Tablet Insight: Cases for the New iPad

The Apple new iPad has only been out for a few months but the there are plenty of cases toting that they are fitted perfectly to your newest gadget. But the new iPad is exactly the same size as the Apple iPad 2, right? The truth is that while most cases for the iPad 2 will work with your new iPad, especially leather tablet cases and fabric cases , the new iPad is slightly thicker.

Therefore not all cases fit both Apple models and you’ll need to know which ones are not compatible. So if you are looking for anything from a silicon shell to a tablet keyboard case for your new iPad, you’ll want to know what’s out there.

Keyboard Folios

Some Bluetooth keyboards will work with both the iPad 2 and the new iPad. These are usually the kind where an iPad is mounted on a tablet stand and the keyboard is free standing. But if you are looking for a keyboard that also functions as a folio tablet case , then you’ll need something designed exactly for the new iPad.
For a perfect new iPad folio fit, ZAGG is top of the line. It’s ‘Folio Keyboard Case’ is slim (folds up snuggly), useable (keys are placed well enough apart) and crafted exactly to the dimensions of the new iPad.



If you think you are a bit rougher with technology or have those slippery ‘butter-fingers-drop-everything-you-touch’ kind of Apple curse, then you should look for a tougher case than the ZAGG tablet case. For rock solid protection all around your new iPad ClamCase is the name you’re looking for. An industry standard in tough protection, their ‘Keyboard Case’ fits the bill with its perfectly attuned specs to the new iPad.

Skins or Shells

A common edition to any tablet is often just a simple skin—no keyboards, covers or stands. Tablet skins are a nice way to give a bit of extra grip on the tablet, add a little style, and bit of protection from bumps and scratches. With a sticky peel-off adhesive, skins apply to the back of the tablet and around its ports (headphones), volume rocker and speaker. Because of its close and precise fit, a new iPad-specific skin is necessary.

Case-Mate has designed such a skin that they call ‘Barely There’. As you guessed, the skin is very thin and hardly even noticeable when on the tablet. The black design sharpens the new iPad’s sleekness and you get peace of mind in the added protection.



If the ‘Barely There’ isn’t enough self-expression for you, then check out the ‘NBA sportLEATHER Skin’ from ZAGG. Designed to look and feel like a basketball, this ‘sport leather’ case is a classic addition to Game Day while watching TV and getting updates on your tablet feed.

Screen Protectors

But the size of the new iPad is not all that is different. The new iPad display is definitely an improvement on the iPad 2. Because of this, case manufacturers have made tablet screen protectors that fit the particularities of the new iPad displays (for example, an anti-glare screen protector for the iPad 2 might not work as well on the new iPad).

However Infinite Products have been crafting screen protectors that will accommodate both specs. They come with a lifetime warranty as well as at a great price. If you are in need of a sure win on new iPad screen protectors, look no further.

In the End

So not all new iPad owners need new iPad cases. Plenty of cases out there that fit the iPad 2 will fit the new iPad. But with some case styles—like keyboard cases, screen protectors, skins—you will want to invest in a case specifically designed to the new iPad’s thickness. Keep an eye on tablet2cases and we will guide through all the new specially-crafted iPad 3 cases.

Tablet Insight is a weekly column by Thomas Andersen that focuses on the innovative tablet uses and considers what is the most compatible and necessary tablet case.