iLounge

Speck CandyShell Wrap for iPad

By Jeremy Horwitz

Editor-in-Chief, iLounge
Published: Thursday, January 27, 2011
Category: Cases - iPad

Speck might have a really big deal case on its hands with CandyShell Wrap ($60), which originally debuted at the 2011 CES in Las Vegas. Wrap combines a modestly modified version of the company's substantially protective iPad version of CandyShell with a detachable, folding lid that doubles as a stand. By transforming into a triangle made from hard plastic and soft rubber, the really smart Wrap lid holds the iPad upright for video viewing or on a recline for typing, providing adequate support in either position. It also protects the iPad's screen when it's fully unfolded. On the other hand, CandyShell Wrap's glossy plastic face and back are both very susceptible to the hairline surface scratches that formed patinas on this case's predecessors, and for all of its other virtues, the lid oddly makes no attempt to actively attach itself to the case's right side and stay closed. There's also the bottom Dock Connector flap, which while compatible with Apple's iPad Docks obscures the charging and synchronization port for more common use unless you're willing to flip the whole thing open and closed all the time. So much is right in CandyShell Wrap that it's easy to look past some of what's wrong, and frankly, we like the design enough that we'd actually use it ourselves as-is. Hopefully Speck will create a matte version with a clasping lid and open Dock Connector -- say, a SeeThru Satin Wrap -- as a follow-up.