Buying Guide: iPad cases

Buying Guide: iPad cases:

Whether you have a new iPad, an older iPad, or an iPad mini, consider using a protective case or carrying bag to minimize the risk of damage. True, the sleek design of this tablet family makes you want to show off your iPad, but they are still vulnerable to scratches and scuffs. While we haven’t tested every case and bag on the market, here’s a rundown of the most common types, along with a few good examples of each.

Shopping tips

There are hundreds of third-party iPad cases and bags on the market, each specifically made for either the full-sized iPad or the iPad mini. Because the third-and fourth-generation iPad models have the same body size, many cases are made to fit both, but there are a few exceptions. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for iPad protection.

When looking at the full-sized iPad line, keep in mind that, apart from the third- and fourth-generation iPads, each iPad model has a slightly different shape from the last. A case or bag made for one model in particular may not fit any other; this is particularly true when it comes to the original iPad. Many cases made for the iPad 2 also fit the third-generation iPad, but not all do. Cases made specifically for the third-generation iPad should also fit the iPad 2 and the newest iPad (the fourth-gen), but there are some exceptions. If you’re not confused enough, here’s another caveat—cases made specifically for the fourth-generation iPad may not be compatible with the third-generation iPad; although they share the same body design, the Lightning port on the fourth-gen model is much smaller than the 30-pin dock-connector port found on the third-gen, so if a case has a cutout on the bottom designed for the Lighting port, it won’t be large enough to fit the older port.

Though this sounds like a lot of information, relax: most cases specify which iPad models they’ll work with on the packaging. If it's not clear whether a particular product fits your iPad, compare the case or bag's specs with Apple’s iPad specifications, ask a store employee, read customer reviews, or e-mail the vendor, to confirm. Because there is only one model of the iPad mini to date, any case designed for the mini will fit your mini, no matter what carrier or version you have.

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