Provides: Protection from scratches and scuffs
Developer: GelaSkins
Minimum Requirements: iPad 2
Price: $29.95
Availability: Now
Before my iPad 2 even arrived, I was online looking for skins for it. There are two reasons for this. First, I tend to upgrade frequently, and skins help me keep the iPad (or whatever) in great shape when it comes time to sell it off. And second, they allow…well, the iPad 2 is technically my wife’s. I use it a lot, though, and she’s able to lay claim to it by selecting a skin that reflects her personality and tastes, not mine. (She does allow me veto power, but I’ve never really had to use it.)
Regardless, a great place to turn is GelaSkins. They’ve been at this for a while now and support a wide variety of devices, as is clearly indicated by the precision of their fit. The necessary holes are cut out with just enough room to line them up, so little of the iPad shows through where they don’t want it to. The iPad 2’s corners are exposed, but honestly, that’s just about it that shouldn’t be.
Application is thankfully forgiving. With a skin this large, it’s difficult to keep the area up that you’re not directly trying to apply. And although the camera, volume buttons and such make good starting points, that doesn’t mean you’re going to get the alignment you want on the first try. I had to remove and reapply the skin about four or five times before I was happy with what I got. When I did, though, the fit was fantastic and the application was relatively bubble free. Those that appeared we’re easily smoothed out by wiping a cleaning cloth from the center to the outside.
Of all the skins I’ve tried, I like the texture of GelaSkins’ 3M Controltac material the best. There’s a subtle criss-cross pattern that adds a nice overall look and seems to make the artwork more…artsy, for lack of a better term. And that’s something to consider, because GelaSkins is all about the art. They’ve got a custom option and a few licenses (Tim Burton, Marvel, BustedTees, and more), but they largely focus on modern and classic artists.
I like that they do this; they’ve turned me into a fan of some artists I would’ve otherwise never known. And with designs from over 100 artists, you’re bound to like something, too.
The final touch GelaSkins brings is that they carry the design over to the front of the iPad 2. They provide a frame that sits on the iPad screen’s bezel (you can even cover the home button, if you wish). I’ll admit that I don’t use this, though, because it conflicts with my Fling Analog Joystick, and it would have to sit on top of my iVisor AG. If you do use it, though, it also comes with an iPad wallpaper download that perfectly fits in with your design.
Many of the designs aren’t conducive to serving as the backdrop for your app icons, but I’ll let you determine what looks good and what will make your eyes melt if you look at it for too long.
Skins are great. They offer excellent protection from scratches and scuffs, they can be used with third party docking devices and the majority of cases available, they’re compatible with Apple’s Smart Cover, and they allow you to add your own personality to the iPad 2. When it comes time to pick one, GelaSkins is the first place you should look. They may be a bit more expensive than some other options out there, but the quality, precision and wonderful designs will be worth it.
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