Enigma for iPad mini

The Enigma is a flexi-folding folio case for the iPad mini. The flexi-folding aspect is almost an origami like design where you bend the front cover back and fold the cover so that you can stand the iPad up. You can prop up the iPad in both portrait and landscape positions. The Enigma comes in 3 colors for you to choose from: black, blue, and pink.



The Enigma is crafted of 3 different materials: the back is a hard plastic, the front is a rubber, and the inside is a microfiber material. The Enigma will offer almost total protection of your iPad from scratches. The top of the iPad mini will still remain exposed though as the entire section of the Enigma is one giant cutout versus a cutout for each individual button/hole.

The front cover of the Enigma is pretty awesome with the exception of one small detail. It does not include the magnets that will wake/sleep your iPad mini. That is my only negative about the case, I really wish Cygnett would have included that feature when they launched the product. Even though it is a negative it is not a deal breaker. I would still highly recommend the Enigma to anyone with an iPad mini who is looking for simple protection of their device. The Enigma will not offer much protection from drops, it is more designed to protect your iPad from scratches and bruises.

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Getting the iPad mini into the Enigma is really easy, the mini just snaps into place in the 4 corners of the case. Once it is snapped into the 4 corners it feels really sturdy while in the Enigma. I never once have felt like the iPad mini will slide out of the case, it is designed well and will do a great job of protecting my iPad mini.

All of the buttons and ports line up perfectly, as I mentioned above the top of the Enigma is one giant cutout, same with the bottom of the Enigma. The speakers and lighting connector port have one cutout for both holes on the bottom of the iPad mini. The volume rockers and mute/lock switch are the same, one cutout for all three buttons. The camera hole on the back of the Enigma is a perfect cutout and leaves enough space around the camera so when you take a picture you do not get any interference with the case itself.

The Enigma does not any bulk or much extra weight to the iPad mini. The Enigma for the most part is a super thin, light weight way to protect your iPad from the rigors of daily usage.

The Enigma retails for $39.99 and can be purchased directly from Cygnett.

Check out my other Cygnett iPad mini reviews:

Workmate by Cygnett
FlexiGel by Cygnett


Problems viewing the video review? Check out the video on my YouTube channel.

Video review of Workmate from Cygnett

This is the video review of the Cygnett Workmate for the iPad mini. I had a problem with my Blip.tv account yesterday and couldn't upload it with the written review. Be sure to check out all my other Cygnett case reviews for not only the iPad mini but also the big iPad.

Cygnett Workmate for iPad mini

The Cygnett Workmate is a dual shock-absorbing case that will give your iPad mini double the protection. The Workmate is constructed of 2 different materials, a harder plastic and a soft rubber that offers the most protection from any accidental drops and dings that your iPad mini might incur. The workmate is impact resistance and also features raised edges so that when you lay your iPad mini face down the screen of your iPad mini is raised off of the surface you have it laying on.

The Workmate only offers rear and side protection but coupled with a nice clear screen protector your iPad mini will be in good hands. Maybe bad hands if you actually drop it! Don't drop it. But if you are unsure if the Workmate is up to the task for any accidental drops then check out this video that Cygnett recorded showing the iPad mini surviving a drop test.



The Workmate easily slides over your iPad mini and "snaps" into place with ease. Putting the Workmate on the mini is very simple and removing it is just as simple! All the ports and buttons will line-up nicely and I had no problem whatsoever accessing any of the buttons such as the volume rocker or any of the ports such as the Lighting connector on the bottom of the iPad mini. The speaker grills have a nice cut-out that line up perfectly with the speakers built-in to the iPad mini.

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The Workmate does add some slight bulk to the mini but that should be expected as this type of case is built for ultimate damage control. It does not really add much extra weight to the iPad mini though, just a tad bit of thickness. Overall I don't think you will notice the thickness that is added to the iPad mini. It will also add some extra grip to the iPad mini, as with most iThings, they are always slippery feeling but with the Workmate on your iPad mini you will have an extra added grip on your device.

PROS:

• Offers double protection


• Adds grip to the iPad mini


• Dual-shock absorbent


• Easy to slide on and remove


• Impact Resistance

CONS:

• Slight thickness added to iPad mini


• No front screen protection

Overall this is another fine product from Cygnett, I highly recommend the Workmate as I feel it will probably do the best job of protecting your iPad mini from most accidental drops. As with all the Cygnett iPad products I have reviewed this comes with a lifetime manufactures guarantee as well as a 2 year warranty.

You can purchase the Workmate from Cygnett for only $39.99

Be sure to check out my review of the Cygnet FlexiGel iPad mini case.

FlexiGel for iPad mini

FlexiGel is a soft, durable, protective flexi-case for the iPad mini made by Cygnett. The FlexiGel will help protect your iPad mini from scratches as well as offering some impact resistance if you were to drop your iPad mini. The FlexiGel only covers the back of the iPad mini so in theory you screen is still left unprotected and you might want to consider purchasing an iPad mini screen protector. The FlexiGel is raised a tad on the front of the case so if you lay the iPad mini face down on a table or desk it will not scratch the screen as the screen is slightly lifted off of the flat surface it is laying on.

