Keeping your tablet device safe is important, no doubt about that, but most of the current accessories are way too bulky if you want ruggedness. Unfortunately very few case makers out there understand the importance of combining good looks with protection and functionality. Additionally the latest problem seems to be the use of colors, as if the ‘90s are everything is now boasting acid colors, and is sparkling and shining. Let’s take a closer look.

Griffin extends its popular Survivor line of rugged tablet cases with Play – an new approach to iPad Air protection. To be honest I didn’t like the original model either, but the newest one is even worse in my opinion. iPad Air is a serious tablet and dressing it up in what looks to be a play case is just wrong. And then it’s this yellowish, shining color…

The case provides excellent protection from bumps and drops, but its looks are beyond repair

Next up is SkechBook from Skech, which is not a bad folio tablet case compatible with the iPad Mini. On one hand it seems the case has got everything – slim body, reclining integrated stand, seemingly good protection, but on the other hand – it feels like there’s something missing. The corner protection seems weak, and although the auto sleep/wake function is there, magnetic lock isn’t working for some reason. And then again, the color – pink, really?

Average tablet folio case with great stand and auto sleep/wake, but without other useful features

The Universal from CaseLogic is universal alright. It fits almost any 9-10.1 inch device and offers a decent selection of features. There’s a hand strap, soft inner lining for scratch protection, and a secure strap lock to keep it shut when needed. Despite all the good things, the case looks a fat file, bookkeepers used to drag around 20 years ago. I’m sure designers could’ve made it a bit slimmer and more attractive.

Functional and universal tablet folio case with awful looks and thick construction

The case that really got my attention this week was the APEX 360 from Belkin. A familiar line of cases now reincarnated for the iPad Mini delivers extremely slim and lightweight body. Despite this, the device is protected from all sides without obstructing ports and buttons. Moreover, the case passed Military drop testing. There are also lots of features: auto sleep/wake, clip lock, contoured design for enhanced grip, and a cool integrated stand with many angles.

The case delivers great functionality and safety in a slim and lightweight body

The tech news this week mostly centered on smartphones. Nokia has already unveiled their new flagship device – the Lumia Icon. Hitting the shelves on February 20th, the device sports a 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU, 20MP PureView camera, Qi wireless charging, NFC, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, 1080p ClearBlack screen, and a 2,420mAh battery. HTC is about to present the HTC Desire 8 with dual-SIM support. And BlackBerry is rumored to be launching a 64-bit octacore smartphone later this year.

An array of upcoming smartphones sets up great rivalry for 2014

The British Prime Minister may not be everyone’s favorite right now, but he sure knows how to take care of expensive things. He’s a renowned fan of technology, always going for the latest gadgets, and unlike many other heads of state, actually knows how to handle them. Check out the durable and functional tablet folio David Cameron has selected for his iPad, which accompanies him on long trips.

David Cameron takes great care of his iPad with a functional and protective tablet folio case