A tale of two iPad cases: the Dodocase and M-Edge Trip Jacket
If you're like us, one of the first things you wanted to do after getting your iPad was to find a great case for it. Right off the bat, we weren't really that into Apple's offering, which is strangely 90's in its design aesthetic, though it does have a number of decent features if you're looking for a do-it-all scenario and don't have strong feelings on looks. For us, however, the goal was finding something that kept a low profile, shielded the slate from unnecessary grime, and made it easier to deal with. Oh, and we wanted it to look like a book. After reviewing the options, we've come up with two choices that we think are your best bets for turning your iPad into something a little more familiar, so here's our quick take on M-Edge's Trip Jacket, and the stunning, hand-made Dodocase.
Dodocase
As far as we're concerned, this is the Rolls Royce of iPad cases. If it looks familiar, it should -- it's patterned after the popular (and timeless) Moleskine notebook design. We were won over by the aesthetics of it right off the bat, but the functionality and quality of the build really put this over the top. The case itself is handmade and numbered -- it even comes with a hand-written library card and sleeve, further helping to imbue it with an air of understated class. If you're a fan of the Moleskine journals, it will feel entirely natural in your hands (the faux-leather is identical, as is the binding), but the real magic is the construction of the "cradle" area. Instead of using straps or a slip, the tablet is surrounded by hand carved bamboo (with notches in all the right spots for your headphone jack and buttons), and fits inside the case snuggly thanks to four rubber "stops" in the corners. At first we were worried the case could come popping right out, but it seems to be held firmly enough for our uses. Additionally, the shape of the case gives you an additional little slant when you've got the back folded over, so if you're looking to do some typing, you get a little more visibility (though it's not quite enough lift for heavy email sessions or Great American Novel writing). Still, the Dodocase is pure win as far as we're concerned -- unless you're looking for something a little more rugged or packed with storage, you'll be hard pressed to find a better way to lose $49.99. One note -- you may be in for a wait as the company is currently slammed with orders for the case, so get in now, and try to be patient.
M-Edge Trip Jacket
We first spied this case before the iPad was available, and it didn't take long to get one in our hands and take it for a test drive. For the most part, it does decent duty at keeping your iPad in a book-like position, and like the Dodocase, it's reminiscent of Moleskine notebooks, though is quite a bit more padded and less stiff than its analog counterpart. We like much about the design of the Trip Jacket, and we really liked the fact that it was available in multiple colors, but there were some minor issues as well. For starters, the straps which hold the iPad in place are in a pretty inconvenient position in the upper-right corner of the device -- when we first turned it on in the case, the volume jacked all the way because the strap was pressing in on it. You can wiggle the strap to an okay spot in between the rocker and orientation-lock switch, but it does tend to slide if you're not keeping an eye on it. Additionally, the strap which holds the case closed had a little too much slack for our tastes, though it generally stayed out of the way. Besides those small issues, the case itself is well made, though admittedly we prefer the firmness of the Dodocase to this softer material. We did like the fact that the Trip Jacket provides some additional storage on the opposite side of the pad, and it certainly keeps your device locked in place (unlike the Dodocase, there's zero fear of the pad ever leaving the snug straps). It's also a bit cheaper -- clocking in at $39.99 -- so you can save a few bucks for the tablet's pricier apps.
These are just a couple of our favorites we wanted to point out. We know there are a ton of options out there, and would love to hear what you guys are using to keep your investment safe. Sound off in comments and let us know!
Dodocase

M-Edge Trip Jacket

These are just a couple of our favorites we wanted to point out. We know there are a ton of options out there, and would love to hear what you guys are using to keep your investment safe. Sound off in comments and let us know!






























