It’s been over a year since Apple launched the iPad Pro 9.7, complementing its even-older plus-sized 12.9-inch model with a more on-the-move friendly sibling that doesn’t compromise on power.
Both of these slates are still powerfully popular, and the larger one has even been refreshed with the new iPad Pro 12.9 (2017), which handily fits the same cases as the original iPad Pro 12.9.
With that in mind we've created this list of the best cases - with and without keyboards - for your 9.7-inch or 12.9-inch pro-grade Apple slate.
You'll find cases of all different styles and fit for all different budgets, most of which are available for both size iPads. The one thing they all have in common is that they're all great.
Note: we've ranked these from cheapest to most expensive according to prices at time of writing. We also plan to have a selection of iPad Pro 10.5 cases enter this list in the coming weeks.
If the decision to go iPad Pro left you shorn of a few quid too many, then this tan PU leather case from Mofred is a no-brainer purchase. Its dark matt outer finish looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is, as does the tan inner microfibre lining inside.
The case neatly flips into a portrait or landscape stand with three grades of angle and the magnetic strip sleeps/wakes your iPad Pro on closing/opening. A pouch on the outside is just big enough for a few key A4 documents; Mofred even tucked in a screen protector to boot.
Overall this case is a great way to keep your premium device safe from everyday knocks and bumps without coughing up a lot more cash for the convenience.
There's something about Incipio's Octane Pure case that just feels fun. It has a rubbery impact-absorbing TPU bumper that's well-molded around the ports and buttons, and it runs around a transparent plastic shell that shows off the rear of your tablet.
The flip-over cover has a suede microfiber lining that does its bit to shield the screen, and it also folds up as a dual-angle kickstand for media viewing and typing.
With a vegan leather cover suitable for those fond of our four-legged friends, the case comes in black as well as crazy blue, pink and purple candy colors.
The magnetic lock on this slim case is probably the strongest we've come across and handily puts the iPad Pro to sleep at a close, as all Smart Covers should. The variable-angle stand is a bit flimsy if you tend to jab your device's screen, but users with a light touch should find it adequate.
VRS Design calls it a 'leather case' but it's actually lined in PU leather, which is a split leather backing covered with a layer of polyurethane.
Whether or not that's a minus is down to personal preference - we haven't had it long enough to cast judgement on its durability in the long term. Otherwise the case feels soft, it's good-looking and offers easy access to ports and buttons.
Another case that lets you show the world you’ve got great tablet taste, even if you’ve plumped for the rose gold tablet, Speck’s SmartShell Plus lets you make the most of the iPad’s looks as well as its core grunt and solid combination of work and play-friendly abilities.
Showing off your iPad's color while keeping it safe from everyday knocks and scratches, the transparent rear sports cut-outs in all the right places, with openings for Lightning connector, speaker and camera, volume buttons, plus a gap along the side that lets you pair the case with Apple's own Smart Keyboard.
Reinforced edges and corners keep everything safe from drops without adding unwanted bulk to your pleasingly slimline slate.
There are iPad Pro 9.7 cases, and then there is this, a bag specifically designed for your tablet. A luxurious one at that, having been crafted from genuine leather.
It has a wallet-size pocket on the outside and a classy case for your Apple Pencil, while the soft sleeve has all the right cut-outs, the sleep/wake smart function works as advertised, and the case folds over for ideal typing and viewing angles.
The inner pockets mean it's not the slimmest case by any stretch, but it's elegant while also providing fine protection. The shoulder strap is a welcome touch for those regularly on the move, whilst a variety of fun colors will appease those tired of the classic brown leather look.
We've seen Pipetto's Origami case for a number of iOS device models and its design never fails to impress. This version for the Pro user comes in a variety of stylish colours (the royal blue is particularly striking) and feels unique, thanks to Pipetto's use of soft PU for the outer shell and a furry suedette lining making things snuggly inside.
It's not unlike Apple's own Smart Cover for the iPad Pro, and even turns the device on/off when opened/closed; the difference is that the Origami has a rear flap that folds into four stand modes all of which offer an alternative viewing angle depending on your needs (typing, viewing etc). We like.
