Looking for a way to bulk up an iPad
September 16, 2011 5:53 PM Subscribe
My elderly mother has and I-pad 2 for large print e-book reading, etc. She has limited mobility in her hands and is bedridden. Does anybody know of a case that makes the edges of the iphone "Bulkier"?
She often has a hard time holding the tablet by the edge with one hand while she navigates the screen with her finger, while also laying on her back in bed.
A stand isn't really an option because she's laying flat in bed and working on her chest, this isn't on a flat, stable surface.
I've searched the internet quite a bit and, as far as I can tell, every case tries to keep to the smooth trim lines of the device. I'm looking to make it less streamlined, but easier for somebody with limited mobility to hold. Heck, even a handle sticking out of the back would be better than the current situation.
She often has a hard time holding the tablet by the edge with one hand while she navigates the screen with her finger, while also laying on her back in bed.
A stand isn't really an option because she's laying flat in bed and working on her chest, this isn't on a flat, stable surface.
I've searched the internet quite a bit and, as far as I can tell, every case tries to keep to the smooth trim lines of the device. I'm looking to make it less streamlined, but easier for somebody with limited mobility to hold. Heck, even a handle sticking out of the back would be better than the current situation.
Have you looked into cases for children and toddlers? Those generally come pretty large (both for extra protection and for maneuverability by things with poorly-developed motor control). Here are a few. These are pretty cute, but kinda stupid.
posted by phunniemee at 5:58 PM on September 16, 2011
posted by phunniemee at 5:58 PM on September 16, 2011
Well,l they may not market for increased size, but that's still a property some have - in particular, cases that try to be super-protective. For example, this Otterbox seems to add a good bit of bulk to the edges.
posted by Tomorrowful at 5:59 PM on September 16, 2011
posted by Tomorrowful at 5:59 PM on September 16, 2011
The ballistic case has similar bulkification properties to the otterbox.
posted by blurker at 6:26 PM on September 16, 2011
posted by blurker at 6:26 PM on September 16, 2011
Sugru?
posted by novalis_dt at 6:26 PM on September 16, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by novalis_dt at 6:26 PM on September 16, 2011 [2 favorites]
Have you tried a case with a hand strap? I have one for my 1st generation iPad and it makes it really easy to hold in any orientation without flexing your wrist or fingers.
posted by TedW at 6:32 PM on September 16, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by TedW at 6:32 PM on September 16, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'd consider some sort of really stable lap desk with a small strip of velcro on it and on the ipad case. I have this which is super comfortable for my laptop and would probably be useful for stabilizing an ipad with as well.
posted by jessamyn at 6:42 PM on September 16, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn at 6:42 PM on September 16, 2011 [1 favorite]
I came here to recommend Sugru as well. You could mold the edges and really build them up, and she could have a "natural" ergonomic grip that works perfectly for her.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:56 PM on September 16, 2011
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:56 PM on September 16, 2011
Definitely Sugru. If you've read Niven & Pournelle's fantastic Mote series, this stuff is pretty much the stuff that Tinkers use to customize objects for specific people.
It's kinda like putty, you can mold it and make a frame for the IPad, then add a handgrip area. Dear old mum grabs it and plays around until it feels the best. Leave it alone for a while and the stuff sets.
Custom personalized case/grip.
posted by porpoise at 7:18 PM on September 16, 2011 [1 favorite]
It's kinda like putty, you can mold it and make a frame for the IPad, then add a handgrip area. Dear old mum grabs it and plays around until it feels the best. Leave it alone for a while and the stuff sets.
Custom personalized case/grip.
posted by porpoise at 7:18 PM on September 16, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Otterbox defender has a rubbery outside and hard shell inside. Definitely bulks up the iPad, but not excessively. "my" school district is using them with some 3rd thru 8th graders.
Also, Case with handle
posted by dmo at 7:34 PM on September 16, 2011
Also, Case with handle
posted by dmo at 7:34 PM on September 16, 2011
If the Otterbox Defender for the iPad is anything like the one for the iPhone, it'll be bulky and clunky and exactly what you're looking for.
posted by radioamy at 9:58 PM on September 16, 2011
posted by radioamy at 9:58 PM on September 16, 2011
From phunniemee's link the HandyShell for iPad 2 has a handle on the back.
posted by ljesse at 10:01 PM on September 16, 2011
posted by ljesse at 10:01 PM on September 16, 2011
Just found this Big Grip with video demonstration.
posted by ljesse at 10:11 PM on September 16, 2011
posted by ljesse at 10:11 PM on September 16, 2011
I have arthritis in my hands, and rubbery cases are easier to hold, and harder to drop.
posted by theora55 at 9:18 AM on September 17, 2011
posted by theora55 at 9:18 AM on September 17, 2011
I use the Otterbox + firm sofa pillow to prop it up against + bunched up comforter to stabilize it.
posted by invisible ink at 10:46 AM on September 17, 2011
posted by invisible ink at 10:46 AM on September 17, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by argonauta at 5:57 PM on September 16, 2011