Waterfield SFBags iPad Suede Jacket Review

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My iPad mini goes everywhere with me these days. Sometimes, I want it as protected as possible. (I’m looking forward to seeing more cases rolled out in the coming weeks.) At other times I want to protect my iPad while keeping it as thin and light as possible. That’s where the Waterfield SFBags iPad Suede Jacket comes in.

We’ve looked at other Suede Jackets such as those designed for the 11″ and 13″ MacBook air. I have always been impressed with the scratch protection the product line offers without adding any additional weight or bulk. (Read the MBA review.) Let’s take a look at the size designed especially for the iPad mini.

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From Waterfield:

It doesn’t get any thinner than this! The iPad Suede Jacket helps prevent scratches and dings on your iPad mini, iPad 4, or iPad 3 with or without Smart Cover and the custom-sizing plus stretch memory of the Ultrasuede® insures a snug fit. This elegant, low-profile sleeve slips easily into a briefcase, messenger bag or backpack and helps protect your iPad from the minor bumps and bruises of daily use. You can even use it to keep clean your shiny new screen.

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It doesn’t get much simpler than this. The Suede Jacket is thin and light. The Jacket actually looks like it is smaller than the diminutive iPad. It is! That’s the idea. The iPad slips inside with ease thanks to the material having just enough stretch. Then, once there, your iPad stays put until you are ready to take it out. And because the fit is a bit on the tight side sliding the iPad inside also cleans the screen.

Tabs of material on either side and the bottom make it easy to pull the iPad out.

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The combination of the iPad mini and the Waterfield iPad Suede Jacket is thin, light and can go anywhere. And while it won’t give you serious drop protection it will prevent scratches, clean your screen and off a bit of protection from life’s bumps and bruises. I can definitely see myself using this minimalist protection on a regular basis; if you get the version that includes the external pocket, you can even take some extra gear along for the ride. Learn more and order yours here.

MSRP: iPad mini Suede Jacket: $15 / + pocket: $21; iPad mini (Smart Cover) Suede Jacket: $15 / + pocket: $21

What I Like: Thoughtfully designed; Well constructed; Priced reasonably for such a high-quality product

What Needs Improvement: Nothing! I have liked this design for other devices and love it for my iPad mini too!

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.