CruxCase Makes First Bluetooth Trackpad Enabled Clamshell for iPad 2

CruxCase is ClamCase's biggest rival for making clamshell keyboard cases for the iPad and iPad 2. CruxCase's latest clamshell keyboard case for the iPad 2 is called the Crux Loaded. It's the first clamshell keyboard case for the iPad 2 in the world to offer a built-in Bluetooth trackpad and an additional external battery to power up the iPad 2. CruxCase has been developing the technology that allows you to navigate the iPad 2 using the Crux Loaded's Bluetooth trackpad. You will even be able to use Multi-Touch gestures with the Bluetooth trackpad so you won't even need to touch the iPad's screen. CruxCase is cleverly using remote-desktop apps such as LogMeIn Ignition to display the full potential of the iPad's ability to remotely access your desktop of a Mac or PC over the internet and making it look like the iPad 2 has laptop functionalities. The problem is that this method can't replace a laptop just yet because of the extreme lag between the devices. 

How CruxCase plans to get their trackpad to work with the iPad 2 over Bluetooth is a big question mark. Even Apple hasn't made it available with their Magic Trackpad or any other Bluetooth mouse for that matter. The Crux Loaded isn't yet available, but does already have a price tag of $249.

First Look At iSkin's Upcoming Vu & Solo Smart Cases for iPad 2

iSkin loves to leak a little of their hot new products just before they get released on their website. This time we've found out about iSkin's latest upcoming cases for the iPad 2 including the Vu case we've reviewed for the first gen iPad. The Vu for the iPad 2 now boasts a built-in kickstand for vertical and horizontal viewing. The iPad 2 version of the Vu case hasn't changed much in its construction and still features a semi-clear two-tone color scheme with soft, flexible TPU materials combines with hard polycarbonate. 

For those of you with an Apple Smart Cover, iSkin will release a Smart Cover compatible case called the Solo Smart. The Solo Smart case is designed with similar materials as the Vu case for the iPad and iPad 2, but takes on a different shape and design combining soft, flexible TPU with hard polycrbonate for extra back protection. The Solo Smart case for the iPad 2 will be available for $50 while the Vu case for the iPad 2 will be available for $60. It's safe to assume that iSkin will make both cases available very soon in various colors.

Update: iSkin has announced that the Vu and Solo Smart cases will be available later this month.

Gumdrop's Drop Series iPad 2 Case Boasts Mean Protection

Gumdrop's latest case for the iPad 2, the Drop Series, will come in handy if you're looking for some serious drop protection. Griffin's Survivor case isn't the only case anymore offering tough drop protection for the iPad 2. The Drop Series case is available now in 4 colors for $59.95, and offers multiple layers of protection including a snap-on screen shield and one tough and mean looking, thick rubber outer layer for that extra shock absorption and grip. The Drop Series case also has built-in port covers to keep dust away.

Gumdrop's Military Edition Drop Series case for the iPad 2 offers the same exact protection except it's colored in an army green color which will cost you a bit more at $69.95. The Military Edition is currently available to pre-order and is expected to ship in June. Unlike Griffin's Survivor case for the iPad 2, the Military Edition Drop Series case isn't Military spec certified and tested. That sounds a little ironic doesn't it.

Griffin's Military-Duty Survivor Case Now Protects The iPad 2

Griffin has finally released the Survivor case for the iPad 2 adding Military Grade toughness to protect your iPad 2 from mother natures most dangerous conditions a gadget like the iPad 2 should never be exposed to like rain, dirt, sand and other environmental conditions. The Survivor case for the iPad 2 is built with a shatter-resistant polycarbonate inner frame with a built-in screen protector wrapped in a rugged, shock and vibration absorbing silicone complete with built-in hinged port plugs. We reviewed Griffin's Survivor case for the iPhone 4 a while back, and it looks like this will be one heck of a protective case for the iPad 2. It also looks like Griffin listened to the very few drawbacks the first Survivor case had with the hinged port plugs now having a place to clip on so that they don't get in the way while opened. 

The Survivor case for the iPad 2 includes a multi-position workstand that clip on providing landscape viewing and a typing angle. It's available now in black and pink for $79.99.

Mophie Releases Workbook Folio for iPad 2

Mophie has released a new folio for the iPad 2 called the Workbook, A thin profiled protective folio style case with magnetic integration for wake and sleep functionality and a faux leather finish. The Workbook includes 4 interchangeable closure straps in different colors to let you change things up for a different look each day. Nice thinking there Mophie. Mophie states that the Workbook offers an infinite number of viewing angles for typing and screen viewing. The Workbook is available now in black and white for $49.95.

Incase Introduces Rostarr Designed Protective Cases

Incase loves hooking up with artists and applying their artwork on their signature line of protective cases. This time Incase has partnered up with artist, Rostarr, to create geometric and polymorphic designs in a palette of gray and orange colors. Rostarr's work is stunning to say the least and is one of a kind. Incase has released a few of their signature cases with Rostarr's paintings applied to them including the Snap Case for the iPhone 4, Book Jacket for the iPad 2 and the Protective Sleeve for the 15" MacBook Pro. Is it just me or, and excuse me for saying this, is that an orange pile of poo in the middle that is featured on the Snap Case for the iPhone 4? Whatever the case may be, I think I'll pass up on that one thank you very much. The good new is that you won't have to stare at some orange looking pile of poo if you go with the latter. 

The Rostarr editioned Snap Case for the iPhone 4, Protective Sleeve for the 15" MacBook Pro and the Book Jacket for the iPad 2 will set you back $49.95, $59.95 and $74.95, respectively. The Incase Rostarr line of cases are available now for pre-order. 

Vaja Outs Matelasse Leather iPad 2 Case

 Those of you who want to indulge in leather goodness, Vaja has released yet another leather case for the iPad 2 called the Matelasse. The $260 Matelasse leather iPad 2 case opens up like a very expensive book and has a magnetic closure system that works with the iPad 2's magnetic on/off feature. The Matelasse offers two different landscape angles for typing and viewing movies while the leather Matelasse pattern offers a padded protection. Although it does look like the Matelasse was designed towards the female iPad 2 user crowd, the Matelasse is fully customizable with a slew of color selections for both the outside and inside of the case. The Matelasse is available right now and like any other handcrafted Vaja leather case, it will take at least 35 painful days of waiting until you can get your hands all over it.