Logitech Hinge and Turnaround: iPad cases with a twist (hands on)

Tablet accessory maker Logitech has long made cases for mobile devices, and two new models for the iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad mini with Retina display are a good fit. I've had them for a while, and they are both thin, light cases with unique features to make the tablet easier to use in any situation.

Logitech Hinge

The Hinge is a simple binder case that looks good enough to use in the workplace. The review model has material around the binder that is blue and white and is secure in the hand.

The iPad Air snaps into the plastic tray that is precisely fitted to the tablet. There are cutouts for all tablet ports and controls.

With the iPad Air in the case it is not much bigger than the tablet alone. It only adds a few ounces to the one pound weight of the tablet, making it one of the lightest cases available.

See related: Tablets at work and play: Consider the weight

Opening up the cover of the binder, which automatically turns on the iPad Air, is when the magic happens. The inside of the cover becomes a base for the stand that supports the iPad in a range of viewing angles. There are no slots in which to insert the iPad Air, the entire surface of this base magically supports the tablet. This results in the ability to arrange the tablet in the configuration that best suits any situation.

The easiest way to use the case as a stand is to open the case with the lid down on the tablet and pull the bottom of the iPad on the side and slide it forward. Position it as desired and you're ready to go.

Using the iPad Air without propping it up is as easy as folding the cover behind the tablet. It is comfortable to use for extended periods in this manner.

Logitech Hinge weight (as per Logitech): 227 g (0.61 pounds)

Pros:

• Professional design
• Quality construction
• Versatile configuration

Cons:

• Slightly expensive
• Hard to remove the iPad from case

Reviewer's rating: 9 out of 10

This has rapidly become one of my favorite cases for the iPad Air. It is available from Logitech for $59.99 for the iPad Air and $49.99 for either iPad mini.

Logitech Turnaround

This is a stylish portfolio case that is as thin as can be. It is constructed of attractive material and feels very secure in the hand when carrying it around. It is not ruggedized yet it protects the iPad Air adequately in typical situations.

The small flap that holds the case closed seals magnetically and easily opens to expose the portfolio. The iPad Air is inserted in a plastic tray that holds the tablet securely and works with a twist — it can be rotated for using the tablet in either landscape or portrait orientations.

The inside of the cover becomes the base for the stand, with several indentations for supporting the tablet. Using the iPad Air in landscape is as simple as opening the portfolio and pulling the tablet into the desired indentation.

Using the iPad Air in portrait orientation requires spinning the tablet into the desired position — it rotates either direction — and putting it in one of the indentations. This works due to a unique round hinge in the tray holding the iPad. It is very stable and it's quite nice working with the tablet in portrait in the stand.

For those times when you prefer to use the iPad Air without a stand, the Turnaround can be used with the cover folded under the tablet. This is quite comfortable and removes the need to pop the iPad Air out of the case.

Logitech Turnaround weight (as per Logitech): 346 g (0.76 lbs)

Pros:

• Professional appearance
• Can be securely carried in the hand
• Ability to use the iPad in either landscape or portrait orientations

Cons:

• Hard to remove the iPad from case

Reviewer's rating: 8.5 out of 10

The Logitech Turnaround will be available in the US in May for $59.99 for the iPad Air, and $49.99 for either iPad mini.

Both the Hinge and Turnaround cases from Logitech protect the iPad Air while remaining thin and light. The Hinge is a solid choice for iPad owners wanting a simple binder. The Turnaround is a stylish portfolio that supports using the iPad in either portrait or landscape orientations.

These cases will be available for the iPad mini and iPad mini with Retina Display, in addition to the iPad Air as tested.

See related:

• Five best tablets of all time
• Five best iPad Air keyboards (hands on): April 2014
• Why you should buy a Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 (review)
• Kensington KeyCover for iPad Air: Keyboard that's skinny and light (hands on)