Provides: iPad protection and display
Developer: NewerTechnology, Inc.
Minimum Requirements: First gen iPad
Price: $24.95
Availability: Now

Whether you've owned an iPad for a while now or just hopped on with the iPad 2, you should know your options for portfolio style protection are numerous. Different colors, different materials, different ways of standing your iPad on display, they all seek the same goal—to protect your iPad and look good doing it. So, how do you decide which one you want? You look at the details, as Newer Technology did with The Pad Protector for the first gen Apple iPad.

The Pad Protector is available in soft black or red leather. Unlike some other portfolios I've tried, both the exterior and the frame that holds your iPad are made of durably stitched leather. The inner flap that covers the screen when closed and the backing of iPad frame, however, are lined with a soft suede to protect the screen and back from scratches and scuffs. The iPad fits snugly inside the frame, but is easy to remove when you want. The entire top is open, while the bottom contains accurately sized openings for the dock port and the speaker.

What I really like about this particular design are the magnets that latch the flap shut. I'm surprised by how many portfolio cases don't include a latching mechanism to prevent the cover flap from opening. That won't happen here. And because Newer Technology went with magnets, you don't have to fumble with straps or velcro, or deal with buttons ruining the look of the case or creating snag points.

The flap also serves a stand, allowing you to fold it back for a slight rise while typing. You can also tuck it into another flap on the back to create a display angle, as shown in the image above.

Unfortunately, you only get these two angles, neither of which worked too well for me. Also, there's no pocket in the case, which I like to have for small documents (such as airline tickets when at the airport). And when you fold back the cover to use the iPad, the spine creates a slightly uncomfortable grip.

Still, this is otherwise a well-designed, well-made case that's also well worth the $25.00 price tag (especially considering the included screen protector). The Pad Protector is not my favorite portfolio case, but at that price, it's one of the easiest to recommend.