Review: modulR Case System
by Tim Chaten
October 24, 2010
I have been using the modulR case system for a little more than a month with my iPad at home. Here are my thoughts on this unique case "system," and how it has changed things for me.
For those that have not heard of the modulR case, it is a case for the iPad that allows accessories to work with it, to add additional functionality to the iPad. The case gives access to a system of accessories that enables the iPad to be used in many cool ways.
The idea is very appealing, and I think just about everyone wants the iPad to be more useful; this system promises just that.
For this system to work, the case itself must be a good one. If the case is bad, there is no reason to use the system of add-ons. After using this for about a month, I must say I am really enjoying the case itself. It offers great protection and does not add too much thickness or intrusion for easy use. My iPad feels like it did when I bought it, which is a good thing.
There are a few small issues I have encountered with this case so far. If you use headphones on the iPad, the case makes that port less accessible (like the original iPhone with a recessed headphone jack). The second issue: it is incredibly hard to switch the orientation lock/mute switch from on to off (rapid access to the switch is difficult). Currently under iOs 3.2 this is a serious issue, it may be less of an issue for users when iOS 4.2 is available (access will be less important). The final quirk is an expected one, it does not work with Apple's dock. So overall the case is great, but not without a few quirks.
On the back of the case you will find four nubs that are used to attach accessories to the case. These do not get in the way when using just the iPad and no extra add-ons which is great. There are only a few add-ons currently available (more are promised). I've been able to test them and they are great additions to the case.
The first add on is included with the case and that is a simple cover. The cover is very hard and durable, it is marketed as a way to travel safely with your iPad or have it stored securely. The cover functions only as a cover. Too bad there isn't a way to use the cover to prop up the iPad or hook it onto the back of the case when it's not in use. I hope in future designs they consider integrating the cover into the case in a friendlier way. The other quirk is that the cover cuts off access to the dock connector. I want the ability to have the cover on and charge my iPad. The cover is good for keeping the iPad safe, but lacks any other functionality.
The second add-on is the quick stand. It is a simple piece of metal that hooks into the back to offer two different viewing angles. There is a vertical mode as well as a horizontal mode which is great for typing. The angle offered here is better for typing than provided by the Apple case. The stand is designed so you can simply flip it up or down depending on how you want to use it. The one downside: the stand is really for home use. It would be a pain to actually carry it on the go. I would much rather have it built into the case like Apple does.
The final add-on for now is the wall mount. The concept is that you can attach a very thin attractive wall mount to use your iPad for: home automation, picture frame, and other applications that scream; put me on a wall. The setup procedure is very simple and gives you plenty of options for orienting the device. It works as expected and offers great functionality. A downside is that you are not able to rotate your wall mounted iPad. In the future I'd love to see a rotatable iPad wall mount, this would add a lot of functionality. The other downside is you will have holes in your wall if you ever decide to move the mount.
The future of this system is very exciting. I expect that we will see a shoulder strap and universal swing arm ship around the time of Macworld 2011. These are two great additions that I am looking forward to using. The universal swing arm will allow you to hook your iPad up to your desk, letting you swing your iPad next to your monitor or any other positions you may choose. It is also designed for using the iPad in the car, in the kitchen and a host of other situations. I'm not sure why the shoulder strap isn't ready yet. But, it will be great to be able to carry an iPad this way. I would absolutely love to see third parties create other unique add ons for this case too.
Overall impressions are that this is a fantastic case for in home use, but it's not quite ready for use on the go. The different modules do make this a very unique case that has unlimited possibilities.
(A case was provided by the manufacturer for this review.)
For this system to work, the case itself must be a good one. If the case is bad, there is no reason to use the system of add-ons. After using this for about a month, I must say I am really enjoying the case itself. It offers great protection and does not add too much thickness or intrusion for easy use. My iPad feels like it did when I bought it, which is a good thing.
There are a few small issues I have encountered with this case so far. If you use headphones on the iPad, the case makes that port less accessible (like the original iPhone with a recessed headphone jack). The second issue: it is incredibly hard to switch the orientation lock/mute switch from on to off (rapid access to the switch is difficult). Currently under iOs 3.2 this is a serious issue, it may be less of an issue for users when iOS 4.2 is available (access will be less important). The final quirk is an expected one, it does not work with Apple's dock. So overall the case is great, but not without a few quirks.
On the back of the case you will find four nubs that are used to attach accessories to the case. These do not get in the way when using just the iPad and no extra add-ons which is great. There are only a few add-ons currently available (more are promised). I've been able to test them and they are great additions to the case.
The first add on is included with the case and that is a simple cover. The cover is very hard and durable, it is marketed as a way to travel safely with your iPad or have it stored securely. The cover functions only as a cover. Too bad there isn't a way to use the cover to prop up the iPad or hook it onto the back of the case when it's not in use. I hope in future designs they consider integrating the cover into the case in a friendlier way. The other quirk is that the cover cuts off access to the dock connector. I want the ability to have the cover on and charge my iPad. The cover is good for keeping the iPad safe, but lacks any other functionality.
The second add-on is the quick stand. It is a simple piece of metal that hooks into the back to offer two different viewing angles. There is a vertical mode as well as a horizontal mode which is great for typing. The angle offered here is better for typing than provided by the Apple case. The stand is designed so you can simply flip it up or down depending on how you want to use it. The one downside: the stand is really for home use. It would be a pain to actually carry it on the go. I would much rather have it built into the case like Apple does.
The final add-on for now is the wall mount. The concept is that you can attach a very thin attractive wall mount to use your iPad for: home automation, picture frame, and other applications that scream; put me on a wall. The setup procedure is very simple and gives you plenty of options for orienting the device. It works as expected and offers great functionality. A downside is that you are not able to rotate your wall mounted iPad. In the future I'd love to see a rotatable iPad wall mount, this would add a lot of functionality. The other downside is you will have holes in your wall if you ever decide to move the mount.
The future of this system is very exciting. I expect that we will see a shoulder strap and universal swing arm ship around the time of Macworld 2011. These are two great additions that I am looking forward to using. The universal swing arm will allow you to hook your iPad up to your desk, letting you swing your iPad next to your monitor or any other positions you may choose. It is also designed for using the iPad in the car, in the kitchen and a host of other situations. I'm not sure why the shoulder strap isn't ready yet. But, it will be great to be able to carry an iPad this way. I would absolutely love to see third parties create other unique add ons for this case too.
Overall impressions are that this is a fantastic case for in home use, but it's not quite ready for use on the go. The different modules do make this a very unique case that has unlimited possibilities.
(A case was provided by the manufacturer for this review.)
