New iPad: Best cases and covers

The Acme Made Infinite Angle case is ultrathin and allows you to prop up your iPad at any angle (at least in landscape mode). It has the auto awake feature built into the case like Apple's Smart Cover. It's really a nice, lightweight case that's also fairly affordable.

Note: This case was originally designed for the iPad 2. Now Acme Made says it's compatible with the third-generation iPad. The auto-wake feature worked with the new iPad with the sample I was testing, but some third-party case manufacturers are having an issue with the magnets in cases designed for the iPad 2.

Price: $30

Acme Made Orikata

Acme Made says its slim Orikata case, available in "vegan-friendly" faux leather, "leverages complete docking and play-through functionality within its unique case design. Taking cues from the Japanese art of origami, the Orikata's folding elements reconfigure in a snap, providing a remarkably stable stand for cinema viewing or keyboard mode at optimal ergonomic angles."

I like both of the Acme Made Infinite Angle and Orikata because they're lightweight, offer good flexibility for propping up your iPad, and offer good protection. Oh, and this one's well priced, too (it originally cost $49 but is now $25).

Note: This model was originally designed for the iPad 2 but does not offer the auto on/off feature so you don't have to worry about the feature not working.

Price: $24.98

Belkin Cinema Folio Stand

Belkin makes a few versions of the Cinema Folio, including a more expensive model that comes in leather for $54.99. Available in multiple colors, this is an attractive folio case that allows you to prop your iPad up at various angles and has the instant on/off feature built into the case like Apple's Smart Cover. Belkin calls the feature "AutoWake Magnets" (alas, they are missing from the leather version). A magnetic clasp keeps the cover closed.

Price: $49.99

Click here for additional details.

Belkin Smooth Bi-Fold Folio

The Belkin Smooth Bi-Fold Folio is a slim, lightweight case with a soft-to-the-touch finish. No auto wake feature or the ability to fold into a stand--but it is slim.

Price: $29.99

Click here for additional details.

Belkin YourType Keyboard Folio

Belkin has tweaked its well-designed Keyboard Folio case. The keyboard itself, which features spring-loaded hard keys, is now detachable, so you can lighten the case when you don't need the keyboard.

Price: $99.99

Click here for additional details.

Camalen Vision

Camalen is a new high-end case company that features some pretty interesting iPad 2 and 3 case designs in very high-quality leather. We like the $115 Hexa, which is a swiveling case that allows you to prop up your iPod in portrait or landscape mode. But our pick for this list is the Vision, which includes a special strap that allows you to attach you iPad to the back of headrest for in-car viewing. Comes in multiple colors and different textures of leather.

Price: $130

Click here for additional details.

CaseCrown Bold Standby

CaseCrown's Bold Standby, which can be had for around $22 on Amazon (it qualifies for free shipping if you're a Prime member), is one of the best values in iPad cases. No, it's not real leather but it does have the magnetic auto wake feature.

Price: $21.21

See pricing for CaseCrown Bold Standby from Amazon.com.

Case-mate Pop with Stand

Case-mate's Pop returns for the new iPad. Its hideaway stand can prop your iPad up in a vertical or horizontal position. Available in white at launch but should come in multiple colors.

Price: $50

Click here for additional details.

Case-mate Signature Slim Stand

Case-mate makes a couple of snazzy, high-end Slim Stands, including the Signature model you see here and the Stingray that's more female oriented. They both feature high-quality leather, the magnetic on/off feature, and two viewing angles, plus typing position.

Price: $90

Click here for additional details.

Case-mate Venture

Case-mate's popular Venture case has a distinct, modern look and feel to it, features the magnetic on/off feature, and converts into a stand.

Price: $60

Click here for additional details.

Cygnett Glam

If you're looking for a folio case with a little glitz and shine to it, Cygnett's Glam fits the bill. It converts into a stand and has the magnetic on/off feature.

Price: $59.99

Click here for additional details.

Cygnett Lavish

The Lavish Earth, Cygnett's slightly different take on the Folio case is attractively designed and comes in the three colors shown here. It converts into a stand and has the magnetic on/off feature.

Price: $59.99

Click here for additional details.

Dodocase

Dodocase has updated its popular journal-style cases, modifying the milled bamboo interior tray to accommodate the slight change in depth for the new iPad. The company has also expanded the line, and now has three new models to choose from.

For an extra fee ($9.95), you can also personalize your case with an inscription. And adding a hole for the iPad's back camera will set you back another $4.95.

