I thought I was prepared enough with a mask and budget when I visited an Apple Store to gift myself an iPad Pro 2020.
In less than thirty minutes and trying to speak and hear words muffled by mask, I splurged on iPad Pro 12.9, Apple Pencil, and OtterBox Symmetry 360 Case.
Why OtterBox Case
I didn’t have many choices for an iPad case at the Apple Store.
It’s either the Smart Folio or OtterBox or the other case that I didn’t like enough to even remember.
With a resolute decision to not avail Apple Care, I have to protect my iPad at all costs with a sturdy case and impeccable gracefulness whenever I’m holding an iPad like a world class contact juggler.
At first I was hesitant because of the tag price. It’s hard to imagine myself spending $100 for a case.
Knowing myself, I’ll scour Amazon.ca for an affordable iPad case. I’m a researcher striving to stick to a budget.
But with a much pricey, indispensable gadget, I had to give in and bump up the budget.
Was my seemingly impulsive buying of accessories worth it?
Related Post: Tzumi Bluetooth Keyboard with Folio Case
It’s Not Bad at All
Yes OtterBox is pricey yet I must admit that OtterBox is worth it.
1. It perfectly fits the iPad. And covers all sides of the iPad unlike Smart Folio Case that leaves the corners expose.
2. The latch keeps the Apple Pencil in place. But if you decide to use an Apple Pencil cover then you’ll have to stash somewhere the pencil.
You can still charge the Apple pencil with a case in a bit odd position.
3. OtterBox Symmetry is durable. I haven’t dropped my iPad to test it’s durability from a high level. And I will never change my mind.
But I am confident that I can put it in my bag and not worry about bending because I didn’t avail Apple Care.
4. I can prop it on a desk without additional iPad accessory. Some like using a stand adding the illusion of a desktop setup. Well my reality is that I like what I already have (paid for).
5. It’s easy to remove and put back the case. The rubber is soft and wouldn’t break unlike the iPad case I bought on Amazon.ca for my iPad Mini 2 which I gave to my baby boomer mom. She only likes Apple gadgets because it’s easy to use and learn.
If you want to use B046 Jelly Comb Keyboard as a stand, you have to remove the case and be content with portrait mode. I like typing and browsing in landscape mode so I rather not remove the case.
It took some time before OtterBox Case grew on me, adding the fact that I chose the wrong color (dark purple).
I’m glad that my (rare) impulsive buying was worth every loonie (one Canadian dollar).
What’s Magic Keyboard For?
After using iPad Pro with OtterBox, I realized I don’t need a magic keyboard or any case with a keyboard (removable or not).
I fell in love with the Magic Keyboard the moment I watched tech reviews about it.
It will increase my productivity because it’s so expensive I have to make good use of it like the iPad Pro. Don’t let it collects dust or be another soon-to-be forgotten accessory.
But the more I use the iPad with pencil and scribble feature it’s easy to dismiss the idea of splurging on an expensive case with a keyboard.
With Keychron K3 slim mechanical keyboard that I backed on Kickstarter, I know I’ll write more on my iPad than on my Toshiba laptop.
Note: I decided to give Jelly Comb Keyboard a go because I’ll likely receive Keychron K3 before Christmas. In hindsight I should have bought Jelly Comb Bluetooth Keyboard instead of Keychron K3 mechanical keyboard.
I guess I have to write a blog post comparing two keyboards but that will have to wait to maybe next year.
A Better Way to Shop
If I can go back in time when I figured out whether I’ll buy an 11 or 12.9 inch iPad Pro then I may not buy OtterBox Symmetry Case.
I’ll go home with the iPad and Apple Pencil. No case in sight.
Before I purchase an iPad I’ll order a case online.
Isn’t it weird? Maybe, but that’s what I will do because I have many choices and only have to make up my mind.
- Zugu
- Brydge
- Moft
Is there any other case that you can recommend?
The next time I’ll buy an iPad or iPhone, I’ll buy the case first.
For iPhone, I already have Pela Case in mind or Bellroy which also has collection of bags that I am considering to replace my three-year old Roots bag.
Join rakuten to become an affiliate for Belroy , shareasale for pela case
To sum it up, OtterBox isn’t a bad choice after all. And I learned a lesson from it.
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