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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Review: Big Grips Frame & Cases for iPad (Hipster), iPad mini (Tweener)and iPod Touch (Buddy)

Big Grips Cases & Accessories for iOS Devices Share Via Twitter

*Pictures are of my own sons to protect privacy of my students*

 

Continuing the quest for the perfect carryable case for iPad, I present Big Grips products. I was already familiar with the colorful, protective iPad cases Big Grips has from hearing about them in the special needs community. When I found out there was an accompanying case for the iPad, The Hipster, I got really excited about the prospect of trying one out. I had a particular student in mind for this combination, and have been very pleased with the results. Big Grips also sent me a Tweener case for iPad mini, as well as a Big Grips Buddy for iPod touch, which have been equally as handy.

The Big Grips / Hipster carrying case combination has been the best solution I have found to work with a student who is still learning how to handle an iPad, and is just "rough" with it. If the iPad were not in the Big Grips case, nestled inside a Hipster carrying case strapped over my shoulder, I am certain it would have gone flying quite a few times in the process. But we are making progress; he is able to manipulate the screen and is using sign language to communicate his desire for the iPad. The most exciting part is this is a student who previously had not had success with previous devices in part due to concerns about damage to the device and safety of others. There is also an optional stand available of the same thick, high-quality material. If I had an iPad that stayed in one classroom I would find it very handy to hold up the iPad, but because I move around a lot from room to room, I would prefer a less bulky, more portable option.

Big Grips Frame (iPad)(case pictured is for iPad 2 and up at time of publication, also available for original iPad)

 

What I like:
Easy to put on
Grippy, thick protective material
Easy to clean
Cut-outs for all ports, buttons, camera

Wish List:
less bulky frame
Integrated screen protector
Wider cut-out to make charging easier
 A smaller, less bulky stand for more portability


Big Grips Hipster Case (iPad)

What I like:
comfy, wide strap for carrying
sturdy, stain resistant material
Rubberized non-skid  bottom
versatile- use in car for video viewing etc.
stays put!- no flying iPads when working with students
plenty of storage for cords, wallet, phone, keys, styli etc.
access to sleep button, camera, headphone port

Wish List:
cut out to make charging easier with Big Grips Frame and Hipster carrying case on (to combat the laziness I have pictured above, right.)
a flap to cover the velcro, which catches on clothing at times when open)
separate zippers for the two compartments in the back of the case

Big Grips Tweener Case (for iPad Mini)
 

The Tweener case feels super! It is a smooth but grippy material.  It seems very sturdy and protective, yet it is fairly lightweight and much less bulky than its iPad counterpart.  The iPad mini feels well protected from drops in this case.  If you have an iPad in a Big Grips Hipster Case too, there is plenty of room for an iPad mini with the Tweener case on- it will slide into the zippered front flap pouch.  I also love resting it on top of my iPad in its Big Grips case.


What I like:

lightweight but sturdy
grippy, comfy material
easy access to all ports,buttons, camera
stand with handy storage spot

Wish List:
Built-in protective screen
Its own little carryable case like the Hipster would be amazing!

Big Grips Buddy Case (for iPod touch)

The Big Grips Buddy Case is a winner with its lightweight, handy design! I threaded a carabiner and lanyard through the hole provided in the Buddy case and can now wear an iPod touch wherever I go. This has been wonderful for taking data in the classrooms- I am often down on the floor playing with my preschoolers- no more iPod left behind as I move around the room- it just stays around my neck. This is also very helpful when in a public place, as I can have more peace of mind handing it to one of my own kids to use.  I give it to my son to wear during our bedtime routine.  He likes to use a tooth brushing timer app to show him where to brush, and I don't feel nervous about the iPod dropping in the sink or toilet.
 

What I like:

very lightweight

grippy, comfy material

hole to loop lanyard or carabiner through
If you have a Tweener stand, the Buddy case fits it too!
 

Wish List:

a hole on both sides of the case to be able to use the case around the neck in a more stable position

a little too easy to remove- perhaps material could be a bit less flexible

 

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

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: