5 iPad Cases for “Serious” Professionals and Businessmen

I’ve been getting a lot of messages on Twitter and Facebook asking about recommendations for iPad cases for professionals and entrepreneurs here in the Philippines. I drew up a short list of cases that are available either in local shops or global brands that ship to the Philippines. These are basically the favorite cases that I’ve seen so far. Some of them I already have while the others… well, I’m still saving up for, haha! Anyway, to be included in the list I used the following criteria:

• The case has to be light and thin. We will be carrying our iPads to and from meetings and presentations.  If it’s not light and thin then it has to be a complete package. It needs to offer other features that we can appreciate.
• The case has to be professional. Unless your company is into funky products then carrying an iPad with a pink silicon skin doesn’t really make a good impression especially during serious meetings (unless your personality and vibe can carry it).
• The case needs to be made from good material. The more premium the material/brand, the better.

Remember that this list is really more for the serious type of people. I’ll make another list which features more fun, spunky, and unique cases that are being offered locally. With that said, here are my top 5 cases for the iPad for professionals and businessmen:

FYI: Click the links to go to the actual reviews/entries posted on Apple Manila.

Apple iPad Case
Available for P2090 in various Apple Resellers nationwide. This case offers the Apple brand, sleek black color and thin material, and it lets you enjoy the iPad in portrait, landscape, and even typing position. Click the link above for the review we did on Apple Manila.

M-Edge Method Portfolio
We just saw this yesterday being sold at A Shop at the Podium. It’s the complete carrying case which you can also just slip in your bag. If holds your iPad, pens, phone, papers, and notepad. Currently being sold at A Shop for P5390. Note that they only have 1 piece left.

Saddleback Leather iPad Case
The leather case that your children will fight over when your dead. For me this is the ultimate, best looking, and premium case that you can get. The material is phenomenal and not only is it classy but it also gives superior protection for your iPad. My only problem is that there’s no typing stand. It’s not available yet in local stores but you can order from the website of Saddleback Leather. They ship to the Philippines. Product cost is $104 USD and shipping will probably be around an additional $40 USD.

SGP Leather Vintage Case
Next best thing maybe to the Saddleback is SGP’s Premium Leather Vintage case. It’s made from fine leather and you can feel and smell that it’s genuine. It’s sold at iStudio branches for P3500. You can also get it from Applewerkz, the official local distributor. His shop is in Katipunan Blue Ridge area. Another alternative for this are the Moshi Concerti Case and the Optima Case.

Macally BookStand iPad Case
This was actually one of my early favorites. It’s made from good material and it looks classy. It’s thin and lightweight. It also offers the functionalities of the Apple iPad case: portrait, landscape, and typing. I’m not sure though if Power Mac Center still carries this. They used to sell it for a little over P3000 (can’t remember the exact price).

And that completes my initial list. I’ll try to come up with more recommendations and suggestions soon.

What about the cases with the cool Keyboards?!

You might be wondering why I didn’t include the Clam Case or Zaggmate. Well, first they’re not available yet. Secondly while these cases look kick ass they’re both trying to turn your iPad into a laptop… which isn’t the point of having an iPad. If you need to type long contracts or do spreadsheets then just whip out your MacBook or laptop and do it there. Besides it will be really hard trying to navigate through Excel/Numbers with just your fingers.