There are iPad cases – and then there is this…..

The iPad is a modern-day hero – what ever the anti Apple brigade like to say it has single handedly changed the way most people relate to their everyday computing tasks (particularly at home). The iPad is certainly the ‘weapon of choice’ at my house – the general comment being how much easier it is to use than going on a PC – it is faster and the applications are generally far more user-friendly and intuitive to use.

My iPad goes everywhere with me (much as my old Psion Netbook did in years gone by). That raises the question of how to protect it, I have two case options (we are a two iPad household). Firstly the Apple smart cover which is still the most elegant cover for the screen, and secondly a more substantial textile cover for the other iPad. Both work well, but now I have seen this and it is amazing……..

This is the Brydge iPad case, so much more than a case it is actually a keyboard that attaches to the iPad and creates a single unit – but the best bit is the quality of it. It is made from the same quality of aluminium as a Macbook Pro or Air. Consequently it looks just right – unlike Apples new Smart case which frankly a very poor attempt at something others already do much better!

I can see people saying that the Brydge case is silly – why not get a Macbook Air – probably due to an Air costing twice as much!

So in a nutshell – I want one (it’s $170)

 

Do I expect too much?

Now I would be the first to accept that I have the potential to be a ‘little obsessive’ when it comes to certain things – in particular I believe that expensive and relatively delicate items need to be protected and cared for by the user. By this I am referring to the likes of cameras, iPhones, iPads and similar items.

I always get a case for my iPhone as an example (I am a big fan of Noreve products) – and I am pleased to say that I have not had to replace any screens or similar on any of the iPhones I have had. However many of my work colleagues have (and it falls to me to sort them out), and it is this that forms the basis for my ‘rant’ today – for that is what this is going to be!

In fact all my tech items are always as good as new years after I get them – the first thing I got for my new iPad was a case. I don’t know if I am old-fashioned, but I believe you should look after expensive ‘toys’ and to this end I am the case manufacturers friend!

Unfortunately I do tend to find that there is not the same level of care or concern at work about the kit we use (although I would add that my colleague Tim Garratt is equally careful) and consequently I hate buying ‘quality kit’ for them to use – as they will always revert to type and damage it!

examples of earlier 'care' by my colleagues....

Against my better judgement I recently acquired a good quality camera for my agency colleagues to use for photos on our greatly improved property details. I ensured that a case was purchased to help protect it and then crossed my fingers – all has been well for around 6 months – until today!

The rear screen has been significantly ‘cracked’ – I am assured by the users that it was an accident (I am sure it was), and it happened in the case apparently (due to foreign bodies getting in there – a cable), but that is not the point. It is the attitude that I have issue with, the damage appears to be irrelevant to the users, and if it breaks we can buy a new one!

Am I expecting too much or do we now live in a society that really doesn’t care about things because they are so easy to replace? When I was a kid you cherished things that you purchased as you had saved hard for them – surely that is the correct attitude in relation to all things?

Rant over – for now………