The third part of the Padvance 2011 Holiday Gift Guide features some outstanding cases and covers. From handcrafted bamboo cases to sturdy padded sleeves to a completely kid-proof case, these are some of the best cases and covers you can buy for your iPad or Android tablet. Let's roll!
Blackbox Bamboo iPad 2 Case
Blackbox's Bamboo iPad 2 Case is one of the most beautiful accessories I've ever seen. iPad 2 owners with green leanings will love that it's made from bamboo, one of the most sustainable materials in the world. Unlike most electronics accessories, this case is made in the USA by American workers. Even if you're not into being green or supporting American companies, you'll appreciate the fine craftsmanship and care that goes into building each Blackbox case. It's a gorgeous handcrafted case that will protect your iPad 2 with style.
Each Blackbox Case product comes numbered, with a personalized certificate. The cases are light, strong, and gorgeous. There's something to be said about buying great products that are environmentally friendly and made by American compnies. It's awesome.
Timbuk2 Plush Sleeve
Like the excellent Commute 2.0 Messenger Bag I wrote about in the last part of the 2011 Holiday Gift Guide, Timbuk2's Plus Sleeve is stylish, well made, and provides excellent protection. It fits tablets of all shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking to protect an iPad, a Kindle Fire, or an Android tablet, this is one of the best all-purpose sleeves around.
Otterbox Defender for iPad 2
Otterbox makes my favorite iPhone cases. As far as flat-out protection goes, it doesn't get any better than Otterbox's Defender line. The Defender Case for iPad 2 features two layers of protection -- a hard polycarbonate exoskeleton and a silicone outer case. This gives you the sturdy protection of polycarbonate and the smooth feel of silicone.
The Defender for iPad 2 does add some bulk and weight, but if you need top-notch protection then it's worth the tradeoff. This case is particularly great for iPad 2 users that share their tablets with their kids. It will take a knockin' and keep on rockin'.
Apple Smart Cover
Yeah, it's overpriced at $39 (MSRP), but the Apple Smart Cover is a great accessory and can be found for as low as $16. It's functional and stylish. It's great how it can be used to make your iPad 2 sleep simply by close the cover. The magnets are so strong that the Smart Cover can be used to hang your iPad 2 on a refrigerator (though I don't recommend this). The various colors help give your iPad 2 a splash of personal style. It folds up nicely and doubles as a stand. The design is simple and elegant -- very much an Apple product.
