Targus Pro-Tek Case for Apple iPad (7th Gen/9th Gen) 10.2-Inch, iPad Air and iPad Pro 10.5-Inch Protective Tablet Cover Case, Secure Closure, Water-resistant, Anti-Scratch, Black (THZ852GL)

I bought Targus and Otterbox Symmetry as I was undecided by looking at them online as to which one will be bets for me. I found that the Targus is robustly made and provides 360° protection. The corners have additional “bumpers” to protect the iPad from any fall. I haven’t tried dropping it to check, but it certainly looks reassuring in the event that I did drop it. Targus is flexible in that it gives you the option to work on your desk in either landscape or portrait mode. The flexibility to rotate the iPad from landscape to portrait (actually you can rotate the iPad in Targus 360°) is a huge advantage as many apps only work on portrait. The inner part of the cover is non-slip material (felt rubbery) which ensures that when I place my iPad in typing mode that it will not collapse under even gentle pressure. The pen is protected by the additional magnetic flap so that will not fall off. All in all a great product for the price. I did also buy the Otterbox Symmetry at nearly £80 from Apple. I found the Otterbox Symmetry somewhat disappointing for the price. The back is clear plastic that allows you to show off to whoever bothers to look at you when you are using the iPad, which frankly no one does. But when you hold it with your fingers, you will start to see smudges and finger prints. Which will mean that you have to constantly wipe the back. The grey thin cover with pencil cover magnetic flap looked flimsy. There are only two positions - both in landscape mode only. For portrait, you will need to hold it in your hand. So I have kept the Targus and returned the Otterbox Symmetry. So why 4 star? That is because the construction of the Targus makes the whole case somewhat bulkier and inelegant. But who cares as long as I am able to use the iPad in any position and not worry about damage due to accidental falls. I hope you found this review helpful in your decision. Enjoy.

This is a lovely looking case. Looks like the cover material will last rather than peeling after a short space of time. The case the ipad fits into has a rubbery feel so it should protect the ipad if dropped. The inside of the cover also has a rubbery feel so the ipad doesn’t slip when watching movies or just typing without holding it. Yes it can slip but only if the angle of placement is such that the ipad is close to the edge of the cover. Sound is good from the scooped out part of the casing. A couple of minor issues are the volume buttons aren’t as easily accessed. You do have to feel for them a bit and the same for the on/off button, not that I use that. The other issue, not for me, but for others, is you can only stand the ipad in landscape not in portrait. I only use landscape so like I said not an issue for me. For £20 I think this case will stand the test of time and still be looking good when others in the same price bracket or less will be tattered or in the bin.

PROTECTIONWhen I removed the case from the packaging, I was surprised to find that the back of the case was not rigid given the amount of protection it claims to offer. I can see how the flexible rubber/silicon construction and secure front closure provide a good level of shock protection if dropped, but if you are looking for a case that provides the device with protection against bending/flexing then look elsewhere. The front cover is more rigid, but still has some flex. The front cover sits slightly off the screen, reducing risk of scratching from particles trapped between cover and screen.FITTING/FITThe back is bendy thick rubber/silicon type material and fits on to the ipad very easily, covering the front edges of the tablet with accurate cutouts for the buttons. Speaker/camera/ports are nicely centred. I don't yet have a screen protector on, so I am not yet sure about how the edges will work with this. The cover looks smart when closed.FRONT COVERThe front protects the screen well and secures with a wide wrap-over magnetic closure flap which wakes the device on opening. When the case is open as a stand, this flap initially stood up obscuring the screen meaning it had to be folded back underneath. Having done this for a few minutes, the flap now sits completely flat against the table. Great a stand on a hard surface, a bit wobbly on your lap/chest.Holding the tablet in portrait orientation, the front cover folds back flat against the rear of the case and the closure tab will either flap about or need to be tucked in between the tablet and the folded back cover. I think the closure magnet is supposed to hold it in place here, but it doesn't quite manage it. The grippy surface of the flap does help hold the tablet in place (less sliding against the cover).The textured rubberised surface inside the front cover grips the device and allows it to sit at any angle. However the pattern of small indented triangles which make up the grippy surface are a magnet for small particles, which the rubberised coating makes hard to just brush off with your hand meaning the inner flap looks grubby fairly quickly. The particles do brush off when wiped with a lens cloth, but it takes patience.SOUNDThe case does alter the sound of the ipad. For me, this was an improvement - I found the artificially wide sound of the naked ipad a little grating and thin sounding. The case does direct the sound forward, as claimed, reducing the thin projected surround effect of the speaker without muting, muffling or altering tone - it just thickens it up a little.BUTTON ACCESSWith any case of the type thee buttons are accessed through cutouts in the case material, this helps protect the buttons from damage but means they are obviously more difficult to access.The power button sits on the top left and is on is a little tricky using your left hand due to the thickness of the case (I'd guess about 3.5mm). It is much easier if you reach around the back or the case with your right hand (okish on the 10.5, wouldn't be good on the bigger version). I am left handed, so this is not something I would naturally do.Volume buttons are easier to access as the the cutout is obviously bigger, there is a bigger gap to the right to make it easier for access with right hand (fine in portrait mode). Personally I would rather the edge of the screen was protected than have the cut away be deeper. I have small hands, it may be a problem with bigger fingers.PORT CUTOUTSHeadphones and charging port easy to use with original lightning lead. The lightning port cutout is too small to accept an apple pencil,which needs to be inserted to pair EVERY time you use it. I use a cable extender to plug in the pencil so I don't have to bend back the case (easy enough to do). I prefer this method as I worry about snapping the lightning connector off the end of the pencil.Camera/flash cutout is good - .the thickness of the material still allows for the lens to be recessed and protected - definitely a plus as the lens protrudes from the back of the tablet, making it vulnerable to damage.Overall, I would say ease of button access is on a par with cases of this type.Pros*impact resistance/ screen/edge join protected*accurate cutouts -*easy to fit*secure wake/sleep magnetic closure flap will not come open in a bagCons* not rigid - will allow tablet to bend* inner cover traps dirt in the grippy texture* magnetic closure flap holds the case shut well, but does not hold the flap out of the way when open* cannot plug in apple pencil directly

I have a very nice study Targus case that I bought some years ago, so went for this brand again. This was the closest I could find for the particular tablet I needed it for. The tablet fits into the holding part OK, but the flappy bit isn't straight when the thing is closed (and it doesn't shut with a snug fit), and when it is open, it wobbles because the joint that permits the tablet to be rotated is pretty loose. I'm trying to get used to this case, but fear I may need to chuck it and buy a different one.