The FlexiGel easily slides over the 4 corners of the iPad mini and all the buttons and ports have cut-outs with the exception of the power button and the volume rocker. The power button and volume rocker have soft buttons overlaying the actual button when you have the FlexiGel on your iPad mini. I tested this case with my earbuds and my Lighting cable and had no problem accessing the ports while using the FlexiGel.

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The FlexiGel retails for only $19.99 and it comes highly recommended to help protect your iPad mini from bumps and scratches. The FlexiGel comes in 2 colors: Blue and Black.

Pros:

• Impact Resistant


• Raised Edges


• Easy to slide on/off


• Manufacturers lifetime guarantee


• 2 year warranty

Cons:

• No front screen protection

For more information about the FlexiGel: http://us.cygnett.com/ipad/blue-flexigel.html
Warranty: http://us.cygnett.com/lifetime

iPad mini DROP TEST + WorkMate

In a world-first, Cygnett's Industrial Designer, Shannon Brown, has drop-tested the iPad mini with and without the WorkMate shock-absorbing case.

The heavy-duty WorkMate comprises a two-part construction- a silicone, spark-etched chassis, with interior ridges to disperse point of impact shocks and proud non-slip 'feet'; and a strong polycarbonate shell, with a rubberised coating for an easy-grip, matte finish.

For more info, please visit http://www.cygnett.com/project_workmate

Cygnett announces iPad mini cases

Today Apple announced the much anticipated iPad mini and with that announcement Cygnett also announced their product lineup for the iPad mini. I hope to be able to review a few of these cases in the near future. Stay tuned!

Leveraging some of its well-known product families and adding a few new ones, Cygnett today released information on its debut line of iPad mini cases. In all, six cases with varying colors and styles will land on store shelves and at online retailers at the same time as the iPad mini.

“We are excited to see Apple expand its tablet offerings to consumers,” said Michael Van Raay, Group Product Marketing Manager. “We’ve brought our best designs to this new device and focused on providing a wide variety of options to our customers.”

 

The lineup for the new iPad mini is as follows:

• Workmate is for the rough and tumble iPad mini user, featuring heavy duty dual material construction. A shock absorbing case that protects the iPad mini at all costs without adding bulk. MSRP US $39.99 – Available in Slate Grey and Red.


• Lavish is a sophisticated flexible view folio case that gives the iPad mini a professional look with magnetic closure, and a secure snap-on shell. MSRP US $39.99 – Available in Black & Purple.


• Vector features a high-gloss and spark etched 3-D finish in design that has raised edges at the front for screen protection. MSRP US $19.99 – Available in Black and Red.


• The Armour case protects the iPad mini from harm with a strong exterior shield and padded interior. MSRP US $39.99 – Available in Black and Purple.


• Engima is a flexible-folding folio case with a soft-feel, rubberized finished cover and multiple viewing angles. MSRP US $39.99 – Available in Black, Pink and Blue.


• Flexigel is a protective flex-case with superior anti-scratch and impact protection. MSRP US $19.99 – Available in Black and Blue.

Cygnett designs, develops and manufactures innovative digital accessories for the world’s most popular gadgets and technology. From cases and accessories for iPod, iPhone, iPad, smartphones and tablets to portable speakers, earphones, power products and laptop bags, Cygnett is celebrated as one of the world’s major digital accessories designers and manufacturers.

For more information about Cygnett products please visit their website.

Cygnett Alumni for iPad

The Alumni is another terrific iPad case from Cygnett, Total iPad's favorite iPad accessory maker. The Alumni retails for only $29.99 and features 4 beautiful colors: Blue, Green, Black and Pink. The Alumni is made of a canvas fabric and will help protect your iPad from dings and scratches.

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The Alumni has built-in magnets that will allow your iPad to take advantage of the sleep/wake function. The magnets will also double as a way to keep the Alumni front cover securely closed when the iPad is not in use. I did not have to add any additional magnets to the Alumni like I did with the Glam Rock, the Alumni is ready to go out of the box. The sleep/wake function works flawlessly with the Alumni.

The iPad fits nicely into the Alumni and I was able to access the buttons and ports while my iPad was in the Alumni case. The 30-pin connector is easily accessible to plug your USB cable into, I could not use my dock though while my iPad was in the Alumni but that should be expected. The earbud jack was also easily accessible when plugging my headphones into the iPad while in the Alumni case. I also had no problems using the volume buttons and mute/rotate switch on the side of the iPad. The rear of the Alumni has a tiny opening cut out so I could use my rear facing camera on my iPad if I needed too.

Overall the Alumni is a stylish iPad case that seems to be geared at the younger audience. It has an inside pocket that would be a nice place to store notes for class. Factor in the bright colors of the Alumni and this just screams high school. That is not a bad thing and is only my opinion. I would easily recommend the Alumni to anyone looking for a stylish iPad case that not only looks good but also protects your iPad from bumps and bruises. Factor in the price tag of only $29.99, you would have to be insane to not consider the Alumni. Check out my video demo below for a more detailed review of the Alumni by Cygnett.

