Don't be a fool, cover your tablet

April 12, 2011 6:02 AM

What's the best brand of cases to protect my fleet of tablet devices?

For my job, we're looking at eventually purchasing around 50 tablet devices, either iPads, Galaxy Tabs, or something in that realm or form factor. The problem I'm running into is not which device, but which case to get for them. These tablets will be distributed to a bunch of tradesmen (plumbers, carpenters, HVAC techs, electricians), and need to be as safe as possible in the field. Weight won't factor a terrible amount into it, because most of the time these are going to be in their work trucks. The only cases I know about are Otterboxen, and I'm sure there are more out there. As far as bang for your protective buck, which case offers the best protection?

posted by deezil to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

Lifeproof cases appear to be kind of totally awesome, if they ever actually move to production...actually waterproof(Otterbox is only splash resistant), shockproof, etc. The iPhone 4 case is supposed to be about in a week or two. No ETA on the iPad case, though they do have a tantalizing picture...
posted by rockindata at 6:28 AM on April 12, 2011

Otterbox is a solid recommendation in my opinion. I like to describe it as the case that Batman would get if he had an iPad.

Other recommendations:
Ballistic
Speck
posted by katybird at 7:04 AM on April 12, 2011

Do not, under any circumstances, get something like the Dodo case. I have something similar and to say the least, it has not been sturdy and the thing falls out. I bought the first wave of iPads and the case failed within a short time.

I myself am in the market for a case with keyboard, preferably.
posted by jadepearl at 7:12 AM on April 12, 2011

I can't vouch for these, but I'm interested enough that I'd consider getting one.
posted by mrs. taters at 7:23 AM on April 12, 2011

For field use, I would get something like the Lifeproof. iPads/Galaxy Tabs are fragile compared to actual ruggedized handheld units, and it's almost impossible to overstate how hard that guys in trucks will be on these units. I used to work for a company that did software for mobile devices, and most field workers tend to treat computers like another tool - they throw them around, they beat them up, they're out in the rain/snow/dirt/dust, etc.

So while I have no specific recommendation as I'm not in that industry any more, I would recommend that you get the most bulletproof case you can possibly find. You will be amazed at the abuse tablets/pads take in the field. Make sure that anything you get is sealed and waterproof, at a bare minimum.
posted by pdb at 8:20 AM on April 12, 2011

Do not, under any circumstances, get something like the Dodo case. I have something similar and to say the least, it has not been sturdy and the thing falls out. I bought the first wave of iPads and the case failed within a short time.


I bought a Pad & Quill to protect my iPad back in Q4 2010, and personally I love it. It's not what you're looking for, though. I use an Otterbox on my phone. and it's rugged.
posted by Michael Pemulis at 11:43 AM on April 12, 2011

Thanks for the recommendations folks!
posted by deezil at 7:30 AM on April 15, 2011