This is a product I have been awaiting with high anticipation. The iPhone version of the CandyShell is brilliant, and I actually thought that it would be perfect for the iPad. Now I get the opportunity to test whether the iPad version lives up to my expectations.
The CandyShell case has got a hard outer shell, and a rubber lining inside. The rubber is honeycombed to keep the weight down, and enhance the grip. The rubber also covers the volume buttons, corners and silent button. There is a hinge on the back that can extend a piece of the lower back to be able to use the official iPad docks. The hinge is also a part of the interior rubber. 
The rubber also covers the front of the case giving a non slip coating when the iPad is placed screen down.
All functions work well when the iPad is inside the CandyShell. To charge it you have to flip the lower panel back, and this hinge seem to be able to cope with hundreds of openings and closings. It also closes well, and I have no fear that I will drop the iPad due to the hinge opening. The holes over the speakers are large enough to provide decent amount of output.
As a protective case the CandyShell is brilliant protecting the iPad from impact damage when dropped. The screen is left unprotected, and I recommend getting a proper screen film such as the ShieldView. The back of the case scratches quite easily, and after about a week it is full of marks. These are marks that the iPad would have had to deal with, and I rather have a scuffed case than a scuffed iPad. The added weight of the CandyShell is quite noticeable at 10.88 oz/308 grams. This is due to using two layers of protection, and to some users the added weight making the iPad a third heavier is too much.
The design and look of the CandyShell feel modern, and cool. A black with grey rubber, and a two tones of purple one are available. Both are unisex, and I have been using the purple one at a workplace dominated by burly men without being hassled at all. Rather people have been asking what device I am carrying about as the case transforms the look quite a lot.
Recommended for users looking for a great protective case with a definite modern flair. The added weight might be too much for some, but it takes mass and material to be able to absorb damage. Combined with the easily installed ShieldView from Speck the CandyShell becomes a complete protective solution for the iPad. This will land on a total of $75, which is a hefty price tag. On the other hand it might save your $499 investment.
Final Rating
Speck CandyShell for iPad at Speckproducts.com $49.95
ShieldView 2-pack screen film at Speckproducts.com $24.95
