I know I usually blog about virtualization and cloud, but I came across something that was to cool to not share. I went out for a few drinks with my buddy and he told me about his co-worker that was developing a new iPad case called the Sleeve360. His co-worker was nice enough to give me a demo unit and I wanted to write an honest review. Plus, iPads are becoming an integral part of business strategies and accessing virtual desktops through your iPad are making mobile users more efficient than ever. So I guess this can be chalked up as a virtualization article after all.
When I first got the iPad, my wife ran out and bought the Apple branded iPad Case. It has a nice microfiber texture to it, but once I put the iPad into the Sleeve360, I couldn't believe all the functionality I've been missing out on. I mostly use my iPad while laying down on the couch, and usually had to hold the iPad by gripping the outside of it, or grasping on to the folding cover on the Apple branded iPad Case. With the Sleeve360 I'm able to easily hold the iPad by putting my hand through the strap. This design lets me lay on my back and use one hand to browse and when I need to type I slide my hand out and prop the iPad on my knees. In addition, I'm also comfortable to use the iPad with the while laying on my side, which I could never do with the Apple branded iPad Case one.
The case itself if made of a really nice plastic. I don't know how to exactly describe it, but it feels very much like microfiber. Yet, it's durable enough to keep my iPad in the case without me ever having to worry about it breaking from all the spinning.
In addition, the wrist strap has 2 additional stands hidden inside of it so the iPad can be viewed horizontally or vertically. This case also boasts 2 tabs that can be folded out once the wrist strap is removed for easy typing.
The only negative thing I found about the case is that the about 1mm of the screen is cut off from the top cover. It's not really a hindrance to any functionality, just something I noticed.
I did a video review below so you can see the Sleeve360 in action. Go check out to Sleeve360.com for more videos and to purchase your own. TUAW reviewed the unit as well and gave it a great review.
I will be bringing my Sleeve360 to VMware PEX and Cisco Partner Summit, so if you see me on the show floor, stop me so you can check it out!
My Video Review
The Sleeve360 commercial