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Ahead of Friday’s iPad launch in Japan and many other places, I took a look at a few protective cases and screens from a small local company that are well worth considering, especially if you’ve already tried Apple’s surprisingly poor official case.
First up from Saitama-based Simplism, the Silicone Case Set (¥2,980) comes in a choice of colors – white, black, blue, pink and brown.
It includes a thick glove-like silicone backing that grips the iPad from behind, a screen shield film and a good microfiber cleaning cloth. For the price, it’s excellent value, but not necessarily the best option if you’re after a heavy-duty protector for your precious.
Personally, I liked the four large bumps on the rear of the case that lend the iPad typing stability when on a tabletop or other flat surface.
Next, my favorite, the Flip Leather Case – a ¥5,980 option available in black, white, red and brown. Sorry, camel 
Although slightly expensive, it feels like a quality product that definitely affords a good level of protection. The fact that it has a sturdy folding cover that makes the whole thing nice and touchy-feely and more like a book is a big plus in my, er, book.
On the downside, the Flip may be too chunky for some folk, but I liked it a lot.
Lastly, at the same price we have the Shoulder Leather Case, again available in black, white, red and brown, with the hinge at the top, unlike the side-opening Flip.
This time round, the wrinkle is that it has a shoulder strap for carrying it around as if you’re promenading on the French Riviera. It’s not my cup of proverbial, but YMMV, of course.
Along with a variety of screen films, the Simplism cases are all available in Japan at retailers like Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera and online. Overseas readers most likely have a nearby distributor too – there are where-to-buy links aplenty on the Simplism website.
09:25 PM 
JMLH •
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