Although it's unlikely that you'll drop your iPad down a flight of stairs, it's comforting to know that the NuGuard KX case from NewerTech ($49) will keep it safe. But does that extra protection come at a cost?
Design
The NuGuard KX is available for the iPad Air and the iPad mini and both feature the same wraparound shell design. Available in black, the case wraps around the back of your iPad, and just enough over the bezel to provide a protective lip if you were to lay it face down. Other than that, the case leaves your iPad's screen completely exposed. As for your iPad's ports and buttons, button overlays are available for the volume and power buttons, while the mute/orientation lock switch, speakers, headphone jack, and Lightning port are exposed by cutouts. This case is a bit thicker than some of its competitors, but that's the price of added shock and drop protection. The back of the case provides some added grip thanks to a crosshatched texture design.
Functionality
For the most part, the NuGuard KX works as advertised. My iPad Air was protected and setting it down on counters and tables was never a worry. The added grip provided by the case was a nice touch, as I'm still getting used to how thin and light the iPad Air is. Unfortunately, the NuGuard KX takes away the "Air" from the iPad Air.
The case, which is 0.59-inches thick, roughly doubles the overall thickness of the iPad Air. While it doesn't add much to the Air's slimmed down sides, the case changes one-handed holding drastically, at least in my experience. The experience of using the amazingly thin and light iPad Air gets lost in the bulkiness of the case.
Pros
- Offers great drop protection
- Provides extra grip
Cons
- Added bulk reduces iPad's ease of use
- High price for somewhat limited protection
The Verdit
The NuGuard KX offers great drop protection, but little else. If you want full, heavy-duty protection for your $49, you're probably better off looking elsewhere.