KidBox-carryable case for iPad/ iPad Mini by Kay's Case

KidBox by Kay's Case ($32.99 -$35.99 at time of review)
For iPad 2, 3, 4 or iPad mini
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Update: April 2014- FYI I wrote this review nearly a year ago...and my KidBox is still holding up GREAT!

Photos of KidBox on iPad mini

This probably wins the overall gold star for carryable cases for moderate protective needs. (More carryable case options here.) It is lightweight but strong, has a comfy handle that doubles as a stand, and is easy to get on and off. No matter where I go, I get stopped when the KidBox is on. It is a great option for kids who may drop an iPad every now and then, but are generally conscious of the need to be kind to it. It is also a wonderful option for educators working with children. I do recommend purchasing a screen protector to apply to the screen- when one of my students scratched up the screen with the wrong end of a stylus, and I then realized I had a screen protector on, phew- I was definitely relieved.

 

I also should mention that one of my preschoolers decided to forcefully knock my iPad off the table in a KidBox case, and while I wouldn't recommend trying it on purpose, my iPad survived! Yay! The handle/stand feature is one of my favorite aspects of this case. It is so clever and easy to use. I often use the handle in landscape position to enter data, or when I am working one on one or with little ones, sitting on the floor. During group lessons, I stand the iPad up in landscape position or grip it by the handle while facing the iPad toward my students.

This case is really easy to take on and off, if needed. You won't really need to actually- the ports are all super easy to access, and so is the camera. (The headphone access takes a bit of finesse, but is also manageable).  To put the case on, you just slide the iPad in through the opening opposite the handle area, and do the opposite to remove it. I love how easy it is to charge. There is a flap that you flip up to expose the charging port. I was skeptical about the little flap, thinking it may tear, but it has many months and it still flips back into place each time. Obviously if you have a kiddo who likes to play with such appendages, you will have a different story to tell. 

When I first got the KidBox, there were two colors to choose from, the color choices have now grown. Here's a blog post from the developer highlighting the different colors available. FYI, the pink is closer to a hot pink, and black is now available for iPad 2, 3 and 4 (coming soon for iPad mini too, I believe) http://kayscase.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/best-ipad-case-for-kids/

and here is a video of the KidBox in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haUjVVDpw4k


What I Love:
Sturdy but lightweight material
Easy to grip and carry
Handle doubles as a stand
Provides good drop protection
Easy access to all ports
Variety of fun colors (although I love BLACK personally)
http://kayscase.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/best-ipad-case-for-kids/
and here is a video of the KidBox in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haUjVVDpw4k

Wish List:
A built-in protective film for the screen to keep out liquids
A snap on lid to better protect the front from damage when in transit

Photos of KidBox on iPad2 :

 

 

 

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For a comparison of KidBox and a dozen other carryable cases, see here:

Gripcase iPad & iPad Mini case

Gripcase by Gripcase USA
(for iPad 2, 3, 4 or iPad mini $34.99 - $39.99 ; optional stand is $19.99) Share This on Twitter

GRIPCASE FOR IPAD AIR AVAILABLE VIA PREORDER NOW!!

This has to be the lightest at 7.05 ounces! Obviously this won't be providing as much screen protection with its more open design, but it should protect (actually I should say has protected) from accidental drops.  The openings on each side of the case serve as handles; all the ports/buttons are easily accessible. There is also an optional stand available. I could see this case being perfect for relatives and friends who hand your kid their iDevice with no case (or is that just mine?)- slip this puppy on easily and have more peace of mind. You don't really want to pay back Grandpa for his broken iPad, do you?

Gripcase is an affordable, lightweight, protective iPad case for children and adults. It has quickly become a favorite of mine. Did I mention again how light it is?  It is a dream! I was a bit worried about the openness of the screen but the wide lip and handles around all edges of the case do offer really good drop protection- I dropped it because I decided to not use the handles and stack it on top of a pile of books I was holding- not recommended but passed the test with flying colors!
If you have a kiddo who likes to drop things on to the screen that is a point you will need to consider. If there are difficulties with spitting/drooling, you will definitely want to invest in a quality screen protector.  There is easy access to all ports and this case is very easy to put on, and of course easy to remove, although not unintentionally- the iPad is very snug inside the case and I have had no worries about it coming out on its own.  You'll just want to make sure the person using this is able to follow ground rules about keeping the case on. 

