Caudabe "The Shell" iPad Case Review

When I picked up my lovely new iPad, I was overjoyed with its design. Everything from the glorious Retina display to the wafer thin case. I slapped a leather Smart Cover on it to protect the glass an took it out into the cold cruel world.

I loved the form of the iPad. Why would I want to cover it with anything?

After several days of use in the office, at home and out in the world I realized that the thin iPad has its drawback. It fit wonderfully in my messenger bag, but hours of extended use caused the corners to dig into the palms of my hands. I also noticed that every time I wanted to set my iPad down, I habitually checked the surface for dirt, grit and so on. When I picked it back up, I had to wipe off the pretty aluminum back.

Sounds pretty anal, right? Unfortunately, that is how I treat my electronics.

The simple solution would have been a super durable hard case. However, I did not really want to add that much bulk or cover the lovely Retina display with a piece of plastic. I wanted to keep things slick, light and I wanted to easily remove the case if warranted. Lastly, I didn't want to drop a ton of money on a tiny bit of added protection.

A quick skip through the Amazon marketplace and I found the Caudabe "The Shell". "The Shell" is a thin, flexible plastic cover that snaps onto the back of the iPad. It takes mere seconds to install and leaves you with a good deal of scratch protection. It adds approximately a millimeter of thickness overall but really serves to "soften" the radius of the corners. This makes for a much more enjoyable experience when holding the iPad for hours while reading your favorite blog or eBook.

I selected the "Frost Clear" color. This nicely compliments the silver of the iPad and allows the black Apple inlay to show through. The texture is almost rubbery feeling, which aids in gripping the iPad. It gives me a little more confidence when carrying it around.

I do not expect the Caudabe "The Shell" to provide any impact protection, but that was not the main concern. I simple wanted a softer feel when holding the iPad for long periods and some scratch protection for the back. At $10.95 the price is right. When it eventually becomes scarred and scuffed beyond my level of comfort I can simply replace it with another. The is a very small concern when you consider the cost of the device. Beyond satisfying my anal desire to keep my electronics pristine, it will also allow me to get the maximum resale value later down the road.

As a bonus it is cutout to allow the Apple Smart Cover to attach and fold back as usual.

 

As always, if you want to pick one up for yourself, please use the link below and help support future reviews.

Heckler Design @Rest Review

Anyone who has been in my office knows what kind of wreck my desk is. Anything that makes it a little easier to work around is a massive bonus. When I picked up a new iPad I was confounded by how to store/use it when I was seated at, what my Wife refers to as the "NASA Control Center". Sure I could always just lay it flat on the desk next to my mouse, but that did not put it at a good angle to actually see. My iPad is equipped with a Smart Cover, so the option to prop it up that was is available. However the Smart Cover is not very secure and rocks precariously if you attempt to type. Knocking my new, expensive iPad Retina on the floor was not a chance I wanted to take.

I did some browsing in the local stores and saw several different types of docks and rests. Most were not designed to work with the new Lightning connector. The rests I looked at were mostly lightweight and made of plastic. I was not impressed.

I did some quick browsing online and came across the @Rest from Heckler Design. The @Rest is definitely not to be considered "portable". It's several pounds of steel formed into a pleasing curved shape. It offers two different viewing angles that can be selected by simply turning the rest 180 degrees and moving the bottom rubber "pegs". It can be had in a number of powder coated finishes. The Silver nicely compliments the iPad's aluminum case.

The weight of the @Rest gives you the ability to tap away on the screen without any movement of the unit. This is aided by four rubber feet on the bottom. Your device is protected from any scratches by foam pads in the center of each face and the rubber pegs at the bottom. The pegs are hooked to keep the iPad from sliding off. Additionally when used with the Smart Cover folded back, the magnets in the Smart Cover assist in gripping the @Rest.

The @Rest comes in a form fitted cardboard box and some assembly is required. You have to attach the foam pads and rubber feet. Then slide the pegs into the notches cut in the side. Only one set of pegs is included, so you must decide what angle you want to use. A second set of pegs is available from Heckler Design for $12.

If the @Rest was simply an iPad stand it would be amazing enough. The fact that you can also use it to support a MacBook makes it a "must have" for a mobile user when not mobile. The price is high at $49, but for that price you get a beautiful piece of American metalwork.

Pick yours up from Amazon and help support our reviews. 

Welcome

Welcome to the Tech Gear Test Blog.

I manage several other sites and post on a plethora of websites. I am starting this one to be a little different than my normal genre. Most of my writing is centered around firearms and outdoor gear. However I am a hopeless techie. I love gadgets, electronic and otherwise. This new blog is intended to give me a location to review the non-tactical photo, video, computer and lifestyle gadgets that I consume on a daily basis.

I hope you enjoy it!