If you've owned a Gumdrop case before then this should be familiar territory. The Hideaway boasts the company's classic impact resistant dual-layer silicone/polycarbonate design with reinforced corrugated rubber bumpers around the edges of the screen for uber-protection.
There's also a built-in kickstand on the back that adjusts to viewing or typing modes.
What won't be so familiar perhaps is the neat Apple Pencil 'pocket' that sits lengthways at one corner and has two holes, one to stand up the input device when you're busy typing and another for sliding it in parallel to the case when you're on the move. Super handy!
It’s fine to show off your inner nerd, and we don’t just mean with a fun background on your super slate. This R2-D2-inspired Casetify offering is ideal for any hardened Star Wars fan.
It’s about more than mere fun factor though. The Saffiano leather body offers a durable protective coating that’s as hardwearing as it is easy on the eye, while a reinforced plastic inlay gently hugs your tablet and keeps it safe from drops.
It’s versatile too, with four different stand positions letting you optimize your tablet’s position to your current needs, be that typing, movie watching or a nice session with your Pencil in hand.
The iPad Pro is a simply stunning bit of kit. As much as you want to protect it from the rigors of daily life then, it feels a shame to hamper its good looks by wrapping it in a mass of plastic, rubber or leather. The OtterBox Statement helps keep your prized tech possession safe and secure without cramping its sleek lines.
While the case’s slimline body is finished with black, blue or maroon genuine-leather accents, the clear polycarbonate rear panel keeps your tablet’s effortless elegance on display.
That’s not all, reinforced rubber corners help boost the case’s drop-protection credentials, while a slightly lipped front keeps that stunning, Pencil-friendly screen safe from face-down fumbles.
Waterfield's zippered Travel Express Case is a stowaway's dream: it can store a charging cable with plug attached, an Apple Pencil, and even a Smart Keyboard alongside your iPad Pro, all with room to spare for earbuds etc. You don't have to worry about damaging your gear either, as soft-lined pockets keep each item safely separated.
The waxed bag is beautifully made, and with a self-locking zipper to keep things inside and an optional strap available, it's a great solution if you're often on the move. Sure, it's weighty when full, but the excellent design and fit keeps bulk to a bare minimum.
If you often struggle to angle your iPad's screen using the fixed positions of typical stand cases then Logitech has the ideal solution.
Inside the rear of this hard case is a smooth-glide hinge with a 60-degree range that sits dead centre of your iPad: just snap your device into the top fixture and bring the screen down to the desired angle and it stays put, even against the poke of heavy-handed tappers.
The hard rubberised fabric on the outside of the case feels plenty protective, with decent-sized slots for button access. It even has Smart Cover smarts, so the screen sleeps and wakes when you open/close it.
Traditional bookbindery finds another home in this handcrafted case, which features an elastic loop that holds an Apple Pencil securely when not in use. A sturdy plastic tray inside keeps your iPad in place and protects the edges when closed without hindering access to ports and buttons.
The case is described as multi-angle, but the stand can't quite take the weight of an iPad Pro and tends to slide down into the default position (which is fine in itself). All in all, it's a heavy old thing, but offers solid defence for your Apple device.
As much as you’d like to keep your iPad Pro’s sleek lines and metal body on show for the world to see, sometimes hardcore device-saving protection needs to come before style.
That doesn’t mean you have to completely do away with easy-on-the-eye appeal though. Griffin’s all-terrain Survivor case offers plenty of protection while letting you custom color the case to your tastes.
Despite boasting a relatively slim profile, this hardy add-on offers protection from drops up to 6.6 feet, making it ideal for the ultra-clumsy or those using their tablets in unforgiving environments. The defenses continue inside, too, with a foam-lined polycarbonate frame that's shatter-resistant and encased in silicone.
A Touch ID-friendly built-in screen protector and plugs for all the ports finish the look, while ensuring dirt, sand and rain have no easy route in. What’s more, an included clip-on stand for hands-free use makes your iPad Pro ready for whatever nature, or you, can throw at it.
