macally metrolpad

[TheLee]

after finally receiving my ipad recently and using it around, i've decided that a folio actually makes little sense for my use cases (i'm constantly flipping it around into different positions), and I need to start looking at shells. that being said, the ilounge case guide had some really positive things to say about the macally metrolpad. however, after reading through the macally bookstand thread, i'm deeply concerned about macally's build quality, so i'm wondering if there are any owners here that can attest to or damn the build quality of the metro(l)pad.

 

[SchneiderMan]

Well I can tell you that there is almost nothing positive about the Metrolpad. Don't know what iLounge was smoking.. They clearly did not review it.
So read my review before you decide to purchase.

 

[gigaguy]

I have to agree, it's okay but not a standout... tho, I have not been impressed by most others either. at least it is not $50 like some other plastic ones. maybe that's partly why iLounge picked it #1 in shell cases. ?

It is not grippy at all, is very hard to get off, you have to find something to pry it off once you get a small gap. the black rubber trim is not as grippy as I want and is too hard.
oh yea, the volume buttons are covered and hard to use, and the rotation lock is hard to push. and the bottom edge trim is getting flimsy.

It's okay if you can get it nearer to $20.

I don't understand how these big companies that have made cases for years, for the iphone and others, can seem to be so clueless about a useable case for the iPad.
I still think the Apple case is the best thing out there, but apple had longer to design it I guess. it's odd really.

 

[vynn]

For just a basic shell style case check out the ones by case-mate. My wife uses one and loves it. They're made of a TPU material so they aren't lint magnets like many silicon cases, plus they provide a nice tight fit and don't make the iPad feel flimsy/squishy whe you hold it alone the edges. All controls are open which I liked since covered buttons can feel unresponsive and they can even cause them to be pressed by the case when you don't want them pressed.

Edit: They're called Gelli btw and they are definitely a bit pricey at $40 unfortunately.

Edit 2: These looks like a good, inexpensive alternative case to the case-mate and also TPU material:

http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Cryst...2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1275617961&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Tablet-Premium-Crystal-Silicone-Protector/dp/B003E8N5PC/ref=pd_cp_e_2