Best iPad 2 cases: top iPad 2 case selection

Wow, is it already the time for iPad 2? Apparently so, as the best tablet of last year just got better with the official announcement from Apple, so here we are making a list of best iPad 2 cases that bond well with Apple’s new tablet. The new tablet is slimmer, faster, but lasts and costs the same as the new one, so I’m sure it will be a success, no matter what the competition thinks. And how can you measure better the success of a product like the iPad2 than taking a quick look at how many accessories and cases for it are announced just days from the official launch.

You guessed it right, in this article we’re going to take a look at the best iPad 2 cases and covers selection of the moment. Sure there will be more, better cases, but the ones from here are the ones that best fit the majority of users, who are price conscious, need a reliable product, look for functionality and quality above all. Feel free to stop by this page from time to time, as I’ll be updating this post when new products are announced or become available for online purchase.

Compatibility with 1st generation iPad cases

That’s one important question: will my old iPad case work with the new version?  It’s a legitimate answer especially for those who got the best iPad case and would like to see it work on the second version too. The answer is not what you’d expect, as some models will work flawlessly, some won’t. Given the fact that the i Pad 2 is slimmer than the original iPad the new tablet will fit most old cases, but not the ones of the ‘tight fit’ type, where it is build exactly for the iPad’s dimensions.

Best 1st Gen iPad cases – read to get nostalgic, or pick one for your older iPad

On most of them the already cut openings for the iPad ports will match the ones on the updated mode, with two major differences: you won’t have access to the front and back facing camera and the speaker grill could be blocked by the old case, resulting in lowered audio volume. So the best iPad 2 case may not be the same best iPad case, but it was something to be expected.

I can’t stress this enough: I recommend you try your old case with the new tablet before deciding to go for a new one.

Maybe you’ll be satisfied, or you’ll go for the amazing Smart Cover, the official accessory from Apple. Anyway, since time is ticking, let’s see the best iPad2 cases selection of the moment.

Deft Detour 360 Rotating Case (get a 10% discount) – $30 [Black, White, Brown]

First of all, use code ALLTOUCH at Checkout in Gift Cards & Promotional Codes to get a 10% discount from the base price. This should make you want the case even more, together with the agenda style case functionality, doubled by stand with two inclination angles (thanks to two ridges in the screen cover) and the ability to use your tablet in both portrait and landscape mode as part of the back cover rotates 180 degrees. As a nice touch the Apple logo remains visible at all times.

The Deft Detrour 360 Rotating simulates leather but is made from Black Polycarbonate exterior and a microfiber interior. The screen flap integrates some magnets, so you can wake/sleep the iPad II by uncovering/covering the screen. This is a good staring point if you want a multifunctional case. [read full review with video]

Deft Detour 360 rotating case

Toblino 2 Napa Leather – $40 [White, Pink, Red, Black]

Let’s start with a genuine leather case that costs considerably less than the official Apple leather case, and it also protects the back with a carefully cut piece of reinforced leather that manages to look good and keep all openings available. The exterior is made from a soft touch Napa genuine Leather while the interior uses a gray microfiber finish that should make a good protective layer and also could clean up the screen a little bit once closed.

The most important thing about the Toblino 2 is the fact it uses magnets to mimic the functionality of the Smart Cover: when you open the case the iDevice wakes up, and when you cover the screen it goes into sleep. What more can you ask? What about an iPad2 stand, with two inclination angles, one for viewing movies and the other for touch typing. The Toblino 2 got it covered on this one too. It’s one of the cheapest genuine leather covers out there so it’s definitely a must see if you’re into this type of protective multifunction case, but don’t expect it to be the most appropriate product in terms of quality and functionality. You can get it for $39.95 directly from Amazon.com [White, Pink, Red, Black].

Toblino 2 Napa Leather Case

Targus Versavu Keyboard and Case – $70 [details]

This is an interesting approach to a protective carrying case that also acts like a stand in the way it rotates 360 degrees by folding the back plate of this hard case in the middle and then rotating the iPad for vertical or horizontal placement. Interestingly enough, Targus is also keen on preserving the i Pad 2 identity, as the Apple logo is visible through a round cutout on the back of the Rotating stand. The hard shell part features a molded exterior, for better screen and case protection.

An integrated keyboard is placed into the screen cover. It connects wirelessly to the iPad 2 via Bluetooth, so no wires are required. [more details and purchasing info]

Targus Versavu

ZaggMate with Keyboard – $100 [details]

This is one hell of an iPad accessory, if not the best, one that incorporates also a Bluetooth wireless keyboard into a hard shell aluminum case. It folds beautifully without making the iPad look too thick and can accommodate the tablet in both portrait and landscape modes. You can even adjust the screen inclination a little bit to suit your needs. With a press of a button the keyboard is connected to the iPad2, and it shows that in the top status bar of the screen. From here you can use it to type on the iPad 2 and even control the volume and mute buttons. It’s the best case with keyboard from functionality and ergonomics point of view. [read full review]

ZaggMate with keyboard hard case

Targus VuScape Protective Cover and Stand -$25 [details]

This is a cheaper version of the Targus rotating case for iPad2. This doesn’t mean you lose stuff, well maybe just the portrait orientation, but you do pay a lot less for the Targus Protective Cover and Stand. The same hard shell construction was used for this agenda and the screen cover with multiple ridges allows you to fit the tablet in quite a few angles to suit your personal needs. The same scratch protective interior lining is present, so this is basically a bargain product from Targus, a known manufacturer of Apple oriented accessories, and one of the best cases for iPad2 manufacturer. Take a look at the picture below to see how it works. [availability info]

Targus Protective Cover and Stand

Belkin Folio Stand – $25 [details]

This is one case series (there are four models: Slim, Access – 39$, Flip – 39$ and Verve – 49$) that resembles a lot the first official iPad case from Apple. It’s an ultra thin agenda cover that also acts as a stand for typing (a special low angle mode is available) or higher angles for viewing media on the go. This is a tight fit product, so it won’t make your tablet look like a monolith, which happened with many older cases for iPad. As expected, the Belkin Folio Stand features a smooth interior lining to protect the screen of the iPad 2. Cutouts for all buttons, sensors and cameras are present, as expected. [get yours from here - Flip Folio (Blacktop/Midnight), Verve Folio (Black), Access (Black/Grey Woven), other versions]

Belkin Folio Stand

iLuv professional case with detachable bluetooth keyboard – $63 [details]

The best i Pad 2 cases and covers with incorporated Bluetooth keyboards are here,  and this one being made by iLuv. It cost a lot of money, that’s right, but I’m sure the price will come down quickly once other iPad detacheable keyboards with cases will appear on market. This iLuv product allows you to use the Apple tablet just like a netbook, as a leg from the back of the case will act to sustain the weight of the screen. The Bluetooth keyboard is nicely packed inside the screen cover. Of course while the tablet is mounted inside iLuv the whole assembly will be a lot thicker, but that’s not an issue with this iPad2 case if functionality is what you’re after. [more purchasing info]

iLuv professional case with detachable bluetooth keyboard

Booq Booqpad – $48 [details]

This is one interesting concept, a carrying case with included paper notepad. It’s analogue and digital together in a slim stylish case. The Apple tablet sits on the right in this design, while the notepad is cleverly mounted on the right. A pen sits in-between in a special compartment. There are in total 5 versions of the Booq Booqpad: Black-Gray, Green-Gray, White-Berry, Sand-Plum (all for 59$) and the Coffee-Cream for 119$. A 50-sheet black notepad is included, and you can buy more for 10$ a set of three x 50 sheet notepads. This is the best iPad 2 case to get if you want to stand out. [get yours from here: Black-Gray, Green-Gray, White-Berry, Sand-Plum, Coffee-Cream]

Booq Booqpad

MacCase Premium Leather Jacket with Backpack Option – $151 [details]

I’ve decided to include also some premium cases, and what better way to start than with a 200 bucks vintage looking MacCase Jacket with Backpack Option. While this is not an iPad2 cover, but a backpack, it’s still one of the gorgeous looking backpack’s for your tablet, completely padded with leather. It can accomodate the 1st and second gen iPad tablets plus a few smartphones, MP3 players and gadgets like this with all their accessories. The MacCase Jacket also features a removable front storage pouch and small accessory storage under the flap that closes quietly with the help of two magnets.

For 200 bucks you’re the one deciding upon how to carry it: on your shoulders thanks to two backpack straps, removable or by using the top handle. Anyway, it’s a gorgeous fashion accessory no matter how you look at it and a top recommended carrying backpack. [more color options - Vintage, Vintage Brown, Black]

MacCase Premium Leather Jacket with Backpack Option

Official Smart Cover case – $35 [details]

Unlike older official accessories from Apple, the Smart Cover case is one worth looking for. It’s not that expensive (the polyurethane one) and it’s practical. The Smart Cover is available in 10 colors, 5 for the polyurethane version and 5 for the Italian dyed Italian leather that fits the iPad2 like a glove. One ingenious thing to mention about the Smart Case is the magnetic attachment that uses the hinge of the case and the magnets inside the iPad II frame to automatically attach the Smart Cover to the tablet by just putting those two close together. If you want to take it out just snap it off and it’s gone.

The Smart Cover can also be used as a stand, as it can be folded into a triangle and rotated on the back of the tablet. You can choose to use it as a stand in two angles, one good for typing and one for media consumption. The microfiber interior lining makes it work like a screen cleaner, buy I doubt it does a good job at that. Surprisingly Apple made probably the best dedicated iPad2 case, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg! Other color options – Gray, Black, Blue, Orange, Green, Pink, Navy, Red, Cream, Tan.

Official Smart Cover case

Before buying

Now remember, this is a short list, and doesn’t include all cases available in stores. It’s a selection of the most interesting models. And since the market is moving forward quickly it might be a good idea to bookmark this page, as I’m going to update this list quite often to include all the cases for iPad2 you want. And one more thing before we end: there’s no “best iPad 2 case” for everyone, it all depends on what you’re looking for, so always put on a piece of paper your particular requirements and start looking for the best deal based on your needs.