why?
@Coke because they can and they are not afraid too :P
@Coke I think it is a "cool" way to conceal and protect your iKotex. I like the one that looks like a book
@Coke
Makes it harder to tell that you're actually using an iPad.
@Coke
very bad product name they might as well call it poopcase. icase is a little cheesy but its better than dodocase
@Coke If it needs a case, they blew it.
I just got my Incipio FEATHER iPad case in the mail the other day and absolutely LOVE it. It's not a fold up case like these but it is super thin and very high quality and matches perfectly with my Incipio FEATHER iPhone case!
@Lord Dark Helmet
You mean if it needs a case they made money. :P
@arrgh
Those look pretty slick. I did a review of the Incase Convertible Jacket vs. the Standard Apple case: http://theurbangeek.com/2010/04/08/theurbangeek-ipad-case-fight/
Also, the folks over at Hard Candy Cases sent me a case to review which I'll be posting shortly.
Cloak case still wins
http://www.quirky.com/products/30-Cloak
@benny90 Do you know if it fits into the dock with the case on it??
@TikiTeko
Both are very cool, but all iPad cases should have some type of stand device/flap/whatever.
At that point, why not just get a netbook, the design itself includes a lid to protect the screen.
Is the iPad's screen not scratch proof?
@Ducman69
Because netbooks suck? I thought that had been made abundantly clear by now.
@Ducman69
because an iPad and a Netbook are totally different
@Ducman69 because consuming and the daily use of content on an ipad is worlds apart from netbooks & co... that's why :)
@Ducman69
Are you actually asking what the point of a case is for a mobile electronics device or just playing dumb? I'll answer anyway: Cases are often used to provide protection from scratches, bumps, dings, etc. Sometimes people use cases or back packs to store other items along with their mobile device. Other times people buy cases purely for their ascetic merits as a way to personalize their device. If you need any other help please let me know. I'll be happy to explain basic things to you.
@Ducman69
A netbook is a small laptop. An iPad is not.
Some people say the iPad is just a giant iPod Touch... but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Pick up an iPad. Find out what it *can* do. It's pretty remarkable.
"Why not get a netbook" is a silly argument. They're not the same type of device.
Just wait... the same manufacturers who now make netbooks will soon be making tablets. Are they wrong?
@Ducman69 At this point, why don't people who keep saying that get the point? Who cares. Yeah, it's just the same as a netbook if you try to protect it and give it a thin lid - sure. Tell yourself that.
No. Yes, there's no physical keyboard, it doesn't run Flash but it's also 1.5 pounds and ultra-thin, 10-hour battery, fast... lots of reasons to pick it over a netbook. And not everyone wants a netbook.
Something new is here. Get used to it.
@Jack STEVE JOBS SAYS IT, IT MUST BE TRUE.
Seriously though netbooks rock. I love my Dell Mini hackintosh, it runs as well as any mac I've ever used and was 1/3 the price of Apple's cheapest offering (220$ with a 16gb ssd, 2gb ram upgrade was 20$ at the time).
@(Unverified)
All of this coming from someone that paid over $500 for something that doesn't even have a usb port! Silly Apple zombies!! Just 1 out of a million suckers born in 28 days!
Honestly, why all the hating on the Apple cover? I think the easel function is vremarkably practical and it doesn't look bad at all, IMHO. It's a bit pricier than it should be, but what Apple branded products aren't?
@anonamiss
Its destroyed easily (doesnt retain shape), hard to remove the iPad from the case, gets dirty easy, low quality making (glued together).... I can go on and on. I returned mine after using it for a few hours.
"If you're like us, one of the first things you wanted to do after getting your iPad was to find a great case for it. "
I'm definitely not like you guys then...
@rhackin tru dat
Love the one that looks like a book! makes it so easy to hide!
@Stevenk
Actually, put a keyboard that can attach on the inside of that cover and call it revolutionary, better than a netbook.
Still, with these soft cases, I wonder if the inevitable will still happen when you drop it.
I ordered my Dodo yesterday. Can't wait for it!
@jinushaun
wow mine just kind of come unannounced...usually right when a movie starts or while standing in line at Wal-Mart
@yulebellow thanks for making me laugh :)
@jinushaun What are you constipated?
@Stevenk
Maybe he meant he ordered a Double Down
waste of money
@Marius Everything is a waste of money except shelter and food, but please tell us what you spent your gold on milord. /sarcastic
@Marius
Unless it's your money I'm not sure why you'd care?
@Marius waste of perfectly good disdain
@ttringle Your sister.
Kidding aside, I'm surprised they didn't just stick one in a manila folder, heh.
Now if this case was made for a new HP WebOs tablet or an Android tablet I doubt there would be much backlash. The thing needs a case. These are cases. It's all good.
@Waltah Usually cases are so you can conveniently carry the device along w/ the power chord, external mini-mouse, and whatever other little nick-nacks.
This doesn't really accomplish anything except add weight and bulk.
Does the iPad screen scratch that easily?
@Ducman69 Except the whole point to the iPad is that you don't need to carry around any said "nick nacks". I don't own an iPad, but I do own a thin and light notebook (Vaio Z), and the best notebooks/tablets are those that have a good enough design that you don't need an extra battery, a charger, a mouse, and other "nick-nacks".
@Ducman69
I don't know that you really have to carry a power cord with the battery life it has. There really aren't any extras one might have to carry other than maybe some headphones.
@Ducman69 No, actually the iPad screen doesn't scratch even if you try to with a freaking nail.
@glibglop Oh ok, thats good to hear then. Makes these cases rather pointless then.
Seriously, these two cases are fugly. I know the Apple one ain't cheap but man, it has these beat hands down.
We can just wrap them with brown crate paper like our textbooks in high school. That is the height of style and protection. Then you can marker them up and make them your own. "Skool Sux!"
@qiodhala I lovd drawing on brown paper textbook covers. Best part about textbooks, if you ask me!
That Dodocase looks pretty damn cool.
Ok, so, this makes it look less like from the '90s? o_O
Incase has ipad cases... I'm not sure if they've started shipping yet... IMO they are the best option to cover/ enclose your junk... Maybe I'm not hip enough for these 2
I love the Patented bubble gum corner friction mounts. A simple yet elegant solution to life's pointless problems.