The iPad Pro is a professional bit of kit, so it’s time to treat it as such. Knomo’s Full Wrap Folio case doesn’t just give the device a business-ready full-grain leather makeover, it also boasts a couple of business card holder slots on the inside cover.
This isn’t a case just for on-the-move estate agents though. While a smooth internal microfiber lining will help prevent your tablet’s screen succumbing to scuffs and scratches, the case’s folding, lipped design means it can double as a stand.
This is perfect whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing video viewing session or pair your tablet with a separate Bluetooth keyboard for quicker typing.
Available in black, gold and rose gold, as a helpful finishing touch every Knomo case comes with a unique identifying code too, so, once registered, if you ever misplace your prized possession those honest folks who stumble across it can easily get it back to you. Aren't people nice.
This is more of a sleeve than a case, so it protects your iPad Pro when you're not using it. With that out of the way, know this: Joli design is a thing to behold. The full grain waxed leather of this made-to-order product feels and smells delightful, and twinned with the wool inner lining really looks the part.
The fit feels tight at first, but after a bit of use we found the sleeve relaxed just a little and sliding an iPad Pro in and out soon required less force. The impeccable stitching kept the device more than secure though, so we can't fault it. It might not be cheap, but it's the loveliest handcrafted case we've seen.
This slender case is cloaked in a traditional bookbinding material called Buckram, which makes a satisfying crack like the well-worn spine of an archive journal when you fold it over into the stand position.
Two sturdy ridges in the opposing soft-grip liner offer two comfy viewing angles, while the clean-release 3M adhesive holds in your iPad Pro nice and securely.
The on/off magnetic smart cover is kept closed with a Moleskine band and does a fair job of protecting the device's edges. The outward indent of the fold is prone to wear but ends up adding to the overall vintage library book feel. A fine case indeed.
Moleskine is an iconic brand famed for making luxurious paper pads that truly stand the test of time and travel. While your iPad might have replaced those traditional paper innards, this luxurious iPad Pro case means you can still benefit from the same combination of style and hardiness.
Offering uncompromising daily protection, the black polyurethane case is finished with a soft microfiber inlay to keep your slate’s screen and sleek metal lines safe from scuffs and scratches.
Beyond ticking all the right knock and drop saving boxes, this case is about more than being a sophisticated, easy on the eye option.
As well as featuring Moleskine’s signature elastic band closing mechanism, the case doubles as a handy tablet stand and even comes with an inbuilt loop to keep your Apple Pencil from disappearing when not in use.
While Apple’s official keyboard case is impressive, it’s not perfect. Not only will its price tag give your already depleted wallet another sizeable kick in the bits, but there’s nowhere to store your Apple Pencil when not in use. Don’t worry though, that’s where Logitech’s effort comes in.
Utilizing the iPad’s Smart Connector, this keyboard case boasts backlit keys for improved after dark typing, while a special Pencil loop will keep your additional iPad accessory safe and secure.
More than just a rapid response email enabler, the case, which comes in black, blue or red, offers hearty tablet protection, both front and back, and will auto wake your iPad when opened.
While it won’t drain your tablet’s battery, only drawing power when placed in a typing position, keys assigned specifically to utilize a number of key iOS features have been slotted in, bonus.
When it comes to iPad protection, Apple, having designed the slate itself, has a solid starting point for keeping it safe. While its Smart Cover is a classic and the rear-protecting Silicone Case the best for protecting against bumps, it’s the official Smart Keyboard case that’s arguably Apple’s best iPad Pro accessory.
As well as protecting the screen from scratches when chucked in your bag, the case fits in its own physical QWERTY keyboard, transforming your powerful tablet into a true laptop replacement.
The keyboard-enhanced case isn’t just about being able to knock out email replies or last-minute work documents in double-quick fashion either. When work’s done, it can transform into a tablet stand, letting you enjoy a hands-free Netflix binge.
- Now power up your slate with the best iPad Pro accessories
from TechRadar - All the latest technology news http://www.techradar.com/news/best-ipad-pro-cases
No comments:
Post a Comment