The iPad mini with Retina display's portability is definitely one of its biggest selling points. Unfortunately, the more you take it around, the more likely you are to accidentally cause some damage. The wise thing to do would be to get a case; but if you don't want to take away from the iPad mini's natural form, a protective skin from iCarbons ($14.95-$24.95) is a great substitute.
I opted for back-only protection, although installation is the same for the front of the device. If you've ever used a screen protector, the installation process should instantly seem familiar. Once your device is clean from any debris, the skin can be applied after you remove it from the backing. Lining everything up correctly may seem like a daunting task due to the iPad's size, but the perfectly placed cutouts for the iPad's camera, buttons, and ports makes the process much easier.
Getting the skin to adhere to my iPad mini's rounded edges was a bit tricky, but thankfully iCarbons advises using a hairdryer to help make the skin more malleable. After a few minutes, the finished product looked just as expected.
Pros:
- Relatively easy installation
- Looks and feels great
- Adds protection without bulk
Cons:
- Without a hairdryer, a proper installation might be difficult to accomplish
Verdict:
The black carbon fiber skin from iCarbons is a great way to protect your iPad if you don't want the added bulk of a dedicated case. The installation process is simple and straightforward and the end result looks fantastic. This product gets my recommendation. If black isn't your color, iCarbons offers other finishes in several different colors.
