Tuff-Luv has released a handful of new cases for the third-generation iPad — only one, the Slim-Stand Leather Case Cover ($45), is marketed as supporting the iPad 2 as well. The two others are the Smart-er Stasis Cover with Armour Shell ($60) and Type-View Candy Rock Case ($50), all less than exciting, and made with materials that don’t feel like they justify the prices. Rather than a full review, we’ll simply preview them here.
Of the bunch, Slim-Stand is the most disappointing, made from faux leather that doesn’t even attempt to replicate the real stuff, and held shut with an elastic band. Instead of a proper iPad frame, the corners are held in place with faux leather bands and elastic straps — a lazy design that we see infrequently these days, for good reason. The one real redeeming factor is the ability to stand the tablet in four different viewing positions.
Smart-er Stasis is like Apple’s Smart Case in both function and name. Highly similar to OEM designs we’ve seen, it has a molded iPad shell and a segmented front cover that folds to form a typing or viewing stand. The magnets do hold the position of the stand, which is somewhat uncommon among this style of case, though the materials otherwise feel cheap.
