Magpul’s Field Case for iPad mini ($27) is the gun accessory manufacturer’s first step from making iPhone cases into creating tablet protectors. Although it’s obviously larger, the iPad mini Field Case is otherwise quite similar to the iPhone 5/5s edition, and those that have come before it. Made of a single piece of molded, rubber-like plastic, the case has a cross-hatched pattern of ridges on the back, and full Sleep/Wake and volume button protection. The color selection was originally smaller than we’ve been used to from the company, but it has grown to include 12 shades, ranging from earth tones to bright primary colors.
Much like Incipio’s NGP and other single-material playthrough-style cases, Field Case is pretty simple. It fits the iPad mini well, and while a handful of the samples we received were clearly designed before the introduction of the Retina iPad mini—they’re lacking a rear microphone hole—most are properly molded. Magpul let us know that all of its Field Cases going forward will have the proper cutout, and if a customer ends up with one without it, the company will happily swap it. Openings for the Lightning and headphone ports are large enough to accept larger plugs than Apple’s, although the Lightning port may be a tight fit with some. Button protection is good, the other openings are well-aligned, and a lip protects the screen from damage.
The price point on Field Case for iPad mini isn’t quite as low as it is for the iPhone editions, but it’s still somewhat aggressive. When we received the first editions of the case late last year, we were hoping for an expanded color lineup and an update to address the Retina display-equipped iPad mini. With those issues having been addressed, Field Case is a good playthrough protector, and earns a strong general recommendation.
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Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Magpul
Website: www.Magpul.com
Models: Field Case
Price: $27
Compatible: iPad mini