Tablet Cases Reviews

US+U Simple Swivel iPad 2/3/4 Back Protector with Hand Strap

By Sean Dosier / July 18, 2012
Editor's Rating 4.1 out of 5 stars 4.1/5 Good User Rating 4 out of 5 stars
1 Review(s)
OUT OF STOCK

OUT OF STOCK

It’s not your hand size that matters, rather how big is your heart! The Simple Swivel hand strap is elasticized to fit all sizes and rotates a full 360 degrees for holding the iPad 2/new iPad in any desired format and comfortable angle. Users can securely grip their tablet with just one hand, leaving the other free to multitask. And many should start by patting themselves on the back, because US+U donates a percentage of each sale to a charitable cause. Not much leisure time with the device here - this tablet back protector case is primarily geared for work modes, making it a valuable tool for many employers to invest for assisting their staff… Now who says the boss doesn’t have a heart?

Pros

  • Access to all tablet controls/features
  • 360 degrees rotating hand strap
  • Built-in kickstand for typing modes
  • Portion of purchase-price goes to charity

Cons

  • No screen protection
  • Stand only for typing modes
  • Uneven bezel design
  • Strong scent

Overview

Perhaps the reason for part of its name, the Simple Swivel appears to be the result of US+U simply trimming a layer of fat off their Swivel ProFolio design. The brand removed the fold-over screen cover panel, leaving behind the elastic loop for a Stylus pen, and of course, the all important hand-strap that incorporates their trademarked swivel technology (the patent for this is still pending, but surely US+U deserves the approval based on the good deeds they do for charity).

To make up for some of the lost cover function, a kickstand has been added here, which holds flush against the surface via magnets and releases to provide support for typing in landscape format only. The finished product is a backside cover for the iPad 2, or New iPad 3, that leaves the display and all controls/feature fully accessible for straightforward user interaction.

Specifications

Dimensions
9.8 x .7 x 7.7 in (WDH)
Type
Tablet
Brand
Color
Black
SKU
USU001BLK100
Not to detour the non-professional, but I see a case that is prescribed for the workforce. Already one construction and film production crew can verify this, because US+U delivered 10 free cases to Extreme Makeover, an American television program that builds homes for needy families. Other ideal targets for the Simple Swivel include marketing promoters, sales reps, warehouse personnel, hospital administrators, airline attendants, and restaurant servers. And with the dock left open here, connecting a credit card reader (sold separately) would complete this design for applied use in commercial and service industry fields.

Another additional purchase to consider is a tablet screen protector . As is, the Simple Swivel does well to keep the tablet safe from harm, mostly due to its special feature to prevent accidental drops. If such an incident does occur, the case has a couple other things going on to make me believe that if it lands just right, the tablet will survive.

The Velcro flap that holds the device secure inside is part of the backside panel, so it wraps around and over on top of the iPad bezel. As a result, the left side of the frame is twice as thick as all others and it looks slightly awkward. However, it does a very good job at keeping the tablet snug-fitted and will prevent the screen display from smacking against a flat surface.

The iPad corners do peek out here, yet the bezel frame does extend far enough to offer some bounce and forgiveness. If it were me, I’d pray for the case to hit the ground directly on its backside, because this is the strongest part of the design. Between the faux-leather exterior and micro-suede lining is a nice piece of thick padding, and combined with the hand strap there are enough layers to cushion the blow of most impacts. Nervous about transporting this to and from the workplace? The Simple Swivel measures 9.875” x 7.75” x .75” so an 11” tablet sleeve could ease these concerns. Alternatively you can just get an iPad 2 screen protector.



Features

  • Self-adjusting handle, offering a full 360° rotation of iPad with only one hand.
  • Flush-mount kickstand that positions iPad at an ideal angle for typing.
  • Convenient elastic loop for holding a pen or stylus.
  • Portholes and cutouts ideally positioned and cleanly finished.

Editor's Rating 4.1 out of 5 stars

RatingDescription
N/A
4.0Functionality
The iPad fully functional while encased. The rotating action here is effortless and the display remains still without slipping out of position. Bonus points each for the hand-strap, elastic stylus loop and flush-mount kickstand features. Really, if only the Simple Swivel and iPad were around back in my days working as a waiter.
4.0Protection
The Simple Swivel will shield a majority of the iPad against bumps, dings and scratches. Though possible, this is rating is not based on any guarantee that the tablet will survive accidental drops. Rather, it’s the idea that the hand-strap feature should prevent such incidents from actually happening.
4.5Quality
Few polyurethane constructions are this good. Both the micro-suede interior and leatherette exterior have a nice soft touch, even the grains look natural. No matter which way your spin this, all visible evidence here points to long lasting Simple Swivel use for even the most high energy jobs.
4.0Value
The Simple Swivel seems a bit overpriced at $49.99. But then again, your employer could very easily cover this expense. Or anyone with an open heart could just as easily open up their wallet. Buyers can choose a charity from the provided list of deserving causes, or let US+U decide.
4.1Overall: Good

Though literally a ‘charity case’, the Simple Swivel doesn’t deserve any pity. This is a best case scenario for those professions where the iPad is often in hand in order to complete the tasks at hand.

User Rating
1 Review(s)

4 out of 5 stars

"Hand strap plus stand"

on 2012 Jul, 20 by John West
I have to keep an iPad on me all the time because of my work. Naturally, the hand strap solution immediately came to my mind, when I was looking for a case. But I also wanted more functionality than regular cases with hand strap offer. I found it all in this US+U case: hand strap, stand, stylus ring, and great impact protection. Moreover, the hand strap solution here is rotating! I can turn it whichever way I want, which substantially eases my day at work. Highly recommended.

Write Review  

Rate this case

...

OUT OF STOCK

Related Products