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In this article we're looking at something a lot of people have been waiting for: an affordable, expertly designed and built rugged iPad case for the popular 9.7-inch model. The question that instantly comes up is: why make a protective case for the iPad when there are already numerous tablet computers designed specifically to handle use on the job and in harsh environments?
One answer is that the iPad occupies a unique position. With its iOS proprietary operating system, you can only get an iPad from Apple, and Apple doesn't make rugged versions of the iPad. Another is the continuing strength of the iPad. While the tablet computer concept had been around literally for decades (think pre-1990), it was the iPad that launched the modern tablet era with its introduction almost a decade ago. Ever since, the iPad has been by far the best selling tablet with, as of the start of 2019, over 350 millions sold. In addition to over a billion iPhones that use the same iOS operating system. That means a lot of software, plenty of developer expertise, and a lot of people who'd love to use their iPads on the job. If only iPads weren't so fragile.
It's anyone's guess why Apple thinks tablets must be as slender and fragile as the are, but that's the way it is. As a result there are probably almost as many iPad cases sold as iPads. Some are quite good, guarding against dents and scratches. But for professional and industrial grade iPad protection, look to MobileDemand, a company that has been concentrating on rugged tablets (and nothing but rugged tablets) since its very inception back in 2003. RuggedPCReview examined their first rugged case (for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro) a while ago, and now the company launched one for the most popular iPad, the 9.7-inch model.
Below is what it looks like. It goes way beyond your average iPad case. Finally you can take an iPad out into the field and on tough jobs. With this case, created by rugged tablet specialists, the iPad won't get damaged or break.
How did MobileDemand go about making its case? They started with the experience they gathered over the past years with cases they created for other tablets. Initially that was their xTablet FLEX 8 and FLEX 10. Those were, and are, basic tablet computers sitting inside an ingenious protective case, making for affordable rugged tablet solutions for numerous applications. MobileDemand then took this concept and the experience they had gathered with it to the next level by creating rugged cases for Microsoft's Surface tablets.
One thing that sets MobileDemand's approach apart is that they designed this case from the start for mobile on-the-go professionals. Those customers love their iPads' shiny, slender good looks as much as the next person, but what really matters to them is that their tablet doesn't break on the job.
As a result, the xCase for the iPad is a more integrated protective solution than your average case. It's designed as a tight-fitting exoskeleton rather than a more generic enclosure that you take on and off. It can be removed, of course, but it wasn't designed for frequent removal as that's not what mobile professionals would expect.
So what does the rugged iPad case consist of and how do you use it? In essence, there are two parts to the case. One is a custom-designed silicone rubber boot that's about 2mm thick, similar to a heavy-duty inner tube of a motorcycle tire. The sheet is textured and molded to exactly fit the tablet (this is not an approximate one-size-fits-all design). How does the boot become a three-dimensional enclosure? Via the four thick corner bumpers that are integral to the boot. The tablet can easily be inserted into the protective boot which, MobileDemand says, carries a "Shore A 60 durometer" rating. That means it's almost as tough as automotive tire tread.
The second part of the rugged iPad case is a tough polycarbonate plastic (PC/ABS) backplate that's also designed and precision molded to tightly fit the tablet in its rubber boot. The plate has integrated guides along all four sides so that the tablet in its boot snaps very firmly into place. The backplate not only serves as a tough protective exo-skeleton for the iPad, but it also provides all sorts of extra functionality.
What kind of functionality are we talking about?
- There are four anchors for a padded elastic elastic handstrap.
- There are integrated loops on all four sides for the briefcase handle.
- There are cutouts for the iPad's speakers, buttons, and the lightning port.
- There's a screwed-on "Snap-Mount" plate for use with MobileDemand's slim and durable vehicle Snap Mount system that also connects to the popular RAM Mounts mounting hardware.
- There are screw holes for an optional fully adjustable easel.
