Review: Waterfield iPad Ultimate SleeveCase

If you purchased an iPad a case is practically a required accessory. If you actually plan to take your iPad on the road -- as opposed to just "couching it" at home -- your shiny new device needs some protection. Although the iPad's aluminum unibody construction is quite rigid, one side of it is basically just a 10-inch pane of glass. It would be foolhardy (and possibly quite expensive) to cavalierly toss your iPad into your briefcase, messenger or backpack and leave it in the fateful hands of public transportation, the floor or your car, or God help you, the TSA. I don't leave the house without some sort of case on my Apple devices. While there's an entire anti-case faction that believe that Apple iron should only be operated "in the nude," I'm definitely not one of them. I keep my iPad in the Ultimate SleeveCase (pictured above with leather trim, $59) from Waterfield Designs. I've been using Waterfield sleeves for my MacBooks and PowerBooks for years and their quality and protection are legendary. The Ultimate SleeveCase for iPad fits the device perfectly, offers 360 degree protection, has a convenient side pocket (for your screen cleaning cloth, natch), and best of all it's made in the good old U.S.A.

Cushioned with high-grade neoprene and wrapped in a nearly indestructible ballistic nylon shell, the iPad SleeveCase functions as a stylish stand-alone case or can be inserted into another bag. Impact-resistant plastic protects the screen. Choice of grey Indium or brown, naturally-tanned, leather trim. Optional removable Shoulder Strap and Piggyback accessories pouch available. Custom-fit.

I didn't opt for the strap or the side pouch bag, but that's me. There are numerous configuration options available on the Waterfield Web site. The Ultimate is a great little sleeve that protects the iPad either on its own, or when tucked inside a larger backpack or messenger bag. WaterField Designs has posted product videos for all of its new iPad cases.