Scanstrut waterproof iPad case, & adjustable mount
It may be a bit early to discuss this Scanstrut iPad case because it’s not scheduled to ship until February, but I know a lot of boaters are wondering what’s possible in this realm, and besides it goes with yesterday’s iPads-on-yachts-of-the-future entry. Plus, as noted in this Scanstrut blog, the case is “short listed” for a DAME award in two weeks. And I got Scanstrut to share some information on the optional mount that can go with it…
So while Scanstrut’s “positively buoyant” and “semi-rigid, two piece” case is rated IP67 dust and waterproof — and is said to be slip resistant if left loose on a chart table or cockpit seat, and shock resistant if dropped — it’s still only 22mm (.87-inch) thick. I’m guessing that figure is for iPad2 model, but there will also be a model for the original Pad. They’ll retail at $129 in a choice of three colors and, while they’re designed with a hand strap for mobile use, that $79 adjustable mount seen below will become available in March.
The mount will also work with various small Lowrance, Garmin, etc. plotters and fishfinders and I believe there will be ways to attach it to rails as well as flat surfaces. The release lever and ball system purportedly allows for quick angle and rotation adjustments, and looks like an evolution of the mount on the Scanstrut Deck Pod I’ve been long term testing (and which Scanstrut recently redesigned, removing the somewhat obnoxious logo bump and making other improvements).
Altogether this looks like a smartly designed case and mount but I wonder about a couple of things. While Scanstrut says that an iPad’s volume, on/off and home buttons (and the Pad2’s cameras) are fully usable, what about the USB port? And assuming that the charging port can’t be made properly waterproof, how easy is it to get a pad out of the case and back in? Also, might there be an adapter for RAM mounts so that someone could use that universal system instead, and even the Tallon Elite Socket?
It’s also worth noting that well-regarded LifeProof will soon introduce its waterproof iPad2 case, that DNDistribution offers two waterproof models, and that I’ve already tested a number of water resistant and waterproof mobile cases. Anyone know of better options?
PS, 11/8: Here’s a shot of Scanstrut’s new rail mount. Another thing I’m wondering about using these mounts with the iPad case is how easily it can be dismounted.
The scanstrut and LifeProof are great options for “serious” iPad cases. They are, however, quite bulky and quite expensive.
If you need a much more minimal case, check out iLoc at http://www.ilocstore.com/ The price? $2.50 each. I ended up buying several each of their iPad and iPhone cases.
I have been using the Otterbox Defender series for my IPhone and Ipad2. Although bulkier than some others it has a good feel in the hands and offers excellent protection.
I just started using a LifeProof case for my IPhone 4s and although slimmer and actually waterproof, my biggest complaint is the cradle plug. Lifeproof on their website states that only the Apple issued plug will fit and notes that most third party plugs are too big. I have charging stations on boats, cars, home and office. Although i like the case, here is the delema, get ALL new plugs? Buy several adapters that LifeProof sells (at $19.99 each) for each station, or use something else?
The Otterbox can use the wider third party plugs (snug, but they work).
One other thing to note on Lifeproof, the cover is a high gloss clear which reflects light…a lot! Very distracting in the sun.
I agree with Jeff. I’ve also used the iLoc Cases and they’re a great inexpensive alternative. I have a beach house that we frequent and it works great in allowing me to just hang out while staying connected. I used too worry about getting my iPad splashed on or getting sand in it. Now I can set it down in the sand with no worry. This video introduced me to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIKzZ8lBRiE
The tube mount looks like an Edson ball. Note the Edson ball has a threaded socket for 1′ 14 tubing. The VHF mount is but a section of that tube spot welded into the socket. More compact for many mounts that use this would be to keep use the female socket ball and have a male bolt on their addition.
On another front still another waterproof case line was mentioned in ilounge.com : Optrix – they have started with an iPhone case. http://www.optrixhd.com/products
If you’re brave enough to go naked, Liquipel is making a splash at this year’s CES in Vegas: http://www.liquipel.com
They promise to waterproof your device from the inside out with magic vapors, for less than the cost of many of the cases we’re looking at.
(Disclaimer: I don’t work for them, I just make bad puns.)
Reader David D. found a video demo of the Scanstrut iPad case and I think it looks good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irp5pRuM4SI
But David also wrote that the iPad mounted under his bimini last season would only get 5 hours at 100% brightness, which is why he’s using a SeaSucker mount that let’s him keep his power cord attached. Not the SeaSucker/RAM iPad mount, but rather a plain SeaSucker equipped with a tube clamp and sucked to the iPad. Clever!
http://www.seasucker.com/index_marine.asp
Ben
Just got some info from the guys at Griffin Technologies.Their waterproof Ipad case only fits Ipad 2.
Back to the ZipLoc bag.My SeaSucker will hold a bagged pad for 13 hours+.I removed mine at 13 hours and it was still holding tenaciously.
David
This Scanstrut case may have won the DAME award, but I nominate it for the LAME award…it is still vaporware, and, the “new iPad” has just been released by Apple and Scanstrut is struggling to deliver a case for the iPad2?
Their website contact page is fairly dysfunctional…they insist on all sorts of required fields like postal mailing address, etc. before the form can be submitted. Screw that.
Now I remember why I didn’t buy a Range Rover…
These Scanstrut cases can be found for sale at http://www.torquaychandlers.co.uk as well as a large range of other boat & yacht equipment
do Scanstrut waterproof iPad case fit with ipad 3 gen ?
I am trying to find a waterproof case to hold a mini or standard ipad which will allow me to charge the unit whilst in the cockpit of my boat. I need a weatherproof charging cable.
Inav in the uk have one with there Andres waterproof case but its about $400 which is a bit rich when I have a perfectly good lifeproof case.
Any suggestions would be welcome
Thanks
Nick Cole