{Ya’ll, I received products to review for this post. The opinions I share about using these products are my own. I use affiliate links in this post. So, if you decide to make a purchase through my links, Amazon will pay me a commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional.}
It’s official.
I’m a bona fide overthinker.
One week into iPad ownership and 7 cases later, my overthinking has reached an all new level.
And, to save you from your own overthinking, I’m going to share mine with you–in video form no less.
Make fun of my anal retentiveness or take advantage of my research so that you only have to bring one case into your home. Your choice.
The Addycase – good iPad 2 case for families with really young kids who find the home button irresistible. It’s pretty heavy though.
The Trident Kraken case – well known company with a well known iPad 2 case marketed towards families. But, not my fave.
The Ekto 2 from Uzibull – good case for older kids who need a protective case but don’t want one that shouts “My mom made me get this big ole case to protect my iPad.” Not my fave though.
The iGuy stand-up case from Speck – pretty much a gimmick, but I may just have to keep him around because he’s so darn cute.
The Big Grips case and stand – The case isn’t my favorite because of the entire back exposed and difficulty getting to the ports. The stand is helpful though.
M-Edge Super Shell case in Atomic Green – good case at a great price but I honestly miss seeing more of the back of the iPad (I’m an apple junkie who likes the back…I know…weird). And, it’s hard–my kids could use this thing as a weapon if they wanted to (and weapons are popular here).
iLatch – Classy white leather case with clip-on dealies that are fantastic when you need them (think side of pack ‘n play when you need your little one to nap at Grandma’s or the stroller handlebar when you are trying some new duds on in the dressing room).
Gripcase – handles on all 4 sides that are perfect for both little and big grippers alike. Love the lightweight EVA foam which is safe even for kids who tend to chew stuff. Also love that the screen truly doesn’t need any protection because it sits low enough in the case to never touch any surface. My kids could bowl with the Gripcase and the iPad will be totally safe. (I know, they’ve tried.) *My fave*
Lee and Sarah VanGrunsven says
Oh how I wish I had seen these videos before I had bought my case. I have since sold the ipad and case, but I spent 45 dollars online and the thing was a hunk of junk:)
Chelle says
I have a special needs child which case would be the best protection in case it was dropped? Thank you so much for the videos and information. I am the same way when I purchase something.
Felicia says
Hi, I commented originally on your big grips stand off Amazon the other day and you sent me this link that helped me decide on the stand with grip case. I have not ordered it yet.I meant to mention this to you, you may already know but there is this case designed by a guy in CA called TRTL BOT..here is his youtube VID and the site is trtlbot.com
Let me know what you think. I was not going to order because it is a preorder and not coming out until 1-20. I am being paranoid and did not want to wait and did like the gripcase alot. The price for 1 trtlbot(has built in stand) and the gripcase and stand are about the same. I may end up getting both…so just wanted to pick your brain and see what you think of this product even though you can’t get your hands on it right now. i was pretty impressed by the vid….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0dmImM7oJg
THanks and Happy New Year…Felicia Brewer
Kelly the Overthinker says
Chelle – I think you’d be best with the Gripcase personally–I’m really enjoying the handles on all 4 sides and think that that works really well for kids who may not have the dexterity or will to hold onto it with both hands!
Kelly the Overthinker says
Felicia – I did not know about the TRTL BOT. I just checked out the site though and think it would be worthwhile to include a review of that one with these reviews! My first thought is that I like the built-in stand but it looks like it wouldn’t provide a lot of cushion if it were dropped and that it is probably a lot heavier than the EPA foam cases.
LocalFunForKids says
I don’t have an iPad yet, but those trendy cases make me want one even more!
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
I really don’t think your overthinking the case! I would do the same thing. In fact, I’ve done it which drives my dh crazy most of the time. The case is just as important as the iPad.
Felicia says
Kelly-I was thinking that too about the durability but for my daughter who is 7 I think it would do. Having the stand built in is really good feature and I think it may be at least more durable than that Trident case that has built in stand. Another feature I thought was cool was how it covers the speaker to where the sound is directed to the front. It bothered me a bit with the sound on the IPad I kept wanting to turn up.
After I sent you the message I looked back at the gripcase and it is not in stock until the 1.13 so I might as well wait for the TRTL BOT on the 20th…talk about overthinking!:)
Uneeka Jay says
I will have to come back to this post when I get my iPad. I am thinking I want something less clunky and more sexy. Any thoughts?
rhainesdvm says
Thank you so much for this review! I found it when I was looking on amazon for a case for my husband’s new ipad. My son is 11 months, so I don’t plan on letting him play with it much, but I know it will be hard to keep him away. I just ordered gumdrop tech series. The colors are not as cute, and there aren’t any handles. It has a screen protector and is supposed to have very sturdy port covers. Did you look at this one? I can come back and leave info on it after we get it if people are interested.
Kelly the Overthinker says
I did not look at the Gumdrop case, but I’m interested to hear your thoughts of it!
a blog full of weldons. says
you are both hilarious and ingenious to video your findings! i loved hearing your cute voice and incredibly detailed findings and research, even though i don’t have an ipad. i might just be the only person left on earth to make such a statement :)
love you and your crazy overthinking. i’m glad i’m not the only crazy one :)
LG says
Great case reviews! I design ipad and iphone cases for kids and families! I have one coming out this spring called the ikid! I keep re-designing based on reviews like this one so thanks for the feedback! You can see the case on my website shopgrizas dot com
Anonymous says
thanks for doing this reveiw. It is really helpful after spending so much on the ipad it’s so important to keep it from being damaged. We just got an ipad 2 and I was trying to figure out which was the safest cover. My kids have autism so it has to be really durable. I read your response to Chelle and understand completely what she is looking for. This is a great tool but if it gets broken it is very costly to replace it. I bought an iphone just before christmas and got an otter box for it mainly to protect it if my son got a hold of it. My son loves to use it and because I have the otter box I don’t have to worry as much. Did you look at the otter boxes for the ipad? (I wasn’t even sure they had them but I just googled them and they do) I know they are not as attractive or appealing for kids but I am wondering if they would provide more safety for special needs kids who don’t always understand that they have to be careful. I would be interested in your input if you looked at them.
Jonathan Coffen says
Have you ever tried the griffin Survivor?
Anonymous says
Great videos Kelly. I’m so glad I found your reviews before I made my purchase. Have you looked at the Griffin Survivor case? It looks like it might get your stamp of approval. Thanks again for your very helpful reviews. -Bob
TXBeth says
Kelly,
Can any of these covers be used in combination with Apple’s smart cover or something similar? I love the looks of the gripcase, but I’m wondering about something to protect the screen when it’s not in use.
Anonymous says
I have an autistic 14 year old daughter. We have the Big Grips case, and the stand, which works great for both vertical and landscape orientations. It is a bit bulky compared to others, but because of that provides great shock absorption. Many kid-friendly cases do not have stand features, and those that do are not as sturdy. Kraken case has clips that can break, some reviews of Griffins state screen still broke from slight drops..and stand is not very strong/sturdy. Gripcase is nice but no stand feature. TurtleBot is nice idea but hard plastic case, which could crack and not provide much drop protection. KaysCase is similar idea but well padded, like the Big Grips.
Matt Hirschhorn says
Hey Kelly! Just wanted you to know that Gripcase launched the GripBase stand designed exclusively for Gripcase. It is intensionally designed to be very durable and has a wide base so it does not tip.
http://www.gripcase-usa.com/The-GripBase-Stand_p_24.html