I don't like cases. I really don't, especially on Apple products where the design and the look and feel are a big part of the experience. However, I've been changing my mind about cases over the past week after I received the Case-Mate Gelli Checkmate case for iPad.
Although I've never wanted to stick my iPhone into a case, I feel it's a bit different with the iPad. Unlike my iPhone, the iPad is big, doesn't fit in my pocket, and goes around many hands. For these reasons, I felt my iPad was actually much more vulnerable than my iPhone was so I decided to give it some protection.
The Case-Mate Gelli comes in 3 translucent colors and gives your iPad case a funky design that will definitely set it apart from the rest. I got mine in grey which actually is more "clear" than "grey". You can also get it in a flashy green or blue, but these colors are definitely too much for me.
Not only do I like the look of the Gelli but I also like the feel of it. It feels really good in my hands as the thermoplastic material used gives me more grip and prevents my iPad from sliding off my hands or off my legs, depending on my position.
It's very simple to put on, and once on, it obviously gives you easy access to every port or button. The case goes all the way to the front of the iPad to cover just about a millimeter past the bezel. This way, even if the iPad falls flat on the screen, it will be protected, that is assuming the ground would be completely flat of course.
I feel a little let down that Case-Mate didn't throw in a free screen protector in the box. That's no big deal though, we will use the InvisibleShield for iPad.
Pros:
Perfect for every day usage
Light
Stylish, elegant
Not "bulky"
Feels good in your hands
Adds grip
Provides great protection
Relatively inexpensive ($36.95)
Cons:
Not a heavy duty case
Doesn't come with a screen protector
Is the Case-Mate Gelli a heavy duty case for iPad? No, it's not. It is however a light and stylish case that will do a great job at protecting your iPad in average every day usage. The Gelli completely sold me on iPad cases and I'm glad I now have it to protect my iPad from those awful scratches I would get from putting it on the coffee table.
I'm still not sure I would want it for my iPhone because I don't feel my iPhone needs protection. However, my fiancee Tina will be getting the Case-Mate Gelli for iPhone 4 as soon as she gets her white iPhone. She's much less careful with her devices than I am and will need something like this to protect her iPhone.
At $36.95 from our iPhone Store, the Case-Mate Gelli case for iPad is a product I highly recommend. You can order the Case-Mate Gelli here.