It’s not surprising that with iPad’s record sales that the choices of cases keep increasing. With the increasing numbers of cases I decided to check on what sturdy cases might withstand kid or student use of an iPad 3.
A search for a current (May 2012 or later) review of iPad 3 cases for kids came up empty-handed, so I turned to Amazon as the biggest electronic store in the world, to see what they had and how the cases were rated. Here is a list as of today with some old and some new iPad 3 cases considered for kids and what seemed to qualify as “sturdy” and how they were rated by consumers. I did not include some of the iPad 3 cases geared specifically to preschool (iGuy, Fischer Price, etc.) in this review. Here is what I found:
Foam frame for iPad 3 is made from ultra-protective closed-cell foam that helps absorb shocks if the iPad is dropped. The case wraps around the iPad and provides access to the rear facing camera and speaker, with push buttons for volume and power. Ridge provides a handheld grip while the thick, high-impact corners provide maximum protection. No stand. Comes in a variety of colors: blue, purple, green. Appears to be very new as there are few ratings. The iPad 2 version that looks exactly the same was given a 5/5 rating from 7 customers. 35.99.
KaysCase KidBox Cover Case for Apple iPad 2, iPad 3 – the new iPad (Bluey)
Foam case without a screen protector. Has stand. Comes in blue and pink colors. Only two review with 4.5/5 stars. 39.99.
Griffin GB02534 Survivor Extreme-duty case for the new iPad (3rd Generation) and iPad 2, Pink
Available in pink and black, the Griffin Survivor Extreme Duty is made for extreme conditions (that can include kids!) Built on a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame clad in rugged, shock absorbing silicone. A built-in screen protector seals your Multi-Touch display from the outside environment, while hinged plugs seal the dock connector, camera lens, headphone port, hold switch and volume controls. Has a stand that clips on, then folds open for landscape viewing and typing. Survivor is independently tested and verified to meet or exceed environmental testing standards for blown rain, blown dust and grit, vibration, shock, temperature and humidity. Sounds very sturdy. Rated 4.5/5 from more than 75 customers. $34.99.
OtterBox Defender Series for the New iPad (3rd Generation) and iPad 2 – Alpenglow
Otterbox provides multi-layer technology combined with high-quality materials to create the most solid protective solution. New case for iPad 2 and 3 provides a slimmer look with a known solid, rugged protective case. Provides a screen integrated with the case. Rated 4.5/5 by 294 consumers. Stand included in case. Comes in blue, white, pink and black. $89.95.
GumDrop Cases Drop Series Case for Apple iPad 3rd Generation, Black (DS-IPAD3-BLK-BLK)
Described as rugged, highly durable case that conforms to the shape of your iPad. Constructed from soft silicone and resilient polycarbonate offering maximum shock absorption and drop protection for your tablet. Comes with a removable protective screen. No stand. Available in pink, black, white and green. Rated 4-4.5/5 from 45+ customers. $56.95.
Bobj Advanced Heavy Duty Case for New iPad 3 and iPad 2 – Bobj protective cover – Rockin’ Raspberry
Made with a protective silicone for the New iPad 3 and iPad 2. This heavy duty case provides more drop protection and shock absorption than typical skins. Comes in a variety of colors raspberry (above), blue, green, gray. Does not come with a protective screen. No stand. Appears to be new rated 5/5 on 1 customer review. $27.95.
Made with hard shell constructed from impact-resistant polycarbonate and double-enforced with a shock absorbing silicone inner-sleeve. Corners feature double-thick silicone for outstanding protection against drops and other impacts. Has built-in screen protector. No stand. Comes in numerous colors, green, yellow, white, black, blue, orange, red, purple. New, it is rated 4/5 from for consumer sales. $25.00.
Provides three layers of protection with all four corners having extra shock absorption. Included with the case is a front cover attachment that will help protect the screen during travel and provides a kickstand for the device. Comes in two colors, black with white and black with red. Also appears to be new with 4/5 rating from 1 customer. $32.72.
What has been your experience with cases for the new iPad 3? If you have any preferences please share.
Carol
case just the other day and was impressed with the fit and the smoother style of this case. Having purchased Otterbox cases for iPad 1 and iPad 2’s they remain a trusted and sturdy case that has protected the school’s iPads while being flung on the floor, accidentally dropped from students hand or knocked off the tray of a four-foot stander onto a hard floor – without any damage! However, the iPad 2 case had some issues with kids pulling on the rubber casing causing it to separating and some plastic components not wearing so well.
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