iPad Durability

[RobinHood5]

ARMOR CASES DON'T WORK!!!! I have my iPad 2 in a otterbox defender series. Long story short, I've had iPad for 9 monts, never dropped it, not a single scratch on it, also have it protected with zagg shield. SISTER DROPS IT IN PARKING LOT!!!!!!! It was just a 2.5 foot drop and it was just a gravity fall. I thought to myself, good thing I had an otterbox. It diddnt protect it. A whole corner of my iPad is black from the aluminum being scraped off. I would not recommend otterboxes! (it also broke my case in 7 places.) very dissipointed.

 

[mlmwalt]

The batteries and weight of the iPads are fine. If the iPad is too heavy for you I suggest you drink more Ensure or Muscle Milk.

The iPads are no more delicate than any other tablet.

has no obligation to make it rugged, that's up to the user. If you plan on throwing around a $399+ electronic device, put an Otterbox on it or get an extended warranty.

I use the Marware MicroShell Folio case for everyday use and put it into a rooCase super bubble neoprene sleeve when going out into the elements or exposing it to drop potential. My "the New iPad" has been to France and just spent 2 weeks in Jamaica and is no worse for the wear. No scratches, dents etc.

 

[Hyper-X]

While I think the 3 is a superb product, it is incredibly delicate and I was wondering about the choices apple made in its design (those with engineering/design backgrounds weigh in please). I did not have either of the earlier ipads, and have only picked up the 3 in the last few weeks, so i am still internalizing its form factor/workings...

For example, the choice of glass which cracks/shatters when the device is dropped - why wasn't a stronger, more durable material like plastic used, that still would have been scratch-resistant? At a reasonable price, is there such a type of plastic available that could have been used?

It's because Adamantium was in short supply and Vibranium was needed to make Captain America's shield for the Avengers movie. I guess Apple could've simply used polished wood instead of glass.

It seems that the most likely problem people have is dropping it, as it is nearly impossible to hold securely with one hand. Using glass instead of plastic appears to be an aesthetic choice apple made over practicality, where perhaps using plastic may not have been as shiny/attractive but would have made the device far more durable. Especially given that sawpping out a unit with broken glass is several hundred dollars at least.

I think Apple chose glass because they feel that most people aren't that foolish to be careless and drop something that costs as much as the iPad. Besides if you're that clumsy with an iPad perhaps no iOS device is right for you or you could opt for using an Otterbox case for your iPad. I have one and while it adds bulk and what feels like an additional 10 pounds to the iPad 3, it does make it more bump-friendly.

The other obvious design choice I question is the borders and back; why did they not place some type of rubberized protection around it, so that it would not be damaged if dropped from 2-3 feet. While my blackberry may be garbage overall (should have gotten an iphone, I know ) even with its glass screen i've dropped it on concrete from 2 1/2 feet and it was barely scratched. While outfitting the device with an external rubber protection may have admittedly compromised its looks a bit, it would have made what i feel to be a very delicate product to be a bit more durable, and would not have to be treated with such incredible amounts of care/attention. Thoughts?

Otterbox for iPad.

 

[TheWheelMan]

To suggest that the iPad should be made inferior to the present design to accommodate a few twits who think you should be able to dribble the thing like a basketball is absolutely idiotic. The iPad is no less durable than any other tablet, cellphone, or notebook, and probably better build quality than more than a few of them.

 

[TrentS]

Zowiee!!

Regardless of all of these posts, I agree with the OP.

Apple can make the ipad more durable vs. pretty.

...and lighter...it just too heavy. I'll take a smaller battery if that cuts the weight significantly. Ideally, this device should weigh no more than a magazine but I concede that the tech may not yet be there to support that configuration.

Some of you people just will never be happy. Maybe you should just wait for the Ultra iPad Luxor, which will have a price tag of $1,899!!