Most iPad cases are designed and manufactured by companies with a long experience of iPhone and iPod cases. M-Edge comes from a completely different background with a focus on accessories for E-readers such as the Kindle. The motto has been “e-Reading, e-Nhanced”, and most of the designs has been tried and tested for other devices. This makes the quality of the iPad designs good right of the bat, as unlike those companies upsizing the iPhone cases M-Edge has already a lot of experience of iPad-like devices. All cases have extra functions beyond merely protecting the iPad, while on the same time avoiding to interfere with the screen real estate. I have tried two cases, and a stand from M-Edge. Starting off with an ok product to one that is awesome, here we go.
FlexStand $24.99
The FlexStand is a flexible stand, hence the name, that attaches to the corners of the iPad. There are two legs that can be adjusted individually to be able to place the iPad on any surface. In landscape mode the stand provides support by both legs, and in portrait mode you only get one leg making it less stable.
For viewing movies, and slideshows the FlexStand is definitely useful. In landscape mode you can definitely use the iPad for the normal things such as typing, and playing games. This is somewhat depending on the surface as too glossy surfaces tend to allow the legs to glide, and slowly lower to iPad. There is one major flaw to the design in my opinion, and this is something it has in common with a couple of iPhone stands. It is not compatible with any case that covers the corners, and that is about all of the available cases. Not even the M-Edge cases work with the stand, and this flaw makes the FlexStand unusable to me in everyday life. I rather use the Elago M2 Stand for iPhone with my iPad as it lets me place whatever I want in the stand. If you are looking for a neat stand to showcase your pictures or movies it is definitely worth considering. Of course it is also usable to those not keen on having a case at all, or who use slim skins for the back of the iPad only.
+Good for showcasing slideshows and movies.
+Easy to store.
-Not recommended to those who use cases for the iPad.
-Only compatible with the iPad.
Executive Jacket $49.99
The Executive Jacket is a leather case with a lot of versatility to it. It is made of rather heavy leather, and it feels quite luxurious. The looks are restrained bordering somewhere between classy and boring. The iPad is inserted into the jacket by four corner mounts. Initially I had some concerns about the rather heavy iPad being held by the rather flimsy top mounts, and two sturdy bottom ones. After some heavy handling, and whooshing the iPad about I can say that I am definitely impressed. There is no movement at all, and the iPad feels secure within. Speaking of safety I must say that the protection of the Executive is really good. Thick leather combined with a soft interior makes it both scratch and impact resistant.
There are some pockets on the inside, but I would not be comfortable to use them for anything but credit cards, folded maps or various papers. The three pockets are a nice addition making the Executive usable to collect a project within the same device plus case. Other notable uses for the Executive are the handle on the back that lets you insert your hand making it easy to hold for longer times. The closure strap can also be used to hold the case folded backwards making it usable as a stand. This kind of function has become rather common, and for example the Macally BookStand pulls it off better than the Executive.
The Executive is definitely recommended to anyone working in an environment where every little thing counts in making an impact. It would be a perfect companion when going to a meeting, or just having next to your keyboard at your workplace. For everyday use it is rather too heavy, and the added features can be found in less confused cases. The Executive is trying hard to be as much as possible, and I think the focus should have been more on just making it for the office. Sitting around reading with it is tiring.
+Looks the part with class.
+Good protection with thick leather.
-Too heavy for everyday use.
-A bit unfocused with too many uses.
Latitude Jacket $39.99
I have saved the best for last: Latitude Jacket. This is a case that impressed me right away by the bold colours, and cool design. The Latitude is a combination of a case, and a bag. There are two zippers to close the case making it safe from dust, moist and children trying to feed your iPad with mushy bananas. Having two zippers means that you can have it closed, and still open it enough to use the headphone jack or charge socket. The iPad is held in place inside by means of four corner mounts. These hold the iPad securely, and there is even a hole for headphones in the top left one. This attention to detail is exactly what makes the Latitude such a great product. The outside is made out of nylon that is rain resistant for a couple of minutes, and the interior is made out of soft fleece. Combined it makes for quite alright impact protection.
The front can be zipped closed at the back of the case when reading or playing games. The inside of the front flap has got a elastic strap that can be used either for holding a folded up paper or be used as a handle when holding the iPad in one hand. There are also a zippered pocket on the outside of the front with net letting you place your iPhone, wallet and earphones in it. The back of the case has a pocket as well that can either be used for a passport or folded up map. I used it as a handle instead as it easily fits my hand.
I find the Latitude to be an extremely well designed case with a lot of interesting uses. If you don’t use any kind of bag for your iPad, and want to bring the iPad along this is definitely a good solution. Zipped up it doubles as a bag in itself, and when taking a walk with my kids I can just throw it under the pram. Just as easily it can be thrown inside a large backpack or in the passenger seat of my car. It gets my total recommendation for anyone looking for a perfect summer case. I will definitely have this as my companion when out and about the festivals this summer. At the price asked it is definitely a must buy.
+Bold colours, and modern design.
+A complete solution for your iPad.
-A carrying strap would make it even better.