We've been fans of previous models of this case and should note that while it doesn't fold into a stand like some folio-style cases, you can fold the cover back and put the case in "easel mode" to prop up your iPad for video watching. To keep the case standing in easel mode on super slick surfaces, a Dodocase rep gave us a little tip: "Stand the back edge of the cover on the elastic ribbon by extending underneath the cover." Good to know.

These cases come in a variety of exterior and interior colors and Dodocase takes pride in the fact that they're all made in America (San Francisco).

Click here for additional details on Dodocase Classic ($59.99).

Click here for additional details on Dodocase Essentials ($69.99).

Click here for additional details on Dodocase Spring/Summer 2012 ($79.99).

Gumdrop Drop Tech Series

Gumdrop_Drop_Tech_case_59.99.jpg — Gumdrop

A tough case with multiple layers of protection, this one doesn't have as many features as the Otterbox Defender, but it is $40 cheaper. Available in multiple colors.

Price: $59.99

See pricing for CaseCrown Bold Standby from Amazon.com.

Hard Candy Bubble 360

This is a tough case with a little bit of flair to it. Available in white or black, it has the built-in screen cover and a dimpled back case.

Price: $59.99

Click here for additional details.

Hex Code Folio

An "executive-style" case, the Hex Code Folio is a slim leather case with extra pockets for storing cards and notes. One drawback: It doesn't have the magnetic on/off feature.

Price: $79.99

Click here for additional details.

The iFrogz Summit

iFrogz's Summit Portfolio case has been updated for the new iPad. It's a nice, well-designed folio-style case that converts into a stand and has a small pocket on the inside cover for business cards as well as a loop on the back for storing a stylus.

With some of these folio-style cases, the back of the case can be a little floppy (part of it isn't attached to the iPad), but I liked how the Summit incorporates a strip of Velcro to keep the back of the cover securely in place until you need to put it into stand mode.

Note: This model isn't shipping quite yet but should be available soon (I received an early sample from the company).

Price: $59.99

iLuv CEOFolio

This is iLuv's take on the expanded folio case that's got built-in pockets. A retractable kickstand rounds out the feature set. Available in multiple colors.

Price: $79.99

Click here for additional details.

iLuv Dungarees

The Dungarees cases aren't made out of a jean-like material but it is a microfiber and the case has a unique look to it.

Price: $49.99

Click here for additional details.

iLuv OragamiFolio

We like these oragami-style case that have covers that fold into stands. This one's nice but expensive at $89.99 (yes, it has the magnetic auto wake feature).

Price: $89.99

Click here for additional details.

iLuv Professional WorkStation Portfolio

iLuv_Workstation_Portfolio_119.99.jpg — iLuv

iLuv's take on the keyboard case features a detachable Bluetooth keyboard and a retractable kickstand.

Price: $119.99

Click here for additional details.

Incipio Lexington

The Lexington is a lightweight, slim folio case that allows for multiple viewing angles and supports Apple's sleep/wake feature.

Price: $39.99

Click here for additional details.

Incipio Premium Kickstand with stylus

Incipio_Premium_Kickstand_39.99.jpg — Incipio

Incipio's Kickstand is a nylon case with that allows you to prop up your iPad at multiple angles. The kicker here is that this one comes with an Incipio Inscribe Stylus. This one will be available in multiple colors, but at launch Incipio appears to be only selling the black version.

Price: $39.99

Click here for additional details.

iSkin Aura 2

The stylish and well-designed iSkin Aura 2 is one of our favorite Folio cases and allows you to prop up your iPad at a few different angles (it also has the wake/sleep feature). It's available in multiple colors.

Price: $99.99

Click here for additional details.

iSkin Solo Smart

iSkin is tweaking the design of its Solo Smart case to fit the new iPad. This one is available in multiple colors and is designed to work with Apple's Smart Cover. No, the Smart Cover (in picture) is not included. This is a back-only case.

Note: iSkin is not shipping the new Solo yet but the company says it will be available soon.

Price: $49.99

Click here for additional details.

Joy Factory Folio 360 III

Joy_Factory_Folio_360_69.99.jpg — Joy Factory

Like a few other cases on this list, Joy Factory's Folio 360 allows you to prop up your iPad in a horizontal or vertical position. That's a nice feature.

Price: $69.99

Click here for additional details.

M-Edge Incline

M-Edge makes several iPad cases but we like the Incline the best.

Price: $49.99

Click here for additional details.

