This Week In Accessories: iPad Air Case Madness, Part 1

What a week! In a special event on Tuesday, Apple unveiled two new iPads – the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina Display. And since the venerable full-sized tablet is getting a makeover right along with the name change, accessory makers have been busy announcing new case options. We’re featuring a selection of choices today and will be back next week on launch day with even more. Hard Candy Known for its protective iOS device cases, Hard Candy is offering an old favorite and two new additions for the iPad Air. ShockDrop: Hard Candy’s signature case is backed by 10mm of shock absorbent silicone at the corners, a replaceable screen protector, and tear proof flaps. The back of the case has a tire-tread texture for a no-slip grip. Available in red or black, the case will set you back $49.95, and can be ordered now. Squish: The pictured form-fitting silicone case features air-filled chambers just below the surface to protect an iPad Air in case of an impact. Along with black, buyers can select from a three other unique neon colors – pink, lime, and blue. It retails for $34.95 and can be ordered now. Neon Bubble: As the name suggests, the Neon Bubble case is available in four bright colors and adorned with large bubbles. The ultra-slim design is made with a cradle backing and snap-on frame. Available to preorder now, it costs $49.95. Cygnett Cygnett is going all out offering six new cases for the iPad Air. All of the selections can be ordered now. Archive Classic: Retailing for $49.95, the Archive Classic is a folio case that provides both a viewing and typing angle. Buyers can select from a black or burgundy version. Node: A basic folio case, the Node is made with either gray or brown woven fiber material. With both a media viewing and typing angle, the case also has an elastic closure band and an inner document pocket. It costs $39.99. Paradox Sleek: Offering a folder cover design, the Paradox Sleek can place an iPad Air into multiple viewing positions. The snap-on case also features a microfiber inner liner to protect the screen. Available in black, pink, yellow, and light gray, the Paradox Sleek is $39.99. Paradox Texture: Available in charcoal or blue, the Paradox Texture offers a textured surface pattern with a soft-touch finish. It retails for $49.99. Paradox Lux: Inspired by Japanese origami, the pictured Paradox Lux can be folded into multiple stand angles. Along with precision molding, the case features hand-painted accented edges and finely finished stitching. Retailing for $69.99, buyers can select from a black case with purple edges or red version with white edges. Vintage: With contrasting dark black and light tan vegan leather, the Vintage can place an iPad Air in two different stand positions. A magnetic strap keeps the cover closed when not in use, and the inside of the folio offers an inner document holder and card pockets. It can be purchased for $59.99. X-Doria The unique case maker is offering three favorites for the new iPad Air. All of the selections are listed as coming soon. SmartStyle: Retailing for $39.99, the SmartStyle offers a puff-printed cover that wraps around the entire tablet. The stand can be folded into two different viewing angles. Magnets in the cover trigger the automatic sleep and wake function. It’s available in five different 3-D patterns. Smart Jacket: A 3-D patterned back cover helps make the Smart Jacket a unique choice that stands out in a crowd. The flexible cover protects the screen and also folds into a number of positions. Buyers can select from a pink, aqua, or black version of the $34.99 case. Dash Folio: One of my favorite cases from the company, the pictured Dash Folio offers a leather-like cover and a full-frame enclosure to help protect the tablet. Converting into a multi-position stand, the built-in magnets help keep the case closed and enable the automatic sleep and wake function. It costs $39.99, and buyers can select from a black or brown version. I recently reviewed the same case made for the iPad mini, and was really pleased with it. Moshi Both cases from Moshi will be available later this fall at the company’s online store. VersaCover: The company’s best-selling iPad case, VersaCover has been updated with a slim and stylish form factor. The folding cover provides both a portrait and landscape viewing option. Users can also take advantage of a typing mode. A soft, microfiber cover protects the iPad’s screen while the aluminum back protects the rear of the tablet. Retailing for $60, the pictured option will be available in green, pink, blue, and gray. Concert Folio: The slim Concert Folio is now sporting a swivel design that can quickly and easily rotate into either landscape or portrait mode. Its synthetic leather cover is splash resistant, and the interior lining helps cushion the tablet. It will cost $55 and be available in black. Airbender 2.0 from New Trent Finally, New Trent is bringing its affordable keyboard case line to the iPad Air. The Airbender 2.0 features a 360-degree rotating case that provides either a landscape or portrait viewing angle. A Bluetooth-enabled keyboard offers tactile, Chiclet keys for a comfortable typing experience. It also has a convenient row of shortcut keys for note taking or document creation. The Airbender will retail for $54.95 and be available on Friday, Nov. 1 directly from New Trent or Amazon.com. What You Might Have Missed … Cover It Up: Apple Launches New Smart Covers, Smart Cases For iPad Apple has announced a new line of iPad covers and cases. The Early Bird: Belkin Unveils Lots Of Brand New iPad Air Accessories Belkin has an impressive 16 new iPad Air accessories available to view in its online store. Griffin's Super-Strong Survivor Case Will Ship For iPad Air From Nov. 1 Griffin's impressive Survivor case is ready for the iPad Air. Are you? Gumdrop Announces New Cases For Apple's iPad Air The Bounce Skin and Hideaway Case can be ordered now. AI-Powered, iOS-Controlled Anki Drive Out Now At Apple's Online And Retail Stores As announced by Anki last week, Anki Drive is available beginning today from Apple's online and retail stores. The Misfit Shine Fitness Tracker Will Arrive At Best Buy Later This Week Weighing in at a little less than 10 grams, the tiny device is powered by a replaceable coin cell battery.

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