Macally is one of the first designers to get a full collection of iPad cases onto the market. I have spent some time with three of the eight available. Two of them are back only snap-on covers, and one is a versatile leather bookstand.
Metro-IMD
This is a basic snap on back cover only protecting the back, and corners of the iPad. It is easy to snap on, and snap off. 
It is made of hard plastic that can take some real hard knocks without cracking. It follows the curves of the iPad, and keeps it concave. As it has a glossy surface it is resistant to scratches, but it also means that it is hard to see the actual plaid pattern. All ports and functions are available when the iPad is in the case. The Metro-IMD leaves the iPad too unprotected for my taste, and I can only see it used by those not interested in taking the iPad to work or outside. As a case for the iPad in social situations it is perfect as it glides quite easily across a table or bar, but still has got good grip when you hold it.
METROBPAD
Just like the Metro-IMD this is a back only snap on cover. The only thing setting it apart from the above case is the fact that there are four small studs placed on the back to make it lay down flat. 
For playing games together this is perfect as it doesn’t move around at all. Flight Control HD for example can be played easily without anyone being able to blame the case moving for loosing. Just like with the above case I find the protection a bit lacking. It is made from matte black plastic that looks a bit boring to tell you the truth. Still I can recommend the case for those indoor social gaming moments.
BookStand
My favourite case among the line-up from Macally. The BookStand does what it says it will do: it helps the iPad stand like in a bookstand. For normal use the case functions like an ordinary folder with a front flap protecting the screen. This flap is fastened by means of a wide leather band going round into another leather band on the back. For carrying the iPad around this gives a decent amount of protection for both the screen, and back. The sides are quite open, and after extensive usage the front flap is becoming more and more flappy. 
This leaves the screen partially open to damage as there is nothing holding the flap down. The material feels quite cheap, and after only a week the folds feel loose. I fear that the BookStand will only last a month or two before falling apart. That is a shame as it has some great features that I haven’t even mentioned yet. The front flap can be fastened to the back of the case using the same leather bands as for the front. This is easy to do, and makes the case go from barely ok to quite good. You can place the iPad either with the small part of the front down for viewing video, or with the large part down to get a better way of writing with the iPad on your lap. These features are really good, and as they are so easily accomplished without any risk of the iPad falling over I have enjoyed it immensely. Watching videos without having to hold it is great, and I have used it to distract my babies when changing diapers for example. The design would really benefit from being made from better more durable materials. I can still recommend it as a good case for most uses.
It is always hard to be among the first to enter a new market, and the products from Macally are evidence of this. There is not a clear usage for the iPad, and the cases show this confusion. The BookStand is a good design lacking in durability, and the more durable METROB and Metro-IMD lack features and general protection. Hopefully future cases will reflect the benefits of the iPad, once we as customers figure them out.
Metro-IMD Not yet available.
METROBPAD $29.99
BookStand $49.99
