Comparison Sumdex NRN-236 vs Ozaki O!coat-Travel for iPad Air

The screen size of the device the case is designed for. This parameter directly determines the dimensions of a compatible tablet or e-reader. A device with a larger diagonal will simply not fit into the case, however, smaller sizes than those indicated in the case specifications are also not recommended — at best, the device will hang inside (which will negate many advantages), and at worst, it will not stay in the case at all .

It should be noted that this parameter is critical if you select a universal cover (see "Compatibility"). If the specifications directly indicate compatibility with the model of your tablet or reader, the screen size is for reference only, because. case by definition is optimized for the dimensions of the respective device.

— Protective case. This type of security is found mostly in tablets and is almost never used in e-readers. By design, it is the simplest type of cases, covers only the back wall of the device and the ends, protecting them from bumps and scratches; the screen remains open. Thanks to this, you can safely put the tablet on hard surfaces — not the back cover will be scratched, but the cover covering it. At the same time, protective covers are poorly suited for transportation, because. do not protect the screen and may require a screen protector. Their main purpose is daily use within the same premises (home, office, etc.). This type of cases is not universal (see "Compatibility") and is always made for a specific tablet model, because. for successful use, it must exactly match not only the diagonal of the screen, but also other dimensions of the device, as well as the shape of its case. Accordingly, protective covers for different tablet models are usually not interchangeable.

— Cover. In full accordance with the name, these covers resemble the design of a book cover. At the same time, a tablet or an e-book is fixed motionless on one of the halves, the second one covers the screen. This design provides maximum versatility: when unfolded, it is similar in purpose to a protective cover (see above), and when folded, it provides good security during transportation, because. covers both the back of the device and the display. Also, the design may provide transformation int...o a stand (see below). Covers can be both specialized and universal (see "Compatibility"), they are found among tablets and are very common among readers, because. make it look like a real book.

— Flip. Like the protective case (see above), this type is found mainly in tablets and covers the device on one side only. However, it looks more like a cover (see above): usually the flip is attached to the tablet from the side or back and is made folding. Thus, during transportation, it covers the screen of the device, and in everyday use, you can flip the flip to the other side, so that you can safely put the tablet with the back cover on hard surfaces. Often this type can be transformed into a stand (see below for more details). Flips are almost never universal and are usually made for specific tablet models (see "Compatibility").

— A bag. A variety of covers designed to be used primarily when transporting a tablet or e-reader. In working condition, such a case covers the device from all sides (or leaves only one end open), and to use the gadget, you need to remove it. However there are exceptions — some models are made transparent, which allows you not to remove the device from the case — but they are quite rare. Bags more often than other types are equipped with additional devices for ease of carrying, such as a handle or a shoulder strap (see below for more details). It is also the most versatile type of case: usually the only determining factor for bags is the screen size (see above), and even specialized options (see "Compatibility") can be designed for not one, but several models at once.

— Keyboard Case. Almost all such models are designed for tablets and, in accordance with the name, combine the functionality of a protective case and a portable keyboard. Usually they have a design similar to the covers (see above) — a tablet is attached to one of the halves, the keyboard is located on the second. Almost all covers of this type have the ability to transform into a stand (see below), which allows you to actually turn the tablet into a netbook. The keyboard connection can be either wired (USB) or wireless (Bluetooth); in addition, in some models it can be made removable, and if necessary, the cover can be turned into a regular cover. The disadvantage of this type is the high price due to the presence of the actual keyboard.

— Magnet. Clasp based on the action of a strong permanent magnet. When it is closed, the magnet “sticks” to a special metal element on the other half of the cover, or, in the case of flips (see “Type”), to the body of the tablet. The main advantages of such a fastener are simplicity of design and durability: the magnet practically does not wear out, does not lose efficiency over time, and does not suffer from frequent opening/closing. As a disadvantage, one can name a relatively weak fixation; however, magnetic fasteners are usually designed to minimize this disadvantage and are reliable enough for most applications. Thanks to this, the magnet is one of the most popular types of fasteners. At the same time, we note that when using covers with such clasps, you need to exercise some caution: they should not be placed next to credit or other magnetic cards, because a magnet may render such a card unusable.

— Hook-and-loop. The Hook-and-loop fastener consists of two surfaces: on one there is a layer of felt, on the other — microscopic hooks that catch on the felt fibers when the surfaces come into contact. This provides a fairly strong grip. The disadvantage of Hook-and-loop is increased wear with frequent use, because. with each opening, part of the fibers breaks out with hooks. Therefore, such fasteners are rather poorly distributed; they are mainly used in bags (see "Type"), where opening and closing the clasp is relatively infrequent.

— Elastic. Elasti...c fastening that holds the two halves of the case together. Due to its design features, it is used exclusively in covers (see "Type"), but among this type of covers it is only slightly less common than a magnet (see above). The fact is that the rubber band combines simplicity and reliability of holding, while it does not pose a danger to magnetic cards. Among the shortcomings, one can name a tendency to stretch with inaccurate use (due to which efficiency is lost), and in general, somewhat less durability than a magnet.

— Rivet. Another popular name is "button". By design, such a clasp is similar to a regular button used in clothes: on one half of it there is a curly protrusion, on the other — a recess with a special lock. When closed, the protrusion fits into the recess and locks into place, ensuring a secure fit. Actually, the reliability of retention is the main advantage of rivets. On the other hand, they may require considerable force to open and close. This, firstly, is not very convenient, and secondly, it wears out the material around the button a lot — up to loosening and falling out of the fastener with a relatively intact case. This puts forward separate requirements for the strength of the case itself. Because of all this, rivet fasteners are quite rare.

