Whether you have an Amazon Fire, iPad, Kindle reader or any other tablet, a case or cover can provide protection to your investment. Buying a case or cover might seem like a secondary task but it is actually an important accessory for your device.
There are numerous types of tablet covers available in the market now with different features, designs and price range. The choices are countless depending on the size and model of your tablet.
Factors to Consider
Selecting the right tablet cover can depend on various factors, including the amount of protection you need for your tablet. For instance, if you are clumsy and want to ensure your tablet survives countless falls then you need a tough cover. On the other hand, if you want to add style to your tablet, then you can opt for a creatively-designed cover.
Purpose
Do you need a case so that it stands up on its own? Is it for protection? Mobility? All of the above? Each case has pros and cons and offers one or multiple benefits. Understand why you want a case. That will make it easier to choose.
Reviews
Moreover, it is essential to check out the reviews of the product and the seller to make sure you are getting a high quality case for your device. Even if there aren’t reviews available for cases of your particular model, check the reviews of other tablet cases by the same manufacturer or seller. This would give you a good idea regarding the product’s quality and durability.
Size and Model
It is recommended to get the exact model and size since all tablets aren’t designed the same way. You don’t want to end up purchasing a tablet case which blocks off your charging port or headphone jack. The placement of these ports and jacks can be different in different tablet models and designs. Therefore, check if the tablet case you want is compatible with the tablet model and size you have.
Style and Features
There are countless types of covers with a variety of features and styles. You can find a case that opens like a book, a case that can transform into a vertical or horizontal stand. Covers with frames made of leather or plastic with cuts for ports, buttons, camera depending on the model, four corner straps to hold the tablet securely, as well as covers that wakes up the device when the front cover is opened. Many manufacturers and sellers also offer customized covers where you can select the picture, pattern or design you want on the cover. Moreover, there are covers with keyboards now available for tablets that you can connect through Bluetooth for easier typing.
To think selecting a cover for your tablet would be easy but with so many options and features, it can get confusing to pick the right one. Consider the above mention factors and learn about the types of tablet cases available to make the right decision.
Types of Tablet Cases
With different patterns, colors, designs and features, selecting the right tablet case can be a tricky task. Following are the types of tablet cases you can select from depending on your needs and requirements:
1. Tough Cases
If you are looking for extra protection for your tablet, there a number of cases available that are sturdy, tough and shock resistant that you can choose from. No matter how many times you accidentally drop your tablet or bump it somewhere, these tough cases will ensure your tablet is protected. A typical sturdy case has a soft layer of silicone under the tough layer of hard polycarbonate to absorb the shock and protect the case from sustaining any scratches or other damages.
These cases are usually bulky and weigh more than normal tablet cases. However, they also have a wide range of styles and colors to choose from. You can go with a sophisticated design or go all out with a funky color.
2. Basic and Slim Cases
If you prefer slim and basic designs than there are numerous options available for you. These cases are built to enhance the sleek design of the tablet. Due to their thinness, you can easily fit the tablet in your pocket, which you can’t do if you have a sturdy case as they are bulky. If you are more of a design person then these cases would work great for you.
Moreover, these basic slim cases also offer protection against scratches and your tablet might also be able survive a few falls. These covers offer basic protection, are cost-friendly, and have a variety of designs to select from. You can select from leather cases to translucent ones that can showcase the pretty design of your tablet.
These covers are usually made from a slight malleable and durable material known as TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane), making them shock absorbent and easy to fit in pockets. While it may be tough to fit your tablet in these slim cases, and your tablet might not be as protected as compared to the sturdy cases, you are still bound to find the largest variety of colors and style in this category.
Make sure that you get the right size and cut-outs as poorly-fitted covers can add to the damage, especially around the corners. It is best to also make sure you have a good quality screen protector on the screen of your tablet, especially if the cover doesn’t have a front flap.
3. Folio Cases
These are favorites among the tablet users. Folio cases or wallet cases are pocket-friendly and stylish. They are a great alternative to the basic covers, especially if you want to carry your tablet in the bag. Since these are flip-open cases, it means they always have a front cover which opens like a book. This means your tablet will be protected in your bag or purse from potential scratches.
As for drop protection, they vary depending on the design. Some offer total shell like casing but others have no protection for the corners or sides. Genuine leather could be the best option for these cases but you can also consider cases made from polyurethane (PU). However, it might smell pretty strong and it can also crack with time.
Folio cases also support the wake-sleep function of the tablet. This means your tablet will automatically sleep when you close the front flap and wake up when you open the front flap. Some folio cases also offer magnetic closures that can securely keep the cover close.
There are many folio case designs that you can even use as a wallet in addition to your tablet case. They have slots to keep credit cards, business cards and cash. However, they can’t exactly replace your wallets since over stuffing with cards and cash enhances the possibility of the case unexpectedly opening.
Aside from that, some types of folio cases also offer attached keyboards. They can be connected to your tablet via Bluetooth and allows for easier typing. Mostly, those keyboards are detachable and can also be used with other electronic devices like your smartphone or other tablets.
4. Sleeve / Jacket
If you are looking for protection for your device on the go but don’t necessarily need it otherwise then a tablet sleeve or jacket is the way to go. The tablet sleeves are lightweight and won’t add any extra weight on the tablet or your bag. You can even easily carry it around in your hands.
Tablet sleeve is also a good temporary protection for your tablet while you look for the right tablet cover or case. Moreover, jackets or sleeves are flexible, meaning you don’t have to look for a specific design or size since you can keep your tablet in a sleeve, which is a size or two bigger than your tablet.
5. Tablet Skin
If you are interested in making your tablet stand out more, or if you are interested in unique designs then you should go with a tablet skin. These are laminated vinyl decals that can be applied to the back of your tablet. They can be repositioned and don’t leave behind any marks or residue on the tablet once you remove them.
An important thing to keep in mind when opting for a tablet skin is that they aren’t flexible. This means you need to ensure you order the right model since the cut-outs are especially made for specific designs and can’t be used on other models.
Typically people opt for tablet skins to make their device fun. These aren’t for you if you want more protection for your device, since the most protection they offer are from scratches.
6. Creative Cases
Majority of individuals prefer to purchase the tablet cover when they buy the tablet since it is easier to simply opt for an original and basic cover. However, others prefer to go with covers that are unique, stylish and even customizable.
For this, you can extend your research to online businesses that offer unique tablet covers like crochet ones, fabric ones, and covers that you can design yourself. You can get as creative as you want with your tablet cases or covers with customization. Depending on the creator or seller, these covers can be super durable and even provide basic protection to your cover.
7. Shockproof Cases
We have this case for one of our kids after he broke an iPad. This case is amazing. It’s lightweight, has a carrying handle and you can literally toss the tablet on the floor or against a wall and it’ll be fine. Our 3 year does just that.
It is hard to get the tablet into the case, but once it’s in, you’re good to go. You can power on/off, charge and adjust volume while in the case.
8. Pillow Case
Our older son has this GoGo pillow case and it’s awsome. Not as protective as the shockproof case above, but our older son is 7 and so he’s gentle with the iPad. What rocks about the pillow case is you can sit the tablet up on any surface including your belly when lying down.
The tablet stays in the case reasonably well, but it does fall out from time-to-time. The case also covers the headphone jack, which is a bit of a pain, but otherwise, this is a great case.
With a vast range of tablet covers available in the market nowadays, it indeed gets difficult to pick the right one. However, you can easily get the design and style you want. Whether you want added protection, a fun color, or something completely unique for your tablet, you are sure to find the one that fits your requirement. Simply make sure you get it from a place that offers high quality products to ensure the longevity of the tablet cover.