There was a time when playthrough cases were much more prevalent than they are now. This style, almost always made out of some form of rubber, wraps around the iPad’s body and usually offers some degree of bezel protection. Moshi’s Origo ($30) is the first such case we’ve seen in a while, and it does a good job of representing the category. Made to fit the iPad 2 and the third-generation iPad, it’s a simple, clean design with a nice touch or two to set it apart from its rivals.
The silicone case is 100% FDA-grade hypoallergenic and contains no harmful chemicals such as Phthalates or BPA, which can be an important consideration, especially for those with young children. Inside, it’s lined with a honeycomb pattern designed to offer shock protection; there’s an obvious comparison to be made here to Incipio’s Hive. The outside is a different story though: the rubber is smooth rather than textured, and a wide swath around the perimeter is raised, creating an easy to grip curved surface akin to a pillow. We really like how comfortable the case is to hold, with the small bump having a surprisingly big effect.
Although we appreciate that the case wraps around the front edge of the iPad and covers a little less than half the bezel, we would’ve liked the fit to be just a little bit tighter. When holding the case, especially with one hand, the sides can tend to slip off. They almost always snap right back into place when released, but it’d be better if they didn’t move as much in the first place. Moshi did a commendable job in molding Origo otherwise, as all of the port openings are if not exactly centered, almost indistinguishably close to it.
As with most playthrough cases, this one does lack full screen protection and stand capabilities. If those features are important to you, than it’s not the best choice. At $30 it’s a nice looking and feeling protective option, and the fact that it’s free of chemicals adds to the overall appeal. We are happy to offer a strong general recommendation.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Moshi/Aevoe
Website: www.Moshimonde.com
Model: Origo
Price: $30
Compatible: iPad 2/iPad (3rd-Gen)
