When the good folks at iGearUnlimited contacted me asking if I’d be interested in reviewing their customized cases I first checked out their website and saw what seemed to be a quality product. Then I watched their promotional video (see below), and was even more impressed. And then I went ahead and ordered a folio style case, and not only continued to be impressed, but now I feel like I can now unreservedly recommend their products to all of our readers here at iPhone Life.
First of all, how great it is to be able to get a quality case for an iPad with an image of your choosing decorating it! The iPad is already so personal to so many of us; it’s a great plus to be able to customize its protection as much as we can customize its innards.
Personally, knowing that I can be rough on my iPad, taking it into some relatively harsh environments, I opted for the folio style case rather that just a skin, which just isn't enough protective coverage for my needs. I was very happy with the integrity and well thought out craftsmanship of iGearUnlimited’s folio case design. While relatively simple, it's the little extra attention to detail and comfort that I always look for and appreciate in any case, and this case certainly delivers.
The outside cover of the folio is where the design of your choosing goes (or on the back of the case if you opt for a skin-style shell with no smart cover) and the texture of the outer case provides a rubberized, non-slip, frosted effect. The ability to have an image that you select on the case is such a neat option. When I went to their site to begin the very easy process of getting my image selected and placed on the case cover, I was glad to see that it was a very straightforward procedure, nothing to be intimidated about even for the most technically averse. Just considering what image to select was a fun and significant affair! After all, it's my iPad we are talking about here, one of my most important and most used tools and toys. What would I pick to decorate such a special device? After much deliberation, and after trying out several design options, including a beautiful lotus from the iOS wallpaper selection and a colorful mandala, I decided to go with my first choice (the fact that the folios only come in white played a factor in my decision as to which design I wanted) and I went with a beautiful image of Ganesh, who you'll likely be familiar with if you've ever taken a yoga class, the elephant-headed deity representing the removal of all obstacles.
I found a beautiful representation from my travels through India and thought that symbolically, it would be sweet to have Ganesh on there to safeguard my iPad, and visually, the whites and blues of the image complimented the white iPad case quite nicely. One word of advice, make sure that whatever design you select has a high enough dpi (dots per inch) resolution so that when blown up to fit the iPad case, it doesn't loose detail or become horribly pixilated. Understandably, I doubt the company is interested in giving refunds if you select a picture that you don't like for whatever reason once you receive it.
Speaking of the arrival of the iGear case, I have to also mention that the company was very quick about getting the iPad case printed and shipped out to me. I had no idea how long the process would take but I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't take long at all, certainly no longer than ordering a case anywhere else.
When I got the case and opened it up, I was in for a treat. The way it feels to the touch is a pleasure. Not only does the exterior of this sturdy case have a grippy, soft touch feel to it, the inside of the folio cover feels like it was lined with a soft felt. I'm a sucker for tactile elegance and here too, this case delivers!
Additionally, the case has little notches in the back that correspond to a small, indiscreet tab on the folio cover, so that you can utilize the case in several convenient viewing angles. The Folio cover also has a magnet embedded so that it serves as a “smart cover” to automatically wake up, or put to sleep your iPad. All in all I'm very happy with my folio case from iGear and the ordering process couldnt have been easier.
