The introduction of iPads into the school system represents a sizeable investment for many districts and chief amongst the concerns is how to protect these iPads from damage. The answer lies partly in how they are utilized. Programs and policies vary greatly from one school to the next and so do the tools needed to protect the iPads from misuse. So how should you protect your investment from the drops, spills, bumps and the otherwise rough conditions your iPads will surely encounter?

iDiot Proof your iNvestment: Regardless of how your tablets will be used, you will need a case which offers protection from bumps and drops and probably a slip cover, which offers protection from spills and dust. Cases range from simple, back cover protectors to portfolios with notepads.  iPad slipcovers generally refer to a zippered, pocket-styled bag and are available in a variety of materials, such as this neoprene sleeve with an outer, zippered pocket. Regardless of which case and cover you choose, both of these items should prominently feature your school’s name, logo or mascot.

Customizing your iPad covers and cases (like the school case pictured at right and available from PROMOrx.com) with your school logo allows you to identify your tablets at a glance and encourages school pride!

iDeas about Protection:

 The Daily Dilemma: How will your students use their iPads? Will the tablets be restricted to the classroom or will they travel the halls? Our biggest sellers for a stay in the classroom environment are these bright promotional cases and this spirited iPad case.

Will the iPads stay in the school or will students take them home? Many schools find that this simple iPad case or a more functional case, which provides a spot for a notepad, are ideal for an in-school environment. What type of environment does your school have? iPads in primary school will experience a much different daily life than those in a graduate school setting. This general, all-purpose case is a great option for primary and secondary schools. Notice that the cover gives protection to the edges of the iPad. Many do not.

 School Branding: Grade schools may prefer a simple hard case/neoprene cover combo. Our favorite combo: the neoprene sleeve coupled with a customized iPad cover.   Both items can feature your school name or mascot. A graduate school may favor a more conservative, logoed leather case with a notebook, while an arts institute may prefer a more colorful approach to protecting its investment, such as this bright case paired with this fully customized neoprene sleeve.

 Overnight and Summer Storage: How will your iPads spend their summer vacation? If you are planning on storing your tablet investment during the summer months, a simple neoprene sleeve to protect the iPad from dust is a smart investment. Using even a basic slip-cover during the school year will reduce the risk that your iPads will be affected by dust and crumbs.

 Teacher Programs: In some cases, schools are offering iPads first to their educators. In these instances, a case such as this functional and protective cover, which has the benefit of a notepaper spot, will offer basic protection for the iPad.  For an extra-special look, some schools have opted for a sleeker, more sophisticated case.

 Special Concerns: Some teachers and students require additional features in their iPad case. A more rigorous program (i.e. Athletics), will require a much more sophisticated protection system. The Griffin Survivor meets or exceeds even US and UK military standards making this the best all-around iPad2 protection you can get for your investment. Carefully consider whether iPads utilized in certain subjects or class environments would benefit from a special iPad case.

Get iNvolved: Knowing the basics will insure a long life for your investment and save you from over- or under-protecting. To refine your search and protect your iPad investment, contact PROMOrx.com! We’re glad to help.

First, what is neoprene?

Neoprene is commonly known as the “scuba or wetsuit material”. Neoprene is washable…but we don’t recommend throwing neoprene iPad cases in the washing machine! Wash these neoprene cases by hand, no fabric softener.

Neoprene is durable and stretch-y…perfect for protecting your iPad or iPad 2 as well as many of the other tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab, BlackBerry Playbook, Acer Tablets, etc.

What to know when buying custom neoprene iPad and tablet cases:
1. One Size does NOT fit all iPads and tablets. You will see XL size neoprene cases called iPad cases by the factories that manufacture them. CHECK THE MEASUREMENTS! Well, unless you like LOTS of elbow room for your iPad!
Most iPad aficionados appreciate the sleek iPad and iPad 2 and want cases that are just as sleek and fitted.

2. If there is anything metal on the inside of the neoprene tablet cases, RUN! We recently purchased a neoprene iPad case sample that had a cleaning cloth attached in the inside of the case. Sounded clever.
But there is a metal clip holding the cloth inside. I don’t want that anywhere near my iPad 2!! And no, it’s NOT on the PROMOrx website!

3. Customization can set your order iPad and tablet cases apart from the crowd. I’m talking true customization: full color imprints, add a pocket, make it bigger or smaller, etc. All these things can be done, but take time. 4 weeks is average.

4. DETAILS COUNT! Look at the size, the finish on the iPad case.

PROMOrx top selling neoprene cases and sleeves:
1. this neoprene iPad Sleeve with outside pocket
2. Built® fitted neoprene iPad 2 covers in kicky patterns!
3. More cool, fun and functional Built® neoprene iPad covers
4.Full color neoprene iPad/tablet case : think of the possibilities!

