When the new iPad launched earlier this month, there was some confusion about whether cases designed for the iPad 2 would fit it. The new model has the same overall design as its predecessor, but it’s a tiny bit thicker. iPad 2 cases that were super-snug might not fit, but how would a buyer know for sure?
Of course, there’s always Apple’s own Smart Cover, which fits both models. But it provides absolutely no protection for the back of the tablet, which struck me as being not-so-Smart when it was unveiled last year. When I got my new iPad, I decided I wanted something that would encase the whole thing.
But the immediate lack of cases clearly designated as working with the new model made it difficult. On the day I received mine, I snatched up a Griffin Elan Folio Slim because its design was similar to that of the Apple case for the original iPad, which I liked. The Slim also had magnets in its cover, so it supposedly would put the iPad to sleep when it closed.
But after using the Slim for a few days, I was not happy. The magnet feature didn’t work — possibly because of issues with polarity — and the case felt a little too slim, flimsy and cheap. I went seeking something better, and found it.
For the past few days I’ve been using a case from MiniSuit that’s just about perfect. There’s a possibility that it’s not the exact case I ordered, but I’m still very happy with it.
The case has the painfully clunky name of “Apple The New iPad MiniSuit Microfiber Leather Multi-Angle Slim Jacket Case Cover”. It sells for $39 on MiniSuit’s website, but is listed for a mere $20 on Amazon.com.
Like Apple’s Smart Cover, the MiniSuit has a trifold cover that uses magnets to put the iPad to sleep when closed, and wake it when opened. Unlike the Griffin case, this feature actually works.
The cover is attached to a hard-shell back that snaps onto the iPad and has cutouts for the camera, speaker, microphone hole, headphone jack, dock connector and volume buttons. The back of the shell is padded in leather, and the entire interior is lined with a soft, microfiber fabric. The fit is snug and when the cover is on, the iPad feels fully protected.
Like the Smart Cover, you can fold the cover into a variety of shapes to stand the iPad upright, or set it down at a comfortable viewing angle. This latter mode doesn’t quite tilt the iPad at an angle as high as the Smart Cover, but it’s adequate.
As I mentioned, I may not have received the case I ordered. The case pictured at the links above show a groove on the case’s back, while the one I received is smooth. I’ve traded a couple of emails with MiniSuit about this, and they say the wrong picture was placed on the Amazon where I placed my order. However, the fact that this case is only available for pre-order on MiniSuit’s own site – it’s listed as available on April 5 – indicates the company may have jumped the gun on its Amazon sales, and fulfilled orders with this older, iPad 2 case that’s new-iPad compatible.
Looking at the pictures, the groove seems to be the only difference between the cases, but it likely allows for more viewing angles. I’m happy with the case I have, but I’ll pursue trying to get my hands on the one I actually ordered.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for a case that retains the slim profile of the new iPad but provides solid protection for the back as well as the front, consider the MiniSuit. And it’s a steal if you buy it from Amazon.
Updated 4.6.2012: The correct case arrived today, and while the first one was very good, this one is better. It’s similar in design, with a hard back and a magnetic cover, but the back is jointed so you can prop the iPad upright at multiple angles. I’m very happy so far.
I’ll write something about it this weekend. And I’m working on a roundup of new iPad cases for my April 10 Always On print column.