Otterbox Defender

Otterbox has made some small tweaks to the design of its Otterbox Defender Series tough case. The new case fits both the iPad 2 and iPad third-generation and is slightly slimmer though still bulky. You get three layers of protection, including a screen cover, and the Defender's outer "shield stand" supports both landscape and portrait viewing and also tilts into a typing position.

Price: $89.95

Click here for additional details.

Pad & Quill Graduate

Pad & Quill cases share some distinct similarities with Dodocase notebook-style cases and we've always been fans of them (editor Dan Ackerman uses a Pad & Quill case with his iPhone 4S).

The company will be shipping new models for the iPad 3 at the end of March.

The $59.99 Graduate pictured here is the least expensive of the bunch and features the magnetic on/off feature as well as a cutout camera hole. The $89.99 Contega is a Folio version of the Graduate and converts into a stand. And finally, the $109.99 Octavo is the high-end model and is bound in premium leather. All the cases are handmade in Minnesota.

Price: $59.99

Click here for additional details.

Speck MagFolio

Speck has a solid lineup of iPad 2 cases and is in the process of making some tiny tweaks to that line to make the cases fit the new iPad.

The company is hustling to get out new versions of the PixelSkin HD Wrap, MagFolio, and WanderFolio. Some new colors are on tap, including Grape and Pomodoro for the PixelSkin HD, Mulberry for the MagFolio, and Black Peacock for the WanderFolio.

We're fans of the MagFolio, which comes in a leather Luxe version for $99.99 and a non-leather version for $59.99. This one has the awake/sleep function, and is relatively thin and lightweight.

It's really a nice case--one of the best out there. We expect Speck to release the new cases shortly and will update this post when it does.

Price: $59.99

Click here for additional details.

Speck PixelSkin HD Wrap

Another one of our Speck favorites is the PixelSkin HD Wrap. You can get it in a more mundane color like black, but it also will come in more vibrant colors, including the new Grape (purple) and Pomodoro (red).

We expect Speck to release its cases for the new iPad shortly and will update this post when it does.

Price: $49.99

Click here for additional details.

Spigen/SGP Folio.S

Spigen/SGP had some cases in our iPad 2 cases roundup and is gearing up to release some new products for the iPad 3.

The Folio comes in a faux leather model (available in black or dark green) for $67.99, while the swankier leather version, the Folio.S, goes for $91.99 (yes, those are weird price points). The higher-end case is available in brown and tan, but not black.

Both cases are due to ship at the end of March along with a third case called the Diary, which is slimmer than the Folio but also folds into a stand.
Price: $91.99 (or 67.99 for faux leather version)

Click here for additional details.

STM Grip

If I had to narrow down this list down to a top 10, the Grip from Australian company STM would definitely be in there. This is more of a hard-shell-style case that's got a soft-to-the-touch exterior. It's slim, feels nice in your hand, and its ribbed design makes it easy to "grip." It has the automatic wake feature, but the real extra is the integrated kickstand on the back that allows you to prop you iPad up in typing or video watching positions.

The only question is how the case will look and hold up over time. This type of material doesn't always wear well, but it sure looks good new. The Grip is available in black, blue, red, and tangerine (I used the black model).

Price: $44.99

STM Skinny 3

STM's new Skinny case is one of the lightest cases out there. It has fabric-covered polycarbonate rear shell, microsuede on the inside, and integrated magnetic sleep/wake front cover that's also covered in fabric.

The clasp keeps the cover closed and also helps convert the case into a stable two-position stand. This is another good one from STM that's available in several colors.

Note: This case isn't quite shipping yet, but I did test out early samples of the product.

Price: $39.99

Targus Business Folio

This is similar in style to Targus' Slim Case, with a nylon/canvas exterior, but it's a beefier case with pockets on the inside that hold business cards, a notepad (one's included) and slot for storing a stylus (you also get a little cleaning pad). This one has the magnetic on/off feature and a flexible strap keeps the case securely closed.

Price: $49.99

See pricing for Targus Business Folio from Amazon.com.

Targus Slim Case

This simple and attractive lightweight case converts into a stand with two viewing angles (one's a typing position as well). Available in multiple colors (we tried the dark indigo version and it looked really nice), the Slim has the magnetic on/off feature and a stylus holder on back of the case.

Price: $49.99

See pricing for Targus Slim Case from Amazon.com.

Targus Versavu 360

The notable feature here is the ability to prop your iPad up in either a horizontal or vertical mode. That's where the 360 comes into the name.

Price: $59.99

Click here for additional details.