We continue to be surprised at the number of people ordering iPads for their company that are totally clueless. They don’t know the difference between the original iPad and the iPad 2. They don’t know what an iPad or tablet stylus is. Smart Cover? What’s that, they ask! Several have placed orders through our website for iPad 1 cases. When we confirmed the order, pointing out it was for the original iPad and stated that on the website, they said “OOPS, need one for the iPad 2, won’t this one work?!”!! Really?!

Basic tips for buying iPad accessories:
1. Know which iPad if you’re buying cases:
the original (also known as the iPad 1) or the iPad 2.
There are differences in the size as well as the rear facing camera on the iPad 2. Or we can recommend one that will work for either.

2. Faux means FAKE as in faux leather iPad case. Leatherette is NOT real leather. PU leather is NOT real leather…it’s polyurethane…PLASTIC! PROMOrx will tell you if it’s a faux leather iPad case!

3. You will NEVER please all iPad users! All of us have different features in cases we think are a must!

4. Many of these iPad and tablet cases are NOT sitting in a warehouse in the US, they are in CHINA! It takes 3-4 weeks.
If you need custom iPad cases fast, ask PROMOrx which ones will work. There are a few like this
embossed iPad case we can get fast if inventory is available!

5. Small text in your logo can be a problem for debossing.
If we tell you it won’t work, it’s because we know you won’t be happy with the end result!

6. You need a vector art file of your company logo. That’s an .ai or .eps file and sometimes a pdf file will work if it was created in Adobe Illustrator. If you don’t have Adobe Illustrator, you can’t open these files. You can’t take a jpg file and save it as an .eps. It won’t work.

7. #1 requested feature in iPad cases by people who do know iPads? Sleep/Wake Feature. Like this leather iPad 2 case

What I’m using on my iPad 2 this week:
1. As thin as the Apple SmartCover with back protectionCustomized iPad Covers
2. For added protection, with the cover on it, I love this custom neoprene sleeve
3. And this iPad stylus is docked in my iPad telescoping iPad stylus

And that picture above? It’s the screen from Angry Birds…my Mother-in-laws’ first try!

DO YOUR HOMEWORK! On the PROMOrx website, read the details and watch the short videos if provided. You can learn a ton! Or call a specialist…PROMOrx! Buying custom iPad cases and accessories isn’t brain surgery, but the details are important!

Ask about truly custom iPad cases: we can add pockets and pen loops. Custom iPad case colors? No problem! From gray to burgundy, royal to pink, snow white and everything BUT basic black…PROMOrx can make your business iPad cases truly custom!

There are minimum order quantities and only a hand full of styles where we can truly customize your iPad cases and covers! This custom neoprene iPad sleeve cover starts with white fabric, a blank canvas! We can put a picture or full color logo. Want a pink case or a blue case? We can make it happen!

And these popular business iPad cases can also be customized with lots of options! How about changing the thread color to blue or green for a pop of color on a black case? We can do it! How about a gray faux leather iPad case? We can make it so!

True customization of colors and features on iPad cases and covers takes time! Generally: 4 weeks. Contact me,Vickie, the iPad business accessory specialist, for all the details!

We have looked and tested lots of company logo iPad cases. Everyone has a different idea about what makes a great case. But the quality of some of these cases…well, leaves a lot to be desired. Or the iPad isn’t secure in the case. Or what holds the ipad in place is 4 little pieces of elastic…that will eventually stretch out and not hold your iPad! And don’t get me started on the awful quality of the ipad styluses. (there are 3 on our website so far that actually WORK!) And a drawer full of samples that don’t and are no longer on the website!

Our most popular custom iPad 2 case takes 3 weeks on average from the time you place your order and approve the layouts. This is an awesome case that really secures your iPad, good access to all the iPad features and an inside pocket!

Another embossed iPad case has been in and out of inventory for the past month. And this wonderful neoprene iPad case with the outside pocket for your smartphone, cell phone and more takes 3-4 weeks! Produced in China! This one could also be adjusted to fit other tablets like the Galaxy Tab or Blackberry Playbook. And who knows, maybe the new Amazon tablet as well!

Client just asked me what my favorite case is for my iPad 2. This week, it’s this iPad cover that can be custom branded! Love how thin it is…just like the SmartCover from Apple….protects the front and back of your iPad. I put it in the neoprene iPad case when I travel. Fits like a dream! Available in black and gray.

The good, the bad and the ugly about iPad cases and accessories? Call the iPad Queen…Vickie…that’s ME!

Read this article from the Environmental Working Group about what should NOT be in your hand sanitizers: Not in my Hand Sanitizer!

Here’s one I recommend that doesn’t have any of the chemical nasties! No triclosan, no fragrance and no benzalkonium chloride and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride! But with 63% alcohol, still an effective promo hand sanitizer when you can’t find soap and water!
Natural Hand Sanitizer

Forecast for iPads shipping in 2011? Over 44 MILLION!

Guess that explains why this was our #1 seller so far for January:
Cool iPad Cover
And this was our #2 seller so far this month: iPad Biz Case

So, this article got my attention! Check out what Fast Company says about how the iPad is cutting into TV time: iPad cuts into TV time