My hunt for the perfect iPad case carried on even after I had walked out of the Apple store with my brand new iPad. Even though I picked up the Official Apple case, I knew there would be shortcomings based on how I wanted to use the device with the case. I basically wanted a Folio type case that protected and provided easy access for when I wanted to use the iPad keyboard dock. That’s where the Apple case for the iPad failed me. It’s time consuming putting the device in and taking it out, and it’s also a huge dirt magnet. However, my prayers were answered when I came across the Cyber Acoustics IC-1000BK iPad case.
Don’t be put off by the name of this case, folks. This is one of the most sought after cases for the iPad out there even in its simplistic form. Made with actual soft leather, the stitching looks tight and the seams clean with a soft felt-like material on the inside which protects the glass front. Speaking of the interior, it boasts one of the most unique ways of housing the iPad I’ve seen in a case. Tightly stitched onto one side of the case is a flexible gel-like cradle with four corners that holds the iPad in place and also provides the corners with protection in the event of a fall or a knock on a table edges. The four corners provide a good strong hold whilst the rest of the gel-like material acts as a backbone support to the flap.
The front flap is nicely padded, which, I am sure, can offer a decent amount of shock absorption on impact from a fall. The crease allows for it to fold and serve as a low angled prop when typing or watching a movie with the iPad standing in the upright position. On the interior of the front flap an elasticated band offers a stretchy hand strap for when you want to hold the iPad in portrait mode. This band also can also be used for keeping a small micro fibre cloth for cleaning the screen when on the go.
Holding the flap in place when in portrait mode are two reversible straps on either edge. I found these to be very useful, since most other Folio cases I came across during had no means of keeping the front cover in place whilst using the device in portrait mode.
Just like the Official Apple case for the iPad, a small notch at the back of the flap provides the mechanism of securing the front cover, turning it into a stand for viewing or typing. However, the notch could be a bit bigger, as I find it slips off quite easily with the slightest of movements when resting on your lap in typing mode.
All buttons and ports are easily accessible with no major hindrances at all, with the exception of certain times when the edge straps are being used to hold the cover in place (it tends to cover the sleep/wake, and mute buttons — as seen in the picture below). Regardless, due to the elasticity of the straps, you can easily push them over and access the buttons.
The Cyber Acoustic case has all the functionaity of the official Apple case, but without the dirt magnet attribute. It looks more professional with a better feel when held, but also adds just a little bit more bulk. I’ve gone through a few solutions in my quest to find an iPad case that allows easy accessibility while providing full protection. The Speck CandyShell case for the iPad provides a good solution for docking whilst still on the device, but it leaves the front glass panel exposed when not in use.
The Cyber Acoustic case, on the other hand, will not allow for docking, but the easy way of installing and removing the case more than make up for it. When I have the need to relax on the kitchen table and type away using the Keyboard dock, I simply peel two of the rubber corners back and slide the iPad out (literally in a matter of seconds). The same procedure goes for mounting the iPad back on the grips. If you have doubts about how secure the grips are, know that the more I shook the case, the tighter the hold on the iPad seemed to get (I did this while standing on a bed, of course).
Pros
- Secure mounting system
- Easy accessibility
- Great typing and viewing angles
Cons
- Slips off easily from the notch when moved a lot.
Overall, I am very happy with this case — so much so that I haven’t given any other iPad case a second look. This does exactly the job I want it to.
You can pick up one from the Cyber Acoustics website for $39.99/£25.99, comes in two colours, Black and Red.
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The Cyber Acoustic IC-1000BK case was independently purchased by the post author. For further information regarding our site’s review policies, please see the “About” page.
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TAGS: case review, iPad
