Rugged. Handsome. Functional. Everything you'd want in a tablet case, no? With clever new designs and materials like aircraft-grade aluminum (#5), premium selvage denim (#6), and re-purposed WWII canvas (#9) being used to protect your precious cargo, tablet cases are now more manly than ever.
Among our favorite designs is ZAGG's patent-pending hard case (#5) that doubles as a wireless Bluetooth keyboard/stand, and get this -- the aircraft-grade lightweight aluminum matches the iPad perfectly, and only adds 1/8".
For the tech-hip locavores out there, the SF neighborhood print by Ork for DODOcase (#1) will show off your city pride with a dash of artsy attitude. The SF-based company manufactures locally and even has a few limited-edition designs for Valentine's Day.
If you're in the market for a timeless, only-gets-better-with-age case, check out the Makr Attache (#8). Its exceptional construction starts with a single piece of Chromexcel leather that's then hand sewn, edge-painted and polished into a beautiful sleeve.
Here are the full 10:
1. Ork for DODOcases Moroccan Cloth San Francisco iPad 2 Case, $89.95
2. Incase for Andy Warhol Book Jacket, $79.95
3. Grove Artists Series: Michael Hsiung Bearclaw iPad 2 Case, $139
4. AUTUM Turncoat Limited Production Four Fold iPad Case, $144
5. ZAGG Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2, $99.99
6. A.P.C. for Incase Denim and Leather Book Jacket, $224.95
7. Tumi Lizard-Grain Embossed Leather Cover for iPad, $95
8. Makr Carry Goods iPad Attache, $240
9. McManus Canvas and Leather iPad 2 Case, $240
10. hard graft Tilt Wool Felt and Italian Leather iPad Case, $116
Lily Ko (lily.7x7 @ gmail.com) studied fashion design and merchandising at Central Saint Martins and the Academy of Art University. In addition to writing for 7x7, Lily is an editor at SF Station, works as a freelance stylist and covers food, fashion and fun on her blog, Curated SF.