Gadgetoid

gadg-et-oid [gaj-it-oid]

-adjective

1. having the characteristics or form of a gadget;
resembling a mechanical contrivance or device.

Foofbag Sleeve Case For iPad 2 And iPad

You didn’t think I’d stop at the MacBook Pro foofbag with the iPad 2 making such a great excuse for a whole new spate of case reviews? Indeed, I’ve managed to wrangle an iPad 2 foofbag… Okay, it’s for the original iPad but that wont stop it fitting the tablets slimmer sibling just as cosily. I’d wager, in fact, that due to the iPad 2s 33% slimmer form factor you would be able to fit it in the foofbag complete with a smart cover… A pretty good proposition if that turns out to be the case. Rest assured that I’ll give it a shot as soon as I get my hands upon the shiny new tablet…. Blasted deferred UK launch! This will be my first of many reviews for iPad 2 accessories, and I don’t even have an iPad 2 yet! Wish me luck this Friday.

As is typical of me and my highly developed, yet still abysmal, sense of fashion, I forgoed the opportunity to try a different style of foofbag in favour of nabbing another green corduroy affair to match that of the MacBook Pro. This, does, however give me cause to point out one of the foofbags advantages. You can get a matching iPhone, iPad and MacBook Pro case, keeping all your matching gadgets snug in complementary attire.

The foofbag for iPad is, of course, a sleeve. Sleeve cases have one major advantage, which can also be perceived as their disadvantage depending on what you look for in a case. Sleeves can be removed, easily, letting you revel in the sleek, compact beauty of your iPad or sleeker compact beauty of your iPad 2. There’s something to be said for the feel of a naked iPad in your hands, it’s a wonderful thing holding an aluminium slab of Internet and entertainment, and as much as I love the hefty Oberon leather case, is nice to use a sleeve for a change. The downsides is that the aforementioned aluminium goodness is a little cold on a bare, upright leg… Yes, those fleshy things you probably use more to prop up iPads than walking these days. Fortunately the comfy, cozy foofbag steps in here, too, providing a thin cushion between your tablet and yourself. Similarly it makes a good pad between the notoriously curvaceous iPad and a desk.

Where the foofbag falls short is in screen protection. Its a soft bag, and thus doesn’t contain any reinforcement which might stop a blunt object making a meal out of your screen. This probably isn’t that big a deal, however, given that your iPad should always be conscientiously placed with is screen turned in towards the middle of your bag, and a reinforced insert would ruin the feel of the foofbag anyway. Still, there’s a very real possibility that it will fit an iPad 2, complete with a smart cover. A very alluring combination, I think.

Ultimately, the foofbag is one of, if not the, best sleeve cases I’ve tested for the iPad… In fact I think it’s probably the best, as the very fact that nothing immediately springs to mind suggests that nothing before this has really been that compelling. I haven’t actually looked at many sleeve cases, so this isn’t as good a measure as it might sound. But, none-the-less, I really like the endearing, cozy, alterntiveness of the foofbag and will certainly be employing it liberally with my iPad 2, particularly for its ability to protect it in the rather space constained bag I’m using at the moment. Don’t worry Oberon, the iPad 1 will still put the awesome leather case to good use.

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011, iPad, iPad 2.