Geek-out: iPad Magnetic Jacket Made of Duct Tape

Who doesn’t love Duct Tape?  Its amazing what can be done with it, hell even Mythbusters had a show dedicated to the amazing abilities of Duct Tape.  So it should not come as a surprise to anyone that someone has not only harnessed the powers of Duct Tape to secure and protect your iPad, but have found a way to do it in stylish and customizable ways! (I realize that read like a corny infomercial and I need to have the studio audience going “AHHHH!!!!” but I’m still leaving it there, that’s how I typed it)

Eric over at Coregeek has recently launched a Kickstarter project to help get the funds to get a vast array of his unique and extremely functional jackets out to market.  There have already been a few of these sent out for reviews (I wasn’t lucky enough!) and you can check them out the reviews here at iPad Insight and Fomola.com.  Both speak highly of the cases and their quality design, incase there was any skepticism as to the quality of these cases.

Some of the features Coregeek has listed for the cases are:

• Unique colors and designs
• Integrated sleep/wake function
• Easy magnetic insert and removal
• Built-in angled typing prop and horizontal viewing stand
• Magnetic clasp
• Soft Felt Lining
• Full front and back protection
• Durable and light-weight plywood core
• Handmade in the USA

The DTMJs (Duct Tape Magnetic Jacket) themselves come in a wide array of unique designs, and pledges will equal a pre-order based on the amount you pledge.  You start with 7 basics colors (Silver, Black, White, Blue, Red, Yellow, or Pink) with a pledge of $40.  Level up to $45 and you can get your DTMJ in select patterns (Leopard, Zebra, or Camouflage).  Next, if you pledge $60 you’re considered for the “Inspired line” that includes the Classic Gamer (Original Gameboy) and the TARDIS.  Finally the Ultimate Custom comes with a $80 pledge, where you can choose your own colors and have a hand-cut custom design.  (Check out iPad Insightto see their custom cover)

Check out Coregeeks own explanation about how these covers came about:

When I purchased the iPad 2, I desired a slim, folio style case that would offer protection from being tossed in the trunk of my motorbike on a daily basis. I, however, prefer to use the iPad naked which meant I wanted a full (front and back protection) case that was easy to get the iPad in and out of. I couldn’t find a case that completely met those needs. The full cases I found were bulky and completely cover the lovely iPad while requiring some type of pushing, pulling, flap removal or insertion in order to get it in and out.
I like the ease of Apple’s smart cover but it’s only a one sided solution. I found the smart cover’s magnetic system to be brilliant. I was surprised that I could not find a full case that utilized that built-in magnetic system. As a DIY’er I decided to build my own.

In April of 2011 I built my first prototype, which I covered in one of my favorite things: duct tape. I wanted the case to be strong, so I searched for a suitable material for the inner core, after all duct tape alone would be very flimsy. After a bit of research I found 1/32” birch plywood that is sold for skinning model airplanes. Although the plywood is very thin it is super light weight and strong.

I then created my own magnetic attachment system. It consists of a milled block of wood that has six neodymium magnets embedded into it. The iPad rests against the block on the left side attaching to the embedded magnets. The combination of magnets is very strong and securely holds the iPad alone. However, while testing the design I learned that the right side needed support in case the iPad was bumped and the magnets detached. Corner tabs were the solution. I originally created the tabs from scrap aluminum. The final version of the tabs are 3D printed plastic which I designed to match the curves of the iPad’s corners. (3D modeling was done by the very awesome Jake Drews.)

I’ll come out and admit it, I’m getting one, I’m just stuck on deciding if I want the Ultimate Custom with the Geekasms new logo on it (Or my other, yet named blog) or if I want to get the TARDIS one (if it becomes available).  If I could afford both right now, well I wouldn’t have to have such a strong internal debate.  Seriously though, these are worth checking out, and if you’re like me, you’d rather have something more unique for your iPhone or iPad rather than have the same generic stuff people can buy at Walmart or Best Buy.  This will no doubt put you in high standings in geek communities.

Go check out Coregeeks Kickstarter page for more details.