Without actual hardware samples to use for testing, many iPad case developers have improvised with sleeve-style designs that needn’t be tailored to a hundredth of a centimeter of perfection, and the results are like this: Belkin’s Max Sleeve for iPad ($40) is a nylon-fronted, neoprene-backed case with three zippers. Two open Max Sleeve’s main iPad-holding compartment, which features soft, padded neoprene inside, and the third opens an otherwise hidden front pocket, ingeniously designed to expand using a series of pleats that run like stripes on the case. Accessories or an iPod can be stored in the front pocket. The black and white version here is one of two color schemes, with a two-tone purple case as an alternative.
On May 13, 2010, iLounge published The Complete Guide to iPad Cases and Protection, a multi-page comparison of over 70 different iPad cases and film protectors, sorted by genre. The following details were added to this piece by that comparison article; please click on the link above for additional comparative discussion of similar protective options.
We typically steer clear of recommending sleeves for iPods and iPhones, but iPad users may find that they make more sense. The concept is to totally envelop the iPad inside protective material, using a flap or zipper to open and release the device when it’s needed. In almost every one of these cases, the designs speak for themselves—you either like how they look, or don’t—so we’re sorting them by price and focusing our brief notes on fit and scope of protection, with bare opinions otherwise.
Does Max Sleeve fit? Yes. Is everything protected? Yes, and the zipper has nice padding to keep away from the iPad’s edge. The front zipper pocket has enough space to hold headphones and power accessories.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Belkin
Website: www.belkin.com
Model: Max Sleeve
Price: $40
Compatible: iPad (2010)