Using soft, deliberately weathered brown leather on the outside and a more conventional suede-like microfiber inside, United SGP’s new Vintage Edition Leather Case for Apple iPad ($73) is one of the nicest-looking leather cases we’ve yet seen for the iPad, though also one of the least protective of its sides, top, and bottom, exposing metal on every edge. The case flips open to reveal the iPad on the right side of its frame, and uses a relatively passive clasp to stay closed; a hump on the back provides a nice finger grip when carrying the iPad inside.
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.
Unlike Sleeves, which keep an iPad inside for slip-out use, this collection of iPad cases has been designed to split open and reveal the device—generally for use while still in the case.
There are such similarities between these cases that we’ve put them into groups solely for the purpose of indicating which we think are standouts, and which basically blur into each other.
Vintage Edition Leather Case is a Top Pick. The most reasonably priced luxury flip case for iPads is this one, which mightn’t be the most protective of the cases in this bunch on any side, but has fantastic-looking and -feeling leather with substantial accessory compatibility.
