controls and ports.

The case includes a microfibre interior lining, with the keyboard made from polycarbonate composite for a better tactile key response. The case can be positioned in the standard poses, while the keyboard can also be paired with other devices that support Bluetooth HID, including the original iPad, the iPhone 4, the iPod Touch and of course Macs and PCs. The keyboard includes a micro-USB port for easy charging.

All the cases mentioned are available now at their respective company's websites.

Marware Microshell Folio iPad 2 case














Qmadix Portfolio with Removeable Bluetooth Keyboard

by MacNN Staff