Waterproof iPad Cases and Covers
Have you ever had the urge to use your iPad in the bathtub or lounging beside the pool? Want to use it at the beach but are afraid of splashes and sand entering the ports? How about using it for work out in the field when you can't be sure it'll be safe from sudden rain showers or in the kitchen where splashes, spills and water based accidents are just waiting to happen? Despite the many things which the iPad 3 can lay claim to, water resistance isn't one of them. All tablets are particularly vulnerable to moisture damage which serves to limit some of the places many of their owners would want to use them.Thankfully, that's where waterproof iPad cases come in handy!
There are really two types of this kind of case to choose between : those which are fully waterproof and submersible which typically resemble a more robust style of ziploc bag and those which are mainly designed to protect against sand, dust or water penetration by securely covering up the ports but which will offer little protection against being full submersion from being, for example, dropped in the bathtub. Both have their practical applications and their limitations and which you choose will depend upon your requirements.
Editor's Pick of the Best Waterproof iPad Cover
See The Aquapac Waterproof Case For iPad In Action
iPad Waterproof Cases Protect Against Immersion In Water
A water resistant iPad sleeve is designed to protect your tablet and allow you to use it in situations where it would otherwise be at risk of water damage. This makes them a great accessory for those who work around water or do a lot of work outdoors where rain or general conditions could make using the iPad impractical or at least, open it up to unnecessary risk of coming to harm.
There are many practical applications where water can indeed be a hazard and having a rainproof iPad case is almost essential for anyone who uses theirs for work purposes outside of the office to prevent inclement weather from impacting productivity.
For many of us, work is the last reason we bought an iPad and there are many leisure activities which would be barred from us without a watertight iPad case. It's a fact that for many tablet users, their device becomes their new favorite bathroom companion with, according to one study, at least 35% of tablet owners admitting they use theirs in the bathroom and I'm willing to believe that number is actually much higher. Whilst you are probably mostly safe sitting on the toilet with your iPad the same can not be said to be true should you decide you want to stream a movie in the bathtub, or read an ebook whilst chilling with a glass of wine. Protection against steam and accidentally dropping into the water is a must in this case and whilst a few members of various forums have suggested they use a Ziploc, something a little more robust is a better idea considering the cost of this item.
Boat owners find multiple uses for tablet computers and will appreciate the need for a non water permeable iPad cover for their on board activities. Some companies offer waterproof floating iPad sleeves which not only keep water out but will also float which will be a godsend should be clumsy enough to drop it overboard.
As the case completely seals the iPad off from external conditions it also makes this type of waterproof ipad sleeve ideal for situations other than just making it water or rainproof. An impermeable iPad cover is ideal for protecting against such things as metal filings in a workshop or wood shavings and sawdust in a sawmill. Protect against flour from baking and general dust and small particles and keep them from clogging up speakers and ports which can easily become blocked in such environments.
iOttie Waterproof Skin For iPad 2 - See The iPad Submerged In Water
Waterproof iPad Portfolio Case
Choosing The Right Water Resistant iPad Cover
Not all water proof iPad covers look and behave the same and neither are they designed for the same purpose.
There are those which are aimed mainly at being splash resistant, which are idea for protecting against things like the occasional liquid splatter or splash whilst cooking in the kitchen. Or there are waterproof iPad cases designed for using an iPad in the bathtub and the accidental shallow immersion that can result in. Finally, if you use yours on a boat or relaxing by the pool, there are those designed to offer protection against full immersion down several meters deep.
Additionally, whilst many of these are effectively see-through waterproof bags for iPads there are those like the iOttie which provide a fully watertight protective sleeve without adding bulk or ruining the aesthetic style of your tablet.
Which you choose is going to be a matter of how you intend to use it. I tend to err on the side of picking the one which is going to offer me the most variety of uses rather than having to buy several different cases. Then, if I want to use my iPad in the bath or in the hot tub, or for following a recipe in the kitchen or relaxing at the beach or beside the pool, then I know the one case is going to fit every occasion. That's why I personally chose the Aquapac waterproof case for iPad because it fits just about every occasion and reusable time and again.
If you'd rather own something which waterproofs an iPad without the extra bulk which goes along with these types of water tight sleeves bags then the iOttie is a good alternative but it can only be reused a few times before it needs to be replaced which is great for taking on holiday but for regular use is going to work out expensive.