Another hard week is over and I’m back with a vengeance to slam a couple of tablet cases. While all the hype over the iPad Air has somewhat settled, the case makers are still bringing out accessories to fit the brand new Cupertino tablet. In my opinion, some of them are good enough, but the others, not so much… Please, follow me to see the definition of the word “ugly”.

Kensington keeps on building portfolio tablet cases for the new iPad Air, and their latest one, Comercio, does deliver the required functional versatility, but has nothing to offer style-wise. Yes, there’s the integrated stand secured by a tab, a stylus holder, and several card slots. However, the sluggish material makes me think about a pencil holder I used to have in second grade. Did they run out of leather, or what?

The Kensington Comercio offers the iPad Air multi-functional versatility, but forgets about the looks

Next on my list is a dodgy-looking Vintage folio tablet case from Cygnett. Seriously, people, look up the word “vintage”, it has nothing to do what you’re putting the iPad Air through. Thanks for the genuine leather and quite decent protection, but please fire your word-stylist. Anyway, if you’re looking for a simple folio, which protects and props up your tablet at various angles – this folio can work, but don’t expect any heads to turn your way.

The iPad Air is nicely protected by the Cygnett Vintage, but its beautiful looks have been tarnished

And then The Joy Factory come with its Folio360 MagConnect – a tablet portfolio made up of two pieces. While the durable shell hugs the tablet from all sides, the soft cover takes care of the screen and locking mechanism. The case comes with MagConnect feature making it compatible with all the other accessories in this line, but try disconnecting the shell from the cover and you get something that looks like it’s been made by a six-year-old. Well, the ugly design is somewhat made up by the freely rotating feature, but would you seriously look at something half-way between portrait and landscape orientation?

The Joy Factory Folio360 MagConnect allows free rotation when put together, but looks ugly set apart

Thankfully there was a case this week that I actually like. Hard Graft have outdone everyone once again with their Heritage sleeve for the iPad Air. The exquisite combination of leather and quality wool treats the tablet to superior protection and stunning looks. And the case is functional as well: the unique string lock not only secures the sleeve when not in use, but also supports the device in stand mode. Well done, Hard Graft!

Hard Graft Heritage treats the iPad Air to stunning looks, great protection, and functional solutions

The biggest tech news this week was perhaps the accusations towards LG that their smart TVs are spying on the owners. The Korean company said they will investigate and resolve the accusations. Elsewhere, Steve Ballmer is confirmed to step down as Microsoft CEO and the successor is expected to be announced before Christmas. The rumors about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy S5 heat up, with thousands of rendered images and specs suggestions showing up on the internet.

Steve Ballmer has been confirmed to leave Microsoft CEO post, successor comes before Christmas

Lionel Messi may be out for a while due to injury, but he certainly enjoys playing Angry Birds on his iPad. I just wonder what the hell he’s doing with an original one, surely he can afford the latest iPad Air. Or maybe he’s covering his tracks messaging Jose Mourinho about a job at Stamford Bridge. Surely the Special One will be interested…

Lionel Messi and Jose Mourinho hard at work on their Apple iPads