Pros:
Magnetic closure
Nice canvas fabric outside
Protect iPad screen from scratches

Cons:
No way to stand up the iPad

For more information about the Alumni case from Cygnett, please visit their website.
Check out the other terrific Cygnett iPad accessories.

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Also See my other Cyngett Reviews:
Cygnett Glam Rock Review
Cygnett Aerosphere Review

Glam Rock Folio by Cygnett

The Glam Rock folio case is another terrifically designed iPad accessory from Cygnett. The Glam features a beautiful shiny, high gloss patent leather outside with a soft black felt-like inside. The Glam is designed to be used with the iPad 2 and ‘the new’ iPad or iPad ‘3’ as many including myself refer to it.

Slide your iPad into the Glam and secure it in place with the velcro flap that will keep your iPad securely inside the case and keep it from sliding out. The Glam features a magnetic closure so the cover will put your iPad to sleep when you close the front cover or wake your iPad when you lift the front flap. The magnetic closure is iPad 2 ready, for the iPad ‘3’ you will have to install an additional magnet. It does not take much effort, basically you just remove adhesive tape from the back of the magnet and place it in a designated spot on the inside front door of the folio. I assume this was because the case was designed for the iPad 2 and when the iPad ‘3’ was released Apple added additional magnets in the iPad ‘3’. I have tested the case with my iPad 3 and it did not cause me any problems and worked fine for me.

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Need to use your iPad when it is in the folio? No problem, the Glam features 3 different multi-view angles so you can prop up your iPad when you want to watch a movie or lower it when you are reading a book. When I had my iPad propped-up it did not feel flimsy when touching the iPad, it felt very sturdy unlike when I stand-up my iPad using the Smart Cover. You can also lay your iPad flat when you need to type on it which really helps because it raises the iPad about an inch from the surface making it easier to type. This gives the iPad a more natural ‘keyboard like feel’ when typing on the soft keys of the iPad.

The iPad fits nicely in the Glam Rock and does not add much weight to the iPad although it does make the iPad a tad bit thicker to carry. It is not bulky just thicker but that should be expected since it is a folio case. When the iPad is in the folio case you are still able to access all the ports and buttons on the iPad. The 30-pin connector is still easily accessible to plug your USB cable into. I was also able to easily connect my Camera Connection Kit into my iPad while it was in the Glam. I could not use my dock though, but the iPad slides easily enough in and out of the case so if I needed to dock my iPad that I did not consider it a hassle. The earbud jack was also easily accessible when plugging my headphones into the iPad while in the case. I also had no problems using the volume buttons and mute/rotate switch on the side of the iPad.

Pros:

Shiny metallic finish
Multi-View angles
Magnetic closure
Very sturdy

Cons:

Not having the magnet pre-installed for iPad 3

Final Thoughts:

Overall this is a nicely designed iPad folio case and if you are looking for a case to make a fashion statement then you should consider the Cygnett Glam Rock Folio. The metallic patent leather finish looks great and the single stitch seam running along the outside of the case adds to the overall appeal. The case is designed very well so it will keep your iPad safe from scratches and probably most drops as well. My iPad feels very well padded while in the Glam Rock. I consider the multi-view angles to be an extremely huge plus, especially when watching videos on my iPad.

The Glam Rock Folio by Cygnett retails for only $59.99. When you are ready to purchase the Glam Rock you can head over to cygnett.com or follow this link to their website.

Be sure to check out Cygnett’s other terrific accessories.

Cygnett Website.
You can follow Cygnett of Twitter.
Like Cygnett of Facebook.
View their demo videos on YouTube.

Top iPad Stories (September 24 - September 30)

This week some last thoughts on an iPad mini, report problems with iOS 6 Apple Maps, TSA agent gets busted stealing iPad and how successful are magazines in the iBook store? As always my usual links to some development articles, my tip, app and review of the week and my awesome bonus link.

Top iPad Stories:

How to report problems in iOS 6’s Maps
Is the iPad a Game Changer?
Idle iPad Mini Thought
Impaktor for iPhone / iPad
MultiTouch for Sketchup via iPad
Apple and the iPad
Free ebooks on how to use iOS for iPhone and iPad
“iCloud Backup”
Future magazine digital editions on Apple devices have passed 5 million
ABC News Tracks Missing iPad To Florida Home of TSA Officer
Get Podcasts Back In The Music App

Developement:

Building advanced RSS reader with iOS6
Adding custom warning messages in Xcode
Source Code Pro
How do we get people to understand programming?

Review of the Week:

Aerosphere Sleeve for iPad by Cygnett

Tip of the Week:

Enable “Kid Mode” on iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch with Guided Access in iOS

App of the Week:

Jasmine - YouTube client for iPad

Bonus:

Steve Jobs on Intel Stickers

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Follow me on Twitter @iCrizzo
Follow Total iPad on Twitter @totalipad

Episode 29 of the Total iPad podcast - Have a listen.