Belkin has a wide range of cases to cover everyone's needs and preferences, and the Grip Graphix is currently the stand alone offering for those interested in cases made of silicon. Silicon cases are easier to put on/remove and generally feel nicer with a grippy texture, but lacks dent protection if dropped, and can move quite easily. With many different silicon cases on the market, is there enough to set the Grip Graphix apart from cheaper offerings? Find out after the jump!
A short while earlier, I posted a review on Belkin’s iPad sleeve cases line up, and today I have another case that fits into the sleeve category, but this one is unique compared to the other three. The Belkin Envelope case for iPad focuses on a business style look with the simple function of keeping your iPad safe while transporting it to and from your home. The outside of the case is made of synthetic leather, but it looks very classy and does not have any distinct smell to it. The case has white stitching going around the edge of the case and a flap at the top of the case to prevent the iPad from falling out. The inside is lined with a VERY soft felt-like material, and I can’t see any way how it could cause scratches to your iPad.
Belkin is currently one of the main contenders in the iPod/iPhone case market, so it’s no surprise that they have a wide assortment of iPad cases available to protect your expensive toy. Of the types of cases they offer, today we’ll be looking at three different designs of iPad sleeves. Sleeve cases are designed to put your iPad in travelling, and not intended to be used while using the iPad itself. The three designs offered by Belkin are the Pleat Sleeve for iPad, Contour Sleeve for iPad and the Vue Sleeve for iPad.
All three cases are made of durable neoprene inside and out, and the inside feels soft so there’s no need to worry about a naked iPad getting scratched up. Each has a neoprene ‘lip’ underneath the zipper that prevents the zipper from scratching the sides of your iPad, a well thought out addition. The top half of the sleeve unzips, and the inclusion of two zippers makes it easier to open and close these cases. All have a Belkin logo on the bottom right corner, but from here on in, the cases are all unique with their own strengths and weaknesses.
This certain case is available in four colours, grey, blue, black and purple. The Pleat is designed so the front has pleated layers, which is intended to expand as you put items in the somewhat hidden pocket. The layers don’t expand much, but despite this the pocket is able to hold a generous amount of items (I easily added my earphones, mobile and wallet). The zipper for the pocket can be tucked away neatly between two of the layers, making it unnoticeable and giving the front a more streamlined look. The front pleated designed looks nice, although it may not suit some people’s tastes. To prevent items in the pocket from damaging the iPad screen, the neoprene layer separating them is reinforced with a hard but bendable panel. The biggest difference for this case is the size, as it is larger than the other two. Because of this, it can accommodate an iPad within a play through case such as the Belkin Grip Vue.
The Vue Sleeve is available in purple or black, and is quite similar to the Pleat sleeve. It also has a similar capacity pocket and a reinforced panel between the pocket and the screen, but is a smaller fit and will not accommodate an iPad in a case (a slim case such as the Switcheasy Nude might fit). The front pocket is clear, so you will be able to see your contents. Other than this, the case has the same functionalities as the Pleat sleeve and available for the same price.
The final case is quite different from the other two. It lacks a pocket at the front (therefore no reinforced panel either), it’s the same smaller size as the Vue sleeve, and the front has many raised silicon waves running horizontally. The wavy pattern may appeal to others, but to me it doesn’t quite compare to the simplistic looks of the Pleat and Vue sleeves. It also feels more flimsy than the other two, while still costing a $20 premium over the other two cases.
Belkin’s iPad sleeve lineup is guaranteed to have at least one case that will appeal to everyone. My preference of the lot would have to be the Pleat sleeve, as I regularly use play-through cases and the compatibility is great. However, the style of the Vue sleeve appeals to me the most, as the wavy lines on front pocket look stylish yet still simplistic. I find the Contour case to be somewhat of a letdown compared to the other cases, as it lacks the feature of a pocket, and feels less protective of my iPad. At a price of $59.99USD compared to the $39.99USD of the Pleat and Vue, I would only recommend it to people who are purely looking for the style of the design. Follow the link to see these and many other great iPad cases on Belkin’s website.
The Belkin Grip Vue is a thin TPU case that does not add a lot of bulk to your iPhone 4. It is very durable and scratch-resistant material. This case offers a great amount of protection and slides in and out of pockets with ease. I would recommend this case to anyone wanting a nice clear case for their brand new iPhone 4. I didn't mention in my video (as I've had more time using the case) that the clear version does turn a yellowish color over time. I would suggest washing the case with dishwashing soap and water (without the iPhone in the case of course).
The Belkin Grip Vue is available at local Best Buy store for $25 and also comes in two more colors; Pearl Black (Smoke) and Purple.
