Although it looks like any of the dozens of plastic shells we’ve received over the past few years, The R* Case ($26) from Touchns is actually a bit different than the others. It snaps on the back of your third-generation iPad the same way, and does a fair job of covering the tablet’s scratchable aluminum. The thing that stands out is the pair of rubber rails that run vertically down the back, providing mounting solutions that some may find useful, and anyone will find surprisingly inexpensive given other iPad wall-mounting options. Touchns’ case comes in blue, white, pink, and green.
R* Case falls right in the middle of the iPad shell pack in protection. Rather than running all the way to the rear four edges, it stops a bit short of all of them and leaves some of the silver metal exposed. There are indentations for the headphone port, microphone, Sleep/Wake button, side switch, volume rocker, and Dock Connector port, as well as room to attach a Smart Cover; unlike similar shells, this one doesn’t leave a big gap between the optional lid’s spine and the plastic. One thing that we’re not big fans of—and Apple’s lawyers likely aren’t either—is the Apple logo-shaped cutout on the back. As we’ve always said, there’s no reason to leave the center of the tablet exposed, and if past history’s any guide, this particular shape may need to be changed at some point in R* Case’s production run.
The case’s plastic rails are actually really unique, and pretty interesting. Seven inches long, they’re both lined with rubber so that they’re not slippery. Touchns suggest they make it easier for a user to hand-hold the iPad, but we didn’t find them to make a big difference in that regard. Rather, it’s the 5.5” channels and included mounting components that stand out: every R* Case comes with a four-inch plastic square bracket that attaches to packed-in suction cups or wall screws. These enable you to attach the mount to a flat surface, with a masking sheet—a square sticker—covering up the outward facing end. Once the bracket is installed, the case can simply slide onto it and off of it as needed. It’s also VESA and Claw 4hole mount compatible, further extending the mounting options.
For iPad users in need of a way to mount their tablets in unusual ways not offered by traditional stands, R* Case is worthy of serious consideration. The price is very affordable—a little lower than the average cost of a Smart Cover-compatible shell, and much less than comparable mounting solutions—and it includes all the pieces you need for wall installation. We hope that the second edition of the case offers better body protection for day-to-day use, but as it is, Touchns’ case earns a strong general recommendation, largely on the strength of its unusually low price. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to throw your iPad up on the wall, this is a good option to consider.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Touchns
Website: www.touchns.com
Model: The R* Case
Price: $26
Compatible: iPad (3rd-Gen)