Here is a great video highlighting how protective Gripcase is: http://vimeo.com/32463627

The material used for Gripcase is soft but firm if that makes sense- and of high quality.  I think it has held up really well to my child's occasional biting habit too.

 I absolutely love how there are handles all around the case.  There is also a nice give to the handles. They are flexible and when the iPad is resting on your lap they bend to fit against your waist comfortably- no poky handles here.  In fact, this is the case I have seen my son get into the most odd (comfy) positions ever.  This lightweight case with handles on sides certainly allows my tiny 5 year old to use the iPad more freely.  We also were able to easily attach a strap (not included) to the case and carry it over the shoulder in landscape or portrait position.

 

For table use, Gripcase has a great optional stand accessory that also doubles as a charging station- there is room to store an iPod or iPhone and some cables in it, which I really enjoy.  The stand is sturdy but fairly light- light enough to take with you if needed. As it is a bit bulky, it would be good to have it remain at home or in the classroom (If you are looking for something more portable for on the go, you can purchase lightweight folding stands at stores like Office Depot.)

What I love:

Lightweight!!
Optional Stand w/space for cords/ iPhone or iPod
Flexible but strong
Handles on all sides of case
Easy to put on
Easy access to all ports
Good drop protection

Wish List:

Built in screen protector
An optional portable stand
An optional shoulder strap accessory

For a comparison of a dozen plus Hand-y Cases, see here.

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iMonster iPad case by Stormcup

iMonster by Stormcup
(for iPad 2 and up) Share This on Twitter

This is definitely the most adorable case of the bunch- I have seen the cute iGuy before, but you have to admit, this is way cuter. It also comes in several colors and is pretty darn sturdy. I almost lamented that it didn't come in my favorite color black but then thought, really, a black monster? Nah! Mine came in lime green and the kids love it.  Watch a video of someone trying to shake an iPad out of its iMonster case here. It stays put.

 This case is definitely my kids' favorite pick! The cute factor is way up here, and coupled with lots of bouncy material for drop protection, this is a pretty neat find!  This is another case I get stopped and asked about- the kids love it!  The material is high quality; the handles are really easy to grip and they don't feel flimsy at all- they are just the right combination of flexible and firm. I could see this going through a lot of use and standing strong.  I really think this would make the perfect case for a pediatric setting where the iPad is being introduced for therapy activities- the kids are really excited to play with the iMonster.

What I love:
Fun Factor!
Flexible but sturdy handles
Self standing
Easy to put on
Easy access to ports

Wish List:
Would like it to be harder to remove (know your user- this may be totally fine)
Some kind of snap on screen protection

Also worth mentioning: My case did come with a Christian book for children, something the website is very open about. It didn't bother me, just wanted to give a heads up in case it is a concern for someone else- I plan on passing the book on to a friend.

 

For a comparison of a dozen plus handy cases for iPad & iPad mini, see here:

GoNow case for iPad and iPad Mini by Attainment Company Inc.

GoNow Case by Attainment Company, Inc.
For iPad 2, 3, 4 or iPad mini 
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 The GoNow case has been updated! New colors, "Rugged"options and optional accessories including a strap, screen protector, and a cover/stand!

From the makers of iOS app GoTalk Now , this easy to grip case has a really neat feature- a speaker that naturally amplifies sound without the need for batteries. I was skeptical but very hopeful, so tried it for myself. Using the same app and settings on both, I compared an iPad2 in a GoNowCase to an iPad2 in a Griffin Survivor... the volume of the iPad in the GoNow case was most definitely noticeably louder! Loudness Demo here. I tried this with several other cases with the same results. Another benefit is the material. For chewers, this plastic may be just the trick! The case actually screws on for extra security while keeping access to all ports open.


The GoNow case can be held in either horizontal (using your own strap with provided holes)
or vertical position (using built in handle)

GoNow for iPad is at the top left and bottom right; other images are GoNow for iPad Mini.

Both the iPad and iPad mini version of the GoNow case have a handle to carry the iPad in portrait position, and holes to add a strap to carry in landscape position.  I am not quite sure which standard straps might fit so I haven't bought any, although the case is clearly set up to allow a strap to be added. The plastic is thick and may not fit most latches/carabiners etc. but I found a strap of my own that I could string through with no problem.

