With 2022 well on its way we look forward to discovering the new mobile devices, smart home technologies, and even in the not too distant future Amazon’s household robot Asto. To get a glimpse of Asto, have look at Amazon’s introductory video:
If you like your mobile device, I always recommend putting a case on it. Mobile devices manufacturers have gone to great lengths to improve the robustness of their devices. With most mobile devices incorporating either Gorilla Glass, Ceramic Shield or a hybrid of the two. However, accidents happen, mobile devices get dropped, knocked off tables, or end up being at the wrong end of an outburst of emotion.
Screen protector
I personally also like adding a screen protector to a mobile device too. There are typically four types of screen protectors available – Nano Liquid; Thermoplastic Polyreuthane (TPU); Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET); and Tempered Glass.
Nano Liquid
Nano liquid or liquid screen protectors as the name implies is a protective liquid that gets applied to the screen. I suggest avoiding these as it is difficult to determine the level of protection, it tends to wear off over time and can’t be replaced, as with a physical screen protector.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Are made from a plastic often found in food containers and plastic bottles. They are cheap, thin making them less noticeable. However, they do not offer the same degree of scratch and impact protection as TPU and Tempered glass.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
TPU is a flexible plastic that offers a greater degree of scratch and impact protection, and limited “self-healing” properties. TPU is applied to the device using a spray solution – this can make the screen protector tricky to install. Once attached to the device, they do have a slight “orange peel” feel to them.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is generally considered the best type of screen protector. While tempered glass doesn’t have the self-healing properties of TPU, it offers the maximum scratch and impact protection. Tempered glass protectors are often advertised with an H rating, usually H9. This is derived from the ASTM hardness scale. The Mohs scale is considered a better indication of the hardness of the tempered glass. It can sometimes be useful to do an online search for the product that you are intrested in to see if someone has tested it with a Mohs kit.
Whichever type of screen protection you opt for, I would recommend reading the reviews first. Often some of the more reputable (and expensive) ones do not work as well as the cheaper lesser-known brands.
If you like it, put a case on it!
For best protection of your device, you need a case. There are two general category of case, those that simply offer a degree of protection, and those that incorporate other technology e.g., a speaker, keyboard or extra battery.
When considering a case, it is important to take the needs of the person using the device. cases can add bulk and weight to the device. Some have a handle and/or a carry strap – and while protection outweighs aesthetics, the case may be available in a colour the person likes.
It is also worth considering practical aspects of the case. The added thickness the case adds may mean the devices don’t fit in the charging trolly, or people may struggle to remove a protective flap to plug a cable into the device.
Generally, you get what you pay for when it comes to cases. Unlike screen protectors you are better off choosing a case from the more reputable manufacturers e.g. OtterBox, Griffin, Spigen, Targus, Mous, Big Grips etc.
While this may seem obvious, it is important to check that any case you are considering is compatible with your device for example there is a 7.8mm difference in size between the iPad mini 5 and iPad mini 6.
Some of the more popular cases are:
Big Grips
Big Grips make colourful, fun, light weight, and functional cases. They provide decent impact resistance and come in four variants: a simple case (Big Grips Frame), one with handles (Big Grips Lift), a slim case (Big Grips Slim), and one with a carry case (Big Grips Hipster).
OtterBox
OtterBox produce cases for both mobile phones and iPads. The OtterBox Defender series of cases for iPad is one of the best tough cases. Their Kids Antimicrobial EasyGrab Tablet Case also offers a nice option.
Griffin
Griffin, like OtterBox produce cases for both mobile phones and iPads. Similarly, the Griffin Survivor cases is one of the best tough cases on the market. Griffin also have other cases that may not provide as much protection but have other features such as an easy grip hand strap.
Spigen
Probably known more for their mobile phone cases also offer as range of tough cases for iPad. While the Spigen tough cases may not look as military grade tough as the Griffin Survivor and OtterBox Defender they offer a high level of impact protection.
Mous
Mous, pronounced mouse offer a selection of cases. Similar to Spigen, are probably more known for their mobile phone cases, but also offer a number of iPad cases. Mous tend to look good, and less like your typical tough case. However, despite the looks, their cases provide a decent level of impact protection.
Mophie/Zagg
Mophie, one of Zagg’s product ranges offer cases that incorporate a battery pack to extend the use of your device, while also offering a degree of protection. Mophie also produce a space-pack case which includes 32GB of external storage, and a battery pack for iPad.
iAdapter™
iAdapter™ by AMDI is a specialist case that not only offers protection, but is designed to convert an iPad into a more traditional augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. The case incorporates front and rear facing speakers and a battery pack.
Many more
These are just a handful of cases currently on the market. As technology progresses, more and new cases become available. I would be interested to know what your experiences with cases are.
I am keen to hear about how you are using mobile and other smart technology too. If you would like to have a particular topic covered in the next newsletter, please let me know. I am also available at any time to support and help where I can.
Martin Pistorius
Karten Network Technology Advisor
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- Featured in the Karten Winter 2022 Newsletter
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