XGear SHADOW case for iPad is for those who want a tough exterior case for the back of their iPad but want to keep the front completely open for easy access. so, yes, it's pretty much identical to the XGear Folio case for iPad I looked at earlier... without the front cover.

It's black, it's got a futuristic diagonal ridge texture going on, and while -- again -- it probably wouldn't stop a bullet it does seem strong enough to repel most bumps, bashes, scratches, and scrapes that come anywhere near your iPad.

While I worried the four small corner tabs wouldn't be enough to secure it safely and persistently to my iPad, it's been snug for more than a couple of weeks now and shows no signs of letting go until I make it. The corners also double as mini bumpers to protect the sides of your iPad.

If you want something slick and sleek to keep the unibody aluminum back of your iPad in mint condition, check out the XGear SHADOW case for iPad available from the TiPb iPad Accessory Store.

Pros

• Carbon outer wrap is tough
• Looks good.

Cons

• Not as tight fitting as a skin

TiPb review rating

The XGear Folio Carbon Fiber Case for iPad is slim, strong, and sexy, with a suede interior and what feels like a darn-near bullet proof outer shell. In sharp contrast to the plush, old-world, executive leather of the Marware Eco-vue, the XGear Folio is sleek, futuristic materials and textures. It adds considerable protection against scrapes and scuffs, if not as much against shocks and drops.

The cover is double-jointed and can be folded back to prop the iPad up for easier typing or viewing in landscape mode, or to keep it standing for a portrait-mode picture frame.

You secure it closed or folded back with a little, tuck-in flange. I'm not crazy about that. It works but the sight of it when it's not tucked annoyed me. The elastic band, like the old-school moleskins, seems more elegant. Score one for retro.

There aren't any interior pockets or slots of cards or papers, but given the slim nature of the folio that's fine.

What you get with the The XGear Folio Carbon Fiber Case for iPad is no more and no less than a super-strong external shell that'll keep your iPhone safe and otherwise stay out of your way. Check out the video above and photos below, and if you like what you see, it's available now from the TiPb iPad accessory store.

Pros

• Carbon fiber exterior
• Slim profile for easy stowing
• Easily propped up for typing, viewing

Cons

• Minimal impact protection
• Flange is annoying

TiPb review rating

If you’re looking for a sturdy and transparent skin, the XGear Shield case for iPad for $29.95 may be the case for you.

The XGear Shield is made from dual-compound materials that creates a shock absorbing bumper on the edges. Translation: it has thick edges that fit securely to the iPad that can reduce damage to the corners if bumped. Though not completely transparent, XGear Shield has more of a frosted backing that and not only looks good but totally protects the back and sides of iPad and gives you complete piece of mind from scratches.

There are two things that I really like about this case. The first is how secure it is. There are some cases that fit, but the edges and corners are loose. While this may make for easy removal, I fear it can get caught on something and slip off of the iPad. This is not the case with the XGear Shield. The edges are actually a challenge to put on and remove so you know the case isn't going anywhere. On the downside, it doesn't allow for docking with the iPad dock. All of the openings are there, but the power button has given me some challenges. Turning on is easy though by tapping the home button instead.

Video and photos after the break!

Pros

• Protects edges and back of iPad
• Very sturdy Accessibility to all ports
• Fits securely around the iPad's edges

Cons

• Does not work with iPad dock
• Power button can be a challenge to press
• No color options

The XGear Nitrous Oxide case for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS [$37.95 - iMore Store Link] is a carbon fiber bottom loading hard case that gives you triple layer protection along with a few extra goodies. For the full scoop, follow us after the break!

When it comes to cases, the amount of protection the case provides is the first thing that comes to mind. The Nitrous Oxide is constructed in 3 individual layers that provides phenomenal protection. You get a super soft interior lining surrounded by hard shell case that is wrapped in a layer of carbon fiber. That carbon fiber not only acts as good protection but also provides you with a pretty solid grip while holding your phone. As an extra little bonus, XGear also tosses in a clear screen protector along with a small microfiber cleaning cloth.

As some of you already know, I am not a big fan of hard cases for the simple fact that many, not all, have a tendency to scratch the bezel of your iPhone and sometimes even the phones backing. With the soft interior lining provided you are guaranteed to not scratch your phone. Why all makers of hard cases do not regularly include a soft lining is beyond me.

While the Nitrous Oxide is on your iPhone you have easy access to all of you buttons and ports. Some of you may even feel like it's too much open space, especially on the bottom, but in my testing I had zero problems with it. The only worry I had before testing was since the case is bottom loading, I was afraid that the phone would slip out if it happened to suffer a drop. However once the case was on, I was comfortable with the fact that my phone would not easily come out. So that's something that you should not be concerned about. Also, some of you may prefer the open bottom for an easy docking solution.

Overall the XGear Nitrous Oxide Case for iPhone and iPhone 3GS is what it is, a hard case that offers good protection that does not add much size to your iPhone. While some of you may be turned off by the carbon fiber look and feel, others are sure to enjoy it and the Nitrous Oxide will most likely meet your requirements.

Learn more and purchase @iMore Store>>>