Overall, there are about 30 screw inserts to accommodate various add-ons. Examples are point-of-sale magnetic strip readers, PIN pads, or specialty cameras (3D, thermal imaging). MobileDemand also offers brackets compatible with Ingenico, MagTek, PayPal, and other payment module systems.
But what about ruggedness? The iPad itself is consumer-grade and definitely not rugged. Customers love its slenderness and elegance, but almost everyone gets a cover for the display or something to keep the backside from getting scratched or dented. The xCase for iPad adds a very substantial degree of extra ruggedness and protection to the fragile iPad, but there are some limitations. 
The iPad, for example has no ingress protection rating and Apple doesn't make any claim for it to be waterproof. However, various YouTube videos suggest that, unlike most consumer laptops, iPads can actually survive brief immersion in water unharmed. The tight fit of the xCase for iPad and its rugged plug for the lightning port may add a bit to this inherent water resistance, but we're still not talking waterproof.
What does change is drop resistance. As is, if you drop an unprotected iPad it is a matter of luck whether it gets damaged. The screen very easily shatters. If it's dropped outdoors, scratching is almost inevitable.
The xCase for iPad increases drop resistance very substantially. It not only passes the stringent MIL-STD 810G, 516.6 IV military test, it far surpasses its requirements.
As is, the test requires 26 drops from 4 feet onto plywood over concrete, one each on each of the six surfaces, one each on the twelve edges, and each on the eight corners of a device. A device must still be operational at the end of 26 drops to pass. Drops are with power off, but after each drop power must be turned on to see if the device still works. And the test actually allows using five test devices. If one survives, it's a pass.
That made no sense to MobileDemand, as out there in the field you won't have four spares, just in case.
So they used just one single iPad in a case for their tests. And they left it on, because it's quite possible that it's on while it's dropped. That single iPad passed the 26 drops of the 4-foot military test.
But sometimes they get a little nuts over there at MobileDemand. So they dropped it 26 more times from 5 feet. Still worked. 6 feet, 26 more drops. Still worked. 7 feet. Passed. Worked. 8 feet (!!). Passed. Still worked. 9 feet?? Still. 10 feet. Yup. 26 drops from TEN FEET. That's insane.
How can that be? Drops from ten feet? What about all those iPhones whose screens shatter when they slip out of your pocket while exiting the car? That's what an expertly designed case can do. And the rubber bumpers make a huge difference in keeping the display protected. MobileDemand's special screen protector also helps. This is not just the usual sheet of plastic but scratch-proof glass with a special oleophobic (fingerprint-resistant) coating. It uses an adhesive to keep it in place.
Our test unit came with it, so we don't know how easy/difficult it is to put it on. It definitely cuts down on fingerprints and smudging, touch and feel is the same as the iPad's standard screen surface, optical properties are unaffected, and there is zero degradation in responsiveness. It's another 25 bucks on top of the $79.95 for the case itself, but we'd highly recommend it.
What's included in the package is the rugged case with the connector port cover and all screw inserts, the briefcase handle, and the handstrap in the back. Available accessories include a Snap Mount with a C-size RAM ball that works with the entire RAM Mount system ($65), a fully adjustable easel ($30), and 2-point or 4-point shoulder straps.
So there. That's the unique, one-of-a-kind case rugged iPad case from MobileDemand. It's was first available for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro, and now for the 9.7-inch iPad. MobileDemand may make them available for other iPads as well. As is, the 9.7-inch model is the most commonly used iPad, so it's great to have a truly rugged case available for it.
To say that we're impressed with the xCase for iPad would be an understatement. It's terrific. Just what we've been waiting for. If you've always wanted to use your 9.7-inch iPad (or iPad Air 2) out there on the job, it's the best money you can spend. -- Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, January 2019
See MobileDemand's
Rugged case for 9.7-inch iPad page
MobileDemand
1501 Boyson Square Drive, Suite 101
Hiawatha, IA 52233
319.363.4121
