In August when I was at Blogher 12′ I saw a site I could have never imagined. I saw an iPhone submerged into a fish bowl of water. I actually did a double take. I looked up and say LifeProof and had to stick around to see what this company was all about. Up until that very moment I had no idea a waterproof case for any smartphone or tablet existed. To say this was my favorite product of the conference is an understatement. As soon as I got home I knew I wanted one of these, especially for my iPad.
If you are not familiar with LifeProof products here are just a few of it’s features:
- Waterproof, Snow, Dirt, and Shock Proof
- Water Proof: Fully submergible to 6.6’ / 2 m for 30 minutes
- Dirt Proof: Sealed from dirt & dust particles – meets or exceeds IP-68 Ingress Protection Rating
- Snow Proof: Sealed from snow & ice – meets or exceeds IP-68 Ingress Protection Rating
- Shock Proof: Withstands drops from 4’ / 1.2 m – meets or exceeds MIL STD 810F-516
- Eight Levels of Protection
- Take your device anywhere, it is ready for action
- Sleek Design
We had the opportunity to review several LifeProof items
- LifeProof Nuud iPad Case
- Case and Cover for iPad
- Hand and Shoulder Strap for iPad
- LifeProof iPhone 4/4S Case
Today we are going to concentrate on the LifeProof iPad Case and accessories.
LifeProof Nuud iPad Case
With and LifeProof case the first thing that needs to be done is a water test. This is a simple test in which you submerge the case (without the device in it) in water for 30-60 minutes and check the results when done. As long as no water has entered the case the test was a success. One of the neat features about the LifeProof case is there is no screen protector to hinder the use of the iPad. At first this was a shock. I assumed my entire iPad would be encased in protective material. I personally do not use screen protectors so this was not a change for me. The way the case protectors your iPad is with a rubber seal that is inside both the top and bottom pieces of the case.
This seal keeps the water from seeping into your device. The fact that the screen itself is not covered with anything is not important. Remember your screen is just glass which is unaffected by water (well other then a few spots here and there). The case is put together by snapping both pieces around the case. It can be removed by using a coin to pry open the bottom of the case. From their you gently pull apart both pieces to remove your case.
The weight and feel of the case is nice and was not at all different to the case that was on it before I switched. The top is contoured giving it added protection should it fall flat to the ground. Every whole is covered to protect the iPad from water. Even the headphone jack has a removable piece so that you are still able to use it.
I must be honest and tell you that I have not yet actually submerged the iPad in the LifeProof case into the water. I definitely feel it is protected. I’ve seen it in action. I just don’t feel the need to “purposely” throw it in a tub of water. I actually did plan on doing just that for this review. However I added the hand strap (in which I had to replace some parts of the case) and I wanted to do a water test to make sure it was still completely waterproof. However after searching the house for the plastic piece that is needed to do a water test I could not find it. So instead you will have to rely on LifeProof’s confidence that your iPad is 100% Waterproof.
Regarding the sound quality when using the LifeProof case. I did find it to be muffled just a little bit, but honestly you are not going to get the exact same quality when it is encased in protection as you would if it was naked. Overall the quality is pretty good considering. The functionality of the iPad is not compromised at all, since there is no screen saver there is no reason the touch screen would not work properly. All the buttons, the home, volume, etc work just as good in the case as without.
LifeProof Case & Cover
We received the case and cover for the LifeProof iPad case. It is similar to the case I was using before I switched to the LifeProof, so having this was much appreciated. The case itself is a tough plastic that you can place over the top of your iPad when it is not in use. It then doubles as a stand. It can be placed it two separate positions, one that puts your iPad almost upright like a TV or monitor, and the other is a slight incline good for task such as typing.
LifeProof Hand & Shoulder Strap
The LifeProof Hand & Shoulder Strap is an accessory that at first I didn’t really think I would use. It is pretty simple to install. There are for covered holes on near each corner of the LifeProof iPad Case. Following the instructions simply insert the provided piece that gives both straps a place to anchor themselves. After testing these both out. I can see where they both could come in useful. The hand strap just gives you a firm grip on the iPad and a little bit more freedom when carrying or holding. The shoulder strap I could see using when I want to bring my iPad somewhere I will be doing a lot of walking. No carrying case and no getting it in and out of something. Just sling it over my shoulder and go.
An accessory I did not review but noticed on the site and thought it was worth mentioning is the LifeProof LifeJacket for the iPad. If you are a boater or are around large bodies of water where your iPad can sink then this may be an accessory you want to check out.
Look for an additional post when we review the LifeProof iPhone 4/4S case. However before you go I’m excited to announce that we are giving away to one lucky winner their own LifeProof experience! If you own an iPad then you will want to enter this giveaway.
LifeProof iPad Package Includes:
• LifeProof nüüd case for iPad ($99.99)
• Cover + Stand for LifeProof nüüd iPad case ($19.99)
• LifeProof Strap Accessory Pack for LifeProof iPad 2/3/4 case ($34.99)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
See Official Rules. Giveaway will end at 11:59 pm EST on the day announced above. Open to US Only.
Thank you and Good Luck!
Disclaimer: I received a LifeProof Nuud iPad Case and above accessories. All opinions are my own. You may read more of my disclosure here.