 

 



The case itself (iPad version pictured above) is a durable, quality plastic- this should be a super option if this case is for someone who loves to chew on everything!  Another great feature that keeps the case on is the screws- It is easy enough to put on/take off with  a Phillip's screwdriver handy.  The screws are designed so if they become loose they will not fall out of the case either, so no worries about losing them in the carpet and having to buy replacement screws.

 

There is also a button on the case to wake the iPad's screen. You just slide it to make the screen active or put it to sleep (This feature is located in different positions on the iPad and the iPad mini versions).

 

I love the sound amplification feature on this case. This is so very helpful when working in noisy preschool classrooms and crowded places! I am still amazed at how this works, but it does. There are no batteries- the sound is just directed through the case in a way that amplifies everything significantly. On the iPad case the "speaker" is offset to the left of the case and is circular, on the iPad mini, there are two small "speaker" openings where the charger port plugs in.

 GoNow for iPad Mini is on the left; middle and right images are GoNow for iPad.

Plugging in the charger was a bit hard at first but is now easy to do. I am however, concerned with the process to get the plug out after charging on the iPad mini version, as the charger is so much skinnier- there is very little to grasp when taking it out, and I resort to pulling the cord. You may be able to find tweezers to help pull it out from the base of the charger-it is what I plan on doing. I would love to see a wider cut out around the charger area, so we can grab the base of the plug to pull it out, instead of pulling on the cord and possibly damaging it.
 

I have been trialing the iPad mini GoNow case with a Gab n Go Harness system -it works great attached to it in landscape mode. (See picture below) More about the Gab n Go Harness here

 

 

What I love:
a high level of protection
a volume enhancer - it really works, no batteries needed!!
durable plastic is harder to chew on
easy to clean
hard for a child to remove- requires screws to open it, yet all ports and buttons are accessible
a recessed area to write your Name/Contact Info
no-slip grips on the bottom


Wish List: an optional strap kit of some sort with clips FULFILLED!
a larger cut-out around charger port (iPad mini)
a screen protector to keep spills out and scratches away FULFILLED!
I miss having a stand when using this- would love to see an optional stand accessory available. FULFILLED!

 

 

This is one of the show stoppers. People ask "Where did you get that?" when I take it out and about with me.

 

 

For a comparison of the GoNow and a dozen other carryable cases, see here:

Tabtoob case by Cnuffle

Tabtoob by Cnuffle Share This on Twitter
for iPad 2, 3 or 4



This is one of the lightest cases, the chunky foam is easy to grasp; an optional strap easily attaches too! When using it, you flip over the protective foam lid to the back of the case- upon which it becomes a stand! The lid can be positioned to use the iPad in different orientations. Visit the Tabtoob website to see a video of Tabtoob in action-being dropped and tossed, the thick rails surrounding the iPad screen seem to do a really good job of protecting it. I feel comfortable allowing my child to use an iPad in this. Did I mention how lightweight it is?

When the Tabtoob arrived,  I was surprised at how light it was.  I love how it comes with a screen cover for when the iPad is not in use. This screen cover actually doubles as a stand- when you are ready to use the iPad, you can flip it over to the back of the case.  The case came with instructions on how to use the stand; what was hardest for me was just getting the iPad in- it is a really tight fit and was a bit of hard work.  I think this is good as it would be very, very difficult for a child to remove- this took team work between my husband to get the case on and off.  It's a bit of a catch 22 as if it becomes easier for us parents or caregivers to get out, it will become easier for our kiddos too.
If you have plans to keep the case on permanently this should not be an issue- you will have access to all ports. If you want a case that will be switched with another often- such as with a loan library situation, or to put on a visiting relative's iPad, you will need help removing this often.

What I love:
It's so lightweight!
It has a stand that doubles as a screen cover when not in use.
It has a easy to use, removable strap system!
Inexpensive

Wish List:
More finished edges- due to the way it is manufactured, the seams are a bit rough and there are a couple of tiny spots of glue.
 It is really hard to get out, but I won't recommend changing this; it will keep the iPad safe from little fingers!  I do worry about the strip of hard velcro on the inside of the case- it is tricky getting the case in and out while protecting it from this at the same time.
I would love some kind of snap-in screen protector to protect from minor spills and sticky fingers etc.

For a comparison of the Tabtoob and a dozen other carryable cases, see here: