There are sturdy cases, kids cases but what about cases for professional use?

Here are a few cases that recieved good reviews for professionals looking for lightweight, low scale, affordable protection for their iPad with out a keyboard. Keyboards typically add weight and bulk making them a bit more clumsy to tote around. Having a case with a keyboard or not I believe depends on your usage. If you are using it for meetings, word processing or documentation then having a keyboard may be essential for you. If using your device is more frequently with students with interactive apps and projects, short annotations, checking emails or Internet access, a keyboard may not be your choice. I have done both and keep going back to a keyboard-less case (and I am adapting my keyboarding skills to the device- for good or bad!).

Here are some cases favored by Amazon customers and CNET (a trusted source of electronic reviews):

Targus Versavu for the New iPad (3rd Gen) – ($39.) Compatible with iPad 2 and 3, this case rotates 360 degrees to position it upright in portrait or landscape. the case is slim, protective and provides grooves to allow upright positioning. Having purchased this for an iPad2 and now using it with my iPad 3, I still like this case for ease of use. I can fold the front back to hold and use my iPad or position it upright in the case. Low scale it stacks and stores easily with all the other stuff I cart around.

Others have asked me how my screen stays clean, realizing the soft inside fabric when closed cleans the screen on its own. It does not come with sleep/wake feature.

 STM Bags Grip for iPad 3rd Generation – ($32.) Slim, lightweight case that is easy to carry, protective and provides  two kickstands for positioning for easy typing or viewing. Auto on-off front cover wakes up the device and puts it to sleep. Rated well by CNET reviews and Amazon customer ratings.

Targus Vuscape for the New iPad (3rd Gen)  ($35.) Slim, soft, padded case that protects your iPad. Provides automatic wake up/sleep function, magnetic closure and upright orienation in landscape position. Rotation capabilities not available. Rated well by Amazon customers.

 Speck Products MagFolio Case for the New iPad 3  – ($35.) Favored in CNET’s reviews of iPad 3 cases and Amazon customers ratings. This is a slim case with magnets to keep cover closed and activate sleep/wake function. Form fitting protective case for the iPad  2 or 3.

Kensington Protective Case for iPad 2 and New iPad ($22.) – Has 2 position adjustable stand in a lightweight, protective case. Reviews have been positive for an reasonably priced case.

If you want to consider a portable and lightweight keyboard for your iPad here are a few highly portable options:

iKeyboard: Touch-type on your iPad keyboard (black): For iPad 1, iPad 2, & iPad 3 – ($35) A lightweight solution to a tactile keyboard for your iPad. The keyboard uses magnets to stay in place and gives you a feel of a keyboard that you can easily apply and remove.

TouchFire Keyboard – ($49.) A screen top keyboard for the iPad3 that soon will be shipping. Here is a video of their product for more information:

 I am looking forward to my Touchfire keyboard being shipped soon!

What is your favorite case for your mobile device?

More for your OT iTool Kit!

Carol