— Lightning. The zipper is used exclusively in bags (see "Type"), and more often than any other type of fastener. This is the best option given the main purpose of bags: zippers close and open easily and quickly, are quite durable and even provide some degree of additional protection at the ends.

— No zipper. Fasteners, by definition, do not have protective covers (see "Type"); also, models without fasteners are often found in bags that leave one end of the device open and are designed for the fastest access to a tablet or e-book. In other types, this option is quite rare. Also in this category are bags with a drawstring that tightens the inlet neck.

Compatibility of the cover with a specific tablet or e-book model — or the lack of such specialization, in the case of universal models.

For many popular models of tablets and readers, their own specialized covers are produced. They are much better suited for such devices than universal ones, since they are initially “sharpened” for the specific features of a particular model: the dimensions and shape of the case to the nearest millimetre, the location of controls, connectors, cameras, etc. This is especially true in the case of tablets. And for protective covers (see "Type") this is generally the only possible option.

At the same time, universal covers have a wider scope: in fact, in this case, compatibility is determined only by the screen size (see above). This can be useful, for example, if your family has two devices of the same size, but only one of them is taken on trips: you can buy one bag and use it for the desired gadget.

The material from which the cover is made determines its protective properties and a number of other features. To date, cases for tablets and e-books can be used:

— Textile. This type of materials is quite diverse: it includes both soft thin fabrics, designed more to protect against accidental scratches, and dense materials, comparable in strength to plastic and capable of protecting against fairly strong impacts. Almost all fabrics are pleasant to the touch and look good, especially since almost any colour can be given to this material. However, their cost is quite low. Thanks to all this, the fabric is one of the most common materials for covers today; it is used in covers and bags. Different fabrics have different composition, which should be taken into account when cleaning and/or washing such a cover. Among the shortcomings can be called instability to moisture — most fabrics get wet one way or another. At the same time, water-repellent impregnation can be applied to eliminate this.

— Silicone. Polymeric material based on silicon or organosilicon. The advantages of silicone are elasticity, impermeability and resistance to temperature extremes and ultraviolet radiation, due to which it is well suited for dust and moisture-proof covers (see "Dust and water protection"). Disadvantages — Tendency to stretch and lose elasticity over time. It is used quite rarely, and almost never occurs...in e-books.

— Rubber. This material combines low cost, softness, scratch resistance and good protection of the device inside both from scratches and from shocks and shocks, as well as moisture (rubber is waterproof). In addition, the cost of rubber is quite low. The disadvantages are increased sensitivity to temperature changes and wear. Because of this and a number of other reasons, rubber booties are quite rare.

— Plastic. One of the most popular materials used in tablet cases; in e-books is used much less frequently. The advantages of plastic are low cost, good rigidity, resistance to moisture and temperature changes (both the material itself and the protection it provides to the tablet), as well as a bright appearance — plastic can be given almost any colour. The main drawback is that it tends to crack on impact, but in fact it should be quite a strong blow, which is likely to damage the inside of the tablet as well.

— Skin. A kind of fashion material, designed for those who care not only about the functionality, but also about the stylish appearance of the case — leather goods look very solid. The skin is durable, almost waterproof and resistant to temperature changes. The main disadvantage is the difficulty in maintenance: products made from this material require periodic processing with special means and special conditions for cleaning and drying, otherwise cracks and deformations may occur. In addition, leather is quite expensive.

— Leatherette. An artificial analogue of genuine leather: it is much cheaper, while it may not differ much in appearance. Another advantage of leather substitutes is ease of care — they do not require such care as genuine leather. However, they are also characterized by a number of disadvantages inherent in inexpensive materials: a tendency to scuff, sensitivity to temperature changes, as well as a slightly lower strength than genuine leather. In modern cases, various types of leather substitutes are used, differing in price and characteristics; usually, the quality of such material directly depends on the cost.

— Wool. A soft material that resembles a dense thick fabric in its properties (see above). Wool protects the device well from temperature extremes, and also provides some degree of impact protection due to its thickness and softness. However, due to a number of features, in particular the complexity of processing, this material is very rare in cases for tablets and e-books.

Possibility to use the cover as a stand for a tablet or e-book. By opening additional elements or folding such a cover in a special way, you can install the device on a horizontal surface (for example, a table) in an inclined position. This position is in some cases much more convenient than horizontal — for example, when watching a video or reading large-format documents that are difficult to scale.

The presence of a separate pocket in the design of the cover. The placement of such a pocket can be internal or external, the same applies to size; it may have a fastener in the form of a zipper, Hook-and-loop, etc., or it may not fasten at all. However, anyway, the purpose of the pocket is to transport various small items — from sheets of notes to cables, chargers, removable lamps (for e-books) and other similar accessories. Keeping these items in a case with your tablet is often more convenient than carrying them separately.

The presence of a belt in the design of the case for easy carrying on the shoulder. This type of transportation is somewhat more convenient than in the hands, because. hands remain free; in addition, it better ensures the safety of an expensive device. On some models, the shoulder strap can also be used for other purposes, such as securing the tablet to chest height. Most often, this feature is found in bags (see "Type"), but it also comes across in covers.

The case has a special handle for easy carrying in the hand, in the manner of a regular bag. Actually, this function is found mainly in cases-bags, and also, occasionally, in covers (see "Type"). Carrying handles can be supplemented with special pockets or other devices that allow you to hide them until they are needed; this provides additional convenience and gives the case a neater appearance.