Though it’s a repurposed netbook case — and not one with particularly Apple-inspired aesthetics — Skooba Design’s Messenger ($50) is an interesting new iPad carrying option in as much as it tracks generally with the shoulder-mounted way we expect lots of people are going to want to carry Apple’s tablet computer; if nothing else, it should inspire discussion over what features iPad users want and don’t want in their cases. Available in four color combinations, Messenger is a courier-style bag with two-tone exterior coloration and a third color for parts of the interior, mixing nylon, neoprene, and foam padding to offer an almost staggering number of different compartments. Seven are accessible with zippers, while ten are either open or sealed with Velcro, offering carrying options for everything from the iPad — loose, we should note — to every accessory thus released for the device save for cases, plus water bottles. An adjustable arm strap sans padding lets you sling it all over your shoulder, and one of the zippers provides quick top access for airport security purposes. It’s easy to imagine a highly streamlined version of this case with more iPad-specific design flourishes becoming the next big hit.
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.
It’s not really an iPad case—the Messenger just happens to be a bag that can hold an iPad. Going forward, we’re not planning on covering many more of these, but it does raise the question of whether people will want to carry the iPad by itself or within something else of this size. If the answer’s the latter, any bag’ll do, we suppose. But ones with more tailored iPad compartments would be nice.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Skooba Design
Website: www.Skoobadesign.com
Model: Messenger
Price: $50
Compatible: iPad (2010)